do propane tanks have a safety valve quotation

One feature you need to learn more about is the tank’s safety relief valve. All propane tanks, including the cylinders you use for your grill, are required by law to have pressure relief devices that allow for the release of excess pressure inside the tank.

The safety relief valve is designed to protect your propane tank from rupturing in case excess pressure builds up in the tank. It is also called a pop-off valve, pressure-venting valve, or a relief valve.

The safety relief valve is kept closed by a very strong spring as long as the pressure inside the tank is at a safe level. If the pressure in the tank reaches the same amount of pressure of the spring, the safety relief valve is opened. If that happens, you’ll hear a hissing sound coming from the tank as pressure is dissipated. In instances where the pressure in the tank is much higher than that of the spring, the valve will fully open. You’ll hear a pop if that occurs.

Once the pressure is down below the pressure of the spring, the valve closes on its own. If the valve pops open, it may need to be replaced. DO NOT attempt to repair or replace this on your own. This job requires a professional. Contact us to help.

That’s why, when we deliver your propane, we fill your tank to 80% full. You may have noticed that and wondered if it was a mistake. It’s intentional. That remaining 20% of space in your tank remains empty so the propane has space to safely expand in warm or hot conditions.

For safe, expert propane tank installation, Boehlke Bottled Gas can’t be beat! Contact us today for your new propane tank. And don’t forget to ask about our reliable propane delivery!

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.

But how much do you know about your home’s propane system, specifically, your propane tank? You should learn about your propane tank, as well as propane safety.

All propane tanks, including the cylinders you use for your BBQ grill or firepit, are required by law to have pressure relief devices that allow for the release of excess pressure inside the tank.

A strong spring keeps the safety relief valve closed as long as the pressure inside the tank is at a safe level. If the pressure in the tank reaches the same amount of pressure of the spring, the safety relief valve is opened. If that happens, you’ll hear a hissing sound coming from the tank as pressure is dissipated. In instances where the pressure in the tank is much higher than that of the spring, the valve will fully open. You’ll hear a pop if that occurs.

Once the pressure is down below the pressure of the spring, the valve closes on its own. If the valve pops open, it may be replaced. However, this is a job for a professional. DO NOT try to fix or replace it on your own. Contact us for assistance.

There needs to be room inside your propane tank to accommodate such a large amount of expansion. That is the reason your propane tank is filled to 80% of its capacity and not to 100%. For example, a 500-gallon propane tank is filled to 400 gallons. The 20% of the tank that is empty space allows the propane to safely expand.

Expansion is why propane tanks are painted white or beige. Light colors reflect heat away from your tank, minimizing how much the propane in there will expand. Dark colors, on the other hand, retain heat. That much retained heat can cause the propane inside your tank to expand to dangerous levels.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- People trying to refill their propane tanks for summer grilling may encounter an extra expense as they find they must buy a new safety valve.

As of April 1, all four- to 40-pound propane tanks must be equipped with an Overfill Protection Device. This is a new valve that replaces the one on existing tanks. The new valves are marked with "OPD" to designate their compliance with the state law and have three-lobed valve handles, rather than the five-lobe type found on older propane tanks.

"The device will not allow the tank to be filled more than 80 percent full, leaving some room for the gas to expand," said Herb Willcutt, safety specialist with Mississippi State University"s Extension Service.

A typical grill"s 20-pound cylinder holds five gallons of propane. The propane is filled in the bottle as a liquid, and the new valves have a float that rises as the bottle is filled to lock off the opening once the tank has reached 80 percent full.

Willcutt said when a propane tank gets hot, the pressure rises dramatically. Both old and new valves have a relief valve that allows gas to escape if too much pressure builds up. At a temperature of 70 degrees, an 80 percent-full propane tank has a vapor pressure of 124 pounds per square inch.

"This is a safe, workable pressure," Willcutt said. "Overfilling contributes to much higher pressure, especially when the tank warms. When pressure rises beyond about 325 psi, the tanks are designed to release gas into the atmosphere. In an enclosed area, this creates an explosion and fire potential."

If a propane tank overheats as it is venting, Willcutt said to get it out of enclosed areas and away from sources of fire, lay it on its side and cool it with a water hose. Even if the tank is burning from the relief valve, cooling with a water hose can reduce the risk of fire to surrounding structures and allow the relief valve to shut itself off when the tank reaches a safe internal pressure.

