Scrapping a LPG car

[fostertom]

What has to be done before scrapping a LPG car - does it have to be professionally de-gassed a) if tank is full, b) if it's been driven till 'dry'? What would this cost? Or do scrappers have a n 'unofficial' way of dealing with it?

[Brian_H]

As long as the tank is removed it can then be crushed. Tank should be disposed of by someone licensed. Though tank if its in date may have value. They are easier to handle if empty as it cuts down the weight.

Theres no reason really why you couldn't strip off the front end kit and sell it either. Depending what it is of course and if it works.

The official way to comply with the guidance I've seen on the web somewhere is they get flushed with nitrogen. Typically I think in practice they remove the tanks and stack them up until they have enough to make it worth calling whoever deals with them out.

[fostertom]

Thanks. Excuse my ignorance, but is it that easy to just remove a tank, uncoupling it from the pipework - won't gas escape as soon as you loosen a pipe joint? Or are we relying on the pipe connections being isolated from tank contents until a solenoid vale opens, or something?

[Brian_H]

Provided you don't need to remove the whole valve and the solenoid works then you will only lose what's in the lines. If the car still runs, then disconnection of the rear solenoid would allow you to minimise the amount lost to the air. Be aware that cracking pipe connections open you are best to loosen carefully first and let the pressure dissipate gradually. Also be aware you have a risk of cold burns if you get too close to it in liquid form. And best done outside ideally.

If you can remove tank without removing the valve - which should be possible if the valve isn't mounted through the floor for example, then it's fairly straightforward. That said, if you don't want the kit I'd speak to the scrapyard and see what they say. Greatly depends how old the tank is and what state it's in.

And how much gas is left in it!