LPG Cylinder Refill Problems

[WK57ABF]

Can anyone help?

Refilling LPG cylinders here in the UK is a user operation. However, more and more service stations are refusing to let customers fill their portable refillable cylinders unless a remote fill point is fitted, say on the A frame with a HP pipe to the cylinders which are left covered. I am then allowed to refill them, i.e similar to a car or truck LPG conversion.

There isn't a problem at Mum & Dad garages just national service stations, i.e Shell, BP, etc.

I fill our cherished 40 lb aluminium Worthington cylinders with adaptor shown below (when I'm allowed) but always use the bleed valve to determine when 80% full even though OPD's are fitted. I have been told that if I use the ACME fitting (shown) that this will fill the cylinder 100% full!

Has anyone a picture of the US filling nozzle. Is it a POL or ACME thread?

I plan to locate a remote filling point on the A frame (UK bayonet) then HP pipe to the ACME fitting shown. Then after filling reconnect LPG supply to trailer.

Thanks, John

[jdalrymple]

Most retail propane places here fill the bottle for you. Most still use the Acme fittng.

A full tank here, a least in the states where I have purchased LPG, is determined by weight. Most all bottle filling stations have a set of scales.

The vapor bleed point is a sound plan though. To my knowledge, an OPD functions no matter the connector type, as it is a float inside the tank that rides the liquid level to the 80% full point.

Best Regards,

[WK57ABF]

jdalrymple - many thanks for info.

John

[eurovettes]

hi John
Keith in Uk here - I am having the same prob hre in south Uk with the LPG/Autogas stATIONS - I too have the same adaper - what was your final resolution.
I have not sucessfully filled my 30lb worhtington ally tank yet - I assume you hook up at the pump then open the bleed screw on the sid eof the valve then fill - how does it work thouh as gas will come out o the bleed screw and not fill the tank?
cheers
keith beschi
keef@eurovettes.com

[HowieE]

When the bleed screw is open only GAS comes out of the vent. The tank is filled with LIQUID propane. You will see a cloud of GAS/LIQUID sputter out of the vent when the tank is full. Close the vent when this happens and turn off the filling pump.

[WK57ABF]

Keith,

Try to find the small independent garages, they will allow you to fill cylinders.
The large national service stations will not.

HowieE has described the operation of the 80% bleed screw for you.

FILLING:

Screw adaptor on to your cylinder : connect lpg delivery hose : open valve on top of cylinder : start pump : open bleed screw, when clear gas stops and cloudy vapour starts spluttering, close bleed screw : take hand off red button to stop pump : close valve on cylinder : remove adaptor. Pay the man!

REMOTE FILLING POINTS:

I now have all the pipework and fittings so I can refill the cylinders from both sides of the 'A' frame without removing the bottles from the trailer. The complete system cost £120. I'll post you some pictures when I've fitted the system.

Does your cylinder have OPD stamped on the side of the valve?

John in the UK

[eurovettes]

many thanks to all - being a novice I always think its best to check.
I managed to get 4litres of gas into one tank (didnt open the bleed screw - duh)
so - attempt 2 this week - just need to find out the local Autogas suppliers.

I had new US valves on the tanks prior to export from US last year - these have OPD on them

Havnt found a site to interpret the stampings etc on the top of the tanks - pretty sure my tanks are 30lb ones - reckon I can get approx 25 litres in a tank to make it no more than 80% full

I appreciate the help - pretty soon I will be dragging my uk converted 1966 24ft Overlander around Uk and Europe

PS I air freight corvette parts USA to UK monthly so I can get Airstream parts over tooo if needed : I am currently sourcing brake shoes

Keith
Eurovettes, your No.1 source for everything Corvette in Europe.

[WK57ABF]

I appreciate the help - pretty soon I will be dragging my uk converted 1966 24ft Overlander around Uk and Europe

Keith,

Why don't you drag your trailer to an Airstream gathering to be held at Bracelands Forest Holiday Site, Forest of Dean on 11-13 September and organised by Bully Boy of UK Airstreamers (see Global 'Streaming Forum,
Networking Sub-Forum, "Is there anybody out there in the UK" Thread, Post No. 47)

Worthington's web site gives you measurements of cylinders from which you can determine capacity.

John in the UK