CNG Tanks from other countries

[krd1004]

I have been looking into CNG tanks and am wondering what the regulations are for getting tanks from other countries? Are there custom issues that I should worry about? What Certs are needed for a CNG tank? Any answers to these questions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[cngacrossusa]

Re: CNG Tanks from other countries

I sure would NOT recommend it. Safety should come first. I have talked to salvage yards in Washington (state) and Arizona who previously had hundreds of cng tanks they couldn't get rig of them. One guy told me they shipped even expired tanks in massive lot to Pacific country who were going to use any and all cng tanks they could give them!!

Check around with reputable cng conversion shops, they have ways of getting you decent safe cng tanks. Once in a while you can find a good one on Ebay or CraigsList as well.

[CanAm]

Re: CNG Tanks from other countries

There are many suppliers in China, just check Alibaba.com. But certs are the issue. Can one submit a tank to the DOT for certification, or to a DOT authorised tester?

[krd1004]

Re: CNG Tanks from other countries

I am not worried about the safety. These tanks would be new from a very reliable company. I am just concerned about certifying the tanks. I will look into what certs they can provide or have. Thanks!

[rkcarguy]

Re: CNG Tanks from other countries

I'm a little concerned not about the tanks, but about liability and lawyers in this "free" nation we live in. It's interesting to me that aside from a few, most of the tank makers are outside the USA. Those that aren't are really expensive-smells like liability insurance to me. If someone is stupid and blows themselves up in any other country, they were stupid. Here it's going to be the tank maker/importers fault. I was looking at trying to import/certify some tanks but not now, at least until I seek some legal advice on protecting myself.

[timppala]

Re: CNG Tanks from other countries

Hello, the tank issue is on the board with me now. It strikes me that in US you have that DOT requirement (or is it) and EU countries we have CE certification.
I'm sure they both are safe enough for users anyway.

I've discovered the issue that even diving cylinders would ne ample in practice, but n Finland they cannot be used because CNG tanks n´must be meant expecially for that purpose only. Who would know the difference (kidding).
The 200 bars working pressure is a tough requirement.
I guess the best solution would be to find reliable and robust manufacturer in Asia (China, India) or from own country production.

Should you know any good manufacturer for CNG tanks, I'd be very grateful to hear it !