do propane tanks have a safety valve made in china

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Lisa and I went to Reno this morning and started the day with a leisurely brunch at the Peppermill (possibly the best meal value with our locals" discount that they have, in my opinion). Well-fed, we went to Safari RV to seek out the adapter to allow us to connect our new large propane bottle to the existing trailer fittings. Now the adapter we bought was not cheap (and appears to cost significantly less online than from Safari), but we were able to hold it in our hands, confirm that it will connect to both one of the large bottles (they had one on display) and to our fittings (we brought a spare fitting with us), and that it had the necessary rubber O rings in the right places. Also, we could see with our own eyes that it was US-made, not a cheap Chinese knock-off.

After dealing with RV parts, we stopped at Smart Foodservice in Reno so that Lisa could look over what they had and see their prices, in order to give her a better handle on what she would need to budget for Westercon 74. We currently expect to buy much of what we need in wholesale quantities in Reno and transport them to Tonopah, so we only need to buy perishables and last-minute stuff from the grocery store there. It was good to have had such a big breakfast before examining the store, as it allowed us to consider the selection academically, not with growling stomachs.

Returning home, it was time to work on installing and connecting the propane adapter. You can skip the rest of this if you are uninterested in the trivia of different types of propane plumbing connectors and why our first attempt to connect things could have led to a very dangerous or even deadly situation.

Here is what the final result looked like, with the large bottle (100 pounds, approximately 23 gallons capacity), the adapter screwed into the valve body, and the hose connecting it to the trailer"s propane regulator connected to the adapter. Here"s how all of the parts work, and why things almost went disastrously wrong.

Here"s a look at the large bottle with nothing plugged into it. According to what research I"ve been able to do, this is a CGA 510 POL ("Prest-O-Lite" being the brand of the original manufacturer) valve, which is used on larger propane bottles not subject to regulation by the US Department of Transportation and also on other gas cylinders. It uses a left-hand thread so you can"t accidentally attach water plumbing fittings to it. Note that the inside of this female fitting is bare metal, with no O-rings or gaskets. Also note that if you open this valve, it will vent gas directly regardless of whether there is anything plugged into it.

This is a smaller 30-pound (approximately 7.5 gallon) bottle that is standard equipment on many recreational vehicle trailers like Lisa"s. The valve here is apparently a Type 1 QCC "ACME" valve as mandated for smaller bottles by the US DoT. This valve head will handle both right-hand-thread ACME fittings on the outside ring and the older left-hand POL fittings (like that on Lisa"s trailer) on the inside thread. Note that the inside of this female fitting has a rubber O ring that forms a gas-tight seal. Also note that if you open this valve with nothing connected to it, nothing happens; this is a safety measure that requires a proper connector be attached before propane will release.

This is the fitting on the hose that runs from the propane bottle to the regulator that feeds the appliances on the trailer. It is a "hard nose" POL fitting, meaning that the male fitting is solid metal. On the smaller trailer bottles, it nests into the rubber O ring to form a gas-tight seal.

You can"t get a good gas-tight seal on a metal-to-metal fitting. While the "hard nose" male fitting will mechanically mesh with the female fitting on the large propane bottle and you can appear to tighten it, it"s very difficult if not impossible to get a gas-tight seal. More than one person, including the person from Granite Propane (who supplies Big R"s propane) said, "Just pull it tighter." This really isn"t a good idea. You shouldn"t over-tighten fittings like this, especially ones that need to be removed periodically to refill the container. Besides, even when we tightened it as tight as we dared, it still showed a slow gas leak when we tested it.

By the way, the approved and recommended way to test for a gas leak on a fitting is with ordinary houshold dish soap. Dribble a little dish soap on the fitting area, and if there are leaks, you"ll see little bubbles in the soap. It should go without saying (but I"m going to say so because there are people who will blow themselves up doing so anyway) that you should never check for gas leaks with a flame! (Hm, maybe that"s how the newer-style fitting got the ACME name; perhaps the Coyote was checking his propane connections for leaks using a match.)

Here"s the male end of the Marshall Excelsior Company ME398P adapter. Notice that while it is shaped the same as the "hard nose" POL fitting, this is a "soft nose" fitting that has an O ring built into it. This allows the male "soft nose" fitting to form a gas tight seal with the female fitting on the large bottle.

