What is the Scrap Life of Automotive Gas Cylinders?
3 Answers
For liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders with a designed service life of 8 years, an extension of the service period is permitted after a safety assessment, but only once, and the extension must not exceed one inspection cycle of the cylinder. For LPG cylinders without a specified designed service life, those that have been in use for 15 years should be scrapped and rendered unusable. Below are the relevant details: 1. Automotive LPG cylinders: Inspect every 5 years, with the first periodic inspection date calculated from the manufacturing date. 2. Automotive dimethyl ether (DME) cylinders: Inspect every 5 years, with the first periodic inspection date generally calculated from the installation supervision inspection date. 3. Automotive fiber-wrapped gas cylinders: Inspect every 3 years, with the first periodic inspection date generally calculated from the installation supervision inspection date. 4. Automotive compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders: The first and second periodic inspections are conducted every 3 years, and after the second inspection, inspections are conducted every 2 years. For taxi cylinders, the first periodic inspection is conducted every 2 years, and the second inspection is valid for 1 year. The first periodic inspection date is generally calculated from the installation supervision inspection date. 5. Automotive welded insulated gas cylinders: Inspect every 3 years, with the first periodic inspection date generally calculated from the installation supervision inspection date.
I've been in the automotive repair industry for over twenty years and frequently encounter issues related to cylinder scrapping. For vehicle gas cylinders, such as compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders, the mandatory scrapping period is generally 15 years, as stipulated by national safety regulations. This is because the cylinder material degrades and deforms under prolonged high-pressure use, increasing the risk of gas leaks or explosions. I’ve seen several cases where owners failed to replace cylinders past their service life, leading to leaks while driving—resulting in towed repairs and near-accidents. Exceeding the usage period without timely replacement isn’t just a violation; it can also incur fines of several thousand yuan, not to mention the serious safety risks. I recommend checking cylinder conditions after ten years of vehicle use and having pressure tests conducted by professional institutions. Requirements vary by material, but most cylinders are capped at 15 years. When replacing, always choose products from certified manufacturers—don’t cut corners to save small costs and invite big trouble.
As a safety consultant, I must point out that the service life of automotive gas cylinders is typically 15 years, based on strict industrial standards. Prolonged exposure to high-pressure environments can cause metal fatigue, increasing the risk of rupture and endangering both the user and others. Regulations require regular inspections of gas cylinders, and mandatory scrapping upon expiration. I have trained many vehicle owners, and some have faced minor accidents and traffic department penalties due to neglecting the expiration date. Don't wait for problems to arise; prepare to replace the cylinder one or two years in advance. Replacement costs range from 5,000 to 10,000, depending on the cylinder type and material, but investing in safety is always worthwhile. Remember to check the cylinder's exterior and sealing rings during each maintenance to ensure there is no rust or damage.
