Question regarding carrying 1lb Propane tanks
- Thread starter JJBiggs
- Start date
rusty_tlc
Explorer
A couple of years ago we had to ditch our whole kitchen bin, contents and all. I had stored it with a 1# tank in it, the valve had a slow leak. By the time we used it again everything stank of the odor they put in the gas. I washed everything but could not get the smell out. I even bleached the bin and tried to re-use it, the new stuff we put in had to be thrown out.
So I would say it is a bad idea.
So I would say it is a bad idea.
overlander
Expedition Leader
I did research on refilling of the 1lb tanks as well, and while they make adapters for them, there's is a good amount of risk, as those 1lb tanks do not have fill shotoff or overpressure safety valves. From the factory, they are filled exactly enough to allow for unwanted expansion. If you refill yourself, and overfill it, you are at risk for an explosion if it is overheated (by either cabin air, transmission/floor heat, etc.) I went with a 10lb tank and fabricated a mount on the back of my vehicle and couldn't be happier.
CoastalDefender
Explorer
And they can leak... I was detaching an off brand 1lb disposable from my Mr Buddy heater one night and the thing came off with the valve full open, gas screaming out of the top. I freaked... took the can to the driveway and set it down... but my drive way at the time was a fenced in rear parking area and I had this vision of the gas sort of pooling up somewhere and then going off as it hit my still hot engine or something. So I called the local fire department, just to get some advice over the phone, next thing I know a truck rolls up lights flashing engine thumping and 4 fire fighters come in the back to see what the deal is. 4 fire fighters and my one little dinky disposable tank, I was a bit sheepish. They seemed non plused about it and decided to help it vent faster by using a pen to push the top open some more. Anyway, nothing blew up and the guys got a quick 5 minute break from making chili or watching Bear Grylls or whatever they were doing.
I now buy only standard brand name cans.
LMFAO! You californians are so overprotective of each other... :sombrero:
blackheart
New member
Refilled them for years from a BBQ tank no explosions ...
Wyowanderer
Explorer
X2.
I've refilled them for years with no problems. Besides, they have a relief valve to bleed off pressure if it's too high (like in a fire). There's a very remote chance of risk.
lcsodiver
Adventurer
That and there is no way to overfill them, unless you are using a pump to fill them with.... if you use the adapter for refilling them from a larger tank, you are just equalizing the pressure.... it gives you around a 75 to 80 percent fill of original, due to the liquid/vapor compression. That said, I only refill mine a few times as the tire valve core wears out and then they start leaking anyways. If I can I just use the bigger refillable tanks with a propane tree for running the lantern off of. So the small canisters are just for the portable lantern.
chasespeed
Explorer
Okay... on the 1 pounders. When they are filled, they are only filled to 80% of their actual capacity. If its showing one pound of lpg, it COULD hold 1.25 pounds.
Carrying in your vehicle....
Well, they can pop off, or leak. And while LPG isnt dangerous in and of it self, is heavier than are(1.50 for specific gravity as a gas), and WILL settle in your lungs if you inhale it... it'll suffocate you. NOW, the odorant should make itself noticable before any dangerous situation occurs(its designed to be deceted by smell before it reaches its lower flamability limits).
That said, I would NEVER EVER store a canister inside. House, building, car, etc. If you have any kind of issue, fire etc, and they find a canister, it WILL negate your insurance, I know this for fact. All the warning labels state not to store it inside.
ANYWAY, and you cannot refill those cylinders anywhere near capacity, as it needs to be filled with liquid. if you just equalize the pressure with vapor, you're basically wasting your time. You need the liquid, to actually vaporize, etc etc.
IMHO, if you can store them, in a place, where they can vent to the atmosphere, and wont see extreme heat, go for it. I work with this stuff everyday. No, I dont work at a "filling station". I work for a bottled gas company, and service everything from bulk plant pumps, to tanks, to furnaces and boilers.
So, take all this for what its worth.. the screen its typed on.
Chase
Carrying in your vehicle....
Well, they can pop off, or leak. And while LPG isnt dangerous in and of it self, is heavier than are(1.50 for specific gravity as a gas), and WILL settle in your lungs if you inhale it... it'll suffocate you. NOW, the odorant should make itself noticable before any dangerous situation occurs(its designed to be deceted by smell before it reaches its lower flamability limits).
That said, I would NEVER EVER store a canister inside. House, building, car, etc. If you have any kind of issue, fire etc, and they find a canister, it WILL negate your insurance, I know this for fact. All the warning labels state not to store it inside.
ANYWAY, and you cannot refill those cylinders anywhere near capacity, as it needs to be filled with liquid. if you just equalize the pressure with vapor, you're basically wasting your time. You need the liquid, to actually vaporize, etc etc.
IMHO, if you can store them, in a place, where they can vent to the atmosphere, and wont see extreme heat, go for it. I work with this stuff everyday. No, I dont work at a "filling station". I work for a bottled gas company, and service everything from bulk plant pumps, to tanks, to furnaces and boilers.
So, take all this for what its worth.. the screen its typed on.
