I recently took my 2 outdated 30# propane cylinders to exchange for current inspected and filled ones. I recently went to switch out one of the in use cylinders that showed empty. I pulled the empty, and put in the filled one. I hooked the pigtail to it and went to slowly turn it on. WTH! The valve was already open! I checked the other cylinder and found that one was open as well. Is this some kind of new way to exchange or fill cylinders that I am not aware of? I understand OPD valves should not release any propane unless there is something attached to it, but isn't that carrying it a bit too far? When I go to service company to refill, they don't leave them open. The exchange place is a different company.

No, no exchange cylinder should be open.

OPD Float stops liquid propane flow INSpring loaded shutoff valve prevents propane vapor flow OUTThank-goodness for it's safety design/features...even an idiot can fill themTeenager filling those exchange cylinders has to have OPD open or they can't figure out why nothing goes in.....so they just leave the valves open.The spring loaded shut off valve inside the OPD will not allow propane flow out if a ACME Nut is not attached.....center stub in ACME Nut pushes spring loaded valve open

my grill exchanges have always been shut but I have been called to help out a no flow situation from the valve being open. On a warm/hot day it takes some force to engage the valve with ACME if the valve has been left open.like Lucy and Ethel candy conveyor, if ya can't keep up ya skip a step!

I realize the OPD is a safety device, but it seems it should not be depended on to be a shutoff instead of closing the valve. It's along the lines of don't depend on the OPD to stop the flow when filling the cylinders. The vendor is a rather large welding supply provider in the Phoenix metro area. They have a number of stores, but only one shop that certifies and refills the portable cylinders. They keep a few of each size in stock at the stores for retail sales. My options when I needed filled tanks were kinda slim. Drive 20 miles to drop them off, then go back in a couple days to pick them up. These guys were close and had them ready for a very reasonable price. And I already had purchased 2 new ones, and didn't want to repeat that.

Get them filled at most any place.....U-Hauls, Tractor Supply, ACE Hardware, propane Vendors etc.No drop off and come back....just take them and wait while they are filled.Portable propane cylinders are good for 10 yrs (12 yrs) after MFG. Date then just need to have a simple 'Visual' Inspection done for re-certification....good for another 5 yrs10 yrs vs 12 yrs-----12 yrs was old DOT Requirement. It was changed to 10 yrs then halted and not fully implemented.

Propane Cylinder Fill: Error? | Good Sam Community

Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Nov 28, 2017
DReisinger wrote:
So, If you order a beer and it is 80% full should you be happy with that

If I order a pint, pay for a pint and it comes in a quart glass ....yeah I'm happy.

80% liquid level is FULL and all you are paying for. A FULL cylinder.
See any more then vapor zone would be limited, relief valve would be IN liquid propane and Liquid Propane would flow out into the LP Regulator.....none of which is good.

SO yeah---I'm happy my propane is properly filled to the FULL 80% capacity as designed.
red31
Explorer
Nov 26, 2017
Old-Biscuit wrote:

This is not rocket science.....

Hand it over, they set the scale and fill it, they closed the valves and hand it back, ya pays the money.

Then ya leave the state, hand it over, spew propane, close valves, hand it back, pays the money.

Simple.

Sometime they don't close all the valves! (to get back to the OP)
DReisinger
Explorer
Nov 26, 2017
So, If you order a beer and it is 80% full should you be happy with that
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Nov 26, 2017
OPD Floats are set at 80% liquid propane level

Liquid Level Gauge (stand pipe)is set at 80% liquid propane level

80% Liquid Propane Level is FULL

This is not rocket science.....
red31
Explorer
Nov 26, 2017
Collar WC is weight, max fill by weight is 42% of WC.
'Table 4-4.2.1 Maximum Permitted Filling Limit (percent of marked water capacity in pounds)'

80% of WC volume. DT length predetermined.
'Table 4-4.2.2(a) Maximum Permitted Liquid Volume (percent of total water capacity): Aboveground Containers 0 to 1200 Gal (0 to 4.5 m3)'
fixed maximum liquid level gauge is based on 40F (See 4-4.3.3(a))

20lbs = 80% @ 40F and based on the volumetric filling chart, this is 95% of container volume @ 130F, weight stays the same.

1-6 Definitions, Glossary of Terms, and Abbreviations.
'Water Capacity. The amount of water, in either pounds or
gallons, at 60°F (15.6°C) required to fill a container liquid full
of water'
beemerphile1
Explorer
Nov 26, 2017
Old-Biscuit wrote:
Filled cylinder is 80% of total capacity regardless....

This statement is incorrect because it is only a partial statement.

The bottle is full at 80 percent WC (water capacity). I doubt WC and LP has the exact same properties.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Nov 26, 2017
WHY do you think that ASME Tanks AND DOT Portable Cylinders have a 'Fixed Liquid Level Gauge' (ie: Bleeder valve) :H

So when filling the attendant will KNOW when vessel is FULL (80%)
red31
Explorer
Nov 26, 2017
NFPA 58 various version adopted by all states but Arkansas, some states adopt and modify.

4-4.3.2 The volumetric method shall be permitted to be used
for the following containers if designed and equipped for filling
by volume:
(a) Cylinders of less than 200 lb (91 kg) water capacity that
are not subject to DOT jurisdiction (such as, but not limited
to, engine fuel cylinders on vehicles not in interstate
commerce or cylinders filled at the installation)

here is a rather old version
https://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/aboutthecodes/58/58-98-pdf.pdf
SaltiDawg
Explorer
Nov 26, 2017
Dutch_12078 wrote:
...
Try starting at page 28 of the Propane Education & Research Council's "Dispensing Propane Safely
Training Manual". Both methods are covered...

Oh, and the official name of the "bleeder valve", is the "Fixed Maximum Liquid Level Gauge".

Thus the quotes from the erroneous post.

Page 26 "Cylinders less than 200 lb. WC and subject to DOT jurisdiction must be filled by weight. Be sure to check with your supervisor for any exceptions."

But thanks anyway, sarcasm not withstanding. lol
Dutch_12078
Explorer II
Nov 26, 2017
SaltiDawg wrote:
Old-Biscuit wrote:

Tare Weight....weight of cylinder PLUS the propane
PLUS bleeder valve which is a FIXED Level
Both methods are 'proper'

May I ask exactly where that is stated? Specifically that one can fill based on level as determined by a "bleeder valve".

Try starting at page 28 of the Propane Education & Research Council's "Dispensing Propane Safely
Training Manual". Both methods are covered...

Oh, and the official name of the "bleeder valve", is the "Fixed Maximum Liquid Level Gauge".

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