Looks like I'll be shopping for a new local propane guy. Which I should have already done, but there's only one last straw.I took one of my 30# cylinders down to fill from dead empty. This genius somehow managed to cram 7.6 gallons into it. By my math, that's about 88% capacity. Did I mention we'll be taking this tank from northern Utah (temps 10s-20s) to southern Arizona (40s-70s)? I have a plan to drain the tank down some before we travel, but sheesh.I guess this guy was taught that horizontal-use cylinders are also filled in the horizontal position, so that's what he does. Never mind the big bright label that says "FILL IN VERTICAL POSITION ONLY", which I've pointed out to him a few times. His way must be the right way, 'cause you can get 'em more fuller, right?I'm beginning to wonder if there's a licensing body that would like to hear about this....

If the valve is working properly it shouldn't be possible to over fill. I wouldn't blame the guy filling it, they just fill until it starts spitting.

i dont think the overfill shut off will work when the tank is in the wrong positionhe filled it with it laying horzit says on tank fill when vertical

MrWizard wrote:i dont think the overfill shut off will work when the tank is in the wrong positionhe filled it with it laying horzit says on tank fill when verticalOK, That I would blame him for!

How did the fellow know to shut off the flow at 7.6 gals?:)Lynn

".... big bright label that says "FILL IN VERTICAL POSITION ONLY", which I've pointed out to him a few times."And you let him do it horizontally, over fill it, charge you for the extra 1/2 gallon that you then transported and are going to bleed off the excess :H

Propane overfill by a "professional" | Good Sam Community

ScottG
Nomad
Dec 13, 2013
If the valve is working properly it shouldn't be possible to over fill. I wouldn't blame the guy filling it, they just fill until it starts spitting.
MrWizard
Moderator
Dec 13, 2013
i dont think the overfill shut off will work when the tank is in the wrong position

he filled it with it laying horz
it says on tank fill when vertical
ScottG
Nomad
Dec 13, 2013
MrWizard wrote:
i dont think the overfill shut off will work when the tank is in the wrong position

he filled it with it laying horz
it says on tank fill when vertical

OK, That I would blame him for!
eubank
Explorer
Dec 13, 2013
How did the fellow know to shut off the flow at 7.6 gals?
:)
Lynn
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Dec 13, 2013
".... big bright label that says "FILL IN VERTICAL POSITION ONLY", which I've pointed out to him a few times."

And you let him do it horizontally, over fill it, charge you for the extra 1/2 gallon that you then transported and are going to bleed off the excess :H
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Dec 13, 2013
I don't get it. After the first time he filled it incorrect, I'd never go back. Final! That's it! Why did you keep going back? Why not complain to his manager? But why blindly let him keep doing it?
SDcampowneroper
Explorer
Dec 13, 2013
Propane is an expansive/contractive temperature sensitive liquid. Its not like water that is constant in volume between freezing and boiling temperatures. Thats the reason for the 80% maximum fill requirement. room must be left in the tank to absorb liquid expansion into the vapor chamber if the weather warms.
. A propane tank in cold weather could hold more weight, thus more gallons before tripping off the 'spitter'valve or the OPD.
Look at the state meter licensing label on the dispenser. Report your concerns to that authority.
whiteeye42
Explorer
Dec 13, 2013
Before they came out with the new 80% valves they use to fill to 100% and nobody complained then they started replacing with the new valves and everybody started complaining that they were getting ripped off since they were only getting 80% that extra 1/2 gallon won't hurt a thing just run the heater and the fridge for an hour and you will be good to go
westend
Explorer
Dec 13, 2013
whiteeye42 wrote:
Before they came out with the new 80% valves they use to fill to 100% and nobody complained then they started replacing with the new valves and everybody started complaining that they were getting ripped off since they were only getting 80% that extra 1/2 gallon won't hurt a thing just run the heater and the fridge for an hour and you will be good to go
I don't think smaller propane tanks were ever supposed to be filled to maximum capacity. I've had experience with an overfilled tank (the non-OPD variety), discharging through the pressure relief valve because of overfilling.
path1
Explorer
Dec 13, 2013
I would vent or burn off to get 80% of tank capacity using weight method. I would also burn off and not vent because neighbors will think there is a "propane leak" if you vent. And burn off excess with something that puts out big BTU's, so your not doing it all day. I've have one of these http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Max-500G-Propane-Torch/dp/B00282LP34 found it great for different things around home. Great for weeds on gravel parking spot. Even starts a campfire so often. But it does sound like a rocket, it puts out the BTU's.

As a comparison a "torch tip" I use for soldering or thawing pipes around the house, took 7 hours to empty a 1 pound bottle at 55 degrees at sea level.