Chase
gasman
Adventurer
soory guys that i took so long but i kinda forgot i was gonnaq look this up.. when it comes to the gas code regarding natural gas i know the book pretty much backwords and forwards and although i am licensed for propane i dont use it so much.. anyway i found the code for you....
this is from the canadian standards association
propane storage and handling code
6.5.1.4
not more than three CYLINDERS manufactured to TC Specification 39,2p,or2Q and know as ''single-trip'' or ''non refillable'' CYLINDERS shall be stored in a dwelling unit.
oh and this one may be of interest to some of you guys..
6.4.5
a CYLINDER manufactured to TC Specification 39,2P,or 2Q and known as a ''single-trip'' or ''non refillable'' CYLINDER shall not be refilled .
i know it is possible to refill them and some guys do but you aint supposed to.
and i shouldnt have to mention that storing 5 - 10 - 25 pounders in your house is a no no too..
any way im sorry i took so long to answer the questions..
this is from the canadian standards association
propane storage and handling code
6.5.1.4
not more than three CYLINDERS manufactured to TC Specification 39,2p,or2Q and know as ''single-trip'' or ''non refillable'' CYLINDERS shall be stored in a dwelling unit.
oh and this one may be of interest to some of you guys..
6.4.5
a CYLINDER manufactured to TC Specification 39,2P,or 2Q and known as a ''single-trip'' or ''non refillable'' CYLINDER shall not be refilled .
i know it is possible to refill them and some guys do but you aint supposed to.
and i shouldnt have to mention that storing 5 - 10 - 25 pounders in your house is a no no too..
any way im sorry i took so long to answer the questions..
chasespeed
Explorer
Yeah, I'm glad I dont have to know the Canadian code as well...
Here in the states, DOT regulates CYLINDERS, and ASME regulates TANKS.
I work in the Bottled Gas side, NG isnt readily available in a large portion of my area.
The Gas Code itself, at least here, is NFPA 54, which governs BOTH NG and LPG piping etc in a building. For tanks, cylinders and outdoor piping, storage, etc, NFPA 58 covers that. For transportation of tanks and cylinders, the DOT handles that.
The US codes can be a PITA. Normally, there wont be a problem. BUT, again, if anything happens, and those cylinders are inside.....
I enjoy being a gasfitter. the added crap that comes with the gas being in a bottle, is a blessing, and misery at the same time.
Chase
Here in the states, DOT regulates CYLINDERS, and ASME regulates TANKS.
I work in the Bottled Gas side, NG isnt readily available in a large portion of my area.
The Gas Code itself, at least here, is NFPA 54, which governs BOTH NG and LPG piping etc in a building. For tanks, cylinders and outdoor piping, storage, etc, NFPA 58 covers that. For transportation of tanks and cylinders, the DOT handles that.
The US codes can be a PITA. Normally, there wont be a problem. BUT, again, if anything happens, and those cylinders are inside.....
I enjoy being a gasfitter. the added crap that comes with the gas being in a bottle, is a blessing, and misery at the same time.
Chase
gasman
Adventurer
i love being a gasfitter too !!
like i said i used to know the code backwards and forwards i could quote most of the book from memory
its all ive ever done my friend, i have been in the heating biz since 1980, i worked as an inspector for the the gas utility until 2000. when the utility split and sold off the home services side of the biz.. i went that way cuz i like to fix stuff.. and my dad, he worked for the utility for 40 yrs,
i do miss the the inspector stuff, but i think i would have to be retrained now. couple more years and im taking an early retirement
YJake
Adventurer
So from what I've read here most folks just secure them in the back with the rest of their gear and the 1lb. cans are built to allow for expansion when exposed to heat, so all is safe?
I was given a 2 burner grill as a gift a few days ago and will begin to start carrying it as well as 1 or 2 of the 1lb cans for fuel. I guess I'll just store them next to my Jerry can in the back of the Jeep :elkgrin:
-Jake
I was given a 2 burner grill as a gift a few days ago and will begin to start carrying it as well as 1 or 2 of the 1lb cans for fuel. I guess I'll just store them next to my Jerry can in the back of the Jeep :elkgrin:
-Jake
chasespeed
Explorer
Again. Its not that they are safe or unsafe. Its that they are filled to 80%. Liquid propane can expand 17%, leaving a 3% safety margin just in case.
Now, for transporting, I dont see much issue keeping inside....
I would NOT store it inside a vehicle while you are away from it, especially in the sun, with it locked up tight....temps can rise enough to pop those puppies off. You will probably get lucky, and just open the door to a stench that will drive you nuts....
Good and bad news.. it will wear away... eventually. The odorant in LPG is Ethyl Mercaptan. NASTY stuff. I hate the smell. Everytime I get that smell on me, I wonder why I left fuel oil.....
Seriously, just use common sense.... its contents under pressure.... when the temp goes up, the pressure goes up.... keep that in mind...
Chase
Now, for transporting, I dont see much issue keeping inside....
I would NOT store it inside a vehicle while you are away from it, especially in the sun, with it locked up tight....temps can rise enough to pop those puppies off. You will probably get lucky, and just open the door to a stench that will drive you nuts....
Good and bad news.. it will wear away... eventually. The odorant in LPG is Ethyl Mercaptan. NASTY stuff. I hate the smell. Everytime I get that smell on me, I wonder why I left fuel oil.....
Seriously, just use common sense.... its contents under pressure.... when the temp goes up, the pressure goes up.... keep that in mind...
Chase