Purging propane tank

Thanks for the update, glad it all worked out!

So Mutual Propane took care of it the purging problem...they were very helpful. Truth told, it was ridiculously simple; I had already run the propane tank almost dry, so they just opened the relief valve and drained the rest. Matson didn't particularly care either, but they DID want to see the certificate of purging; once I handed them that, it was all good. Again, thanks for the suggestions from everyone...much appreciated.

Mike

Yikes Itsy...that sounds like an intense process.

Good news is I found a company near Long Beach that does the propane tank purge/certification. For the next person who runs into this conundrum and googles a solution, Mutual Propane in Gardena, CA; they've been great to discuss this with and said it wil be no problem. I'm crossing my fingers...I'll update the thread when this actually comes to pass (in 3 weeks).

Thanks again to everyone for the suggestions; this is exactly what these boards should be about!

Mike

Spoke to a buddy who shipped an LPG vehicle to Hawaii. He had the same issue finding someone to empty and certify the tank. What he did was self purged the tank and had a propane dealer certify the tank is empty and can't be filled.

It required him doing multiple things to use up all the propane as well as warm the tank to completely vaporize all propane. Afterwards he removed the vapor valve, regulator and hose to manifold. He had to add an inert heavy gas (he said he used dry ice) to dispel any residual remaining vapor and the concentrated mercaptan smell. When he was reasonable sure the tank was empty he took it to the propane dealer. The propane dealer inserted a gas detector in the tank, slapped some 'Do Not Fill' warning label on the fill valve and wrote up the card.

It may be easier to get them to certify the tank is inoperable and can't be filled with propane instead of having them have to do any removal, purging and certification. But if the tank's vapor valve will be a PITA to remove and reinstall, this may not be the route to take.

rjstractor wrote:

larry cad wrote:
This is from "The Propane Tank Store"



When filling your new propane cylinder for the first time, it is different than filling a used tank. When your new tank arrives, be sure to read the manufacturer's special "Purging Instructions" found on an adhesive label attached to the outside of the tank.

Caution: Do not attempt to take your new tank to a gas station or R/V dealer for the first filling and purging.

Go to a certified propane company in your community.

Once this initial process is done, you can fill your tanks any where desired.

Failure to follow these instructions will very likely result in many different problems with filling the tank and the operation of your appliances.



For more information see our blog "Why do propane tanks need to be purged?"

This is all great information that has nothing to do with the OP's issue. He's not refilling a new cylinder, he's trying to get a used one purged so it can be shipped legally by marine transport.

Thanks for the compliment, but you obviously didn't read the whole post, especially where they cautioned the go to a certified propane company. Sorry it was so boring.

Or call around the arrival port for a new cylinder. What about bringing a brand new never filled cylinder?

What is your departure port? Maybe call around that area.

Thanks RJS. You cut through to what I was clearly not making clear (purging an existing tank). I continue my search for someone who can do this (along Highway 40 between TX and CA), I hope that someone sees this and knows someone who does this work.

That said, I am appreciative of the suggestion Doug; maybe it does come to that, but I hope not. Vehicles with integrated propane tanks ARE being shipped; therefore, someone MUST be purging/certifying them...finding them is the task at hand for me.

Thanks again

larry cad wrote:
This is from "The Propane Tank Store"



When filling your new propane cylinder for the first time, it is different than filling a used tank. When your new tank arrives, be sure to read the manufacturer's special "Purging Instructions" found on an adhesive label attached to the outside of the tank.

Caution: Do not attempt to take your new tank to a gas station or R/V dealer for the first filling and purging.

Go to a certified propane company in your community.

Once this initial process is done, you can fill your tanks any where desired.

Failure to follow these instructions will very likely result in many different problems with filling the tank and the operation of your appliances.



For more information see our blog "Why do propane tanks need to be purged?"

This is all great information that has nothing to do with the OP's issue. He's not refilling a new cylinder, he's trying to get a used one purged so it can be shipped legally by marine transport.

Since you have a Roadtrek, your LP tank is mounted under the center rear of the chassis? It also should be a small(no more than 10 gallon ASME tank). Since you cannot find a Purger locally or even hundreds of miles away, I would just have the tank removed. Just 4 bolts. Then you have 2 choices. Find a purger for the loose tank or just purchase a NEW tank at your final destination. Your smaller tank would be about $700. IF NEW, Matson may let you ship the new tank inside the RV, or if certified by the seller, allowed to ship installed on the Roadtrek. We have had to remove ASME LP tanks from large motorhomes, because they had liquid LP still in them to use in indoor RV shows. The fire marshal allows LP tanks to be drained(NOT purged) of any liquid LP. and NO vapor comes out when valve opened. IF we get one inside the Indoor facility and the Fire Marshal finds one(VERY RARE for this to happen), we have no choice but to drop the tank and remove from the facility. Doug