CSA Group releases critical document on proper CNG tank disposal

As the exploration and production of natural gas grows globally, so does the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in the automotive industry. Because of this, more and more CNG cylinders and tanks are circulating in the market. However, when these units reach the end of their life, it is critical that they are disposed of properly. This was the impetus behind CSA Group’s recently developed best practices document — CSA EXP2.1 Best Practice Defueling, Decommissioning, and Disposal of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle Fuel Containers.

Educating users

CNG cylinders are pressurized, which means users must take special precautions when it comes to proper maintenance, replacement and disposal. Any person who handles a CNG cylinder must have knowledge of its useful life and strictly follow recommended replacement times. A cylinder can be safely used until its expiration date, which is marked on the cylinder label, provided there is no damage, corrosion or other issues with the tank. Keeping cylinders in use after the expiration date or operating damaged tanks can have serious safety consequences. CSA EXP2.1 tackles these responsibilities and more.

A first edition, it is not a consensus publication, but rather a guidance document intended for use by industry, container owners and authorities having jurisdiction to safely and effectively remove containers from service. It focuses on natural gas containers since this is the immediate need of industry, with plans to include LNG tanks and hydrogen containers in future editions.

Document details

At the backbone of CSA EXP2.1 is an emphasis on consistently adhering to compliance requirements and following manufacturer recommendations and proven methods. Critical guidance that users can expect to find in this document includes:

• Defueling, decommissioning and disposing of CNG containers should only be done by a qualified person or agency;
• CNG containers that have been damaged or have reached their end of life should be permanently removed from service; and
• CNG containers should be destroyed or irrevocably rendered inoperable prior to being disposed, using proven methods applicable to the container’s type of construction.

To learn more about the document’s contents, or to purchase a copy of the 23-page publication, visit CSA Group’s website.

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