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troubleskeep · 01-03-2007, 10:32 AM

A firefighter friend of mine was kind enough to pass this link on to me. He agrees that they are safer in they have a much less chance of failing catastrophically. They call it BLEVE, or Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion. It has nothing to do with the DOT certification, it just futher tests the limits from a firefighter's point of view. The article notes that the connection of the valve to the tank seems to fail earlier then a steel/aluminum tank.

They need to know what they are dealing with and how it is contained. So should something bad happen to one of these tanks, attached to your fine AS or not. Please make the responding firefighters aware that the tank is composite, not steel or aluminum, as the fire suppression technique seems to differ.

Goin camping · 01-03-2007, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troubleskeep

A firefighter friend of mine was kind enough to pass this link on to me. He agrees that they are safer in they have a much less chance of failing catastrophically. They call it BLEVE, or Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion. It has nothing to do with the DOT certification, it just futher tests the limits from a firefighter's point of view. The article notes that the connection of the valve to the tank seems to fail earlier then a steel/aluminum tank.

They need to know what they are dealing with and how it is contained. So should something bad happen to one of these tanks, attached to your fine AS or not. Please make the responding firefighters aware that the tank is composite, not steel or aluminum, as the fire suppression technique seems to differ.

Thank you very much for this posting.

63air · 01-03-2007, 03:08 PM

As a firefighter I have to say I found some really good information here. I haven't seen any of these yet. Any kind of sealed container partially filled can make for a very "exciting event" in a fire. When they switched from steel and aluminum SCBA tanks to composites it sure made life easier for firefighters, lot less weight on our backs.

safari25-05 · 01-09-2007, 05:14 PM

where can I purchase the alumnium propane bottles? I like to lighten my tongue weight from steel bottles to alumnium, thanks for the info..

clancy_boy · 01-09-2007, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by safari25-05

where can I purchase the alumnium propane bottles? I like to lighten my tongue weight from steel bottles to alumnium, thanks for the info..

Vintage Trailer Supply has them - other than them - most boating supply locations will carry them and my local bulk propane supplier will order them for me and that saves shipping as they will do it with their bulk order form their supplier. Worthington is the manufacturer to look into. Good Luck.

Mike

**azflycaster** · 01-09-2007, 06:23 PM

I bought mine at VTS. They do weight a little bit less, but I got them for the looks. A 30# steel tank weights about 26 lbs empty while the aluminum is 18 lbs. I saved 16 lbs in tank on my trailer. When I put them on I gained weight because they were full and the old ones were empty. If you get them for looks, it takes a little work to shine them up. The picture shows what one looks like out of the box and what one looks like after some polishing.

flmgrip · 05-21-2010, 06:37 PM

I'm going to warm this old thread up... I can't believe there is not more discussion about these...

I bought a double pack 2 20#ers for my generator, I figured it'll be nice to see how much fuel I have left. I paid I think 150 incl shipping...

They still don't have #30 tanks, maybe that's why there is not much of an discussion here about it.

These seem to be great tho for BBQ, geny etc... I havnt used them yet but I don't see why there should be a problem...

I'll report back after use

Steamy1 · 03-10-2011, 10:04 AM

I am considering changing out my 30# metal tanks for 20# composit tanks to cut down on tongue weight, so I thought I would re-post this thread and see if there are any updates from this.

The company has a 25# model, but it is not yet approved in Canada, whichc means that it could not be re-filled there. The company expects approval somethime in the spring, but you know how that proocess can go. The 20# units, however, are approved. Two (2) 20# tanks should last a while and reduce the overrall carrying weight of the TT.

One question I have, is if the metal cover will fit over the composit tanks, if anyone can comment on that.

Thanks,

Jammer · 03-10-2011, 12:13 PM

The composite 20# tanks weight 12.6 pounds empty.
Aluminum 20# tanks weight 14.2 pounds empty.
Aluminum 30# tanks weigh 16.2 pounds empty.

The composite tanks are the same size as steel and aluminum ones but the top ring is different so you may have trouble with the clamp.

Steamy1 · 03-10-2011, 01:40 PM

So Jammer,
Do you think the aluminum is a better choice, even if the tanks are hidden under the cover? The savings in weigght between composit and aluminum seems negligible.

Thanks,

au_ee · 03-10-2011, 01:53 PM

From the photos it also appears to be missing the bottom ring (just a flat bottom) so it may not fit the typical propane holder.

Jammer · 03-10-2011, 01:58 PM

Me, I'd opt for the aluminum.

1) You have the choice of buying 30# tanks if you want.
2) You can use the original bracket.
3) The initial certification period is 12 years, after that a visual inspection is required every 5 years and the tanks can be used indefinitely unless they fail a test (rare). Composite cylinders require certification every 5 years, which involves a hydro test. As the regulations currently stand, they can't be used at all after 15 years.

Steamy1 · 03-10-2011, 03:14 PM

Thanks for the info; I have decided on aluminum 30# tanks. I may have them filled to only 20#, since I just do not go through that much fuel.

I really like the weight saving potential. I gained some weight when I replaced my 12v batteries with two-Lifeline 6v batteries. The 6v batteries weigh several pounds more due to the thicker plates. The aluminum will more than offset the difference.

AirHog · 03-10-2011, 05:34 PM

I would love to shine the tanks. Would appreciate some instructions.

Titu

MIKO92 · 09-06-2014, 08:02 PM

Hello, all.

It seems that the US Govt has jerked its knee, again, and these tanks are now uncertified! Here is a link to the US DOT recall notification.

PHMSA - Home - PHMSA Orders Recall of Cylinders Manufactured by The Lite Cylinder Company

If anyone has gotten these from Sweden, or plans to, please let me know. I'll go in with you for a pair!

Airrogant · 09-07-2014, 12:46 AM

That recall link is for Lite Cylinders. Viking Cylinders were not recalled, and are still available.

Viking Cylinders | Propane Gas Cylinders & Tanks

Here is a link to another past discussion on composite cylinders that you might find interesting:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f287...rs-119204.html

My conclusion is that these tanks are very unique, but because they don't have standard bottoms or tops, they will probably require a custom cylinder rack in most applications. I also wasn't overwhelmed by the appearance of the cylinders close up.