Propane Tank Recertification

[Bilster]

My propane tank is dedicated for automotive use but it's certification has run out. Can anyone tell me what is involved in getting it recertified?

[larrycng]

Re: Propane Tank Recertification

check with your local propane distributor. It usually involves a visual inspection of the tank inside and outside, check the valves and seals. I would install new seals around the fuel gage. I would remove all rust from the outside and repaint tank (do it right). They will have to drain the tank so run it until it is out of fuel. That what they did with my tank and it was in good shape for being 12 years old at that time. I had to have mine out of the vehicle (40 gal wc manifolded twin 10 X 60")

Larrycng

[Bilster]

Re: Propane Tank Recertification

Great reply, Larry. I'll check into it. Thanks.

[Wellarmed]

Re: Propane Tank Recertification

I have never understood why there is not a similar inspection regiment for LPG tanks similar to the CSA inspection program for natural gas cylinders. I have found documented figures for exceptable damage for LPG tanks, but it is hard to find consistent data. Every propane tech I have talked too mentioned cutting off the data plate to inspect for excessive pitting in that area, and after inspection reattaching the data plate with non-corrosive industrial adhesive. I like using 3M products for reattachment, as they seem to withstand the heat from direct sunlight. Do not use a Silicon based product for this purpose, as it may cause corrosion that you are trying to prevent. I have found leaks on LPG tanks at the weld joints where the cylinder portion of the tank is attached to the dome. A technician did repair this tank without removing it from service, but I will not mention how it was repaired due to liability concerns. I do feel confident that the repair was performed correctly, but it was done in a rather unconventional manner. I like using LPG because it can be stored for very long periods of time, at a very high energy density relative to CNG. And unlike LNG does not require constant energy inputs to remain in it's liquid state. Good luck.

[Franz]

Re: Propane Tank Recertification

ABSOLUTELY and POSITIVELY DO NOT CUT OFF THE DATA PLATE! Sorry for the caps but I meant to shout! I have NEVER heard of a qualified technician cutting off a data plate and re-glueing it. There are some European tanks that the dataplate is glued on from the factory but that is different from this application.

If there is corrosion behind the plate, it will be evident elsewhere too. The ASME code for motor-mobilefuel tanks requires a visual inspection at any time by the refueling attendant. Some states by individual state code may require inspections at regular intervals. The current ASME code does not place a retirement life on an ASME motor-mobilefuel tank.

Canada and other countries may have additional codes for inspection. I can tell you, that in my real day job, if I ever see a data-plate that has been removed and reinstalled, that tank is reconfigured as a barbeque pit. There is no legal standing that that particular tank didnt start life as something else and was retagged.

Franz

[Wellarmed]

Re: Propane Tank Recertification

I agree with your comments Franz. I do find it interesting that it is acceptable to replace a label on a CNG cylinder and return it to service if the cylinder can be identified through a serial number, and the manufacturer can still be contacted for a replacement label. I would not recommend to anyone that they remove the data plate for inspection on an LPG cylinder, as that is not an approved method of inspection. I was only relaying what others in industry have discussed with me. I was curious to see if their concerns had any merit and removed the data plates from tanks that had gouges and dents that required them to be removed from service. All the tanks in question were from southern CA where road salt is not used, and out of the three that I inspected, all of them had pitting corrosion that exceeded industry standards. Please keep in mind that these cylinders were slatted for destruction. I would not have given it a second thought had I not discussed this with multiple service personel. I am not implying that this is wide spread, but I personally will no longer install non new tanks on my vehicles after seeing the damage that I witnessed. When gasoline hit $5 a gallon I had everybody and their brother asking me about conversions to LPG, and they were pulling 70s Circa cylinders out of the wood work that were in my opinion only good for boat anchors.

[Bilster]

Re: Propane Tank Recertification

Thanks for all the great input. I will find a certified propane technician. Have him replace all that needs replacing and hopefully put this unit back to service. It is about 3/4 full. I know that a propane service center can drain it but how will they handle that. Will they give me credit for the fuel? I just want to know what to expect.

[Franz]

Re: Propane Tank Recertification

You will lose the contents of the tank, sorry! You never indicated what size tank you have, but most companies will flare the contents (burn stack) unless the tank is large and the contents worth enough to recover.

When I refitted my tank on my last vehicle (1983 Brunner 28 gallon), I spent about $130.00 on fittings (liquid draw, pressure relief, backcheck fill, gauge seal).

Franz

[afvman]

Re: Propane Tank Recertification

Blister et al,

Isn't there an NFPA-58 requirement for a recertification after 12 years for DOT tanks?

afvman/Bill

[Franz]

Re: Propane Tank Recertification

DOT cylinders are indeed recertified after 12 years. The recertifying party must have a Requalification Identification Number issued by the DOT which establishes some tracability for the cylinder requalification. Whether or not a particular state recognizes this requirement is up to each particular state through legislative action. For example, in Arkansas recently, I learned that they dont recognize the RIN, or the OPD for that matter. They have a "State Rule" which they recognize instead of the NFPA pamphlet.

Some states rely on a fire marshalls opinion for determining specific safety issues and that has been a real mess.

Franz

[Bilster]

Re: Propane Tank Recertification

You will lose the contents of the tank, sorry! You never indicated what size tank you have, but most companies will flare the contents (burn stack) unless the tank is large and the contents worth enough to recover.

When I refitted my tank on my last vehicle (1983 Brunner 28 gallon), I spent about $130.00 on fittings (liquid draw, pressure relief, backcheck fill, gauge seal).

Franz

Well then, maybe I can create my own burn stack. Any possibility of using the fuel to power my contractor style propane heater? I have about 60 gallons of fuel in an 80 gallon tank. I would hate to lose that as it cost me quite a bit.

[larrycng]

Re: Propane Tank Recertification

You could use it for the heater, BUT you would have to have a VAPOR DRAW and a pressure regulator just like you would with a barbar-Q bottle. Do not hook it to the Liquid Draw on the tank.

Be careful

Larrycng

[Bilster]

Re: Propane Tank Recertification

Thanks Larry,

This is exactly the information I was looking for. Who would be the best authority for getting the proper equipment? Would bringing the tank to my local propane distributer and asking for a vapor draw and regulator be a good idea?

Another question I have is with an empty 50 gallon tank I have. I would like to have it recertified. It has some slight pitting but it's not bad, in my opinion (I do live in a desert with only 9" of annual rain fall). My first inclination is to prep the tank and paint it with an epoxy coating but maybe that's not the safest way to go. Maybe I should attempt to have it recertified before painting as to give the recertifier the call on it's condition. What do you all think?

Thanks, Bill

[larrycng]

Re: Propane Tank Recertification

The tank on my truck has a liquid and a vapor port. Each one has a 3/8 SAE flare fitting. If your tank has the same setup, then I would suggest taking it to propane shop/equipment dealer and get the hoses, regulators, and what-ever are necessary to make it work safely.

I run my 5th wheel off the vapor side of my truck's fuel tank once in a great while when dry camping. I have propane specific quick disconnect and shutoff valve that attaches between one of the trailer's propane tanks and the trailer's regulator. I can feed the trailer's propane needs or run the Barbar-Q (it has it's own regulator).

Keep it safe

Larrycng

[MTT]

Does anyone know of any formal training program for degassing & testing propane haulers? Having a hard time finding this (yes I know you have to be lisc w state, but still would like more formal training)