View Single Post
  #45   Report Post  
George E. Cawthon
 
Posts: n/a
Default Initial fill of new Propane tank fact or fiction on purge needed

You sure it was presssurized with a gas so that it didn't
need to be purged?

Stan Schaefer wrote:

(Roy) wrote in message ...
Just what is involved with filling a new propane tank. I just bought a
brand new 100# tank. Took it to a gas supplier to get filled, and they
want a $25.00 initial fee supposedly to purge it..........what gives.
If its empty its empty. Its got the standard type of valve (OPD not
required on a 100# cylinder) so it can be opened and any air inside
can be vented to the atmosphere. Am I missing something here? Called
two others and they also said the tank needs to be purged since its
new.........I have bought new 20# and never had to have them purged .
I smell a rip off for some reason.

Maybe I just need to transfer some gas to give it a used smell into
this new cylinder and then act like its been filled before.
Visit my website:
http://www.frugalmachinist.com
Opinions expressed are those of my wifes,
I had no input whatsoever.
Remove "nospam" from email addy.


I've bought several new propane tanks, they've all had to be purged.
You DO NOT want air mixed with your propane in there. Purging
amounted to opening up the bleed screw while propane pumping was going
on, screw remained open until propane fogged out of the opening. The
tanks were then filled to proper weight. I got to pay for the propane
that escaped, there was no extra charge for the filling station guy
having to use his screwdriver. You got ripped off. On two of the new
tanks there was considerable air pressure in the tank before they were
even hooked up. The last one I bled down before hauling it over to
the rental place where I get tanks filled, took less time that way.
It took about 15 minutes for the 60 lb tank to quit passing air after
I opened up the screw, there must have been a lot of pressure in
there. I suppose they use it for checking for leaks after assembly,
probably roll them through a water tank after pressurizing and look
for bubbles at the joints. At least being pressurized that way
assured me that it wouldn't leak when filled.

You need to find another, more honest, supplier.

Stan