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why does a new propane tank have to be purged

by Rey Bergnaum Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

National safety codes state that new tanks may contain water, air, or other contaminants, and that it is essential that these be removed before filling the container for the first time and placing it into service. Do not take your new tank to a gas station or the average R/V dealer for this first time purging service.Nov 19, 2019

Full Answer

Why does my new propane tank need to be purged?

How To Purge A Propane Tank (Quickly & Easily!)

  • Connect your brand new, unused propane tank to a used (but full) tank using a line featuring both a bleed port valve and a regular.
  • Move your valve to the “PURGE” mark, then turn your new propane tank’s valve as far counterclockwise as it can go.
  • Open the other propane tank the same way, then slide that line valve to “CHARGE.”

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How to fill a new propane tank?

New propane tanks come filled with pressurized air. In order to fill your propane tank, you’ll need to purge out all the air. It’s the only way to make your tank fillable. Before you hit up the tank store, getting the scoop on this procedure is a good idea. Purging a propane tank is a fairly simple process.

How do you replace a propane tank?

Tips for Propane Tank Exchange

  • Pay attention to weight. Different tanks have a different empty tare weight (TW), yet the refilled tanks are filled to a total weight. ...
  • Inspect the tank's condition. Do not accept a tank that appears to be corroded or old, nor one that is nearing the end of its lifespan. ...
  • Buy two at a time. ...

What is the best propane tank?

  • 1.1 Worthington 303953 100lb Steel Propane Cylinder
  • 1.2 Worthington 281149 1-Gallon Steel Propane Cylinder
  • 1.3 Coleman 16.4 ounce Propane Fuel
  • 1.4 Coleman Propane 16.4oz Fuel Bottle
  • 1.5 7.75 ounce Coleman Butane-Propane Fuel Mix
  • 1.6 Coleman 32 ounce Premium Blend Fuel
  • 1.7 Flame King YSN-230 20-Pound Steel Propane Cylinder

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What happens if a new propane tank is not purged?

If the tank is not purged, then air is the first gas to exit the propane cylinder and your appliance will not function properly.

Is it necessary to purge a new propane tank?

Unless you're purchasing a used propane tank that's already full from a propane exchange, you'll need to purge the propane tank. New propane tanks contain pressurized air that needs to be purged with propane vapor before the tank can be safely filled with propane and put to use.

What is the purpose of purging a propane tank?

Purging removes the air, moisture, and contaminants; if the purge process is not performed before the container is filled with propane the first time, combustion problems or delivery line pressure irregularities may develop later.

How do I prepare a new propane tank?

Getting Ready for Your Propane Tank InstallationReady your indoor appliances. Make sure all your propane appliances are fully installed and vented, and a gas line has been installed to the exterior wall. ... Clear a path. ... Prepare the ground. ... Complete the trenching. ... Make sure you are home. ... Schedule your tank installation.

What happens if a cylinder that has not been purged is used?

A new cylinder that has not been properly purged cannot be filled to its proper filling level, and propane that is mixed with air has reduced heating value. From a safety standpoint, purging is important for two reasons: 1. Purging helps prevent releases of a combustible mixture.

When you buy a new propane tank is it full?

You can purchase tanks, exchange an existing tank for a new full one, or pay for a refill. Exchanges are typically more—20 pound (9.1 kg) tanks hold around 4.7 gallons (18 L) of propane, which means you're paying about $18.47 at a price of $3.93 per gallon.

What is a fully purged propane tank?

WARNING! Purging with liquid propane causes the liquid propane being pumped into your tank to flash into vapor, chilling the container and condensing any moisture vapor on the walls of the tank where it remains while the pressure is being blown down.

Are Costco propane tanks purged?

Perfect for trips to the park, camping and home use. The propane tank is empty and ready to be filled with gas.

What does pre purged mean?

Pre-Purge is to exhaust unburned gas in a combustion chamber before ignition by exhauster so that gas explosion can be prevented. Pre-Purge is done before ignition. It is called as Post-Purge to exhaust forcibly after shutting off the burning.

How do you use a brand new propane tank?

0:131:07How to Connect a Propane Tank to a Gas Grill - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou will need a grill at a gas connection and a propane tank. Never let a grill with the coverMoreYou will need a grill at a gas connection and a propane tank. Never let a grill with the cover closed always open the cover first.

Can I fill a new propane tank?

Once the gas is used up and the tank is empty, you have two options: You can have the tank refilled (a cheaper option) or you can swap the empty tank for a full one (a more expensive option), perhaps at the same retailer where you purchased the original.

How do you purge a propane regulator?

0:001:00How To Reset Your Propane Regulator - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis open the hood on your grill. Make sure all burner control knobs are in the off. Position turnMoreThis open the hood on your grill. Make sure all burner control knobs are in the off. Position turn the propane tank valve off disconnect the propane hose assembly from the tank.

