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Topic: Propane tank pressure testing (Read 1552 times) previous topic - next topic

Propane tank pressure testing

I understand the portable propane tanks for gas grilles and some of the travel trailers are required to be pressure tested every 12 years.

1. What is the pressure testing frequency for the propane tanks on our motorhomes? 

2. I presume they have to remove the tank from the motorhome for the testing. Is this correct? 

3. Where do you take your motorhome to get the tank removed/pressure tested?

Thank you.
Morris and Janice
1997 U270 36'

Re: Propane tank pressure testing

Reply #1 –
Quote
  I understand the portable propane tanks for gas grilles and some of the travel trailers are required to be pressure tested every 12 years.

1. What is the pressure testing frequency for the propane tanks on our motorhomes? 

2. I presume they have to remove the tank from the motorhome for the testing. Is this correct? 

3. Where do you take your motorhome to get the tank removed/pressure tested?
 

The propane tanks in our FT's are ASME tanks and do not require periodic retesting.  Don't worry about it.

Re: Propane tank pressure testing

Reply #2 –
Just a thought on the integrity of the propane tank.  I notice that with the right weather conditions my propane tank will sweat.  The moisture runs down the sides and collects at the bottom and has caused the tank to rust there.  I have about  1/4 tank of propane and as soon as that is used up, I plan to lift up the tank and see if anything can be done about the rust.  It may require the removal of the tank, I hope not.  I think the tank would be less prone to rust if the tank was a little bit above the floor at that point so air could circulate under the tank.  Any kind of leak at the tank could be very serious, in essence the equivalent of a large bomb.  It may be best to remove it anyway just to check the other end.  I have the big long horizontal cylinder type propane tank that holds 270 lb.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Propane tank pressure testing

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Jerry Whiteaker –
Just a thought on the integrity of the propane tank........... I think the tank would be less prone to rust if the tank was a little bit above the floor at that point so air could circulate under the tank.  Any kind of leak at the tank could be very serious, in essence the equivalent of a large bomb.  It may be best to remove it anyway just to check the other end.
Jerry,
You don't have to worry about that propane tank.  It is American Society of Mechanical Engineer design and certified, and is not anywhere near as thin walled as a DOT approved tank.  It is the very same design as you would find at a residential home or at a factory.  They are thick where they have to be thick and thin where they can be thin,  But not thin like a DOT tank.  They are designed to not become a bomb or rocket.  They learned their lesson a long time ago when a couple large propane tanks (pre ASME) took off like rockets and did a lot of damage.  But keeping up with rust is a good idea!  But redesigning the mounting of the tank and height of the tank, well I would have to respectfully recommend FOT to do something like that!
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Propane tank pressure testing

Reply #4 –
Quote from: ncaabbfan –
I understand the portable propane tanks for gas grilles and some of the travel trailers are required to be pressure tested every 12 years.

1. What is the pressure testing frequency for the propane tanks on our motorhomes? 

2. I presume they have to remove the tank from the motorhome for the testing. Is this correct? 

3. Where do you take your motorhome to get the tank removed/pressure tested?

Thank you.
That is not a requirement for the ASME tanks!  Much heavier material and better/safer design.  The tanks you mention above are DOT certified tanks and are not designed to stand up to what a ASME tank would.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Propane tank pressure testing

Reply #5 –
Thank you everyone.  This is a big relief to me.  I was very concerned about getting it out and back in safely and connected properly.

Is one of the new overflow preventer valves required on this tank as is required on the tanks for gas grilles?
Morris and Janice
1997 U270 36'

Re: Propane tank pressure testing

Reply #6 –
Quote from: ncaabbfan –
Is one of the new overflow preventer valves required on this tank as is required on the tanks for gas grilles?
No. 

OPD stands for "overfilling prevention device" or "overfill protection device" and is required on all 4 to 40 pound DOT cylinders/bottle  (like those used for barbecue grills, or on the front of a travel trailer) in vapor service and is not required on ASME tanks like those found in most motorhomes.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Propane tank pressure testing

Reply #7 –
Quote from: PatC –
Quote from: ncaabbfan –
Is one of the new overflow preventer valves required on this tank as is required on the tanks for gas grilles?
No. 

OPD stands for "overfilling prevention device" or "overfill protection device" and is required on all 4 to 40 pound DOT cylinders/bottle  (like those used for barbecue grills, or on the front of a travel trailer) in vapor service and is not required on ASME tanks like those found in most motorhomes. 