We connected the adapter to the bottle, plugged the trailer propane hose into the adapter, turned on the gas at the valve, and applied dish soap to the fittings to check for leaks. Success! No bubbles on the connections on the first try! That by itself is unusual, as Lisa expected that there might be a small leak if she hadn"t tightened it sufficiently, but she got it right in one.

Now we have a large bottle that holds roughly 3x as much gas as a single "normal" bottle. We still have a second 7.5-gallon bottle connected to the trailer. The propane regulator on the trailer is designed to hold two bottles, with a fail-over valve that will redirect propane to the other bottle if the pressure falls below a critical point. The idea of course is that you then change bottles, but you do have to remember to go look at the regulator periodically as it displays a red bar when it has failed over. Having the larger bottle (with the adapter) on the trailer will be useful when it is "moored" at home, while still allowing us to have both smaller bottles when traveling without having to change fittings or hoses. We"ll still have to refill propane bottles, as the 100# bottle is portable (just barely) on the hand truck, but we shouldn"t have to go buy propane so often.

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.

The other day I had a person ask me about refilling propane tanks and expiry date, and although his tanks were expired he said he would just restamp the collar and go get it filled!

Lets be clear the law on propane are put in place for many reasons not just of the fact that if you transport PROPANE in a pig that is not properly dated or over the dates is a Federal, Provincial or State Charge of TRANSPORTING LPG in a NON CERTIFIED Cylinder!

Most of us have a barbecue or some other PROPANE Pig devices hanging around the yard just waiting to be used, and the key here is remembering safety, not the taste burgers you maybe having for lunch. The most common type of LP Gas container is the propane cylinder, commonly known as a bottle. Cylinders range widely in size and use. Most people are familiar with propane bottles as the source of fuel for their gas grills. Industrial LP Gas consumers are also familiar as forklifts are commonly powered by propane and use cylinders as a portable gas supply source. Cylinders fall into two groups of propane service, liquid and vapor. Cylinders in liquid service are commonly found on forklifts while bottles in vapor service are easily spotted fueling a gas grill.

Like it or not propane pigs have a shelf life and those tanks are marked with a Dangerous Goods Language you must understand. Propane cylinders have identifying marks on the cylinder collar. The diagram shown is an example of a propane cylinder collar and some of the marks commonly present. Standards & Regulations

Strict standards and regulations are in place to govern the production, storage, transportation and use of propane to ensure your safety. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZyn3IUjWq4

· Propane has the lowest flammability range of all alternative fuels (2.4 – 9.5%) – so there must be the right combination of propane and oxygen, if there is too much or too little propane it will not burn.

· Propane’s ignition temperature is approximately 920° - 1020°F, gasoline’s ignition temperature is 495°F – therefore, gasoline will burn or explode at a much lower temperature than propane.

Propane cylinders need to be requalified or replaced every ten years. • Letter H in the diagram shows the original qualification date (i.e. the diagram indicates April of 1994). • Letter I in the diagram shows where the retest date is to be stamped if the cylinder is requalified (i.e. no date is shown which indicates the ten—year requalification is overdue). The original test date (H) and any requalification dates (I) must be presented in a specific manner.

As of January 1, 2008, all cylinders with a propane capacity of 45 lb (20kg) or less, manufactured or recertified, must be equipped with an OPD (Overfill Protection Device) valve. Cylinders with a propane capacity over 45 lb (20kg) are manufactured and recertified with a POL valve (left hand thread). Cylinders manufactured or recertified before January 1, 2008 will be allowed to be filled until 10 years after their date of manufacture or recertification date.

Propane appliance tanks that are permanently mounted to vehicles or structures do not have to be recertified but they must be visually inspected every time they are filled to ensure that they are acceptable for use.

As in Canada and not unlike the United States, The following information, obtained from Transport Canada, indicates how that date information is to be presented (as per CAN/CSA-B339) and in the USA (By law, when a propane tank reaches 12 years of age, it can no longer be filled.):

• Finally, for requalification dates, the procedure symbol, followed by a space, where applicable (for propane cylinders, it is the letter E, which stands for “External Visual”).

