Problem filling 5 gal LP tank - help please

[klm]

I have a Weber Baby Q grill and use a small, refillable 5 gal LP tank. Yesterday I took the tank to the cg LP fill and the tank would not fill, even after several attempts.

Tank is by Worthington bought at Lowe's.
1st fill was at this same cg by the same worker.
There is still some lp in the tank, it is not empty.
Tank is sending gas to the grill, just cooked dinner -works fine.

So, any ideas on why it wouldn't fill? The whole purpose of having this tank is to do away with those little green tanks!! Thanks for any and all suggestions.

[pkunk]

Many times, the inexperienced 'attendants' don't get the fill adapter screwed into the OPD valve on the tank tight enough to open the bottle valve and sometimes don't remember to open the service valve. These young guys are in too much of a hurry to do it right and don't care enough. Easier to say you have a bad bottle and send you on your way.

[wgriswold]

Of course air can be compressed. What it cannot do is liquify at these temperatures and pressures. So as liquid propane is added to a non purged tank the air will be compressed at the top of the tank and be joined by some propane gas. As you point out, not a good thing.

None of this would prevent the tank from being filled when it was emptied. There must be a problem with the safety features.

[wa8yxm]

wgriswold wrote:
How would the air in the tank due to it not being purged prevent it from filling?

Good question, I await the yammer as to why.

This is fact:

I keep hearing how the little screw on those tanks has to be opened so as to let the air out because air won't compress and let the LP in.

Say WHAT.. First.

IF the tank is properly purged. (If you buy it already filled it's been properly purged) then there is NO AIR IN THE TANK and has not been since the initial fill.

In this case. i'm not so sure.

Second. if air can't be compressed.. WHY do I have an air compressor in the basement (2 of 'em in fact) that I use to put air, Compressed, into my tires?


Oh, why do you purge the tank?

Well... if air is in the tank it's possible for an air/propane mix to get into the line and when it hits the burners.. Bad things can happen.. Thus the tank should be properly purged.

ANd.. At two campgrounds I stay at, I know for a fact the pump jockeys have been properly trained and know how to purge 'em. In one case because we talked about it.

And in the other.. They corrected the final exam in the same room I was sitting in.

Question: What happens if you get the right mixture of Propane and Air and there is a spark.

My Answer (Which the instructor approved of) You land 2 counties over.

Note: The funny answer will be remembered long after the "Explosion" which was on the test.

[mowermech]

Just my opinion, but...
I don't think the purging has anything to do with your problem.
I think the OPD valve is stuck. I had one that did that once, and when I lifted it about 6 inches and dropped it on the concrete, the valve freed up and never stuck again.
I don't think there is any need to empty the tank before taking it in to have it checked. However, for your own peace of mind, call the distributor and ask him. He will KNOW what you need to do.
When you get the problem solved, please come back here and tell us what the solution was. There will be somebody, someday, who has the same problem.

[wgriswold]

How would the air in the tank due to it not being purged prevent it from filling?

[bukhrn]

klm wrote:
OP back. Thanks everyone. I am thinking it wasn't properly purged. I did say it was a new tank, but probably didn't mention it needed to be purged. Worker just filled it. There is a propane dealer/distributor nearby, I'll take the tank there. Do I need to burn off the remaining lp before taking it to the lp experts? The tank is not empty right now.

I would, you paid for it !!!!

[klm]

OP back. Thanks everyone. I am thinking it wasn't properly purged. I did say it was a new tank, but probably didn't mention it needed to be purged. Worker just filled it. There is a propane dealer/distributor nearby, I'll take the tank there. Do I need to burn off the remaining lp before taking it to the lp experts? The tank is not empty right now.

[rr2254545]

donn0128 wrote:
This was a new tank? Did he purge it first? My guess he got some gas i. It the first time, but neglecting to properly purge the tank the first time is causing problems now. Take it to a certified propane dealer and have it properly taken care of.

x2 I had this exact problem

[beemerphile1]

I'm guessing you mean five pound, not five gallon. A typical bottle for a BBQ is five gallon which is twenty pounds.

[wny_pat1]

ScottG wrote:
Bang the bottom of it on the ground once or twice to free up valve.

X 2.
It may have a bad over fill protection device. Or release pressure when starting the fill process.

[donn0128]

This was a new tank? Did he purge it first? My guess he got some gas i. It the first time, but neglecting to properly purge the tank the first time is causing problems now. Take it to a certified propane dealer and have it properly taken care of.

[ScottG]

Bang the bottom of it on the ground once or twice to free up valve.

[Francesca_Knowl]

Sounds like an air lock...my guess is improper first fill.

Since you say the new cylinder was filled for the first time by the same person at the campground, is it fair to assume that person isn't a pro?

I ask because new tanks need special handling- main concern is properly purging air. see this link