how to reset safety valve on propane tank quotation
The safety relief valve is one of the most important and vital valves on any LP Gas container. All propane tanks and cylinders are required by law to be fitted with pressure relief devices designed to relieve excess pressure. The function of a safety relief valve is to keep a propane tank from rupturing in the unlikely event of excessive pressure buildup. Propane tank relief valves are also known as pop off valves, pressure venting valves or relief valves.
Relief valves are held in the closed position by the force of a powerful spring. As long as the pressure inside the tank is less than that of the spring, the valve will remain closed. If tank pressure rises to that of the spring, the valve will open resulting in a hissing sound outside the tank. If the pressure in the tank rises significantly higher than that of the spring, the valve will fully open. When the valve fully opens, it initially makes a loud pop followed by a blast of released propane gas. Once the pressure is released and the tank pressure falls below that of the spring, the valve closes.
Most propane tanks in residential and commercial service have internal safety relief valves. The reason for an internal valve as opposed to an external pressure relief valve is it presents less of an obstruction when moving the tank. Internal relief valves are generally placed near the end of the propane tank on above ground containers.
Found primarily on older tanks, external relief valves operate in the same manner as an internal relief valve with the spring mechanism being outside the propane tank itself. Relief valves on multvalves are always fitted with external safety relief valves. Older tanks with an external relief valve installed on the container are generally replaced with internal pressure relief valves, provided they are connected to a dedicated tank opening specifically designed for the placement of the relief valve.
Because the safety relief valve performs such a vital role in the protection of the propane tank, it should be maintained and repaired by licensed propane professionals only. Do not ever look into a relief valve or stand over it.
A protective cover should be placed over the relief valve to ensure proper operation. If the valve has debris in the upper mechanism of the relief valve and it opens, the debris may cause the valve to remain open resulting in a potentially dangerous situation and/or excessive loss of propane. A simple protective relief valve cover can be made from a plastic bag fastened around the external portion of the valve with a rubber band.
If a you encounter a relief valve that seems to be "hissing" (opened to relieve pressure) do not tap it or mess with it. If the tank has been recently filled in hot weather and the face gauge reads over 80 or 85%, spray some water from a hose on the tank. This may cool it down and reduce the expansion of the liquid in the tank. Call your propane company immediately and inform them of the situation.
Pictured here is a relief valve that was apparently leaking. Instead of calling the propane company to replace the valve, the customer decided to fix the problem himself. Using a soldering iron, he soldered the leak until it stopped leaking. In the process of "repairing" the leak, the customer completely sealed the relief valve in a closed position placing himself and his family in a very dangerous situation.
In this type of situation, a relief valve that is sealed shut will not allow the tank to vent excess pressure if it is overfilled or the pressure inside the tank exceeds the working pressure of the container. In a case where the tank is unable to vent to the outside, the tank is subject to rupturing causing more harm and damage than money saved by trying to fix it yourself. Let the propane company or LPG professional handle any problems with thesafety relief valve.
Check that the hose attachment is properly connected to the propane tank, and double-check that the screw-on valve is tightened. Some propane tanks have safety features that won’t allow gas to escape from the canister unless the hose connection is tightly secured with the gas release mechanism.
Take a look at your connector. If it’s less than an inch long, it won’t be long enough to depress the check valve inside the valve. In this case, you’ll need a new connector that’s over an inch long.
If your valve is turned all the way on, the tank may not release propane. This is a safety feature. Start over, turning the valve only once, then igniting the grill.
If none of these actions work, it’s possible that you have a faulty regulator, which stops the flow of propane. In this case, it’s best to get a new hose with a regulator, and try again.
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My understanding is the safety is in the regulator, if there is to large of a flow of gas it trips and restricts it. That is why you need to turn the tank on with the burners off. If you can"t get the appliance to work shut the tank off while the burners are on then turn them off and the regulator should reset.