"Laying a non-burning tank on its side allows the liquid to escape faster and relieves pressure more quickly. The water hose cooling it will reduce the pressure enough that it will quit relieving itself," Willcutt said.

Owners of propane tanks with the old valve can replace these at most locations that refill tanks. Either exchange the tank for a new one with the correct valve or place the new valve on a structurally sound existing tank.

"If you"re replacing the tank and don"t want the old one, the best option is to leave it with the dealer and let them make sure it is properly disposed of," Willcutt said.

State law does not allow propane tanks to be transported in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. This means they can"t be carried in sport utility vehicles, hatchbacks or similar passenger vehicles. Transport them upright in the trunk of a car or bed of a truck and secured so they can"t roll around.

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.

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.

One thing you should pay attention to is the propane tank’s safety relief valve. All propane tanks, including the cylinders you use for your BBQ grill, are required by law to have pressure relief devices to allow for the release of excess pressure in the tank.

A spring keeps the safety relief valve closed as long as the pressure inside the tank is at a safe level. If the pressure in the tank reaches the same amount of pressure of the spring, the safety relief valve is opened. If that happens, you’ll hear a hissing sound coming from the tank. In instances where the pressure in the tank is much higher than that of the spring, the valve will fully open. You’ll hear pop if that occurs.

Your propane tank needs to have room for the propane inside it to expand. That is why your propane tank is filled to 80% of its capacity. The 20% of the tank that is empty space allows the propane to safely expand.

That expansion is why propane tanks are white or beige. Light colors reflect heat to minimize expansion. Dark colors retain heat and can cause the propane inside your tank to expand to dangerous levels. So, even if your propane tank doesn’t go with the color of your siding, leave it alone.

Houses or buildings utilizing gas energy require a gas piping system to power heaters, ovens, and other heating appliances. One of the most important elements of a gas piping system is the propane service valve, which controls propane gas flow in and out of a building. While there may be many other valves within gas plumbing, this valve functions as an on/off switch and serves as the main point of control for cutting off or allowing for the flow of gas into a piping system.

Propane valves are simply used to turn gas on or off. Similar to that of a water faucet, propane valves consist of a handwheel that controls propane gas flow when turned. When the wheel is turned, a stem and seat mechanism located within the valve opens or closes to prevent or allow gas flow from the tank.

Using propane gas requires an LP gas regulator, which decreases the amount of pressure released into the gas line, keeping it at an acceptable and safe level while still meeting the needs of the application.

There are multiple different valves in any propane system, each of which has a particular job. At IPS Equipment, we provide some of the most common types of valves for propane systems, including:

A pressure or safety relief valve is a safety mechanism that every propane system needs. It allows excess pressure in the tank to be slowly and safely released. Without this valve, pressure can build up and cause the tank to crack or rupture.

The relief valve has a pressurized spring. If the pressure levels within the tank grow too high, the spring forces the valve open just enough to return the pressure levels to acceptable levels. Once the pressure decreases, the spring relaxes, and the valve automatically closes.

This valve is where gas delivery personnel add new gas to a propane tank. Propane delivery trucks have hoses that can be attached to the filler valve so propane can be pumped into the tank. This valve is also pressure-activated, and it opens automatically in response to the pressure in the hose.

Filler valves have gaskets that operators can push the hose end against to avoid propane leaks. They also only allow for unidirectional fluid movement, meaning that once the tank is full, there is no risk of propane escaping when the hose is withdrawn.

This shut-off valve prevents gas from entering the building and any attached appliances. You can use this central point of control like an on/off switch to completely halt the path of gas in the system.

This valve is also called a vapor return valve or vapor eliminator valve. It ensures that propane is delivered at the proper pressure levels from the propane delivery truck to a personal tank and returns any excess propane back to the delivery truck. This is similar to a safety valve, except the vapor equalizing valve ensures the propane is delivered at proper pressures for optimum use, not safety. This is especially crucial during hot weather or in warm environments, as that can increase the pressure.

This specialized valve is meant for use by propane companies only. It allows operators with the proper tools to drain liquid propane from the tank. Propane tanks must be drained to <5% capacity levels before they can legally be moved.

IPS Equipment specializes in supplying propane marketers with reliable valves, fittings, regulators, and more for propane systems. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive products or services, or browse through our catalog to start your order.

