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uScott's avatar
uScott
Explorer
Dec 13, 2013

Propane overfill by a "professional"

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....
  • path1's avatar
    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.
  • westend's avatar
    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.
  • whiteeye42's avatar
    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
  • SDcampowneroper's avatar
    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.
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    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?
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    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
  • eubank's avatar
    eubank
    Explorer
    Dec 13, 2013
    How did the fellow know to shut off the flow at 7.6 gals?
    :)
    Lynn
  • ScottG's avatar
    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!
  • MrWizard's avatar
    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's avatar
    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.

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