Along the top of the collar, you’ll notice serial numbers, WC (Water Content, or how much the water would weigh, if it were full of water to capacity), TW (Tare Weight, or the weight of the tank completely empty) and the manufacturing date (see photo above). The only thing you’ll need is the manufacturing date. As of the day of this post, any tank with a manufacture date before 07-01 we would not be able to fill. The OPD (Overfill Prevention Device) stops the tank from being overfilled automatically by shutting the valve when the propane level reaches a certain point. It also prevents propane from leaving the tank when the nozzle is opened and its not hooked up to anything.

Their is one exception for a tank that’s over number of years old. Requalified tanks are tanks that have been inspected by someone who is trained to do so, who has deemed that the tank and its valves are satisfactory, and the tank is ok to be continued to be used for the near future. Requalified tanks usually have a sticker placed on, or have an additional date stamped on the collar that ends with an E. If a tank has been requalified, it is good for 5 years from the requalification date. The new date will be stamped or etched near the original date. Quite frankly it is easier to just exchange the BBQ size tank and be done with it. Rather than taking it somewhere and paying to have the tank re-certified, then having it refilled. I tag mine with a note once the year of expiration has been reached. That way I am reminded to completely use it up before I need a refill. I don"t take these on the road or to outings where I might run out and need a refill. Sometimes exchange locations are nowhere near. Since any reputable fuel dealer will not fill an expired tank you might get caught up with no propane.

Find the TW followed by some numbers. Those numbers indicate the empty weight. In our example this is TW18. This tank empty is 18lbs. So since this is a 20lb tank (holds 20lb of propane) the actual full weight should be 38lbs (18+20=38). You can simply weight your partially filled tank on a scale to get an approximate amount of fuel remaining. If the actual weight was 28lbs (28-18=10) you actually have 10 lbs of fuel left, or half a tank.

Propane bottles all have the same operational and safety mechanisms in place that are required on ASME LP Gas tanks. Bottles are also required to have readable markings identifying them for propane use. All propane cylinders have:

Propane cylinders must be cared for so that their usable life is extended. Cylinders will last longer than their normal life expectancy if they are properly maintained and taken care of. It is recommended that propane cylinders be located in a place that they won"t be banged or dented such as an area of high traffic or a location prone to flooding or water puddling. Additionally, cylinders that are handled roughly can damage the foot ring or neck ring which will cause the cylinder to be unsuitable for filling and unusable.

Bottle Corrosion and Rust - Because most consumer propane cylinders are made of steel, they are subject to rust. Rust can lead to pitting in the cylinder exterior and render the cylinder useless if the rust or pitting is excessive. If rust is noticed on the cylinder, a wire brush can be used to remove the rust followed by painting over the spot where rust was removed. The most common place rust is found is on the bottom of the cylinder and around the foot ring of the cylinder so it"s important to keep theses areas clean and painted.

· Propane tanks must be equipped with a pressure relief valve that opens and closes to prevent excessive internal pressure due to abnormal conditions.

· The 2007 edition of the Propane Storage and Handling Code introduced a new requirement that cylinders, of 40lbs propane capacity and less be equipped with an Overfill Protection Device (OPD). The OPD is certified as a secondary device and is meant as a back stop device in case the attendant accidently tries to overfill the cylinder.

· Marks are stamped onto the collar of cylinders identifying the original date of manufacture and any subsequent re-testing dates. For a diagram that explains how to read the collar, Cylinders must be inspected and requalified every 10 years – it is against the law to fill an outdated cylinder. The disposal or requalification of a cylinder must be done by organizations that have the appropriate equipment, training and certification to do so, and which have been certified by Transport Canada to do the work.

· Never throw your propane cylinder in the garbage. To dispose of your old cylinder, drop it off at a municipal transfer station or depot that accepts propane cylinders. Your propane supplier may also accept cylinders for disposal.

· Personnel are required by law to have a record of training (ROT) to fill propane tanks and cylinders (transfer propane from one container to another)

· Always transport a tank in the upright position. If it is lying down, and the tank is overfilled, and the relief valve goes off, it will release liquid propane instead of vapor. This makes a bad situation much worse! Also, do not leave the tank in the cab or trunk for longer than the trip home. Again, it could get hot and the relief valve could release.

· Finally, it is important to remember that propane is a great fuel, and incredibly versatile, but it must be treated with respect as it is highly flammable. As long as you follow safety guidelines, you can use it completely safely.

