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Propane expansion
Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 10:28 pm
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.
Re: Propane expansion
Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 7:32 am
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.
Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 11:16 am
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
Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 11:57 am
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.