I thought that is why they went to the outside threads, because the old tanks with the internal threads you could turn on and gas would flow. I was always taught to open it and close it fast to make sure any dirt got blown out. when they went to the external thread the tank won"t flow unless it is hooked up. I never investigated what is in there that the new hook up triggers to allow the gas to flow.
Every once in a while I get frustrated-frantic with a tank. I shut it off, get a full one and put it on my big Weber grill. Open it slowly, always works. Then like a dummy I take the partial in for a fill but only when I have one or two more empties. I like to make it worth the trip.
Just got my winter supply at the house. It cost $.99 per gallon so the price they charge to fill a 20 lb tank (about 4.5 gallons) costs .89 a pound. A well to do guy in my home town was filling his own 20 lb tanks off of the 500 gallon house tank with some creative plumbing he had assembled. Had a slight accident and though he did not get burned, he did burn up his garage and half of a very nice house.
It’s summertime, folks, and that means it’s the grilling season. Sure, we all love grilling year round but there’s nothing quite like a summer barbecue. Before you fire up that grill I allow me to engage you in a quick discussion about our ‘propane bottles.’
Grilling cylinders are technically known as 20 lb. DOT cylinders because they are built to DOT specifications. DOT specifications include rules that deal with metal thickness, pressure capabilities, and longevity of the tank. These cylinders can only legally contain 20 lbs. of propane. Propane weighs 4.24 lbs. per gallon. That means there is approximately 4.7 gallons of propane in your grilling cylinder when it’s full.
Grilling cylinders can be refilled or exchanged at a cylinder exchange cage. Refilling stations must refill the cylinder by weight. That’s why when you get your grilling cylinder refilled, the attendant will place it on a set of scales before they start the pump. Sometimes the attendant even uses a screwdriver and opens a small hole in the valve. You’ll hear a hissing noise as the bottle fills. When the grilling cylinder reaches 80% capacity, a white mist will shoot out of the small hole indicating that the cylinder is full. ‘Full’ in the propane industry, when regarding tanks and cylinders, is actually 80% of the water capacity of the tank or cylinder being filled. Propane is very susceptible to temperature changes and will expand or contract greatly with changes in the outside temperatures. To compensate for this possible dangerous expansion, we never completely fill up a tank or cylinder. We always stop at the 80% level.
Grilling cylinders are equipped with all kinds of safety features. One such feature is the OPD valve. The OPD valve ensures that your grilling cylinder isn’t over filled. All cylinders that hold less than 100 lbs. of propane are required by law to have this type of valve installed. OPD stands for Overfill Protection Device and that is exactly what it is designed to do. As the cylinder is being filled and the liquid level rises, it also raises a small float attached to the bottom of the valve. As this float rises to approximately 809% of the volume of the tank, the valve will shut and stop propane from being allowed into the cylinder. Despite the OPD being required by law to be on your grilling cylinder, the law also says it must still be filled by weight. The OPD is a safety backup.
Your grilling cylinder is rated to be used for a period of 12 years from the date of manufacture. On the cylinder collar you will ding the date of manufacture in a month-year format, stamped into the metal. Each time that your cylinder is filled it must be visually inspected and looking at the date of manufacture is usually one of the first items that the refilling agent will look for. A cylinder may be re-qualified by doing a visual inspection by a properly trained agent and will require a new date followed by the letter E stamped into the collar. This will allow the cylinder to be filled for another 5 years. Some companies do this re-qualification for their customers but most do not.
Many customers find that the cylinder exchange cages are the way that they prefer to get a full cylinder of propane for their grill. The customer brings an empty cylinder to the cage location, leaves the empty, and gets a full cylinder. The price for exchange is generally higher than having your cylinder refilled yourself but the exchange cage locations are generally open when a cylinder filing station may be closed. When using the exchange cages, the customer is assured that the cylinder has benen inspected and filled by a professional. Another drawback of the exchange process is that some companies will, by policy, not put a full 20 lbs. of propane in the exchange cylinder. Be sure to check the cage before purchasing to ensure that you are getting a full 20 lb. cylinder.
