What to do with propane canisters

[KevDen2005]

I thought it wasn't recommended to do that.

[MarkCO]

I thought it wasn't recommended to do that.

It is not by the manufacturers. I can show you pictures of the results if you do it wrong. While it can be done safely, it is beyond common knowledge, so if you want to do it, watch a few of the YouTube videos and make sure the follow the safety recommendations, and know the laws. To me, running Propane through a desiccator is not worth the effort.

The "Not Refillable" label means that they may not be refilled commercially. You, as an owner can refill it, but TRANSPORTING it is illegal. If you are caught on roads with refilled "Not Refillable" cylinders, you can be subject to a $10K fine and 5 years in a Federal Pokey. I have one seen one instance of a person being charged Federally for violating the DOT rules though. The reason for the prohibition is that the 1lb. cylinders don't have the same safety margin and if they rust internally, they can explode. I have worked on three cases where such did occur here in CO so far. Factory filled propane is dry, meaning no water. Bulk tanks that you get for your propane grill, and the Propane that goes into those from bulk plants is NOT dried. A few fillings and you can corrode the interior of the tank.

As to your original question, review this page: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdp...-and-canisters

I am a certified Propane Handler as well as Line and Appliance installer and regularly investigate Propane accidents for Government Agencies, Propane Suppliers as well as Insurance companies. I have been employed by DOT and Homeland to provide Safety Protocols related to this, and other Propane safety issues, so I am not just a common person on the subject. I hope that helps you make an informed decision.

[Jeffrey Lebowski]

The "Not Refillable" label means that they may not be refilled commercially. You, as an owner can refill it, but TRANSPORTING it is illegal. If you are caught on roads with refilled "Not Refillable" cylinders, you can be subject to a $10K fine and 5 years in a Federal Pokey. I have one seen one instance of a person being charged Federally for violating the DOT rules though.

Mark, how would one (even a professional “one”) be able to tell if it were filled vs. refilled?
I have zero interest in doing this, just curious.


I do agree with many of you though - the waste on this is bothersome. I just throw them out as well.

[68Charger]

Mark, how would one (even a professional “one”) be able to tell if it were filled vs. refilled?
I have zero interest in doing this, just curious.


I do agree with many of you though - the waste on this is bothersome. I just throw them out as well.

yeah, it's like a 600% markup or more... I've got the rig for refilling them... I just don't use enough of 'em to bother. if you weigh them, or take extra care to ensure you don't overfill them it's safe... for a while at least. Even if they rusted thru from the inside, they wouldn't just blow up- but they could cause a gas buildup that could ignite depending on how you store them.

If they pop while in your trunk on a hot day because you overfilled them- that's how they'd know you refilled them.... otherwise, no clue.

[MarkCO]

Even if they rusted thru from the inside, they wouldn't just blow up- but they could cause a gas buildup that could ignite depending on how you store them.

Actually, most of the time, they do rupture and the released energy is quite significant. It is a physical explosion as opposed to a chemical, nuclear or BLEVE.

[68Charger]

Actually, most of the time, they do rupture and the released energy is quite significant. It is a physical explosion as opposed to a chemical, nuclear or BLEVE.

Interesting- but it's possible you rarely hear about the less violent failures... they just quietly happen and get swept under the rug.

Or is this based on scientific testing, rather than anecdotal cases?

[MarkCO]

Interesting- but it's possible you rarely hear about the less violent failures... they just quietly happen and get swept under the rug.

Or is this based on scientific testing, rather than anecdotal cases?

The cases I work on are, for the most part, ones in which there is substantial injury or property loss. But I also get information from the manufacturers, monitor others testing as well as perform testing, as well as the NPGA information.

[MarkCO]

Mark, how would one (even a professional “one”) be able to tell if it were filled vs. refilled?
I have zero interest in doing this, just curious.


I do agree with many of you though - the waste on this is bothersome. I just throw them out as well.

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.

[Jeffrey Lebowski]

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.

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

[Jimmy]

I am a certified Propane Handler as well as Line and Appliance installer and regularly investigate Propane accidents for Government Agencies, Propane Suppliers as well as Insurance companies. I have been employed by DOT and Homeland to provide Safety Protocols related to this, and other Propane safety issues, so I am not just a common person on the subject. I hope that helps you make an informed decision.

Am I the only one who read this, and heard Hank Hill saying it?