How to empty cylinders

[hagnik]

Hello, I have Aluminum 30# LP cylinders with old valves. I want to empty them so I can replace with new valves.

What is a good/safe way to empty the cylinders without using turning on the gas in my Airstream? Someone mentioned hooking it up to my bar-b-q, although the fittings don't match.

I estimate they are around 80% - 90% empty.

Thanks,
Nick

[kennethowens]

Hook up a hose on it in some temp fashion and open the valve

[RickDavis]

While I would just release it into the air, I live in the country. Some environmentalist will get me for saying that.
It's a good bet the place changing the valves will have a way to pump them out and save the gas

[wkerfoot]

Why not just use one tank until it is empty? Switch over to the other tank and then have the valve on the empty tank replaced and the tank refilled. Then repeat for the other tank.

Bill

[azflycaster]

I'm with Bill on this one. What's the rush, you have 2 tanks.

[hagnik]

I just got the camper a few months ago and haven't used the LP yet. It's a 1973 with all original hoses. I thought I would replace the outside ones, and the diverter before I turned on the gas - just to be safe.

Thoughts? I guess the worst case is that is leaks into the air anyway.

[Aage]

Federal law here that you need to have it done by a professional registered shop (I wonder why ) every ten years, and they stamp the date it was done into the tank.

I figure that's a good idea. It doesn't cost much...

[RickDavis]

Since I can't find an edit button, would like to ad to my previous post (3) that if releasing into the air do it on a day when there is some air moving.
When your valves are installed the dealer should also stamp the cylinder with a date followed by the letter E. This is a visual recertification good for 5 years.. It is also possible to have the cylinders Hydro tested.. They are then given a stamp good for 12 years, same as new. The problem is finding a place that can do it and then finding a refiller that knows the certification is good for more than 5 years

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by hagnik

I just got the camper a few months ago and haven't used the LP yet. It's a 1973 with all original hoses. I thought I would replace the outside ones, and the diverter before I turned on the gas - just to be safe.

Thoughts? I guess the worst case is that is leaks into the air anyway.

You can still do that work with the tanks containing gas. Just turn the valve off and replace the hoses and regulator, reconnect and turn on the tanks. Replacing the old hoses and regulator is a good idea.

Bill

[Mikethefixit]

I would not do this yourself. Why waste the LP. Take it to your LP supplier and they will pump them off for you . You cannot by law do this yourself.It has to be done by a licensed professional and the tanks re certified.

[hagnik]

I found a place to re-fill my tanks. They also sell the new valves. They said they would replace them $$, or I could myself. Then they would inspect them (visually) and stamp them $.

I just thought I would save a few bucks and sway the valves myself. Looks like a simple task with a wrench, and maybe some tape.

[eubank]

Actually, it's not as simple as it looks to replace valves. Yes, it's just a wrench, but trying to keep the cylinder stationary while turning the valve is kind of challenging without scratching or otherwise damaging the cylinder.

Lynn

[doorgunner]

Originally Posted by hagnik

I estimate they are around 80% - 90% empty.

Thanks,
Nick

Nick , Nick, bo bick bannana fanna fo fick, fe fi fo mick

NICK;

LPG weighs about 4.23 lbs/gallon.
you would be surprised how much may be left in your tanks, especially if the tanks are aluminum. look for the TW stamp on your tank that's the empty weight of the cylinder and do some basic math.
DG

yup holding the cylinders is a hassle, just have the shop do it

[dieseleagle]

I just had new valves installed on a pair of 30# tanks. They also recertified them. Total cost was $80.00, so they got about $30.00 of that for the labor and the recertification. Pretty reasonable for a pair of good aluminum tanks.

Its not so easy to remove the old valve. You need a way to hold on to the tank firmly enough to stay put with a breaker bar on the wrench.

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

I'm with Bill on this one. What's the rush, you have 2 tanks.

Ditto...Ditto...Ditto...

Use up what you have left in the tanks if you are able instead of wasting a resource.

Then have a trained installer do the replacement.

LPG is dangerous, not terribly difficult work to replace the valves, but it is terribly unforgiving of mistakes.

[jhenry]

An easy solution to empty the tank is to take the tank or tanks to your local fire hall, they have a special hose connected to a flaring tool made to burn the tank off. Most departments even if volunteer will welcome the chance to practice when not an emmergency.