Another safety measure installed in grilling cylinders is an excess flow valve. The excess flow will engage and stop the full flow of propane through the valve if it sense that the gas line may have been broken or installed incorrectly. Over the years, I have seen customers open the valve swiftly, allowing gas to fill unpressurized gas hose so quickly that the excess flow ‘thinks’ that there is a problem and will shut the gas. It will release a small amount of gas to pressurize the hose on the downstream side of the valve in order to reset itself. For an unknowing customer, this small amount of gas being released is just enough to light a very small flame in their grill. This usually lends to the assumption that there’s something wrong with the grill. If this happens to you, simply turn off the burners on the grill and turn the cylinders valve to the off position and the excess flow will reset itself. You may even hear a small click when the reset occurs. After being reset, open the valve slowly (very slowly). Once the hose is pressurized, full gas flow will occur.
One last thing to be aware of when handling your grilling cylinder is a hissing sound coming from the back side of the valve. This is the pressure relief valve. It is designed to relive excess pressure that may build up inside of the cylinder. If you discover the valve is hissing or leaking, move the cylinder away from people and buildings in a cool place and away from any source of ignition. Call the person that filled the cylinder and follow their directions.
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Exposure to high concentrations of propane, even for a brief moment, can cause dizziness or even suffocation. In today’s post, we’ll cover how to safely change the propane tank on an LP forklift, including PPE (personal protective equipment) requirements.
- Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including: wrap-around safety glasses, steel-toed shoes and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin from frostbite if propane escapes through the stop valve. Always wear thick gloves made of leather or neoprene, especially when making or breaking connections.
Close the valve on the cylinder tightly, then run the forklift’s engine until it stops. Shut off the engine, then check the line and fitting for remaining fuel. Even after the engine cuts out, there could still be remaining fuel that could spray on your hands or face when you disconnect the coupler.
Open the connecting nut and inspect valves for leaks - do NOT use metal tools. Disconnect the hose and holding straps, then remove the empty cylinder gently.
Inspect the tank for frost build-up, dents, gouges, heavy amounts of rust, and o-ring condition. A leaking tank can cause an explosion. Also, check the forklift hose and fitting for any visible damage.
Put the tank on the locating pin. Connect the holding straps and make sure the locking pin engages into the cylinder. Ensure the tank is positioned so liquid propane will not come in contact with the relief valve. Confirm the new tank valve is off. If the hose coupler is screwed onto an open tank valve, a spray of liquid propane can result.
Open the valve slowly and check that the hose is turned inward. Do not over tighten the valve; if there is a leak,or other hazard, you may need to close it quickly.
Check for leaks using soap or a leak detector. Smell – listen – look. If you smell a bad odor, hear a rushing sound or see white frost, close the valve immediately and ventilate the area to prevent combustion. If no leaks are detected, double check that the cylinder is secured to the truck and resume normal operation.
LP forklift tanks should only be changed by authorized, properly trained personnel. Only qualified service professionals should conduct maintenance and repairs of carburetors and fuel supply systems.
For questions about LP forklifts, maintenance or repair, contact us online. We also offer forklift certification and training at any of our locations, or we can come to you.
It is important to become familiar with the parts of your propane system so that you can take quick and appropriate action in case of a leak or other emergency. The illustration at left shows a typical home propane system.
Propane is delivered to your home as a very cold liquid and is pumped into a specially designed storage tank (A). The liquid changes to gas before it leaves the tank. Propane tanks are typically painted white or silver to reflect heat and prevent the pressure inside the tank from getting too high.
The safety relief valve (E), which will pop open automatically if the pressure inside the tank gets too high. The valve will close again when the pressure returns to normal.
WARNING – Never lock the tank cover. A lock will prevent you or emergency personnel from accessing the tank shut-off value during an emergency. The tank cover is designed to provide physical protection to the components on the tank, not to prevent access.
