Purging propane tank

Thanks for the suggestions. And yes, since they need it "certified" purged, just empty isn't good enough. I've tried RV places (Camping World etc), propane places (Amerigas, Titan); I spoke with Matson who gave me the name of the company that does this for them (Global Propane), who told me they no longer do it and are not sure who might...frustrating. A Hawaii/Guam board is a good idea...someone MUST be able to do this!?

This is from "The Propane Tank Store"



When filling your new propane cylinder for the first time, it is different than filling a used tank. When your new tank arrives, be sure to read the manufacturer's special "Purging Instructions" found on an adhesive label attached to the outside of the tank.

Caution: Do not attempt to take your new tank to a gas station or R/V dealer for the first filling and purging.

Go to a certified propane company in your community.

Once this initial process is done, you can fill your tanks any where desired.

Failure to follow these instructions will very likely result in many different problems with filling the tank and the operation of your appliances.

For more information see our blog "Why do propane tanks need to be purged?"

Let's be clear on what "purging" means in regards to safely shipping an RV. Purging a propane tank or cylinder for normal use means replacing any air in the tank with propane fumes before filling. But for shipping a used tank, it means just the opposite, replacing any propane with air or an inert gas such as nitrogen. A vacuum purge can also be used and is preferred since it allows the tank to be refilled with propane without a pre-fill purge. The difficulty comes in finding a facility that will do a "reverse purge". I suggest checking with an industrial gases supplier to see if they have the needed capability. That would be supplier of welding and/or medical gases, etc.

Call Matson and ask if they know of any location near their terminal that purges tanks. Try posting on one of the Hawaii or Guam boards to see who anyone else used when bring their RV's over.

Are you calling propane bulk dealers or just propane suppliers or RV centers? Propane tank and cylinder recyclers usually can empty, purge and affix the label or write the card.

jdc1 wrote:
I wonder if a scuba outfit would do it? I purged and inspected scuba tanks as a youngster....and they hold a lot more pressure than propane tanks

It's not just the pressure, it's the flammable/explosive vapor gas on the garage decks. Just like with vehicles where the gas tank is technically empty (the gas stations near the Matson or Pasha terminals in Hawaii do bang-up business when vehicles are unloaded as they will run out of gas quickly) they want RV propane tanks empty and purged.

I wonder if a scuba outfit would do it? I purged and inspected scuba tanks as a youngster....and they hold a lot more pressure than propane tanks

The last time I bought a new cylinder, I had it purged at a tractor supply co. I'm not sure if they would provide you with a letter since that would entail liability. Also, just to clarify, is this a tank or cylinder? ASME tanks do not require recertification while DOT cylinders do.