plastic propane tanks

One U.S. manufacturer of these bottles had paperwork issues with respect to its testing and inspection programs, forcing a recall of all they had ever manufactured.

I don't know how many other manufacturers (there are many globally) sell in the U.S., but the one recall, widely publicized throughout the LPG distribution community, could make it difficult to get a composite cylinder filled here.

Hmm, don't believe I've ever seen one filled by weight. Around here the pump gage shows the operator how many gallons it has dispensed. And once gas starts blowing out the side if the valve, the screw is closed.

I believe that one company had the problems and are now out of business. Trouble is, its had to get any of the other ones refilled due to the paranoia. It seems the current manufacturers are not doing a good job in educating the rest of the industry on who the problem was with.

mlts22 wrote:
Last time I heard, there are nobody making the composite tanks. All have either recalled them or are out of business.

I might be wrong though.

They are still available on the web at a number of stores.

My understanding was the cost of the cylinders over any benefit kind of killed the idea.

I just turned in a rusty 20# tank and got brand new empty at WMart for $27.99.

Last time I heard, there are nobody making the composite tanks. All have either recalled them or are out of business.

I might be wrong though.

Bumpyroad wrote:


how much lighter are they than the steel ones?
if they don't adjust the weights, aren't you getting a lot more propane for the money if they just run the tank up to a certain weight?
bumpy

Bumpy,
All propane cylinders are marked with their weight information, usually on the bottom.
And here are some Helpful Hints on Gas and LP Gas Containers.

And it is not Plastic. It is Composite. Think of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers such as glass. Composites are used in aerospace construction.

Bumpyroad wrote:

ibyers wrote:


I have this one and absolutely love it! Very light, and very easy to see the propane level.

The only downside is filling seems to be a challenge, I seem to have to explain what it is and how to fill it more often than not. Most just throw it on the scale without adjusting the weights.

how much lighter are they than the steel ones?
if they don't adjust the weights, aren't you getting a lot more propane for the money if they just run the tank up to a certain weight?
bumpy

I would say it weighs about 10 pounds, about half the weight.

Still only get a 80% full tank as the safety stop inside the tank prevents an over fill.

mowermech wrote:
If the OPD valve works properly, OR the 80% valve is opened, it is unlikely the tank would be overfilled. Around here, they use both, and whichever trips first stops the delivery of propane. Technically, I suppose they should occur at the same time, liquid out of the 80% valve and the OPD shuts off, but that rarely happens.
I haven't had a cylinder filled by weight for many years. It is all by OPD/"spitter valve"(80%valve), and charged out by the metered gallon. Yes, the meter is temperature compensated. Some propane filling stations still have scales, but I don't think they are calibrated and certified for trade by the state. Probably haven't been for years!
I thought about getting a couple of those see-through cylinders, but the cost put a stop to that thought, then the recall came out and I decided perhaps it would be best to wait until the technology has had time to mature.

X-2, the only thing the scales are used for anymore, is a level place to set the tank. ;)