Kampinklutz
Explorer
Joined 12 years ago
User Profile
User Widgets
All Activity
Re: Propane Tank Recertification?
This thread encouraged me to create an account so I could post a reply! Not to barge in here but maybe I can help... I manage a local Propane company in Northern California and re-qualifying LP cylinders can be confusing. Especially when you toss in horizontal tanks found in RV's. The links posted before by Reddog1 are where to go if you need specifics but here are some general rules that we abide by. By law we can't fill any vertical tank with a capacity over 10 gallons (or 40 pounds) that does not have an OPD (Overfill Protection Device) valve installed. OPD valves are typically identified by looking at the valve handle shape. Triangular handle is good, Round is bad. There are rare exceptions to this rule, but if in doubt look for the letters 'OPD' stamped on the brass valve body. Horizontal tanks are the odd bird though. Since they vary in venting design and dimensions, the older ones are exempt from the OPD rule. Basically since we can't re-valve them with new OPD valves (as we can all vertical cylinders) the decision makers allowed them to remain in service as many are specifically built to fit oddball compartments. All D.O.T. tanks are required to be re-qualified 12 years after manufacture and then every 5 years after that. The cylinder's birth date code will be stamped into the collar protecting the valve. Typically it will be the month-year in a 2 digit format (ie: "10-10" would be October, 2010) D.O.T. tanks are the only type of tanks that are allowed to be used in vehicles/RV's or anything that runs on the road. A.S.M.E tanks are not approved for RV use and you should never see them on anything other than the back of one of our Boom-trucks. They have no valve protection, are made with thinner steel and do not belong 'in or under' any vehicle. We're even required to fill out a special permit to transport them when filled with more than 10% of the tanks capacity. They do not ever require re-certification. When we re-certify a D.O.T cylinder, we look for excessive rust or wall pitting, bent or broken collars or collar welds and dents or deformations to the cylinder itself. Most cylinders if taken care of will last forever. A new date code is stamped on the cylinder or collar after being re-certified. We also give out a certificate of re-qualification with our company logo that helps travelers avoid the frustration when trying to re-fill any cylinder over 12 years old. Make sure to keep it handy in the vehicle to prevent filling stations from having any questions. Hope I've helped a little, If anyone has any propane questions you can PM me or post a topic and I'll do my best to answer them. =)895Views0likes0Comments
Groups
Travel Trailer Group
Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Feb 06, 202544,025 Posts
