Propane tank recertification

philh wrote:
Those proclaiming for tank exchange, most (all?) exchanges only fill the tank with 16 lbs of propane. 20% less than filling your own tank

But than few minutes exchange beats 1/2 hr wait for cylinders fill.
My last fill at Costco gave me good price, but was pretty big hassle.
Could not park close to propane pump, so having 2 cylinders had to find a cart and roll it to the center.
Than had to push the bell and wait for attendant. Took several minutes and he filled 2 cylinders, giving me a receipt to pay inside warehouse.
Long waiting lines, even I combined it with grocery pickup, but when i come back with paid receipt, turn out that the paper the attendant gave me had 2 bills on single slip of paper, so had to go back to cashier and pay for the 2nd. .
I have custom cylinders, so exchange for me is not possible, but than having gauge on them, very often leave the 2nd at home.
Not much need to carry spare when it last for 5 or more weeks and the gained storage is good for charcoal and snorkeling gear.

Those proclaiming for tank exchange, most (all?) exchanges only fill the tank with 16 lbs of propane. 20% less than filling your own tank

As above, keep them clean with fresh paint, don't set on dirt, just common sense. The only thing that can go wrong is the valve going out, easy to replace. Not much to take care of. as far as dents, you really have to work at them to dent a tank. The only things that will make your tank bad is pitting and dents other than that, just the valve as stated above.

jimh425 wrote:

tuna fisher wrote:
Again tanks don't where out with maintenance!!!

What do you mean by maintenance?

Appearance is almost everything when certificating..I just had my 1990 propane tanks re certified last fall..I took them out/cleaned them up and repainted them careful not to cover any decals that are on it..

I keep my tanks looking new, for me and the fella filling them..

tuna fisher wrote:
Again tanks don't where out with maintenance!!!

What do you mean by maintenance?

I worked for Amerigas the last 15 years I worked before retirement and here's what we did for inspection. All visual, decals , dents and pitting due to rust, that was it. Tanks just don't wear out, I've seen home tanks in the field from the early 40's.

By the way exchange tanks weather Blue Rhino or Amerigas are not filled to 80% there all shy by about 1 gallon. If you want to replace your exsisting 20lb tank that's a good way to go other than that it's a rip off.

Again tanks don't where out with maintenance!!! I'm sure some one is going to argue with me on that.

Kayteg1 wrote:
Tanks have different certifications than cylinders and cylinders don't have relief valves.
Sounds like re-certifications vary by state, or maybe by the technicians.
I spend some time on the net searching and could not find official page saying what it takes.

TANKS.....ASME jurisdiction
No recertification required
Tanks have thicker walls and unless dmaaged from accident/fire etc no requirements to replace
Surface rust needs to be properly taken care off
Recommended relief vlave sbe replaced after 10 years


Cylinders....DOT jurisdiction
Recertification required 10 years after date of MFG (stamped on collar (was 12 year....changed to 10 years)
3 levels of recertification
"External Visual"....good for 5 years
“Proof-Pressure” ....good for 10 years
“Volumetric Expansion”....good for 10 years


OPD Valves...Overfill Protection Device
Have a float that stops liquid propane filling at 80% capacity
Have a 'spring loaded' shutoff vlave that prevent any vapor flow w/o a hose connected
Have a Fixed Level Gauge (Bleeder Valve) that spits liquid porpabne at the 80% liquid level
Have a RELIEF Valve (incorpoated in the body of OPD)

DOT jurisdiction is because 'consumers' handle, transport, connect/disconnect the propane cylinders
phmsa DOT propane

Internal inspection is not necessary, as there is no oxygen or water, hence no corrosion.
I have 100 # bottles made in the 1940s, 20-30# s made in the 80s. Its the external appearance of the bottle and valve requirement that determines refill. Old bottles can be recertified every 5 years forever if they appear sound and have proper valves.

Ski Pro 3 wrote:

Kayteg1 wrote:
1 more observation.
When you take your cylinders to gas station who also sells propane as side business - they never take a look at certifications.
Done it 4 times in last year.

Never. Except when they do. My tanks have been checked every place I've ever taken them including gas stations selling propane. Expired date, they ask me to move along as they do not cert. Which is how I discovered my local RV parts/repair shop sells propane cheaper than anyone else and certs for $5.

X2
They are getting more diligent, mine are checked almost every time.

Kayteg1 wrote:
1 more observation.
When you take your cylinders to gas station who also sells propane as side business - they never take a look at certifications.
Done it 4 times in last year.

Never. Except when they do. My tanks have been checked every place I've ever taken them including gas stations selling propane. Expired date, they ask me to move along as they do not cert. Which is how I discovered my local RV parts/repair shop sells propane cheaper than anyone else and certs for $5.