Propane tank fittings - what to upgrade?

[gary larocca]

I just found out it's hard to find someone/somewere in Ohio that re certifies tanks.I was able to find valves to replace the old ones from RV store,but no certification. Any help would be great. I don't mind replacing the valves but want to make sure there ok. I've read that alot of people don't look for certification ..they just fill 'em.

[eubank]

Generally speaking, you'll want to look for a propane company, not just a filler. The company will be one that not only supplies propane for little cylinders, but also fills large tanks (500, 1000 gallon are common), perhaps does installations of propane systems, and so forth.

I do hope that you're in a state that requires this. A few states around have few, if any, regulations concerning propane safety, leaving it up to propane companies instead. The problem comes when you cross the border into one of the many states that do require certification; you've got an empty cylinder and can't get it filled.

Just go for a visual recertification, which is what most outfits will do anyway. It's worth five years and can be repeated as long as your cylinders are in decent condition and have the appropriate valves.


Lynn

Originally Posted by gary larocca

I just found out it's hard to find someone/somewere in Ohio that re certifies tanks.I was able to find valves to replace the old ones from RV store,but no certification. Any help would be great. I don't mind replacing the valves but want to make sure there ok. I've read that alot of people don't look for certification ..they just fill 'em.

[4RXLA]

My worthington aluminum tanks were recertified in 99 when OPD valves were installed (I miss not having the propane tank level indicator working in the control panel). Every time I go to get them filled I ask them if they need to be recertified and I'm always told "aluminum tanks don't need to be recertified." ???

[eubank]

Think you'd better get some better advice. There is no provision whatsoever in NFPA 58 (the "Bible" of propane safety) exempting aluminum cylinders from certification requirements.

Lynn

Originally Posted by dougsale

My worthington aluminum tanks were recertified in 99 when OPD valves were installed (I miss not having the propane tank level indicator working in the control panel). Every time I go to get them filled I ask them if they need to be recertified and I'm always told "aluminum tanks don't need to be recertified." ???

[4RXLA]

I don't doubt you Lynn. I've filled my bottles about 5 times since taking ownership (twice by an RV repair shop the other 3 at campgrounds) and all five guys who filled the tank told me the same thing. I will consult with a professional propane outfit. I'm heading out on a 3 week trip in 3 weeks and know I wll have to refill a couple of times and don't want to get stuck somewhere in Utah without propane...

[eubank]

You're right if you asked only fillers. I've filled a couple of out-of-date cylinders myself -- though not before telling them that they've got to get it recertified. And that's because I know the recertification process: It's a visual inspection to check for dents, gouges, broken welds, and, of course, the "new" valve. If I know the person; if the cylinder is in visually good condition; and if the certification just ran out, then I may fill it with the verbal warning to get it recertified. (Remember that it's my filler's license that's at stake.)

The non-exemption for aluminum doesn't come up for the simple reason that they, just like steel ones, can be dented, broken, whatever. In my experience, it's especially when somebody bends one of the flanges at the top or bottom that you get a crack in the weld, creating a weak point.


Lynn

[ALANSD]

I lucked out and with the suggestion of a member here got a guy at a gas company to do my OPD valves, recertify and fill them.It was a three day wait, and a 20 miles from ome but well worth it. 85 bucks for both.

[eubank]

Yeah, the company we buy from in Taos will do recertifications for free for us. (Heaven knows that they earn enough from us anyway.) I've done the cylinders of several guests that way.

Lynn