An appliance connector (J) is the final segment in the gas piping system. This specially designed flexible tube—typically 2 or 3 feet long—carries gas from a pipe to the back of an appliance (K).
The vaporized propane"s pressure is adjusted to between 3.5 and 5 PSI (in the case of Toyota’s). This is necessary since the fuel injector requires a precise pressure for combustion to take place
For that reason, we"ll stick to Toyota propane forklift troubleshooting in this article,focusing on the Toyota 8-Series fork trucks with 4Y engines built prior to 2020.
When a liquid propane tank is properly installed on a forklift, the fuel intake tube (in red) is pointed downward, allowing it to suck up the liquid fuel.
Additionally, cold temperatures can cause the regulator itself to freeze, which further prevents the fuel from flowing and ultimately the forklift from starting.
An example of an improperly-connected propane fuel coupler. The large space between the red tank-side coupler and the golden forklift-side coupler indicates that the quad ring has popped out of place
Those contaminants can be rust from inside of steel tanks, powder from the aluminum tank manufacturing process, paint chips, or any number of other particles.
Now that you’re aware of some of the issues with propane fuel itself, it’ll be easier to understand the role and importance of the fuel filter in a propane fuel system.
The fuel filter is a simple tube made of brass, copper, stone, or composite material that attracts contaminants from the liquid fuel that passes through it.
If you suspect that your fuel filter needs to be replaced, it’s best to call a qualified forklift technician. Because a forklift’s fuel line may contain pressurized liquid propane, changing the fuel filter can result in a release of that fuel. And if that happens, serious injury can result.
As we noted in the How Does a Propane Forklift Fuel System Work? section, the fuel solenoid acts as a “gatekeeper,” preventing or allowing fuel to flow from the fuel line into the regulator and beyond.
Fuel solenoid troubleshooting can get very complicated very quickly. So in these cases, it’s best to contact a qualified forklift technician to troubleshoot the root cause(s).
If you’re experiencing a no-start situation with your forklift, and you’ve traced it to the regulator, you should first check the various hoses and tubes going to and from the regulator.
REMINDER: Regulator maintenance should only be performed by a qualified forklift technician. Propane is extremely cold and can quickly cause serious injury if proper precautions aren’t taken.
Are all hoses to and from the regulator connected, snug, and free of any damage? (Only check when the forklift is off and the engine is cool. And make sure to follow all safety warnings and decals!)
The reason is that the regulator depends on the coolant from the radiator to prevent it from freezing as super-cooled liquid propane flows through it.
Water entering the PRV is constricted and pushed into the valve’s inner chamber. The chamber is controlled by a spring-loaded diaphragm and disk. When water pressure fluctuates, the PRV helps maintain a constant flow and safe water pressure.
When a PRV fails due to age or malfunction, it can lead to explosions. Regular PRV testing every 6 months to troubleshoot and fix issues is recommended, but check your local requirements for stricter standards.
Replacing a PRV is much less expensive than the time and parts it takes for a repair. However, depending on the size and number PRVs that need replacing, preventative maintenance and repair may actually cost you less in the long run.
The amount the PRV is used also contributes to how much wear and tear it undergoes. The rule of thumb is to replace a PRV after each discharge. However, high-use PRVs may require more frequent replacements than that.
If water comes out in a trickle instead of a rush, this is a sign there could be debris blockage. In this case, clean out the pipes and re-test. If the water pressure is still low, it’s time to replace your PRV.
PRV valve leaking usually means there’s a hole in your valve. If you see pressure relief valve leaking, flooding, or if you hear strange noises coming from your PRV, it’s time for a replacement.
CPV Manufacturing has the best PRVs on the market to fit your individual or company needs. Check out our PRVs or head over to our news blog for more information about machined valves and fittings.
