Here's one for Ya!!!! - Propane

[sarge97]

I'm being told by some propane experts (?) that if I paint my tank with "Cow Spots" (grand kids and I want to paint the ole ugly thing) that nobody will fill it up because the black patterns will cause the tank to get to hot and become dangerous??????? I'm pushing the BS button,,,, anybody heard of anything like this,,,

Thanks

 

[A_Pmech]

Black paint collects substantially more IR radiation than white or silver paint resulting in higher surface temperatures. Higher surface temperatures result in higher LPG temperatures, which results in a higher vapor pressure. This is why they paint propane tanks a light color.

It's a common enough fad out here in farm country that I suspect the gas suppliers are indifferent to it. Call yours and ask.

 

[58Yeoman]

I've seen a couple local farms have theirs painted that way.

 

[Steevo]

Check these out:
http://www.interiorinstallations.com/catagory_pages/water_propane_tanks.html

and here:

and here:

 

[dave67fd]

I have seen white tanks as well as medium to dark green tanks as well as propane dist. logo's in dark blue here. I don't disagree with the dark spot "theory" but think it's more related to the distributors/gas companies just don't want you defacing their tanks.

 

[texasOFT]

Saw one yesterday painted like a watermelon.

 

[slip knot]

I think they paint the tanks a light color to make corrosion issues easier to spot. I've got 3 tanks that are silver and one that is dark green. All are owned by me and all are serviced by the same company. I never had any questions about tank color.

All 4 are located in south tx sunshine and get hot in the summer with no pressure issues to date.

 

[2drx4]

As per all of the literature I've ever read, painting them a light colour was to help prevent heat from solar radiation causing an overpressure situation. That said, real world practice found this to not be relevant, and I nobody really makes an issue of it anymore. If you're renting or leasing a tank, it might be an issue simply because the tank isn't yours.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If it gets "too hot", I am certain that there is a safety valve !

 

[2drx4]

If it gets "too hot", I am certain that there is a safety valve !

There is, but you don't want it to pop. All it takes is an ignition source, and you've got a BIG bang.

 

[dave67fd]

The main reason tank placement/location is a strict code.

 

[6768rogues]

Tanks are always provided in light colors because of heat gain with dark colors. A few black spots won't make much difference. Ask your supplier if they will fill it with spots painted on.

 

[Full Throttle]

There is, but you don't want it to pop. All it takes is an ignition source, and you've got a BIG bang.

a full tank sitting in the sun in the mid of summer, will pop alot.

regardless of color

 

[A_Pmech]

a full tank sitting in the sun in the mid of summer, will pop alot.

regardless of color

If it's popping the relief valve then there's something terribly wrong!

 

[Bronson]

If it's popping the relief valve then there's something terribly wrong!

No ****, I would run like a little girl.....
I saw a tank pop off and ignite one time.....

 

[2drx4]

a full tank sitting in the sun in the mid of summer, will pop alot.

regardless of color

Uh, no. Not if it's filled to 80% as is required by regulations.

The only propane tank that I've ever had pop the relief was after I put it in a fire.