Propane Tank Valve Question

[ultrarunner]

The Bear population is fast becoming fearless here in the Sierra Nevada range... Bear proof garbage enclosures and such are now common.

Another problem is Bears damaging propane tank lines and regulators especially in empty vacation cabins...

Just finishing an unplanned repair and now I'm thinking two years ago when the contents of a nearly full 250 gallon tank were lost it was also because of a Bear.

How far open should the hand valve be on a 250 gallon propane tank when turning it on for the summer? In the past it was left on year round for convenience and now I would rather be safe than sorry or poorer with 80% in the tank now.

I also changed out the copper line for a stainless flex gas line as both times the copper line was mangled to the point of leaking.

 

[Cpjlube]

Wow. Here in central Ohio I just worry about hitting the line with the mower. I don't live in bear country so I never considered bear damage. That's a big loss if tank is 80 percent!

I just turn the valve all the way open. There is a regulator so it shouldn't matter.

I'm assuming you can winterized the place enough to leave the valve off when your not in residence? Wonder how much armor you have to install to protect the tank if you need the system pressurized all year long?

 

[ultrarunner]

Tank has been here 50 years and was never a problem before the Bears showed up...

Looks like the Bear had made himself at home... nice little depression in the ground just behind the tank and under a fir tree...

Last year was the first year we had the gas off all winter and no issues... before, the water heater was turned to pilot and the furnace set at 40 degrees and of course the water was off and RV anti-freeze in the drains.

 

[triptester]

With the 20-40 lb tanks they have what is called a velocity check built into the POL that shuts off the flow if there is a sudden large flow. Check with your propane supplier to see if a velocity check is available for the big tanks.

 

[stingray1]

With the 20-40 lb tanks they have what is called a velocity check built into the POL that shuts off the flow if there is a sudden large flow. Check with your propane supplier to see if a velocity check is available for the big tanks.

Thanks for the info.

 

[ultrarunner]

This is a 1960's year round tank that is customer owned... even so... the propane company has become very territorial... almost adversarial.

They had a conniption fit that I was turning on the gas and lighting pilot lights... like I have for almost 50 years!

Even put stickers all over the tank that say "Leased From"... again customer owned and have papers to prove.

I think 4 times the franchise has changed hands in 6 years and there are fewer with propane since natural gas is now available... for a $2500 hookup fee plus whatever plumbing and converting existing gas appliances.

 

[RedNeckGeek]

This is a 1960's year round tank that is customer owned... even so... the propane company has become very territorial... almost adversarial.

They had a conniption fit that I was turning on the gas and lighting pilot lights... like I have for almost 50 years!

Even put stickers all over the tank that say "Leased From"... again customer owned and have papers to prove.

Sounds like it's time for a new propane dealer. You might be surprised how happy another dealer would be to get your business, and show it by treating you considerably better.

 

[Jstpssng]

Just an aside but I could be mistaken but I believe that they only fill those tanks to 85% to allow for expansion.

 

[ultrarunner]

I marked it down and dated it with a copy under the lid... 82% on July 1, 2015...

The bear was back... right in front of the house in broad daylight around 2 in the afternoon...

The cabin has been in the family over 51 years with no bears lurking in the neighborhood.

Just to be on the safe side... I turned off the main valve on the tank, water and power...

 

[PHIL850]

They fill them to approx 80%. you need the other open 20% so the liquid can turn to vapor .