When a propane heater won’t stay lit, often what is happening is that the propane heater may sense that the flame is defective in some way, triggering the propane heater’s safety functions and causing it to shut off. The problem may be a genuine defect or it could be an issue with the sensor.
To see if that’s the case, check to make sure that the sensor device is ⅔ of the way covered by the flame, or try wiping the device with sandpaper. This may remedy the problem that your propane heater is having.
Most propane heater problems can be traced to a malfunctioning pilot. If your propane heater has a standing pilot, you should be able to see it through a small window or opening near the control knob. The pilot should be around an inch high and mostly colored blue.
If it’s flickering, split, small, orange or yellow-colored, then the pilot tube needs to be cleaned. You can clean it out by turning off the gas first then gently poking a needle into the top of the pilot tube.
The thermocouple can also be the source of the issue. The thermocouple is the heat-sensitive safety device that prevents the release of unburned gas. The initial flame of the pilot heats the thermocouple, which will signal the valve to stay open and keep the pilot lit and the propane heater functioning.
If the thermocouple is too far from the flame, this can cause the pilot to go out and shut down the propane heater; you can fix this easily by moving the thermocouple closer to the flame.
The thermocouple could also be worn out, in which case it needs to be replaced. Get a new one, unclip the bulb, unscrew the wire from the gas valve, remove the old one, and place the new one in the same spot. Always turn off the gas as a precaution.
An electronic spark mechanism issues could be the cause. You should be able to see a spark in the burner chamber when the blower switches on. If you don’t, get an electrical diagram of the unit, which usually comes with the owner’s manual, and you can find out where the underlying cause is.
If your propane heater sparks but will not light, the gas cylinder that supplies it may be empty or the gas may even be shut off. Check to be sure, and if there is still a problem carefully clean the gas valve using a needle.
To readily recognize a leak, know what propane smells like. Propane suppliers have pamphlets available with a scratch-and-sniff spot so that your entire family can recognize the smell. Propane leak detectors, similar to carbon monoxide detectors, are available online or at your local plumbing supply or hardware stores. View the annual Duty To Know – Propane brochure.
IMPORTANT: If you smell a leak, immediately evacuate everyone from the building and call your local propane supplier or the fire department from your neighbor’s phone. DO NOT remain in the building, use the telephone or light switches or try to determine the source of the leak by yourself.
All furnaces can collect lint and dirt and should be cleaned regularly. Contact your local propane supplier for information on proper cleaning and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Have your unit serviced if the burner flame is not blue. The blue flame indicates complete combustion. A yellow flame mean air inlets are clogged or burners need adjustments. Contact your propane supplier’s service department immediately. Do not cover the oven bottom with foil – it can restrict air circulation.
Water can damage the internal safety mechanism in the gas controls of an appliance. If you suspect that your appliance gas controls may have gotten wet (because of flooding, for example), have a trained technician replace them immediately.
By taking some simple propane-related safety precautions and discussing them with your family, you can reduce the potential for property loss, personal injury and even death.
Cut grass / weeds around the tank exposing bare ground; use weed / grass killer after cutting vegetation and spread base material or gravel around to prevent growth.
Below are examples of propane incidents occurring during extreme weather situations and natural disasters, showing how important it is to be educated and aware of propane-related safety precautions:
Keep tanks secure to avoid them being thrown around in high wind. This is a damaged propane tank during Hurricane Sandy.Hurricane IreneIn the event of flooding, turn off the tank’s valves before leaving the home. This is a propane tank floating down river during Hurricane Irene.
Read and follow all the grill manufacturer’s instructions before turning on and lighting the grill. Keep the top open when lighting a propane grill, and don’t close it until you are sure grill is lit.
Start with a hot grill. When you place meat on the grill, it should sizzle. Searing meat locks in the juices and flavor and helps keep meat from sticking to the grill. Turn the grill on as high as possible, then place the meat on the grate, close the lid, and sear one side for 3 to 4 minutes. Then, reduce heat to medium for the remainder of the cooking time.
