Refilling propane tanks

Quote:
NOT filling by weight regardless of where they are is dangerous.
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I don't believe a word of it.
I been fillin dot cyls for 50 yrs, and I ain't found a place yet in CA or OR, or AZ that even has a scale. Its all done in gallons, or should I say the OPD, or the bleeder valve or both. So what, every filler in 3 states is wrong or illegal, or dangerous ?? Get real.

stevenal wrote:
How is this unsafe?

If the OPD fails the container can be overfilled.

overfilling NFPA 58 7.4.4.1
An overfilling prevention device shall not be the primary means to determine when a cylinder is filled to the maximum allowable filling limit.


I believe TX is the only state that requires filling by weight of DOT cylinders of 101 lb LP-gas capacity or less. NFPA allows for volumetric filling of cylinders of less than 200 lb water capacity that are not used in commerce, ie not under DOT jurisdiction.

Volumetric filling relies on the fixed liquid level gauge to vent while filling until liquid appears.

dougrainer wrote:

The ONLY SAFE way to fill DOT portable RV LP cylinders is by WEIGHT. That means they must be removed to correctly fill them. NOT filling by weight regardless of where they are is dangerous. ASME tanks on Motorhomes are filled with the tank in place. Doug

There was a place in BC that used a scale, but every other fill simply pumped until the OPD shut off. How is this unsafe?

Bob,

This is much simpler than it is being presented....
If the tank is mounted, has separate filling fitting and a level bleed, and a ASTM tank code label (A bid stamped steel label welded on it), then it can be refilled in place and never needs recertification. Mine is 43yo and it is still good to go.
If it does not meet the above, you may have to remove it to fill it.

Matt

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Yoo Haul

Will sometimes fill permanent tanks. Yotta see 'em down here in the gas yards. They disconnect from the fast fill with liquid spraying everywhere. E CAVEAT TOASTUM for you killing off all sources of potential ignition. No joke. It is common almost to the point of being Ubiquitous about LPG plants being forced to be located no closer than 10 Km from the nearest habitation.

When at home, Uhaul is the only place I get my permanently mounted 18 gallon tank filled. When on the road, I have done it at Flying J.

Yoo Haul

Will sometimes fill permanent tanks. Yotta see 'em down here in the gas yards. They disconnect from the fast fill with liquid spraying everywhere. E CAVEAT TOASTUM for you killing off all sources of potential ignition. No joke. It is common almost to the point of being Ubiquitous about LPG plants being forced to be located no closer than 10 Km from the nearest habitation.

Yes, unless this is a permanently mounted tank.
If you are having trouble... go to a real propane dealer and they should help out for a small fee.

enblethen wrote:
Try to clarify filing of tanks.
The OPs profile does not specify what type of rig.
MHs have a permanently mounted tank and only needs to be shut off before filling.
Some fifth wheels have the tanks in the front compartment and are suppose to be removed to refill.
Travel trailers normally have their tanks mounted to the tongue areas in open air. They may need to be removed if filling stations requires it. Some do and some don't.

The ONLY SAFE way to fill DOT portable RV LP cylinders is by WEIGHT. That means they must be removed to correctly fill them. NOT filling by weight regardless of where they are is dangerous. ASME tanks on Motorhomes are filled with the tank in place. Doug

Moved from Forum Technical Support

2oldman wrote:
What's Fickit?

Fickit
F~#k it + Stick it (verb) - a passive-aggressive, frustrated expression.