A Hypothetical Question About A Propane Tank

[Lin]

First a little background.  Once upon a time, propane tanks had valves that let the propane flow when opened even if there was nothing attached to it.  Now, OPD valves are required since they will not allow gas to flow if opened when nothing is attached.

Suppose you had a propane tank that was due for re certification and were told that your tank failed because the OPD valve was allowing some gas to flow, not full pressure like the old valves, but a good strong hiss.  Suppose also that you knew of some places that were a little lax about checking re-cert dates and would therefore probably fill your delinquent tank.  Would you buy a new tank with a perfect OPD valve, or would you just fill the old one rationalising that you don't open unconnected tanks?  Hypothetically, of course.

[kyle4501]

New tanks are cheap.

If you experience an unfortunate result - not even a worst case scenario - you consider them free after comparing the cost.


Don't forget, it is all those rules & regulations that make the worst case very unlikely.

A gallon of propane = 91,000 BTU
A gallon of gasoline = 115,000 BTU
A gallon of diesel = 139,000 BTU

The thing about propane is that it is heavier than air & can pool in low areas - when the air ratio is right, it will go boom with enthusiasm. Diesel & gas don't vaporize as easily.

Also, the pressure in a propane tank can exceed 200 psi if ambient temp is high enough. (it is hard enough keeping 100 psi in the tires! ) 

[luvrbus]

If it is a 20lb tank just exchange at Walmart or other places ,here we have a plumbing supply that will sell you that valve,they charge 10 bucks to re certify a tank after you install the valve I had a 40# tank leaking at valve.LOL they don't they are leaking till they fill one so he closed the valve and told me to use the fuel then replace the valve when empty so I did     

[brmax]

I typed a page and it got wiped out during tonights outing sorry, it was a long hula buluu, but now if its not a 20lb, I think you might be happier in a redesign. It seems many users on here and else where enjoy the benefits of local supply and normally 20lbs. We had some bigger ones, didn't leak but needed recertified so, sand blasted, painted and let the coop re-valve and certify. cost spread over 14 years gave the whole camper to friends and relatives for hunting.
Floyd

[LowTide]

I have a 60 gallon LP tank in front the bay along with a 75 gallon gas tank for the generator. I also have 6 house batteries in the same bay. I have read that it is not a good idea to have batteries in the same are as the LP or Gas. This is the way the coach was set up when I bought it and there is not much room to change it, so I will have to be very careful.
I always make it a point to open both bays and let it air out before refilling.

How often do LP tanks need to be re certified?

I got a little off topic for a moment, my apologies.......

Make it a great day!
Mike

[HB of CJ]

As an ex Firefighter only a few things were really scary.  One of them was a leaking propane tank.  Even propane tank fire firefighting classes only somewhat eased the ongoing propane leak apprehension.

Get new modern tanks and valves.  Sell the old type tanks and valves to machine gun owners so they can use them as exploding targets.  When they are done, they can sell the high grade steel for scrap.

All Oregon, US Code Laws And NFA Rules Apply.

[dgorila1]

I concur with HB. I am also a former firefighter and propane tanks can be very dangerous in a fire situation. An exploding 20lb propane tank can easily level a house! My instructor in the fire academy is disfigured from one of the smaller propane bottles used on camp stoves that exploded during a house fire. He was walking towards the garage to attack the fire when the bottle exploded, throwing him about 30' and leveling the garage section of the house. 

[Scott & Heather]

Annnnnd on that note, I'm getting an electric stove...

:-/


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[luvrbus]

Propane is as safe as any fuel,you have people riding buses every day with the 300 gal high pressure CNG tanks,trucks running on the highways with the same, it's the people not paying attention and doing no maintenance.If you have a diesel fuel or gasoline leak you would repair it wouldn't you ? 1 gal of gasoline or lacquer thinner will level a garage BTDT 

[chessie4905]

Is it possible to replace the old valve and then recertify?

[luvrbus]

Is it possible to replace the old valve and then recertify?

Yes and sometimes when the valves leak they stop when you fill one

[Lin]

We are not talking about a leaky or defective tank-- just one where the OPD valve does not completely cut off the flow if unconnected.  Considering that that was the norm before OPD, and many people question the need for the newer valve requirement anyway, I thought that it was an interesting question.

Of course, one should not underestimate the potential hazards of any system.  I have read that there are significantly more fires started by electrical faults in RV's than from propane.

[Dave5Cs]

And put the LPG label on the Baggage door where the Tanks are easily accessible and leave it unlocked while traveling so Firefighters know where they are and can do what is necessary without being surprised.
Dave

[Tom Y]

Why not just replace the valve? I put 2  30 pounders in my bus and had new valves put in them.