Can the mobile air compressor air storage tank use forklift forks?

Instructions on the handling method of mobile air compressor air storage tanks

As a special pressure equipment, the mobile air compressor air storage tank is directly related to equipment safety and personnel safety. After comprehensive technical analysis and industry specifications, the handling methods of gas tanks are now explained as follows:

1. Limitations of equipment structural characteristics

1. Pressure design principles
   • The wall thickness of the air storage tank is designed according to the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP), and the lateral impact resistance is only 30-40% of the pressure bearing capacity.
   • The contact area of the fork teeth of the forklift is small (usually ≤100cm²), and the pressure per unit area can reach 0.5-1.0MPa, far exceeding the resistance of the tank to local deformation.
2. Safety accessory protection
   • The installation positions of pressure gauges, safety valves and other accessories are not designed for cross-transportation
   • The vibration of the fork movement may cause the safety valve spring to fail (it needs to be replaced if the permanent deformation is greater than 0.5mm)

2. Industry safety specification requirements

1. and regulatory basis
   • Implement Article 8.3.2 of TSG21 “Safety Technical Supervision Regulations for Fixed Pressure Vessels”: Pressure vessel handling shall prevent deformation and damage
   • Comply with the special requirements of GB/T 3811 “Crane Design Code” for precision equipment handling
2. recommended by the manufacturer
   • More than 95% of the equipment instructions clearly require that it is forbidden to use forklifts to directly transport air tanks
   • Special spreader is recommended (sling with rubber sheath or nylon bandage)

3. Potential risk analysis

1. Risk of equipment damage
   • Deformation of tank body: If a partial dent greater than 2mm is caused by fork transportation, it needs to be scrapped
   • Weld cracking: The risk of cracking when circumferential welds are subjected to shear forces is 8 times higher
   • Attachment failure: The probability of pressure gauge glass cracking reaches 60%, and the leakage rate of safety valves increases by 4 times
2. safety accident risk
   • Tank rupture: The explosive energy of the 1m³ gas tank is equivalent to 0.5kg TNT
   • Splash hazard: The initial velocity of tank fragments can reach 100m/s, and the effective killing radius is>15m
   • Secondary disaster: Sudden release of high-pressure gas can cause a secondary explosion or fire

4. Compliance handling plan

1. Use of special tools
   • Hoisting operation: A balance hanging beam with a rated load of 1.5 times is equipped, and a 5mm rubber plate is placed on the contact surface between the sling and the tank.
   • Rolling plan: Use stainless steel rolling bars (diameter ≥50mm), and set up 1 supervisor every 2 meters
2. Inspection before handling
   • Confirm that the tank pressure is ≤0.1MPa (normal pressure state)
   • Check the integrity of lead seals for safety accessories
   • Remove all external pipelines (including drain valve and pressure gauge interface)
3. Emergency response preparation
   • Equipped with explosion-proof tool set (copper wrench, crowbar)
   • Set up a safety warning zone with a radius of 20 meters
   • Prepare leak plugging tools (magnetic plugging devices)

5. Accountability for illegal operations

1. legal responsibility
   • Violating Article 84 of the Special Equipment Safety Law may be fined 50,000 to 200,000 yuan
   • If a major accident is caused, criminal responsibility shall be investigated in accordance with the law
2. insurance clauses
   • Most equipment insurances include illegal handling as an exemption clause
   • Accident losses may have to be borne in full by the operator

The handling of mobile air compressor air storage tanks must strictly comply with safety regulations, and it is prohibited to use forklifts to transport them directly. Enterprises should establish special equipment handling operation instructions, provide special safety training for operators, equip professional handling tools, and conduct regular emergency drills. For gas tanks that must be adjusted in position, a professional team with pressure vessel installation qualifications should be entrusted to ensure that the entire process complies with the requirements of TSG21 regulations and ensures equipment safety and personnel safety.