If you cook using a gas grill fueled by propane, you may have noticed a change in how the valve on the propane tank looks. Also, if you bought a gas grill in the last couple of years, the tank that came with the grill and the connection on the grill probably look different from what you are accustomed to seeing.

A safety note for you: Propane tanks of any design must be transported and stored in an upright position so the pressure relief device will function properly. Laying the tank on its side in the trunk of your car is a potentially very dangerous situation.

What happens if you have an older grill and have to replace the tank and get one with the Acme valve? Use it. They are compatible, as the left-hand-thread fitting on your older grill will screw into the internal threads on the Acme valve.

Also, there is another type of valve not widely available yet. This one is a quick disconnect, somewhat like a fitting that attaches an air hose to a pneumatic tool. This fitting will be covered later in this article.

All new cylinders from 4 pounds up to 40 pounds propane capacity must have the OPD valve. All cylinders from 4 pounds up to 40 pounds will have to have an OPD valve by April 1, 2002, or it will be illegal to fill them. It will not be illegal to use or transport them, only to fill them.

Now that you know how to make the connection between the grill and the tank, you need to know what the difference is in getting your tank refilled. If you take it to a place that fills your tank, you will notice no difference in filling the tank. The same piece of equipment that fills tanks with the POL valve will also fill through the Acme valves or OPD valves because of those internal threads. But there is a difference you need to recognize after you get your tank filled. As you get ready to travel with your newly-filled tank, instead of screwing a plug into the internal threads, you may press the optional dust cap over the external threads. The Acme valves and OPD valves have some built-in safeguards that prevent the escape of gas when the tank is not attached to the grill, even if the valve is open. This is the reason for the valve body being slightly larger. However, if you screw a plug into the valve, you defeat these safeguards. So be sure to leave the plug out of the Acme valves and OPD valves!

There are some other safeguards in the valve and connector combination that stop the gas flow if the tank is involved in a fire, even if the tank is still attached to the grill and even if the valve is wide open. Another safeguard limits the flow of gas from the tank should the hose break or leak.

The safety devices require you to open the valve on the tank before you open the burner valve. Otherwise, all you will get is enough gas to run a pilot light. If your grill will not light, try this:

You need to be attentive if you go to a cylinder exchange cabinet to turn in your empty tank for a filled one. If you have the old-style connector on your grill, you can use both of the widely-available screw-on valves. However, if you have a new grill with the connector that needs the new external threads, be sure to get a tank with the new Acme valve. Some of the exchange cabinets offer many tank styles. Get the one you need. Remember, the Acme valve will work on both styles of grill connectors discussed so far.

You may still see some non-OPD-equipped cylinders after April 1, 2002. This is legal. As mentioned earlier, you may use and transport non-OPD cylinders after this date. But you cannot have them filled.

As mentioned earlier, there is also a quick-disconnect valve and fitting combination available. (Some Weber gas grills use this fitting.) To make the connection with this combination, you simply pull back slightly on the collar ring on the valve and press the fitting firmly into the hole in the valve until it "clicks" into place. It will remain in place until you slide back the collar on the end of the valve. This valve and connector combination also has the safeguards mentioned earlier for the Acme valve. Your refueling choices are more restricted with this combination. These are rarely stocked in exchange cabinets. When you bought the tank with the quick-disconnect valve, you probably received a special fitting to be used to fill the tank. The fitting has the internal POL threads that allows the refiller to attach his equipment to your tank. Your refiller may or may not have this fitting. Be sure you have the fitting with you when you go to the refiller and when you leave with your full tank.

Propane tanks make grilling easy and convenient. In most cases, grilling is a pleasant way to spend a summer evening or weekend outdoors with family and friends. There have been few problems with propane tanks in these situations, but the potential for problems exists, as it does with any source of energy. To reduce the possibility of these problems, follow these steps:

If the tank becomes corroded or looses its collar ring (the carrying handle) or its foot ring (the support ring on the bottom), replace the tank immediately.

If you have questions about propane containers or propane use, contact your propane dealer or Richard Fredenburg, LP-Gas Engineer with the Standards Division, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Our address is 1050 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1050. Our telephone number is (919) 733-3313.

