Propane (LP Gas) Cylinders
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 20 pound propane bottles as the source of fuel for their gas grills. Industrial LP Gas consumers are also familiar with cylinders as forklifts are commonly powered by propane and use 33# 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 cylinders in vapor service are easily spotted fueling a gas grill.
Cylinder Requirements
Like large propane tanks, cylinders are subject to rules and regulations set out by Federal and State governments. Propane companies must adhere to these rules when not only filling cylinders, but determining if cylinders are safe and legal to fill. The requirements include protection from rust and damage that may dent the cylinder. Propane bottles, like ASME stationary LP Gas tanks, must be painted a reflective color to avoid overpressure situations. For more detailed information, see LP Gas Cylinder Requirements.
Cylinder Recertification
Cylinders are subject to recertification (also known as requalification) twelve years from their date of manufacture and every five years after that. For example, a cylinder manufactured in January of 2000 will have to be recertified in January of 2012 meaning if you take your bottle to the propane company in April of 2012 to be refilled, it will have to be requalified by authorized personnel before it can be filled. The recertification process is simple and does not take too long to complete. Think of cylinder recertification as an inspection similar to that of your car. A vehicle has to be inspected annually so that it may continue to operate safely on the road. Similarly, an LP Gas cylinder must be inspected so that it may continue to operate safely in LP Gas service.
LP Gas Cylinder Parts and Fittings
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:
- Relief Valves
- Service Valves
- Bleeder Valves (Fixed Liquid Level Gauge)
- Stamped Markings or Nameplates
- Protective Collars (Neck Ring)
- Foot Rings
LP Gas Cylinder Care
All 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 (see cylinder storage) 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 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.
Transporting LP Gas Cylinders - Propane bottles are usually transported in the back of a truck and more often than not, they are unsecured and free to roll around. Transporting unsupported bottles exposes them to potential damage such as dents and possible harm to the valve. Ensure that cylinders are secured prior to transporting them. In the case of a 20 pound or 30 pound bottle, a milk crate can be used to keep cylinders upright and protected from most damaging effects of transportation.