At Smart Touch Energy, we prioritize propane tank safety. Let"s take a closer look at some of the key questions surrounding propane tank safety and how you can minimize propane tank dangers.

Propane, also referred to as liquefied gas, is a popular fuel choice for individuals and businesses. It is delivered as a liquid and pumped into a storage tank, and it will not ignite with air until the ignition source reaches at least 920°F.

Furthermore, propane is 270 times more compact as a liquid than as a gas. As such, propane is easier to transport and store as a liquid than as a gas.

According to the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), roughly 90 percent of the U.S. propane supply is produced domestically. The NPGA points out that propane serves many purposes, including:

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported U.S. propane and propylene inventories hit 97.7 million barrels in September 2015 — their highest level in 22 years. This indicates the demand for propane is on the rise in the United States, a trend that may continue in the foreseeable future.

On its own, propane gas is non-toxic. It produces minimal emissions and is not harmful to soil or groundwater. It also is colorless and odorless, but many propane suppliers will add a chemical compound to give propane an unpleasant smell. By doing so, propane suppliers help alert customers if a propane tank leaks — which can be a major safety hazard.

A residential propane tank that leaks may emit gas quickly. Fortunately, the following steps will ensure you are fully prepared to handle this scenario:

When it comes to propane tank safety, it is always better to err on the side of caution. Thus, if you smell gas, you"ll want to act fast to minimize this danger. Otherwise, you may put yourself and others at risk.

In addition, it is important to note that some smell sensitivities or medical conditions could make it difficult to detect propane. In these cases, a gas detector for propane may prove to be valuable, as it will provide an additional layer of security.

Another element to keep in mind when it comes to propane tank safety is odor fade, or the unintentional reduction of propane odor concentration. One reason odor fade may occur is due to water, rust or air inside a propane tank. Additionally, odor fade may happen because the odor can stick to areas such as distribution and piping systems, as well as simply to the inside of the tank. Although this problem is rare, it may affect propane tanks that have been sitting too long before being filled.

Apply a layer of soapy water or a leak detector solution to the connection between the residential propane tank"s cylinder valve and regulator outlet.

If you discover bubbles, close the cylinder valve, tighten the connection and repeat the testing process. If bubbles continue to appear, it means there is a leak in the propane tank.

Avoid Space Heating Propane Grills or Ovens: Although space heating propane grills and ovens may seem like viable options at first, they can be dangerous.

Work With a Qualified Propane Service Technician: A qualified propane service technician can connect an appliance to a propane tank and perform the necessary assessments to ensure you can maximize the value of your appliance.

If you are ever uncertain about how to take care of a propane gas appliance, you can contact the appliance provider for extra assistance. This company will be able to address any of your concerns and questions and help you use your appliance safely.

Inspect Old Appliance Connectors:If an appliance is more than 20 years old, have a qualified service technician assess the appliance connector. If you try to do this on your own, you risk damaging the connector and causing a propane gas leak. If you work with a service technician, however, you may be able to avoid risk and bolster your appliance"s performance for years to come.

Check the Appliance Vents: Let the vents on your appliance breathe and ensure flue gases can flow easily to the outdoors. Remove any insects, bird nests or other debris from the vents. Clear the area around the appliance to ensure plenty of air can reach the burner for proper combustion.

Don"t Repair or Modify the Appliance on Your Own: If you attempt to modify, repair or replace an appliance connector, control, regulator or valve on your own, you risk causing a gas leak.

Propane tank safety extends beyond the tank itself, and those who focus on finding ways to take care of their propane gas appliances can manage risk like never before.

Of course, working with a qualified propane appliance service technician can help you keep your appliance in working order. This technician possesses the training and know-how needed to fix or upgrade an appliance safely.

A propane tank is complex, and you should never modify a propane tank on your own. If you believe your propane tank is defective, don"t try to modify or repair regulators, valves or other propane tank parts if you lack the proper training and expertise.

On the other hand, you may believe your outdoor appliance is problematic. Like propane tanks, outdoor appliances are intricate, so you may want to get expert help with appliance repairs.

