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Message |
Steve Krane (Steve_krane)
Registered Member
Username: Steve_krane
Post Number: 19
Registered: 1-2007
Posted From: 76.176.33.74
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 10:36 am: | |
I'm wondering whether I am legal and safe with my propane tank. It's a 49 gallon horizontal tank, level gauge in the center and bleed valve at the 80% mark. The paint is peeling on the end facing out and there is a little bit of surface rust. I don't see any date of manufacture or certification date. I read that propane sellers are supposed to verify the tank is not older than 10 years or recertified.
Should I paint? Have it pressure tested? By a new one, if so, where? A quick search didn't show any tanks that size. The tank probably went in when the bus was converted in 1990. |
john montgomery (Johnjem)
Registered Member
Username: Johnjem
Post Number: 19
Registered: 3-2007
Posted From: 24.34.214.231
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 12:37 pm: | |
I think u will be ok just as long u have the dimond shaped valve (knob) it is code that the tank have that or u may have 2 buy a new 1 or just try to find a hardware store that may be able to put a new updated valve on it and yes i would paint it just so it looks better,and it all depends on who is filling it<and they see rust they may say no so just paint it befor and not give that chance 2 say no!! |
George M. Todd (George_mc6)
Registered Member
Username: George_mc6
Post Number: 149
Registered: 8-2006
Posted From: 207.231.81.59
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 12:57 pm: | |
Steve,
Household (stationary) LPG tanks are ASME or "National Board" certified, and are not required to be re-tested. A propane supplier may decline to refill one of these tanks due to deteriorated condition. Vehicle LPG tanks come under DOT (Department of Transportation) certification, and are required to be tested at I BELIEVE ten year intervals. This is not strictly enforced by hose jockeys at gas stations.
My suggestion is to hand sand the rust off, or use one of those powered stripper paddles, don't even think about using a grinder or a sandpaper disc on a drill! Then apply one of the rust preventive compounds, primer and repaint. A propane supply company, (not a gas station) will have the retest interval information immediately available, as well as a testing company location. You are absolutely NOT subject to the requirements of the 5 gallon exchange cylinders.
HTH, George |
Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member
Username: Gusc
Post Number: 352
Registered: 11-2005
Posted From: 71.112.176.74
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 7:11 pm: | |
I don't advise sanding or any method that could make a spark.
The best thing to use on rust is a latex rust converter, one brand is Extend, but there are many others. It is painted or sprayed on the rust only and converts the rust to a hard, black, inert substance. It not only covers the rust but stops future rust. It can be left as is or painted.
It can also be found in WalMart in the auto body section in white plastic bottles made by KleenStrip. |
Ed Jewett (Kristinsgrandpa)
Registered Member
Username: Kristinsgrandpa
Post Number: 314
Registered: 2-2003
Posted From: 64.24.212.99
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 8:53 pm: | |
The Extend is great stuff. Lowes sells a version of the same stuff in a quart bottle in the paint section, the name on the bottle is Jasco. There is another version of it that is the same stuff that goes by the name Ospho.
Then paint it with POR 15 or Rust Bullets (same stuff) both excellent paint but limited shelf life after opening. Both very pricey. Read about both on the internet. Their ad's sound like snake oil, but are true.
Ed |
Chuck Newman (Chuck_newman)
Registered Member
Username: Chuck_newman
Post Number: 194
Registered: 1-2005
Posted From: 68.127.51.32
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 - 12:14 am: | |
Steve,
ASME tanks are exempt from any certification, whether on a vehicle or fixed. Straight from NFPA 58, the national code governing all delivery, storage, and use. Same story from two local LPG suppliers. Actually, I didn't believe them and bought the code. Even old ASME tanks without auto shutoff were grand fathered. My tank is an ASME 50 gallon tank off a propane conversion truck. The tank was built in 1956, is in good shape, and is exempt form any recertification. Keep in mind some DOT cylinders are designed to mount horizontal, but most are mounted vertical. The point here is ASME tanks and DOT cylinders are two different animals with different wall thickness, different fill and delivery, and different safety valve designs. And all the DOT cylinders do have to be recertified. And your ASME tank must have a manufacturing rating plate welded to the tank. Any professional LPG operator will want to see that. Even then, if the tank looks ratty, most LPG station won't fill it out of liability concerns. |
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