Composite propane tank opinions

[sdavis622]

Are these safe? Popular? I got this one free on Craigslist today and the guy at my local propane filling spot didn't even want to fill it. I swear I've read in other forums how much people like these. They're $70 on amazon.

What are your opinions?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

 

[R.Anderson]

Looks cheap, and its ugly. I would give it away too better yet shoot with a flare lite next to it it Never liked the idea of those style tanks one scratch from a metal edge or other, then what Its junk if it does not rupture on ya. Is there any real advantages of em other than to use up extra cash you have laying around. I can see lighter weight but its not worth it IMO I'll stick with aluminum and steel to be safe and to save money.

 

[Mustang51js]

We use tanks made of same material for firefighting,they are strong and possible stronger than the steel,they won't chip even if you hit it on a sharp edge.

 

[sdavis622]

Now I just Googled them and there was a recall on them. I'll have to check to see if that ones included. Keep the opinions coming.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

 

[Mustang51js]

I believe they need to be tested every 5 years,but around here they only due exchanges, can't even find a place to refill anymore

 

[NotStock]

I used an air tank of similar construction (fiber and resin) playing paintball when I was a kid. It held 4500 psi and was mercilessly beat around. I was comfortable having it beside my head for a few hours every sunday.

I just looked at a pressure v temp chart for propane and it looks like it would max out at around 150 psi on a hot day. I wouldn't worry about it. I kind of like the idea of a composite tank. Besides, all those tanks are hydro tested to something like 5/3 working pressure so they are plenty strong. I suspect they are designed to something much higher.

And as for a steel tank being better? This thing won't rust.

 

[sdavis622]

Trust me I love the idea of it I jumped on it when I saw it free. The guy filled it today but he didn't want to. He was pretty young but said he'd never filled one before. So now I have it full. Just want to make sure it's safe.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

 

[stage20]

I used to be certified to fill. If its in date they sould fill it but its in the hands of the filler. Not against the law to tturn you down if e feels unsafe. A nitrous oxide bottle made of carbon will hold 1500 psi

 

[sdavis622]

It's date stamped 2011.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

 

[Givl Reggin]

There was an "Emergency Recall Order" issued about a year ago on the ones made by Lite Cylinder -- I have several of them on my boat as did just about everyone else in the marina and was concerned enough about their safety that I took them all off that same day. The company that made them is no longer in business and there is no one to return them to for replacements... in other words, you're stuck with it!

 

[jeremy v]

They are lighter than a steel equivalent, but I always assumed the main draw to a composite tank was the fact that you can actually see the liquid propane level through the wall of the tank so it is very easy to tell how much propane you have left at any time. Some people really like having that ability.

 

[sdavis622]

Yeah. That is a cool feature. It was already half full so I topped it off on my way home from work. You can see the level very easy.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

 

[R.Anderson]

They are lighter than a steel equivalent, but I always assumed the main draw to a composite tank was the fact that you can actually see the liquid propane level through the wall of the tank so it is very easy to tell how much propane you have left at any time. Some people really like having that ability.

That is handy seeing the liquid level, What about UV rot? Far as rust I have 100# propane tanks I use from the 70's that have no rust and have been kept outside.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Check to see if it matches the RECALL and if it does, I'd use it up and destroy it. Apparently there are some identical or similar ones that are OK.

Charles

 

[jeremy v]

That is handy seeing the liquid level, What about UV rot? Far as rust I have 100# propane tanks I use from the 70's that have no rust and have been kept outside.

I don't know about UV issues. I don't own any composite tanks myself, but I have never owned anything (made like the composite tanks) that didn't degrade over time from sun exposure.

An issue that would concern me would be how a composite tank acts if involved in a house fire etc. Would it melt (or weaken and burst) and let out all the propane in more of an explosive fashion instead of venting a controlled fireball out the pressure relief like a steel tank?

I would think the best use of a composite tank would be as the secondary tank on a travel trailer. Have a steel for the main tank to keep costs down, and then once the steel becomes empty and the automatic valve switches over to the composite you are then able to easily watch your remaining propane level in order to perfectly time when to take them both to get refilled.

 

[sdavis622]

I just thought it would be handy camping. I have one of those propane tank trees so I can hook up my lantern, camp stove and table top bbq all at the same time. Much lighter and smaller to carry but better than the little disposable tanks.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

 

[jeremy v]

I just thought it would be handy camping. I have one of those propane tank trees so I can hook up my lantern, camp stove and table top bbq all at the same time. Much lighter and smaller to carry but better than the little disposable tanks.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

It would be nice to have a lighter tank like that when camping. It would be interesting to see if the tank ends up too tippy with the tank tree attached because of it being lighter. The bottom shape also doesn't allow for the tank to be set in one of those wide plastic tank bases regular propane tanks can use.

On a side note- One of my best $5 garage sale finds was a basically brand new 5 pound steel propane tank. It is awesome for quick weekend type camping trips. It is a great middle ground between a disposable cylinder and the ubiquitous 20 pound tank. I have the style shown in my picture with a full width base, so it sits very securely. I just run a hose and splitter off of it when camping, I don't put a propane tree on it. The nicest thing about it is it sits nicely inside a 5 gallon bucket with plenty of room on top to also coil up my distribution hoses. It makes for a nice small package. I refill it at a refill facility or do it myself from a 20 pound tank.

 

[sdavis622]

It would be nice to have a lighter tank like that when camping. It would be interesting to see if the tank ends up too tippy with the tank tree attached because of it being lighter. The bottom shape also doesn't allow for the tank to be set in one of those wide plastic tank bases regular propane tanks can use.

On a side note- One of my best $5 garage sale finds was a basically brand new 5 pound steel propane tank. It is awesome for quick weekend type camping trips. It is a great middle ground between a disposable cylinder and the ubiquitous 20 pound tank. I have the style shown in my picture with a full width base, so it sits very securely. I just run a hose and splitter off of it when camping, I don't put a propane tree on it. The nicest thing about it is it sits nicely inside a 5 gallon bucket with plenty of room on top to also coil up my distribution hoses. It makes for a nice small package. I refill it at a refill facility or do it myself from a 20 pound tank.

Great idea Jeremy V. I like the idea I f it in a bucket and you're probably right. It would be pretty tippy. I suppose I'll just use up the propane in my home bbq and get rid of it. After all some poor SOB will take it off my hands on CL! just kidding, wouldn't want to put anyone in danger. Maybe I should contact the couple that gave it away and let them know of the recall. They said they have two more they use.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

 

[gungatim]

There should be no reason not to use one of those, as said before, air tanks for paintball/breathing are made the same way and handle 3000-4500 psi. Propane maxes at around 200 psi at 100 degrees F, nowhere near what that style tank should be able to handle...I am surprised they are not more popular.