Sometimes, the pilot light on an outdoor appliance may go out. If the pilot light goes out periodically, you should follow the appliance manufacturer"s instructions to reignite it correctly. Follow the instructions closely and review any safety warnings before you attempt to reignite the pilot light.

If an outdoor appliance"s pilot light goes out frequently, it likely indicates there is an issue with the appliance, and you should avoid the temptation to reignite the pilot light on your own. In this case, you should get expert help to reignite the pilot light.

If you try to reignite the pilot light on your own, you risk fire or explosion. Comparatively, a qualified propane service technician will do everything possible to fix the pilot light on your appliance and ensure the problem does not occur again.

Any time you have concerns or questions about a propane tankand/or outdoor appliance, reach out to your propane supplier and/or a qualified gas service technician for support. This will allow you to get the expert assistance you need and avoid putting yourself or others in danger.

If you find a propane tank leaks, you should never refill it. You’ll need to get the tank inspected by a qualified propane gas technician before it can be refilled.

It is against the law to refill a tank if it’s out of date. The most recent inspection date of a propane tank is printed on the side of the tank, and you should review this information before you try to have your tank refilled.

The law requires periodic inspection of propane tanks, and you should evaluate a propane tank at least once a month to identify any leaks. Remember, a diligent approach to propane tank safety can make a world of difference. If you allocate even a few minutes each month to inspect your propane tank, you can manage propane tank safety risks effectively.

You should never throw a propane tank away. Conversely, many municipal programs offer propane tank collection in cities and towns nationwide. Or, your propane supplier should be able to offer additional support so you can dispose of your propane tank properly.

How you store your residential propane tank is paramount. If you store your propane tank correctly, you will be able to reduce the risk of causing a leak.

Avoid Excess Heat: Heat builds up inside of a propane tank, and when this happens, the tank"s pressure relief valve may release propane. Therefore, you"ll want to keep your residential propane tank away from areas where temperatures reach 120°F or higher.

Disconnect the Propane Tank When Not in Use:A common scenario you might see is a propane tank connected to a barbecue. However, when the propane tank is not in use, ensure it’s disconnected from the barbecue or other appliance.

You should always store your propane tank outdoors and keep it in an upright position away from heat and direct sunlight. If you intend to use a propane tank that has been stored for a long time, be sure to look for signs of aging on the rubber tubing that links the propane tank to an appliance. If the rubber tubing is broken or cracked, you can replace it by purchasing new rubber tubing from a hardware store.

You should always move a propane tank in standing position. Ultimately, you"ll want to secure the propane tank with rope — not a metal chain. A metal chain could move around against the metal propane tank, creating sparks that could be disastrous. Meanwhile, rope is strong and sturdy and will help you keep the propane tank in place consistently.

When you travel, keep the windows of your vehicle open for added safety. You also will want to ensure the propane tank valve is locked and covered with a dust cap. And if the propane tank needs to be refilled, visit a filling station before you reach your final destination.

Believe it or not, running out of gas in your propane tank can be dangerous. Some of the most common problems that may arise due to an empty propane tank include:

Leaks:If the appliance valve or gas line of a propane tank remains open after the propane supply runs out, a leak may occur when the tank is refilled.

Rust Build-Up:Air and moisture can accumulate inside of an empty propane tank. This can result in rust build-up inside the propane tank, lowering the concentration of the odor of propane and making the gas more difficult to smell.

If the fuel level on your propane tank falls below 20 percent, you shouldcontact your fuel supplier for a refill. Setting up regular propane deliveries also may provide immediate and long-lasting benefits. The deliveries will ensure you"ll always have a full supply of propane on hand, so you"ll be able to use propane any time you choose.

An OPD prevents a propane tank from being overfilled. If a propane tank is overfilled, the tank won"t have sufficient space if liquefied gas expands in warm temperatures. As a result, a propane tank"s cylinder pressure will increase, which can create dangerous conditions.

Smart Touch Energy empowers customers with propane tank safety knowledge and insights. We also take the hassle out of ordering propane and help customers purchase energy products in an easy, convenient and cost-effective way.

If you’ve ever hooked up a new propane gas tank and heard a faint hissing sound, your first thought is likely to be, uh oh—there’s a gas leak somewhere. Well, this may be true. Propane tanks will often hint at a slight leak by making a hissing sound, which gets louder as you get closer to the tank. But, there are a few other possible reasons your new tank isn’t working as expected. So next time you hear the hissing and suspect you might have a leaking propane tank on your hands, follow these tips to determine the cause.

