Purging propane tank
Hello: I have a Roadtrek 170, but since this could apply to any RV, I'll try it here as well. I need to have the propane tank purged and certified that it's purged, as I am going to ship it via Mat...
Forum Discussion
Spoke to a buddy who shipped an LPG vehicle to Hawaii. He had the same issue finding someone to empty and certify the tank. What he did was self purged the tank and had a propane dealer certify the tank is empty and can't be filled.
It required him doing multiple things to use up all the propane as well as warm the tank to completely vaporize all propane. Afterwards he removed the vapor valve, regulator and hose to manifold. He had to add an inert heavy gas (he said he used dry ice) to dispel any residual remaining vapor and the concentrated mercaptan smell. When he was reasonable sure the tank was empty he took it to the propane dealer. The propane dealer inserted a gas detector in the tank, slapped some 'Do Not Fill' warning label on the fill valve and wrote up the card.
It may be easier to get them to certify the tank is inoperable and can't be filled with propane instead of having them have to do any removal, purging and certification. But if the tank's vapor valve will be a PITA to remove and reinstall, this may not be the route to take.
It required him doing multiple things to use up all the propane as well as warm the tank to completely vaporize all propane. Afterwards he removed the vapor valve, regulator and hose to manifold. He had to add an inert heavy gas (he said he used dry ice) to dispel any residual remaining vapor and the concentrated mercaptan smell. When he was reasonable sure the tank was empty he took it to the propane dealer. The propane dealer inserted a gas detector in the tank, slapped some 'Do Not Fill' warning label on the fill valve and wrote up the card.
It may be easier to get them to certify the tank is inoperable and can't be filled with propane instead of having them have to do any removal, purging and certification. But if the tank's vapor valve will be a PITA to remove and reinstall, this may not be the route to take.