Gauges, regulators, valves … welcome to your propane tank! If you’ve only used propane to power a gas grill in the past, the larger tanks may be intimidating. It can seem like a whole new world at first, especially if you’re used to powering your home using other fuel sources like natural gas, whose components may not be as visible. And while your propane supplier often handles a lot of the periodic propane tank maintenance and refilling, it’s a great idea to know the basics — especially if you own your own tank. No worries — we’ll make it easy for you. So you can feel confident and secure managing the day-to-day operations of living with propane.

Here’s a quick glossary ofpropane tank parts along with their functions — plus a few tips for making sure your propane tank stays in good working order.

PropaneFill Valve: When your propane is delivered, this is the valve that the technician attaches to the fuel hose. The hose from the truck connects to this valve. The hose end coupling screws into the valve with a gasket to create a reliable seal that prevents gas from escaping.

Service (Shut Off) Valve: Essentially the master switch to the propane supply, the service valve is the point at which propane gas enters the piping system to supply all the appliances that connect to it.

Float Gauge Assembly:The float gauge shows the volume of propane in the tank. Sometimes called a dial gauge, the float gauge is made of several parts: a mechanical float that lives inside the tank (much like the float you’d see if you lift the lid off your toilet’s water tank) connected to a reader on the outside of the tank that displays the liquid level (this may be a numeric gauge or a visual one color coding for safe, under-, and over-fill levels). It doesn’t show the exact amount of liquid in the tank, but it is reliable for everyday monitoring of your tank’s propane level.

To check the approximate propane level in your tank, look at the float gauge. It will be a round (or roundish) device on the tank (see image above) with a needle over a range of numbers or graphic indicators. The numbers will range from 5 to 95—indicating a percentage of volume, not the number of gallons remaining. If you see a level below 30, it means that your tank is getting low and needs to be refilled.

If you’re an AmeriGas customer, you may also have a remote tank monitor that automatically transmits the tank’s percentage to us every day. You can check your tank’s current status—without looking at your tank—by logging into your AmeriGas account.Learn more about our online services.

Relief Valve: This is the safety relief mechanism designed to vent propane in the event that pressure builds — for example, if the heat rises very suddenly to an extreme temperature (as might happen in a forest fire or other emergency situation). A spring inside the valve is designed to release if the pressure inside the tank builds to a certain level, at which point the valve will open slightly and start to hiss. If pressure rises excessively, the valve will open completely. The relief valve allows pressure to be released quickly and safely. All propane tanks are required by law to have a relief valve. You may also hear it called a pop-off valve or a pressure-venting valve.

FixedLiquid Level Gauge: Also known simply as a fixed liquid level gauge or the bleeder valve, this is the only tank component that gives a precise measure of how much liquid propane is in the tank. It’s used only by certified propane service providers when filling the tank — and even then, it’s used only to monitor, not to refill (propane goes into the tank through the fill valve).

Vapor Return Valve: Also known as the vapor equalizing connection or vapor equalization valve, this feature is required on all ASME propane tanks. They are usually deployed in the event that the liquid in the container becomes very overheated and must be evacuated from the container.

Liquid Withdrawal Valve: Used by technicians to withdraw liquid propane from the tank so it can be moved or disposed of. Note: Never attempt to remove liquid propane from a tank on your own. This should only be done by a professional using specialized equipment.

PropaneRegulator:Though they come in many shapes and sizes, the function of all propane regulators is the same — they maintain a safe and effective level of pressure on propane within the tank. This helps keep the flow steady and usable. These components make a persistent humming noise when operating — don’t worry, it’s normal.

You’re aware of what your tank should look like when it’s “all systems go” — as well as some important warning signs that will tell you it’s time to contact a professional. Armed with these basic terms and tips, you’re set up for propane success.

Safety Note: We do not recommend attempting any propane system adjustments, repairs, or maintenance on your own. Only certified propane professionals are equipped with the gear and knowledge to properly assess and address propane systems safely.Please contact us for more information and service.

If you have a-gallon or larger tank, the magic number — or rather, distance — is 10 feet. When planning your installation, make sure you lay out the space so that the tank will be at least 10 feet from the house; 10 feet from the property line; 10 feet from exhaust vents and windows; and 10 feet from any ignition source, like window air-conditioning units, compressors, or openflames.

