On Sat, 24 Dec 2005 20:47:29 GMT, Bruce L. Bergman
wrote:

On 24 Dec 2005 07:23:20 -0800, jim rozen
wrote:
In article , Rich Grise says...

Isn't there some kind of law against using a propane tank for
compressed air?

As long as a *new*, unused tank is employed this can be done.

I've done that myself in my shop - I found a *new* tank at the
local store that was never used, but being sold inexpensively.

I don't see why you can't reuse an old Propane tank if it is in a
non critical application - I have several 20-Lb. propane tanks with
the old valves that I can't find anywhere to get them filled. The
30-Lb tank with the "Visible Jr." gauge is the only one they'll fill.

It's cheaper to buy a whole new OPD propane tank than to replace the
old POL valve with the new OPD version, but I hate to throw out
basically useful stuff. And they've got to be a whole lot safer than
the kit for reusing a very thin-wall _disposable_ refrigerant cylinder
as an air tank.

The big problem is purging the methyl mercaptan stink out of them,
short of roasting the open tank in a bonfire which would make them
unusable for anything pressurized. Any ideas from you chemists out
there?

-- Bruce --
About four purges with air will reduce the propane to an undetectable
level, then purge once a day with the tank inverted for about a week
gets rid of most of the smell. Using these in the inverted position
solves the drain problem caused by the single opening.
Gerry :-)}
London, Canada