Propane expansion

It's a gas
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baggydew
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Propane expansion

Post by baggydew »

After I fill my propane tank, when the weather is hot, I sometimes get an explosive sound and smell propane. I figure expansion takes place as the atmosphere heats up and the tank automatically releases the excess gas. (although the explosive sound is disconcerting). Is there a relief valve on the tank and, if so, is this normal operation? When it happens, I will sometimes manually release some of the gas by unscrewing the relief port on the tank (wearing gloves of course) which seems to cure the problem. This problem probably wouldn't happen if the filling stations stopped at 80% capacity as recommended.
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skater
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Re: Propane expansion

Post by skater »

baggydew wrote:This problem probably wouldn't happen if the filling stations stopped at 80% capacity as recommended.
I think that sums it up right there. They aren't supposed to go above 80% exactly for the reasons of expansion.

The good news is that it sounds like the safety systems are working as designed. Obviously though there's a risk in having a highly flammable gas floating around your camper.
1991 Airstream B190 - bought, 2005; sold, 2011; bought 2017
1995 Airstream Excella 30' trailer

WBCCI #13270, Washington, DC Unit
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baggydew
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Posts: 86
Joined: Mon May 26, 2008 12:00 am
B190 Year: 1994
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Location: Columbus Mississippi

Post by baggydew »

That gives me some piece of mind that the system is functioning as designed but I'm at a loss as to how to trust the various filling stations to follow filling instructions. Just something to be aware of, I guess. Thanks for the feedback
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skater
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Post by skater »

baggydew wrote:That gives me some piece of mind that the system is functioning as designed but I'm at a loss as to how to trust the various filling stations to follow filling instructions. Just something to be aware of, I guess. Thanks for the feedback
Yeah. It's a little scary that they are doing that - they really ought to know better.
1991 Airstream B190 - bought, 2005; sold, 2011; bought 2017
1995 Airstream Excella 30' trailer

WBCCI #13270, Washington, DC Unit
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