I'm confused about propane.
I understand what propane does. The confusing bit is how the gas stations arrive at the cost of the propane they put in my tanks. This morning the local Esso filled up my 30lb tank and has a gauge ...
Forum Discussion
darsben wrote:
You are off by a little a gallon of propane weighs about 4.15 pounds at 60 degrees Fahrenheit most people use 4.25 lbs in a gallon.
A 30 lb tank cannot be filled over 80% if the valve is working right. 80% of 30 = 24 lbs max in the tank. 24 pounds is about 5.7 gallons + -.
5.7 gallons is less than 22 liters
Most tanks rated to hold 30 pounds will hold 30 pounds. If filled to 100% full, it would be higher than 30#, and there is still room for expansion after filling to 80% with 30 pounds of propane.
If you look at the link above, at the bottom they have metric capacities. 25.7 liters of propane is all that 'should' fit into a 30# tank. However the gas station might 'sell' you 31 liters or perhaps charge you for 31 liters, even though the tank can only hold 25.7 liters. There is also the small amount lost when the fill the line with liquid propane, yet let some out when disconnecting the fittings. Still you only 'received' at most 26 liters of propane into your 30# tanks, if they arrived empty.
IF you have a compliance division you can report what is happening with your propane fills. They can investigate, and bring in their own 30# tanks to have it filled. If they find the measurements are way off, they can get a huge fine!
Fred.
