Lance Propane Tank Recertification

[BradW]

I guess this 1996 Lance camper has lasted way too long because I now need to get my REPLACEMENT propane tanks recertified before I can get them refilled. The original tanks had the old valves and I had to get new tanks many years ago. Now those tanks are "old" tanks that nobody will fill.

Anyone had their 20# horizontal Lance tanks recertified? What is the process for that? I'm concerned that if they have to disassemble the tank, they are a lot more likely to screw something up than fix something that has been working perfectly for 10 or 12 years. I just love big daddy government watching over us and keeping us all safe from disaster and such; pretty soon tooth brushes will come with an arrow and direction to insert this end into mouth.

Thanks for any help,
Brad

[AidenJ]

We had the horizontal tanks in our old Lance 1025. Rather than deal with all the issues with these tanks we traded it in for a camper that had vertical tanks. Problem solved.:B

[pcoplin]

I went through this on my old 89 camper. It had dual horizontal tanks that were previously OPD valves. I had them recerted, but the local gas station kid wouldn't fill them.

I ended up getting a copy of paper from the Fire Marshal's office that grandfathered the old tanks in. This only applies to the horizontal tanks.

[BradW]

Finally found someone to recertify them. Cental Gas in Gurley, Alabama for $5 each.

Now, as a former member of Pi Tau Sigma, let the pressure vessel debate resume. 🙂 🙂 🙂

[ticki2]

Reddog1 wrote:
I respect your information, but I just cannot relate to why their are different testing requirements. Testing simply because you disconnect the line?

I am not convinced that is the reason for the difference . Terminology becomes important in this subject . ASME propane containers are called TANKS , DOT propane containers are called CYLINDERS . ASME tanks are built to a more rigid standard than DOT cylinders , they weigh twice as much empty . To further muddy the waters , they could not come up with an OPD valve for the older ASME tanks so they were exempt . I know of no regulation that requires recertification of an ASME tank . That doesn't mean that there isn't one , I don't pretend to be an expert . Nine out of ten propane techs that I have asked have said no , ASME tanks don't need recertification . Still learning .

[Reddog1]

I guess it is simply because DOT has the big stick, and use it without reason.

[Old-Biscuit]

Reddog1 wrote:
Not looking for logic, looking for a why.

WHY.....because DOT (Department Of Transportation) requires it on portable cylinders and has lawful authorization with the means of enforcement

ASME/NFPA ( American Society of Mechanical Engineers-----a professional association) (National Fire Protection Association---a trade association) sets standards and makes recommendations.
They provide and advocate consensus codes and standards but have no legal authority. NFPA codes and standards are widely adopted and form part of US & State Laws.

[Reddog1]

Not looking for logic, looking for a why.

[Kayteg1]

Are you REALLY seeking logics in government system Redddog?

[Reddog1]

I respect your information, but I just cannot relate to why their are different testing requirements. Testing simply because you disconnect the line?

[Old-Biscuit]

Reddog1 wrote:
Respectfully, I understand everything you posted. Keep in mind, all of the tanks use the same propane. Both applications use the same tank construction method. Typically, the RV tanks are undercover, and more protected than residential tanks. Why would the RV tanks need more testing than residential tanks? Think maybe cause the propane in bouncing while traveling? The tanks themselves are tied down. It makes no sense to me.

Because propane cylinders are used/transported/connected-disconnected by 'citizens' therefore DOT jurisdiction

Propane tanks are permanently mounted and hard piped/wrenched connections that don't require disconnecting/connecting by 'citizens' to be filled. They are ASME spec and under NFPA requirements.

Same product (propane) but 2 totally different entities with different jurisdictions/requirements/standards.

Got a MH (Class A, B, C) with permanent mounted TANK. No inspections/requirements unless damaged by fire/accident etc. Otherwise just recommendations..like change relief valve after 10 yrs. Not required...just recommended

Got TT, TC, FW, (BBQ,Heaters ETc.) with portable CYLINDERS. DOT requirements/re-certs

Old-Biscuit, are you ignoring why there are differences in cert requirements in residential and RV tanks, or do you just have no comment?

No reason to get snooty---they are NOT my rules/regulations
I just know about them, read up on them and follow them as dictated by the gov't :E

[Kayteg1]

It is the system and system is something you go along with not fight it.
My vintage conversion has household propane tank build in it.
Regardless being 40 years old, that thing doesn't require any certification.
All 120 gallons of it.

[Reddog1]

Old-Biscuit, are you ignoring why there are differences in cert requirements in residential and RV tanks, or do you just have no comment?

[Old-Biscuit]

Easy to read/understand propane re-certs

12 yrs. after mfg. date
Re-Cert Info">FOR USA

10 yrs. after mfg. date
FOR Canada




' sleepy '

Ferrel Gas wasn't doing you wrong/overfilling etc.

Your 30# propane cylinder holds 30# of propane which is 7.1 gallons
That IS the 80% full level of your cylinder.
Propane weighs 4.2 lbs/gallon. 7.1 gallons X 4.2 lbs equals 29.82#

Any dealer only filling to 6 gallons has been shorting you.

OPD Service valve shuts off filling at 80% liquid level
Bleeder valve has a tube that is at 80% liquid level and will spit liquid out vs vapor
Scales.....zeroed out by 'tare weight' (weight of cylinder empty---stamped on collar) then set for cylinder propane pounds (ie: 30#) and scales trip at 80% liquid level.

Same for the other propane cylinders.....
4#, 20#, 30#, 40#....that is the weight of propane at 80% liquid level.

[Reddog1]

Respectfully, I understand everything you posted. Keep in mind, all of the tanks use the same propane. Both applications use the same tank construction method. Typically, the RV tanks are undercover, and more protected than residential tanks. Why would the RV tanks need more testing than residential tanks? Think maybe cause the propane in bouncing while traveling? The tanks themselves are tied down. It makes no sense to me.