Propane tanks are the storage containers for propane in its liquid form and are available in many different sizes being engineered and designed for propane containment at high pressures. They are designed for installation at a customer location and are filled on-site. Larger tanks can be installed on a temporary basis for certain particular applications where demand and usage requirements are higher. The information presented here covers all aspects of tanks that are installed for use in a stationary location such as a home or business.
For information on smaller, portable tanks, see Propane Cylinders.
The propane industry is educated about tanks, proper installation requirements, laws and procedures governing the repair of tanks and systems they service. It is of the utmost importance that unlicensed individuals do not attempt to make repairs or modifications to their own tanks for safety and continued servicability. Because the laws and safety practices change within the propane industry, tank installation and maintenance should only be performed by those who are familiar with these codes and regulations regarding LP Gas tank . This cannot be stressed enough. DO NOT MOVE, REPAIR OR MODIFY ANY PART OF AN LP GAS TANK OR ANY PART OF THE GAS PIPING SYTEM.
The information provided within this section is for consumer educational purposes only and is intended to better familiarize users with propane tanks and their parts. Portable tanks, known as bottles or cylinders are used as a fuel source for gas grills as well as forklifts. Stationary propane tanks are often found behind homes or businesses supplying all propane fueled appliances in the structure. Stationary tanks are also used to refill cylinders and mobile containers at bottle plants.
Propane tanks, regardless of size, store propane liquid until it is used as either a liquid or vapor. All tanks are subject to rules based on safety for users, service technicians and the general public and can only be filled to about 80% which constitutes a "full" tank of gas. Many people believe that propane tanks and butane tanks are the same but propane pressure is much higher than that of butane. This means that while mostly identical in appearance and attached fittings, propane tanks are subject to higher pressures and the two types of tanks are in fact very different and cannot be filled with either of the two LP Gases. Propane tanks are for storing only propane. This section covers related subjects such as: