Gas Cylinders

A bit OT, but not too far, I went and had 3 tanks filled Saturday. Went to a new place, after being PO'd at the place I've gone for many a year.

One tank was an '08, so I knew it was good, but it is also a little beat up. Not rusty. BBQ tank, so just banged up a bit from frequent changing. My new guy didn't even bother to look at the date. Being a new customer, I asked him if they did the visual recerts when it was needed, and he said "no, we just fill them". Okay, fine by me, I've got enough sense to do my own visual checks, and I think new guy and I are going to have a long happy business relationship.

I will still swap away tanks when they expire. Who needs to deal with more government cr@p in their lives?

they can be inspected and restamped

Got caught for both of mine this summer. A Tractor Supply refused to fill in OR so had to hunt down a place that recertified. About a month later in BC needed the other 30# refilled. Mandatory valve replacement in BC.

The only issue or complication seems to be finding one of these guys that re-certifies included in the price of a refill.

Allworth wrote:
A couple of things here (as the OP).

20# tanks do not fit my double cylinder bin. They have to be up on spacers and they bang around. So much for exchange.

I am not talking about a visual recert while getting a refill. That is good for five years and I wouldn't trust it myself.

I'm talking about a hydro-tank pressurization test (the same as used on SCUBA tanks, which I also have and use). The tank is submerged in a water vat (to absorb the blast if it explodes) and pressurized to 2.5 times the working pressure. The date and location of the test is then stamped on the collar. This is also the test for MIG welding cylinders (which I also have and use).

A

(ASME tanks, including those in most Class As, are exempt.)

There are THREE Requalification methods for DOT propane cylinders
1) Visual Inspection----5 yr
2) Proof Pressure Test--7 yr
3) Volumetric Expansion Test---12 yr

IF cylinder has not been damaged from accident/fire, not rusted up and has OPD then no real need for anything more then Visual Inspection

Really NOT an issue or complicated process

Allworth wrote:
20# tanks do not fit my double cylinder bin. They have to be up on spacers and they bang around. So much for exchange.

30# exchanges are out there. Google it, or better, call around your area.

A couple of things here (as the OP).

20# tanks do not fit my double cylinder bin. They have to be up on spacers and they bang around. So much for exchange.

I am not talking about a visual recert while getting a refill. That is good for five years and I wouldn't trust it myself.

I'm talking about a hydro-tank pressurization test (the same as used on SCUBA tanks, which I also have and use). The tank is submerged in a water vat (to absorb the blast if it explodes) and pressurized to 2.5 times the working pressure. The date and location of the test is then stamped on the collar. This is also the test for MIG welding cylinders (which I also have and use).

A

(ASME tanks, including those in most Class As, are exempt.)

SidecarFlip wrote:
My local supplier re-certifies them for free when I fill them. I never exchange bottles.

Interesting about re-certification. all 3 of my 500 gallon bottles that supply my house and shop are at least 30 years old and have never been 'certified'.

Stationary tanks are usually ASME tanks, not DOT.

I recently had our two older 40# tanks re-certified and knew they needed new OPD valves since the internal gaskets were shot. It was still less expensive to go that route. I keep 4 40# tanks with us when we're out tripping around with the camper.

My local supplier re-certifies them for free when I fill them. I never exchange bottles.

Interesting about re-certification. all 3 of my 500 gallon bottles that supply my house and shop are at least 30 years old and have never been 'certified'.