Propane tanks are the most common type of propane cylinders.
Propane is a liquid form of petroleum gas. The tanks used to hold propane come in numerous sizes and all have design specifications for safely containing fuel at high pressures. When you open the valve on a propane tank, the liquefied fuel transforms into gas. Refilling your propane tank is cheaper than exchanging it, but you must keep safety measures in mind when filling it. Does this Spark an idea?
Refill Methods
The options for refilling propane tanks depend on the size of the tank and whether portable or stationary. Stationary tanks require a propane dealer to travel to the tank's location -- home or office -- to refill the container. Some people exchange the portable 20 or 30 pound cylinders or have them refilled at refueling stations. When transporting propane cylinders, make sure you secure the tank to keep it from rolling around and banging against other objects. Some people refill their own cylinders, especially when camping in remote locations.
Tank Inspection
Conduct a visual inspection of the cylinder before filling it with propane. Look for rust, dents and other damage on the cylinder's exterior, including the bottom. Make sure the cylinder has the required cylinder foot ring and collar valve or cylinder collar. Check the date of the cylinder to find out the date of the last inspection or when it was manufactured. Make you can read the markings on the cylinder. Some states require cylinders to have an overfill protection device. State and federal laws require re-certification or re-qualification of cylinders every 12 years -- from the date of manufacture, and every five years thereafter.
Do-It-Yourself
Some individuals choose to refill disposable cylinders, which is legal in the U.S. This task requires an adapter hose and needle-nose pliers. Wear goggles and thick gloves. Place the 20-gallon cylinder, which you use to refill the disposable cylinder, upside-down on a work table. Attach the adapter hose to the overflow device on the 20-gallon cylinder; turn the coupling counter-clock wise to tighten. Connect the smaller cylinder to the refill adapter.
Open the valve on the 20-pound cylinder. Listen for the propane as it flows into the smaller disposable cylinder tank. The sound will eventually stop; however, this does not mean the tank is full. Reduce the pressure in the container, which allows you to put fill the tank to capacity. Use the needle-nose pliers to pull the relief valve pin on the top of the disposable cylinder. Once the cylinder is full, close the valve on the 20-pound cylinder and unscrew the adapter.
Leaks
Prior to attaching the propane cylinder to the appliance, or before using it around any flames, sparks or ignition devices, perform an inspection to ensure the tank does not have a leak. Listen for a "hissing" sound. Often, a leak may occur from the relief valve. In this case, put on gloves and use pliers to lift the pin on the valve. Allow the pin to snap back into position. This step usually sets the valve mechanism in the proper position. Listen again to determine whether this procedure has stopped the leak. Do not use a leaking propane tank. If you cannot stop the leak, close the valve on the cylinder, clear people and pets from the area and call 911.
Tags: disposable cylinder, 20-gallon cylinder, 20-pound cylinder, adapter hose, close valve, cylinders have, needle-nose pliers