If you hear a hissing noise,tune into your sense of smell too. If you smell gas, and you’ve checked the situation is safe, turn the cylinder valve clockwise to the off position. If you are unable to turn it off, leave the area and call your local fire department. In both cases, you’ll need to have a qualified service technician check out your grill for leaks. Generally, a humming sound without the smell of gas is normal.

If you suspect there may be a gas leak from the hose or connectors, and it is safe to do so, you can use a simple test to determine the leak. Prepare a solution of equal parts water and liquid dish soap. Ensure the cylinder valve on the gas tank is closed. Either pour into a spray bottle or use a grilling brush to apply the solution along the gas hose and connections. Open the cylinder valve, and examine the hose and gas line connections for soap bubbles. These bubbles indicate a leak. If you see bubbles, turn off the cylinder valve and replace or repair the area that is leaking by contacting a qualified service technician.

The bleeder valve, also called a fixed liquid level gauge, is typically opened by the delivery person when a tank is filled with propane. If the bleeder valve is not closed entirely, or was blocked from the inside when closed but is now cleared, this may be causing the noise. To fix this, turn the bleeder valve clockwise to ensure it is closed and stop the flow of gas.

Propane tanks can build up extra pressure when they overheat due to expanding liquid in the tank. On extra hot days, the safety relief valve may open to release built up pressure in the tank. The pressure will remove the protective cap, opening the relief valve. It is crucial to not look into the relief valve or tap it with anything. You want to avoid the relief valve opening all the way. The easiest fix is to spray to tank with a water hose to cool it down, causing the relief valve to close entirely.

To set up your propane tank, remove the grill cover entirely and position grill away from flammable materials. Make sure the gas is turned off and the used tank has been removed. Turn the service valve hand wheel to the right so it is turned off, and remove the plastic cap covering the nozzle. Snuggly connect the grill’s gas line to the nozzle, and turn the coupler to the right until everything is screwed in completely. Turn the gas valve on the propane tank to open.

PLEASE NOTE: The information on this page is intended only for households in Anoka County, Minnesota. Businesses, schools and organizations in Anoka County must contact Anoka County Environmental Services at 763-324-4260, for information about propane tanks, other compressed gas cylinders, or fire extinguishers.

Propane gas cylinders, known as propane tanks, are used to fuel gas grills, camping equipment (stoves, lanterns, and heaters), and torches. They come in several sizes and are either single-use or refillable. The most common size is the refillable 20-pound cylinder used for gas barbecue grills.

Propane is flammable and can explode. Even if the contents are used up or the tank will no longer support a flame, a tank still contains vapors that make it an explosion hazard.

The National Fire Protection Association safety code for propane tanks (NFPA 58) required tanks with a capacity of 4 to 40 pounds that were manufactured after September 30, 1998, to have an OPD (Overfilling Protection Device) valve. This includes the 20-pound propane tank used in full size barbecue grills. A tank without an OPD valve cannot be refilled.

The OPD valve is a safety device that prevents overfilling of a propane tank. If a cylinder is overfilled, there is no room for the liquid propane to expand. Therefore, gas may escape, creating a potentially hazardous situation. The OPD valve uses a float that rises during refilling to block the filling process when the tank is filled to the proper level.

An empty tank still contains a small amount of propane gas. A propane tank may explode in a garbage truck or when the garbage is processed. Propane tanks in garbage are a safety hazard to people and can damage equipment.

Each propane tank is marked with the month and year it was made. A tank that is more than 12 years old must be recertified before it can be refilled. A propane marketer, pressurized-gas retailer, or gas service company can provide these services. Look under “Gas-Propane” in the Yellow Pages.

Some convenience stores that sell propane and some retailers that sell propane tanks and barbecue grills will exchange a consumer"s empty tank without an OPD valve for a tank with an OPD valve and filled with propane. The cost may be the same as the cost to fill a propane tank. Propane users should check with the retailer for policies and prices.

For locations that accept propane tanks, search Propane Cylinders/Tanks in our Recycling and Disposal Directory, or look in the Yellow Pages under “Gas-Propane.” Call for services, hours and fees before going to a site.