Most grilling is done with direct heat, or cooking items quickly at high temperatures. Place burgers, steaks, or your favorite tender beef cut directly over the grill burners. Use indirect heat when cooking less tender cuts of beef, such as brisket. The indirect low-and-slow method cooks meat at a lower temperature for a longer time. Simply turn off one set of burners and place beef on that side; radiant heat from the hot side will cook items slowly.
Turn off the burner control and close the cylinder valve. When a grill is not in use for extended periods of time, cover disconnected hose-end fittings with plastic bags or protective caps to keep them clean.
Properly transport and store gas cylinders.When refilling or replacing a propane cylinder, transport in a secure, upright (vertical) position in a well-ventilated area in your vehicle, and take it home immediately. Always use or store cylinders in a secure and upright position outdoors (not in a garage or shed).
Do cover disconnected hose-end fittings with plastic bags or protective caps to keep a grill clean when it is not in use. Don’t pour an accelerant such as lighter fluid or gasoline on the grill.
Do: If you smell gas, safely turn off the cylinder valve, turning it to the right (clockwise). Immediately leave the area and dial 911 or call your local fire department. Before using the grill again, have a qualified service technician inspect your cylinder. Don’t use, store or transport propane cylinders near high temperatures (this includes storing spare cylinders near the grill).
Some people may have difficulty smelling propane due to their age (older people may have a less sensitive sense of smell); a medical condition; or the effects of medication, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Consider purchasing a propane gas detector as an additional measure of security. Odor fade is an unintentional reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane, making it more difficult to smell. Although rare, this can be caused by the presence of air, water, or rust in the cylinder. New and reconditioned small cylinders that sit too long before being filled are prone to internal rust when moisture and air get inside.
NEVER store or place a propane cylinder in an area of excessive heat (120 degrees or higher) or near a stove, fireplace, or other heat source. The heat builds up pressure inside the cylinder, which may cause the pressure relief valve to release propane. Flash fires or explosions can result from exposing cylinders to heat.
The law places limits on the number of cylinders and the amount of propane that can be transported in closed-bodied vehicles such as passenger cars and vans. Ask your propane retailer for more information on state and local codes that apply to you.
DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO MODIFY OR REPAIR VALVES, REGULATORS, OR OTHER CYLINDER OR APPLIANCE PARTS. Propane cylinders incorporate special components such as valves, connectors, and other parts to keep them safe for use with grills and other propane appliances. Damage to any component can cause a gas leak.
It is important to inspect your cylinder and outdoor gas appliances for leaks. Do this before using them for the first time each season, as well as on a regular basis. This can be accomplished with a simple “bubble-test”.
Apply leak detector solution or thick soapy water to the connection(s) between the cylinder valve and the regulator outlet. These connections are marked with an “x” on the diagram below.
If bubbles appear, close the cylinder valve, tighten the connection, and repeat the process. If bubbles still appear, call your propane retailer immediately.
MAKE SURE YOUR CYLINDER IS EQUIPPED WITH AN OVERFILL PREVENTION DEVICE (OPD). An OPD is a safety feature that helps prevent small propane cylinders from being overfilled. An overfilled cylinder doesn’t have enough space left if the liquid expands when exposed to warmer temperatures. This can cause an increase in cylinder pressure and create potentially hazardous conditions. Most cylinders with OPDs have special triangular handwheels with the letters “OPD” on them. In many states, cylinders without OPDs cannot be refilled. If you are uncertain as to whether your cylinder has an OPD valve on it, ask your propane retailer.
NEVER use a damaged cylinder or a cylinder that has been in a fire. All cylinders must be inspected before they are refilled. The law requires periodic inspection of cylinders, and it is against the law to refill out-of-date cylinders. The last inspection date is stamped on the cylinder.
NEVER dispose of your propane cylinder by throwing it in the trash. Check to see if there are municipal programs for collection in your area, or contact your propane retailer for guidance on disposal of the cylinder.