What should be done with expired F-Style cans?

I. Mandatory Scrapping Standards
1. Expiration of Design Life
If a tank has reached its design life (usually 10-15 years) or has been in use for more than 20 years, it must undergo a comprehensive inspection by a special equipment inspection agency. If it fails to meet strength requirements or the cost of repair is prohibitive, it must be scrapped.
A typical case: A company in Bortala Prefecture, Xinjiang was ordered to stop using an expired gas tank due to weld cracking.
2. Severe Damage or Defects
Cans must be scrapped if their wall thickness has been reduced by more than 10%, localized corrosion depth is ≥1mm, or geometric deformation exceeds 1.5% of the diameter.
Critical defects such as weld cracks and material deterioration (such as hydrogen embrittlement) cannot be repaired and must be eliminated.
II. Conditions for Continued Use
1. Safety Assessment and Registration
Expired tanks must be commissioned to undergo a fitness for use evaluation (safety assessment). If the conclusion is "compliant," they may continue to be used after approval by the principal responsible person of the user and registration change. The next inspection cycle will be determined by the inspection report, and a new inspection application must be submitted before the expiration date.
2. Shortening the Inspection Cycle
Extended tanks that continue to be used must undergo a comprehensive inspection at least annually. For use in corrosive environments, inspections are recommended every 1-2 years.
III. Decommissioning Process
1. Professional Inspection and Deregistration
A qualified organization (such as the Special Equipment Inspection Center) will be commissioned to issue a decommissioning appraisal report and complete deregistration procedures with the market regulatory authorities.
2. Decommissioning
Physical Destruction: The tank body is permanently rendered inoperable by cutting, drilling, or other methods (for example, a Shenzhen company used laser cutting to decommission gas tanks).
Chemical Cleaning: Tanks containing corrosive media must neutralize any residual residue, ensuring that the gas concentration remains below 25% of the lower explosion limit.
3. Environmental Protection and Resource Recycling: Carbon steel tanks are disassembled and recycled for scrap steel. Components that pass inspection may be reused.
Tanks containing paint or insulation are disposed of as hazardous waste according to HW49. CNG tanks require specialized equipment to recover residual gas. IV. Risk Warning
Legal Liability: Failure to scrap expired gas or improper use may result in accidents, such as an explosion at a fast food restaurant in Jinan caused by using expired liquefied gas cylinders.
Daily Management: Establish lifecycle records, record inspection and maintenance data, and regularly calibrate safety valves and pressure gauges.