Tips for using propaneAlways transport and store a propane tank in the upright position so that the valve is at the uppermost part of the tank. Do not lay a tank on its side.

Do you have questions about propane tanks, other compressed gas cylinders, or fire extinguishers? Call Anoka County Recycling and Resource Solutions at 763-324-3400, Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

If you are concerned that you or others in your family may have difficulty smelling propane, consider installing a propane leak alarm in any residence, cottage or recreational vehicle using propane-powered appliances. Special 12v propane leak alarms, designed specifically for RVs, are available from specialized retailers.

Propane is flammable when mixed with air (oxygen) and can be ignited by many sources, including open flames, smoking materials, electrical sparks and static electricity. Trust your nose; never ignore the smell of propane. Always treat it as an actual leak until confirmed otherwise.

The Canada Safety Council recommends an annual safety inspection by a qualified service technician of the entire propane system in your home, cottage, camper or recreation vehicle, including the appliances. The technician will check your system for leaks and ensure it meets all applicable operating standards and can also check your tank, piping, regulators, gauges, connectors, valves, vents, thermostats, pilots, burners and appliance controls to make sure they are in good working condition.

Carbon monoxide (CO) gas is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and toxic gas produced when fuels are burned. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in all residences, cottages and recreational vehicles with fuel-burning appliances. Consider that some low cost detectors cause false alarms, so be sure to obtain a quality unit. Do not select a detector just on its cost. It may not be adequate to do the job that is necessary when the time comes. Special 12v carbon monoxide alarms, designed specifically for RVs, are available from specialized retailers.

All cylinders shall meet the Department of Transportation specification identification requirements published in 49 CFR Part 178, Shipping Container Specifications.

"Definition." As used in this section, "Containers" - All vessels, such as tanks, cylinders, or drums, used for transportation or storing liquefied petroleum gases.

Valves, fittings, and accessories connected directly to the container, including primary shut off valves, shall have a rated working pressure of at least 250 p.s.i.g. and shall be of material and design suitable for LP-Gas service.

Connections to containers, except safety relief connections, liquid level gauging devices, and plugged openings, shall have shutoff valves located as close to the container as practicable.

Every container and every vaporizer shall be provided with one or more approved safety relief valves or devices. These valves shall be arranged to afford free vent to the outer air with discharge not less than 5 feet horizontally away from any opening into a building which is below such discharge.

Shutoff valves shall not be installed between the safety relief device and the container, or the equipment or piping to which the safety relief device is connected, except that a shutoff valve may be used where the arrangement of this valve is such that full required capacity flow through the safety relief device is always afforded.

Container safety relief devices and regulator relief vents shall be located not less than 5 feet in any direction from air openings into sealed combustion system appliances or mechanical ventilation air intakes.

Filling of fuel containers for trucks or motor vehicles from bulk storage containers shall be performed not less than 10 feet from the nearest masonry-walled building, or not less than 25 feet from the nearest building or other construction and, in any event, not less than 25 feet from any building opening.

Filling of portable containers or containers mounted on skids from storage containers shall be performed not less than 50 feet from the nearest building.

Any appliance that was originally manufactured for operation with a gaseous fuel other than LP-Gas, and is in good condition, may be used with LP-Gas only after it is properly converted, adapted, and tested for performance with LP-Gas before the appliance is placed in use.

Containers and regulating equipment installed outside of buildings or structures. Containers shall be upright upon firm foundations or otherwise firmly secured. The possible effect on the outlet piping of settling shall be guarded against by a flexible connection or special fitting.

When operational requirements make portable use of containers necessary, and their location outside of buildings or structures is impracticable, containers and equipment shall be permitted to be used inside of buildings or structures in accordance with paragraphs (h)(2) through (11) of this section.

Systems utilizing containers having a water capacity greater than 2 1/2 pounds (nominal 1 pound LP-Gas capacity) shall be equipped with excess flow valves. Such excess flow valves shall be either integral with the container valves or in the connections to the container valve outlets.

Regulators shall be either directly connected to the container valves or to manifolds connected to the container valves. The regulator shall be suitable for use with LP-Gas. Manifolds and fittings connecting containers to pressure regulator inlets shall be designed for at least 250 p.s.i.g. service pressure.