If we go down a size from 250, we’re talking about 125-gallon tanks. According to regulations set forth by theNational Fire Protection Association (NFPA), liquid propane gas cylinders whose capacity is less than 125 gallons may be stored and used alongside a building — provided they meet these criteria:

There’s no strict requirement about this (other than the 10-feet rule), but many people like to get as close as they can to whatever appliances the tank will be connected to. This is mainly to keep the cost of materials down.

to schedule the service and get a quote. We can have your tank and connections reinstalled and get you safely up and running again, typically in a few hours.

If you’ve added appliances to your home, or if a technician thinks the BTU load of your current system is not sufficient for the amount of propane needed to power your home, then we may suggest an upgrade to a larger propane tank.

After we’ve determined the right size tank for your new needs, the old tank would be removed and the new one installed. This may be a relatively simple process; or we may need to find a new location for the tank in order to comply with safety regulations.

This works in the reverse as well: If you’re going down to a 125-gallon or smaller propane tank, you may want to move the tank so it’s closer to your house and appliances. There may be other fees in addition to tank and installation costs. Pleasefor more information.

AmeriGas takes care of everything up to the home itself. So if you don’t already have a propane gas line in place, we will install one for you. You’ll need to have a contractor handle the appliance installation and propane gas lines within the home.

Depending on your specific needs, reach out to an HVAC specialist, plumber, or other home contractor. Make sure they have experience working with propane gas lines; they can do the work and answer any questions about installing appliances.

For underground propane lines,copper tubing or plastic polyethylene piping are most commonly chosen for their durability and weather resistance. AmeriGas uses copper in its propane gas line installations.

The valve should be turned all the way counterclockwise (to the left) at all times. This means the propane gas supply is open and flowing correctly to all connected appliances.

You should never have to touch this valve. If there’s an emergency and you need to turn offthe main gas supply valve on your propane tank, turn it clockwise (to the right). Note: ONLY do this in an emergency or if AmeriGas tells you to. Turning it off will stop the flow of gas, and a field technician will perform a leak check and make sure the system is safe to put back online.

We are all for DIY spirit, but in a word—no. Strict safety regulations apply to liquid and gas propane, and only certified technicians and contractors should handle liquid propane or the equipment and systems that run propane into your home.

No. However, we encourage you to scheduleto avoid additional fees. In addition, there is aif you request deliveries within 48 hours of a previous one or request non-emergency service after business hours or on weekends.

Also, if you find you’re refilling frequently, you might think about upgrading to a larger tank. Unfortunately, because usage varies widely both across individual households and from season to season,there isn’t really an average expected usage. If you’re renting your tank, you may need to stay within guidelines of the contract. Either way, if you have questions, check out ourorto get advice about your account.

For the end-user, propane is a safe, easy to use heating source that can power barbecue grills, home heating systems, and even refrigerators. But along the way, from extraction in the field to storage at your local Ferrellgas office, propane undergoes a number of different processes to ready it for commercial and residential use.

The key to propane’s portability, and what packs so much energy into a relatively small volume of space, is pressure. In its natural state, propane is a vaporous gas. Under pressure, however, that vapor is converted to a form that is easier to transport and store. Liquified Petroleum Gas, or LPG, is the result of pressurizing propane gas, which causes it to drop below its boiling point of -44 degrees Fahrenheit.

At this temperature or below, propane remains in a liquid state, which condenses a large amount of energy into a small volume of fluid. When the propane’s temperature increases, it begins to “boil” off and this vapor is the usable form of propane that is converted to flame and heat  your appliances. In this state, propane gas has a natural reaction to expand until it reaches equilibrium, or where it has normalized with atmospheric pressure.

There are four “Gas Laws”that explain the relationship between gases, pressure, temperature, and volume. Generally, propane pressureshould be between 100 and 200 psi ensures that the liquid propane gas remains in a liquid state.

Normally, the pressure inside a propane tank fluctuates slightly based on the outside temperature. For example, a standard 20-pound propane tank at 70 degrees will have 145 psi internal pressure. That same tank on a 100-degree day will have 172 psi of pressure.

Propane pressure levels exceeding 200 psi are likely to trigger a release from the safety relief valve commonly installed on propane storage tanks. This device allows propane gas to safely vent out of the tank if there’s excessive pressure.

If a propane tank is in contact with extreme heat, such as a garage fire, the external heat can cause the temperature inside the tank to increase, creating a BLEVE –or boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion. As the heat raises the temperature of the propane, the vapor expands and increases the pressure inside the tank, which can lead to a rupture.

