What to do with propane canisters

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Originally Posted by MarkCO

All fuels have markers (isotopes) that have slight variations from one fuel source to another. If I have a verified source, I can tell if a sample came from that source or not. It is not cheap to do, but it is pretty reliable. Also, remember that canisters filled by the manufacturer use dried propane. Most (probably all) of the people re-filling are using bulk propane that is not dried, so interior tank corrosion occurs (which is also usually the cause of the tank rupture) and I can characterise that. Also, I microscopically examine the valve and I can see slight marks that are indicative of filling. If you refill, and have an incident, you definitely don't want me as the Forensic Engineer working on your case because I will find out the truth. In most cases, the dots are pretty easy to connect on all three.

The last guy not only had consusive issues, but burns as well. After my analysis, not only did a "suit" against the manufacturer get vacated, his homeowners policy denied the claim. It was messy for the guy and he could no longer work either. It was his attorney and the insurance company attorney who hired me jointly.

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My goodness, I had no idea all this was possible.
Good info. [Beer] Completely useless to me, but interesting as all get-out!

Mark, if 20-lb bottle propane is not dried, how do they keep those containers from rusting?

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Originally Posted by Brass

Mark, if 20-lb bottle propane is not dried, how do they keep those containers from rusting?

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20 pounders are filled from a bulk tank, which is dried propane. BUT, there is a test and re-test requirement on tanks. That process (stamped tare weights, inspection, etc.) catches those tanks with internal corrosion. It also catches those tanks used for ammonia, or other oxidizers used in illegal drug manufacturing process.

So, if the 20s are filled with dried propane, wouldn't you be refilling 1s with dried propane from the 20s? I can't imagine how the dry propane would get "wet" when transferred into 1-lb cans except for that little bit of air in the transfer tube the first time you use it.

PS: I'm not arguing with you, I just can't figure out the source of moisture infiltration.

The walls on the 1# are extremely thin as compared to the 20#. There is no factor of safety for propane in the 1#s.