How many times does a propane tank need to be purged?

This process is performed 3-4 times. Do not attempt this purging on your own.

Can you fill a propane tank with air?

Always have a qualified professional purge your tank. Propane is heavier than air and will force the air out of the propane tank during the evacuation of the vapor. Filling with propane can then proceed. If the tank is not purged, then air is the first gas to exit the propane cylinder and your appliance will not function properly.

How much does it cost to purge a propane tank?

However, the typical fee for a purge will include $3 to $5 on top of the cost of your fuel. This is just a nominal labor fee, so you don’t have to worry too much about it. If you live in an area where propane tanks are not the norm, you might have a higher price for a purge. Some areas may charge a fee as high as $10 to $15 for a medium-sized tank.

Why does my propane tank rust?

Moreover, certain types of impurities, such as water, can also cause your tank to rust from the inside out. Rust can damage the integrity of your tank, as well as the overall ability to store propane efficiently.

What does it mean when a propane tank is frosty?

In most cases, having a little frost on your propane tank just means that, well, your tank is cold. In some cases of extreme weather, seeing a lot of frost over a propane tank might suggest that you won’t have propane for a while.

What does condensation mean in propane?

Condensation in a propane line is a sign that your tank may not be purged correctly. However, it can also be a sign of a leak, a chemical mixture, or something else. Each of these issues can have different fixes, and it’s not always easy to see which fix you need. As a result, you need to take a step back.

How to make sure your tank is safe to use?

In order to make sure that your tank is safe to use and can fill up, you will need to get rid of the impurities. Purging, as the name suggests, is the approved way to get rid of impurities inside your tank prior to its use. All new tanks will need to be purged. Since poorly purged tanks won’t be able to fill to their maximum, ...

What temperature does propane turn into liquid?

Propane has a liquid point of -44 degrees Fahrenheit. If the tank is stored in an area that dips below that temperature, the propane will turn into liquid. This, in turn, makes it hard (or impossible) to remove from the tank.

Can you purge a propane tank at a gas station?

For the most part, getting your propane tank purged at a gas station isn’t a good idea. In many cases, gas stations don’t have a used propane tank that is filled with enough propane to properly purge your tank. Moreover, even if they do, they may not know how to do it the right way. Some propane suppliers won’t fix your tank if it’s been purged by ...

Why do propane tanks need to be purged?

Tanks need to be purged because air has somehow entered the tank. Air contains moisture, which is not a good combination with propane.

Why do you need to purge a propane tank?

Propane tanks only need to be purged for three reasons: the tank is new; you have updated the valve on your tank; or you opened the valve on an older tank. Tanks need to be purged because air has somehow entered the tank.

Why is air used in propane tanks?

When new tanks are transported, they are purposely loaded with air to help maintain the correct balance of pressure when shipping over various altitudes.

How to charge propane tank?

Open the valve on the new propane tank. Open the bleed port. Opening the bleed port allows excess air from the new tank to purge out. Open the portable cylinder's valve. Turn the purge valve to " Charge.". This will allow propane into the new propane tank. Wait for the flow of propane to stop.

What are the problems with propane?

With continued exposure to moisture, rust eventually can create larger pockets that may result in a breach in the container wall. Reduced effectiveness of the odorant in the propane.

What is a propane tank filled with?

A container that is destined for an RV, whether it’s a tank or a cylinder, usually is filled with compressed air (or sometimes another inert gas) when it is shipped from the supplier. Air contains moisture and other contaminants.

How does a propane pressure regulator work?

The pressure regulator has individual sections where the fluctuating container pressure is reduced in two steps to the delivery line pressure required by the appliances. The propane vapor must pass through small orifices in these two stages in order for the pressure to be reduced sequentially and smoothly.

What is the difference between a dot cylinder and an ASME tank?

The capacity of a DOT/TC cylinder typically is measured in liquid pounds. So, generally speaking, an ASME tank is bolted to the coach, while a DOT cylinder is portable and replaceable. Both types of containers require purging at some point. ASME tanks do not require a requalification examination, but DOT cylinders do.

What is a propane tank on a motorhome?

Most motorhomes have horizontal ASME propane containers, or tanks, that are bolted to the coach’s frame. These as well as upright, portable DOT propane containers, called cylinders, must be purged before they are filled for the first time.

Why does my propane regulator freeze up?

Even a little water lying at the bottom of a propane container can be a problem. Any moisture present from the container to the inlet of the pressure regulator can cause the regulator to freeze up. There are two types of regulator freeze-up, both with negative outcomes.

Why does mercaptan smell?

The infamous smell of ethyl mercaptan warns of a propane leak. But moisture in the container causes the odor of mercaptan to fade to the point that it might not be noticeable. Another problem also can arise from failure to properly purge a new container.

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