On the other extreme, propane itself is unlikely to freeze –that would require a temperature below -306 degrees Fahrenheit. However, trace amounts of water in supply lines can freeze inside fuel ports and fittings in extremely cold conditions.

Use a pressure gauge. This device can be installed between the shutoff valve and the initial regulator and is particularly common on larger residential systems.

Close the shut-off valve and allow the system to stand for three minutes without showing an increase or decrease in pressure. Any increase in pressure indicates a faulty valve, while a decrease indicates a leak.

On smaller systems, such as propane barbecue grills, it’s important to remember that exposure to direct sunlight can increase both the temperature and pressure inside your propane tank.

The best practice is to store your grill and tank in a shaded and well-ventilated area. While your tank will be equipped with a pressure relief valve – also known as a “pop-off valve” – in case the pressure rises too high, there’s no need to tempt fate –or waste the propane you’ve purchased.

Additionally, it’s important to make sure your tank is not damaged and is free from rust, which could likewise affect not only the tank’s performance, but its ability to maintain the proper pressure.

Ferrellgas locations offer tank painting and rust removal services, and qualified technicians can inspect your tank to ensure it’s in good working order. Ferrellgas also produces resources with valuable information about propane tank safety, and additional information that will help you get the most from your tank.

Knowing how much pressure is in a propane tank is important, but it’s only part of the information you need to know to get the most from your experience with propane.

Understanding how your tank – and propane gas – reacts to extreme temperatures, the safety devices available, and the importance of safety and maintenance, will help ensure you get the most from each tank of propane you use. And don’t forget that there’s a Ferrellgas location near you with experts who are ready to help you answer any question.

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).

If you use propane at your Seacoast Region home, you should familiarize yourself with your propane tank and how it works, as well as propane safety information.

One thing that may have you worried is if you hear a hissing sound coming from your propane tank. The understandable first thought is that your propane tank is leaking and that it’s unsafe. That’s why we recommend getting in touch with us immediately if you hear a hissing sound. If there is a leak, we can safely and properly deal with it. The sound may also be from your propane tank’s safety relief valve doing its job, which may indicate problems that we need to fix.

Propane tanks of all sizes, including those used for grilling, are required by law to include pressure relief mechanisms that allow excess pressure to be released from within the tank.

The safety relief valve is kept shut by a sturdy spring as long as the pressure inside the tank is at a safe level. If the pressure in the tank reaches the same amount of pressure of the spring, the safety relief valve is opened. That’s when you’ll hear a hissing sound coming from the tank. That sound is the pressure in the tank being dissipated. The valve will fully open in cases where the tank pressure is significantly greater than the spring pressure. If that happens, you’ll hear a pop.

Once the pressure is down below the pressure of the spring, the valve should close on its own. But that does not mean that the problem is solved. A pressure relief valve opening is a sign that something may be wrong with your tank. Get in touch with us right away if your safety relief valve opens so we can inspect your tank and fix any problems that are found. DO NOT try to replace the safety relief valve or fix it or your propane tank yourself. Any work on a propane tank is not a DIY project and must be done by a trained service technician.

With that kind of expansion, there needs to be room inside your propane tank to accommodate it. Therefore, your propane tank is filled to 80% rather than 100%. The propane in the tank can safely expand thanks to that 20% of empty space within it.

Expansion is also the reason for why propane tanks are painted light colors such as white or beige. These light colors reflect heat away from your tank, minimizing how much the propane in there will expand. Dark colors, on the other hand, retain heat. That much heat can cause the propane inside your tank to expand to dangerous levels.

Changing a LPG cylinder on a forklift can sometimes give a forklift operator a big surprise!  The seal in the cylinder valve can fail causing liquid propane gas to spray over the hand or face faster than they can react.  Liquid propane vaporizes quickly (-42 degrees C or -44 degrees F) and will cause extreme frostbite if it contacts the skin.

The Solution: Placing a shut-off valve on the hose with the Propane Coupler to prevent the LPG from escaping back on to the forklift operator and escaping in to the surrounding environment.

Once the propane coupler has been installed and the lever is then opened the lever handle will prevent anyone from removing the Propane coupler.  The lever must be closed before the propane coupler can be loosened off.