Valves on containers having water capacity greater than 50 pounds (nominal 20 pounds LP-Gas capacity) shall be protected from damage while in use or storage.

Hose shall be designed for a working pressure of at least 250 p.s.i.g. Design, construction, and performance of hose, and hose connections shall have their suitability determined by listing by a nationally recognized testing agency. The hose length shall be as short as practicable. Hoses shall be long enough to permit compliance with spacing provisions of paragraphs (h)(1) through (13) of this section, without kinking or straining, or causing hose to be so close to a burner as to be damaged by heat.

Portable heaters, including salamanders, shall be equipped with an approved automatic device to shut off the flow of gas to the main burner, and pilot if used, in the event of flame failure. Such heaters, having inputs above 50,000 B.t.u. per hour, shall be equipped with either a pilot, which must be lighted and proved before the main burner can be turned on, or an electrical ignition system.

NOTE: The provisions of this subparagraph do not apply to portable heaters under 7,500 B.t.u. per hour input when used with containers having a maximum water capacity of 2 1/2 pounds.

Containers having a water capacity greater than 2 1/2 pounds (nominal 1 pound LP-Gas capacity) connected for use shall stand on a firm and substantially level surface and, when necessary, shall be secured in an upright position.

For temporary heating, heaters (other than integral heater-container units) shall be located at least 6 feet from any LP-Gas container. This shall not prohibit the use of heaters specifically designed for attachment to the container or to a supporting standard, provided they are designed and installed so as to prevent direct or radiant heat application from the heater onto the containers. Blower and radiant type heaters shall not be directed toward any LP-Gas container within 20 feet.

If two or more heater-container units, of either the integral or nonintegral type, are located in an unpartitioned area on the same floor, the container or containers of each unit shall be separated from the container or containers of any other unit by at least 20 feet.

When heaters are connected to containers for use in an unpartitioned area on the same floor, the total water capacity of containers, manifolded together for connection to a heater or heaters, shall not be greater than 735 pounds (nominal 300 pounds LP-Gas capacity). Such manifolds shall be separated by at least 20 feet.

Valves in the assembly of multiple container systems shall be arranged so that replacement of containers can be made without shutting off the flow of gas in the system. This provision is not to be construed as requiring an automatic changeover device.

Heaters shall be equipped with an approved regulator in the supply line between the fuel cylinder and the heater unit. Cylinder connectors shall be provided with an excess flow valve to minimize the flow of gas in the event the fuel line becomes ruptured.

Regulators and low-pressure relief devices shall be rigidly attached to the cylinder valves, clyinders, supporting standards, the building walls, or otherwise rigidly secured, and shall be so installed or protected from the elements.

Storage outside of buildings, for containers awaiting use, shall be located from the nearest building or group of buildings, in accordance with the following:

"Application." This paragraph applies specifically to systems utilizing storage containers other than those constructed in accordance with DOT specifications. Paragraph (b) of this section applies to this paragraph unless otherwise noted in paragraph (b) of this section.

Containers with foundations attached (portable or semiportable b containers with suitable steel "runners" or "skids" and popularly known in the industry as "skid tanks") shall be designed, installed, and used in accordance with these rules subject to the following provisions:

If they are to be used at a given general location for a temporary period not to exceed 6 months they need not have fire-resisting foundations or saddles but shall have adequate ferrous metal supports.

They shall not be located with the outside bottom of the container shell more than 5 feet (1.52 m) above the surface of the ground unless fire-resisting supports are provided.

Flanges, nozzles, valves, fittings, and the like, having communication with the interior of the container, shall be protected against physical damage.

When not permanently located on fire-resisting foundations, piping connections shall be sufficiently flexible to minimize the possibility of breakage or leakage of connections if the container settles, moves, or is otherwise displaced.

Skids, or lugs for attachment of skids, shall be secured to the container in accordance with the code or rules under which the container is designed and built (with a minimum factor of safety of four) to withstand loading in any direction equal to four times the weight of the container and attachments when filled to the maximum permissible loaded weight.

When LP-Gas and one or more other gases are stored or used in the same area, the containers shall be marked to identify their content. Marking shall be in compliance with American National Standard Z48.1-1954, "Method of Marking Portable Compressed Gas Containers To Identify the Material Contained."