Thank you very much!!  I knew none was on our tank. I am very glad to hear this. Thanks again!!
Morris and Janice
1997 U270 36'

Re: Propane tank pressure testing

Reply #8 –
On our 1997 U295, the propane tank carries a label that it is equipped with OPD (overfill protection device). However, it also says that when filling the tank, the liquid level gauge valve must be open and filling must cease when liquid starts escaping from the valve.

We filled at our local propane company a week ago. The liquid level gauge valve started blowing liquid and the OPD did not engage immediately. The attendant stopped filling shortly after liquid appeared. I think he stopped before the OPD activated. The dial gauge today indicates a 90% fill. It is much warmer today than the day the tank was filled, which may account for a reading above 80%. (The gauge may not be accurate.)

Based on my experience, I recommend that your attendant always use the liquid level gauge valve (the "spitter"). Quit filling at the earlier of OPD shutdown or liquid escaping the spitter. When filling the propane tank, ALWAYS turn OFF ALL appliances that might be a source of ignition since the open gauge valve is releasing a flammable gas.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Propane tank pressure testing

Reply #9 –
Quote from: J. D. Stevens –
On our 1997 U295, the propane tank carries a label that it is equipped with OPD (overfill protection device). However, it also says that when filling the tank, the liquid level gauge valve must be open and filling must cease when liquid starts escaping from the valve.

We filled at our local propane company a week ago. The liquid level gauge valve started blowing liquid and the OPD did not engage immediately. The attendant stopped filling shortly after liquid appeared. I think he stopped before the OPD activated. The dial gauge today indicates a 90% fill. It is much warmer today than the day the tank was filled, which may account for a reading above 80%. (The gauge may not be accurate.)

Based on my experience, I recommend that your attendant always use the liquid level gauge valve (the "spitter"). Quit filling at the earlier of OPD shutdown or liquid escaping the spitter. When filling the propane tank, ALWAYS turn OFF ALL appliances that might be a source of ignition since the open gauge valve is releasing a flammable gas. 


Good information!!  Thank you very much.
Morris and Janice
1997 U270 36'

Re: Propane tank pressure testing

Reply #10 –
Okay, guess I should not have explained it the way I did.  Will try again,  when I hear the phrase "OPD", I think of the newly required 2001 OPD valve on a 4 to 40 pound propane DOT cylinders/bottle like you find on a BBQ grill, etc.  In 2001 the DOT required the old style valve to be replaced by a newly designed OPD valve.  This is a very specific "float type" overfill protection device and is the most common mentioned OPD mentioned on RV forums and causes much confusion because so many people confuse the ASME propane tank (often found on motorhomes) and the DOT propane cylinder (BBQs and travel trailers).  The MH tank found on your Foretravel, I believe, is an ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) design and does not require the new OPD (Overfill Protection Device) valves because it already has a check valve and overfill protection, albeit a different design than cylinders.  So they both have "overfill protection devices", but the DOT "cylinders"  must have a specific design "OPD" and the cylinder may only be used for 12 years after their manufacture date. After that, the cylinders must be "certified" which provides another five years of use. The cylinders can be re-certified every five years thereafter.  The information is stamped on the cylinders.  ASME tanks do not require re-certification, but they are supposed to be inspected visually every time they are filled.  I have seen attendants threaten to refuse to fill tanks if they are extremely rusty. 

Manchester Tank: RV Products web site give you a very good description and pictures of both the tank and the cylinder.  The cylinder is more tightly regulated because of its thin wall design and inability to handle heat.  Plus it is much easier to puncture.

To confuse matters more, there are Horizontal DOT cylinders, but those manufactured before 1998 can not be fitted with the new style OPD and are therefore exempt from the OPD law..

As J.D. pointed out "When filling the propane tank, ALWAYS turn OFF ALL appliances that might be a source of ignition since the open gauge valve is releasing a flammable gas."  This is a regulation and the attendant should know enough to do this.  But sometime  they lack in training, so I always turn off the main valve when I open the bay door when I am going to have the propane tank filled.

1994 U225
build #4514
 

Re: Propane tank pressure testing

Reply #11 –
PatC,

Thanks for the excellent description regarding DOT vs ASME propane containers.

It is indeed good to have experts reviewing our posts.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX