Gas Cylinders

[Allworth]

Have you checked the service date on your gas cylinders lately??

The "in service" (either new or recertified) date is stamped on the collar, month and year. Cylinders more than 12 years old cannot be legally refilled under DOT (Federal) regulations. I think Transport Canada has the same rule. This applies to RV, BBQ grill, an any other cylinders.

The refill-jockeys at most retailers don't check, but I just had both of my 30# cylinders refused by a clerk who was paying attention.

My fault and I have ordered replacements, but interesting to know about.

[bpounds]

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?

[whiteeye42]

they can be inspected and restamped

[Veebyes]

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.

[time2roll]

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

[Old-Biscuit]

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

[bpounds]

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.

[Allworth]

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.)

[Retired_JSO]

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.

[reluyog]

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.

[SidecarFlip]

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'.

[Ava]

Portable tanks are only good for ten years in Canada.

[rhagfo]

greende wrote:
I would get #30 recertified. #20 cylinders are easier to exchange at HD, Lowes etc and the clerks often let you paw through the cabinet to find the latest date. That is (out of date) a valid reason to exchange per the exchange companies.

Well I took my empty tank to the local full service Propane supplier. The valve assembly failed on both tanks (leaked) cost of new valve was only $20 less than new 30# tanks, so replaced both.

Took DD's 20# tank to same location as it was past date, and exchanged it for a new tank with likely 15# of propane, but the tank was brand new.

[Old-Biscuit]

Re-cert 12 yrs after date of MFG stamped on collar.
Visual re-cert good for 5 yrs then repeat AS MANY Times as you need.

Cylinders do NOT wear out.......they get damaged, rusted up etc but can be re-cert MANY MANY times.

[time2roll]

costco.com sells 30 pound replacements fairly low cost.