could someone 'splain... Propane tank

[cdlaine]

Warriors,

Noted today my empty grill propane tank had a
"must be recertified" 12 years after born on dating
of Apr 99. Simple cipherin' indicates I am in violation
of Federal Statutes... the math did not seem to bother
Jose at the refill depot.

So, a couple observations... this felon tank appears to
my discriminating eye as new as the day I bought it....no
rust, clean as a whistle, all parts functional... it has
spent a sheltered life under cover in the hidden compartment
of the grill on the back patio... requiring just the occasional
massage to maintain Colgate White appearance.

So I wonder...

-what magically happens at 12 years ?
-how does one go about getting a tank recertified ?
-do they re-stamp the neck with new born on dating ?
-how does one go about getting rid of an old age tank ?
-does recertification cost more money ?
-does recertification buy me another 12 years ?
-am I going to blow the neighborhood up if I use it ?
-if it looks perfectly good, and functions appropriately...
why mess with success ?
-is there a penalty for extending the life cycle ?
-should I just shut up and go buy a new tank ?

Your gentleness in enlightening me is appreciated.

apologies for not using the "search" engine... as you can
tell I am inherently a lazy individual.

Have never tried that Rhino exchange service I've seen ...
might be time to give it a go.... and save some binary code.

Thanks

Charles

[2012Coleman]

Exchange the old tanks at Rino and just keep the ones you get. End of problem.

[JRS___B]

Double WOW????

For what it's worth, I make sure there is no propane left in my 20 pound tanks when I trash them. But anyone who thinks propane bottles actually explode like they do in the movies is not being realistic.

Now a landfill emits methane gas like crazy.

Those landfills that capture the methane easily run a half dozen internal combustion engines (connected to electrical generators) for 25 years or more on the methane that continues to come from the decaying old, old garbage. If a whisper of propane ever came out of one of my old tanks it would be insignificant beyond calculation.

Those landfills that have no "waste to energy" facilities let the methane percolate into the atmosphere, or maybe burn it off, neither of which is desirable in my mind. Same goes for composting my grass clippings. Just plain dumb, and harmful to the environment.

Waste to energy is the way to go. I have seen city parks and little league ball fields sitting on top of landfills that were constructed, operated and monitored properly. They also monitor the ground water.

But my propane tanks will not hurt any people or the environment.

[rockportrocket]

LOL all u have to do is write "for industrial use only" in black letters on one and they will refill it.

[mobeewan]

I had 3 cylinders recertified at a propane distributer. Two were 20 lb cylinders and one was 6 lb. It only cost me $5 dollars each. It would have cost me over $35 dollars plus shipping cost for a new 6 lb cylinder since they don't sell the "skinny" 6 lb cylinders around here. Just the short fat ones.

[rhagfo]

JLTN_James wrote:
I've done both the exchange and refill route and analyized the cost for each option. Turns out they are not much different cost per gallon.

Refill: 4 gallons (16 pounds) for $19.99 = $5.00 per gallon
Exchange: 3.75 gallons (15 pounds) for $17.99 = 4.80 per gallon

I just checked the Blue Rhino label to verify the volume/weight.

Not only is the exhcange a little bit less expensive, it is also more convenient.

Now back on the OP's topic: I'd exchange the out-dated tank for a new one and make sure to select a really nice, clean, new looking tank. Feel free to look at the date stamp before accepting the exchange. I've turned down exchanges before because the tank was older. After all, I still own the tank after the exchange and I want the best I can get!

Well in my part of Oregon propane runs about $2.80 a gallon or about $20 for a 7 gallon /30# tank

[JLTN_James]

I've done both the exchange and refill route and analyized the cost for each option. Turns out they are not much different cost per gallon.

Refill: 4 gallons (16 pounds) for $19.99 = $5.00 per gallon
Exchange: 3.75 gallons (15 pounds) for $17.99 = 4.80 per gallon

I just checked the Blue Rhino label to verify the volume/weight.

Not only is the exhcange a little bit less expensive, it is also more convenient.

Now back on the OP's topic: I'd exchange the out-dated tank for a new one and make sure to select a really nice, clean, new looking tank. Feel free to look at the date stamp before accepting the exchange. I've turned down exchanges before because the tank was older. After all, I still own the tank after the exchange and I want the best I can get!

[Lorinmc3]

If you are referring to a 20 lbs cylinder, your better off just purchasing a new one and starting over. Those tanks are inexpensive. However the larger tanks can be expensive so that's a different story. And I would suggest having it filled at a filling station. Stay clear of bottle exchanges as you usually only get half a tank full.

[Johno02]

I didn't know they could be recertified. Don't have any idea how they do it, or what is required. Sorry.

[powderman426]

cdlaine wrote:
So Noel... bears the question... how does
a "recertifier" verify the condition of the
internal tank ????

Charles

They hydro test them the same way they do oxygen and acetaline tanks. They then stamp a new date on the neck.

[Tango__AE7UI]

Our 1995 truck camper with it horizontally mounted tanks, reached the re-cert date I took them to a propane dealer.
He bled off the remaining gas, pressurized them above the normal tank rating and within the safety rating.
Placed a large label stating these could not be retro-fitted to OPD valves.
He impression stamped the new re-cert date on the safety flange on the tank top and refilled them.
They looked brand new even at 12 years old,

[JJBIRISH]

recertification stamp for propane cylinders, I have seen both rectangle like this one and oval stamps and I don’t know if they are universal…
MM XXX YY E

MM -> 2 digit recertification month
XXX ->3 character Re-qualifier’s registration number
YY -> 2 digit recertification year
E ->States the cylinder has been externally examined only




There are different levels of requalification that can be done…

If your propane tank has been requalified, the requalification date will usually be printed on a sticker and affixed to the collar of the tank…

If the date on the sticker does not have a letter to the right of it, your propane tank needs to be requalified within 12 years of the date on the sticker...

If the date printed on the sticker has a letter "S" to the right of it, then your propane tank needs to be requalified within 7 years of the date printed on the sticker...

If the date printed on the sticker has the letter "E" to the right of it, then your propane tank needs to be requalified within 5 years of the date printed on the sticker...

[stro1965]

I just went through this. My usual place refused to fill mine anymore so I took it to Lowes and exchanged it!

[popupcamping]

a tank as old as the OP's wouldn't have a OPD valve in it which is a federal requirement.

Just go exchange it and get a brand new tank...doesn't cost much more even if some people think they only fill them to 3/4

[skipnchar]

It Sounds like there are a lot of dealers who are taking chances with their licenses by filling non certified bottles and filling bottles that do not have the required safety equipment. Not to mention that those who USE these dealers would no doubt be quick to lay down a law suit if something failed and caused their family harm. Get the bottle recertified and PAY the $15.00 so you know you're safe. If the $15.00 is more than you can afford you probably shouldn't be RVing.

[JRS___B]

Gas Grill tanks are only 20 pounders.

I buy new ones with gauge at Sam's Club for $29.95.

Why spend $15 to re-certify for 5 more years. After 10 years you have already spend the $30 and now have a 22 year-old tank that needs to be re-certified once again.