Portable Propane Tank?

[grissom]

So today I had two propane tanks "topped off" a 20 and 30lb'er

Now the 20lb'er felt heavier than 3 other ones that were filled somewhere else previously

Putting it on the scale it was 42.8lbs minus the tare weight of 16.6 = 26.2lbs of propane. Propane weighs about 4.24lbs per gallon which =6.17 gal in a 5 gallon tank??

My other tanks weigh in at 34.4lbs minus the 16.6 = 17.80lbs of propane or 4.18 gallons / 80% required max fill

Is it even possible to overfill that much and if so how do I get back down quickly to the safe level?

Thanks

 

[sberry]

Crack the bleeder open and see if liquid comes out.

 

[Spencer Was Here]

Sounds like they set the scale to fill the 30 pound tank and filled the 20 pounder without resetting the scale.

 

[TractorJeff]

If the 20lbs have OPD valves it is theoretically impossible to overfill?

 

[grissom]

Yes, the tanks have OPD valves

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,...... During the blacktop season, I get 20lb.ers filled pretty much daily,......

My supplier hooks up the tank, 'n fills it til liquid gas comes outa the vent screw, regardless the weight,......
Over the last 27 years, I only had one tank blow-off, which was in the back of my pickup, in the hot sun,.......

 

[Jeepster04]

Are you certain on the 16.6lbs?

How would I get rid of the propane? Use it....

 

[grissom]

Are you certain on the 16.6lbs?

How would I get rid of the propane? Use it....

Yes it is stamped on the tank

The tanks I have are for the upcoming SHTF

 

[Bert_]

Sounds like they set the scale to fill the 30 pound tank and filled the 20 pounder without resetting the scale.

Scale? haha what scale...

When I get my tanks filled they hook up to the pump and fill it until liquid comes out of the vent screw.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Ayuh,...... During the blacktop season, I get 20lb.ers filled pretty much daily,......

My supplier hooks up the tank, 'n fills it til liquid gas comes outa the vent screw, regardless the weight,......
Over the last 27 years, I only had one tank blow-off, which was in the back of my pickup, in the hot sun,.......

Scale? haha what scale...

When I get my tanks filled they hook up to the pump and fill it until liquid comes out of the vent screw.

Any tank under 200# must be filled by weight. Sounds like your guys aren't very interested in following regulations.

Tommy

 

[Pathfinders]

Any tank under 200# must be filled by weight. Sounds like your guys aren't very interested in following regulations.

Tommy

I learned something today, thanks Tommy.

 

[walta]

Does the valve on the overfilled tank have a triangular handle?

I thought they were not allowed to fill a tank without the newer style valve with a triangular handle.

I thought newer valves all had floats that would prevent filling above 80%.

The float valve could be bad or maybe if you tilt the tank just right you could overfill it.

This tank is a danger in that being overfilled there is very little room for the liquid propane to expand into if the tank is heated by the sun or something else. As the propane expands the pressure is likely to rupture the safety disk. The disk is a safety device to vent the tank before it fails violently. When the disk opens all of the propane will be released quickly if the tank is indoors the gas could find something to ignite the gas and start a fire.


Walta

 

[Bert_]

Does the valve on the overfilled tank have a triangular handle?

I thought they were not allowed to fill a tank without the newer style valve with a triangular handle.

I thought newer valves all had floats that would prevent filling above 80%.

The float valve could be bad or maybe if you tilt the tank just right you could overfill it.

This tank is a danger in that being overfilled there is very little room for the liquid propane to expand into if the tank is heated by the sun or something else. As the propane expands the pressure is likely to rupture the safety disk. The disk is a safety device to vent the tank before it fails violently. When the disk opens all of the propane will be released quickly if the tank is indoors the gas could find something to ignite the gas and start a fire.


Walta

I don't think they are supposed to fill without the new valve. The Co-op here will fill the old ones though.

Most of my tanks have the new valve. When they fill them they hook up to the pump, open the valve, crack the small flathead vent screw and start filling. At first only vapor will come out the vent. When it starts squirting liquid that means she's full.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Where I get my 20 lb tank fill, they hook up the pump, crack the bleeder and fill until liquid comes out.

 

[csp]

Does the valve on the overfilled tank have a triangular handle?

I don't think they are supposed to fill without the new valve. The Co-op here will fill the old ones though.

The OP stated that it has the OPD valve.

 

[greg13]

Any tank under 200# must be filled by weight. Sounds like your guys aren't very interested in following regulations.

Tommy

Try and fill a horizontal tank or RV tank on a scale.

 

[greg13]

Yes, the tanks have OPD valves

If that's the case. just use it and don't worry about it.

 

[Showkey]

Try and fill a horizontal tank or RV tank on a scale.

RV tank has a bleed valve at the 80% fill point where the liquid propane vents indicating reached the proper fill point.

 

[brownbagg]

have a bbq

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Try and fill a horizontal tank or RV tank on a scale.

I should have stated that applies to "portable" tanks.

Tommy

 

[Jeepster04]

I've not seen anyone use a scale to fill a tank since the 90's. Im certain the local tractor supply and southern states must follow the rules... Which is to crack the bleed screw and fill till liquid comes out...