Transferring propane from old tank to new one

[kebo]

Someone was saying that gas companies aren't allowed to take gas out of another copies tank, but IDK for sure.

Yep, the tanks are usually (but not always) owned by a propane company. The owner of the tank is the only one *legally* allowed to remove propane from it, or to fill it with more propane. At least, that's what I've been told. Now, if you OWN your own tank, I believe then you can get any propane company to fill it.

 

[kebo]

For future readers...
Those loops on each end of the propane tank are tie-down loops, used for hauling on a trailer.

If used for lifting, they could be ripped off if there was enough liquid in the tank. If the tank is near empty, it's ok to lift there.

The safest way to move a tank is wrapping a chain under the tank at both ends, so that the feet prevent the chain from sliding toward the middle.

I believe that the homeowner can load that tank up on a trailer and deliver it to the yard of the propane company. They will have a backhoe or truck with boom crane to pick it up off your trailer. At least, I was considering switching my propane provider and I asked my current provider if I could avoid their pick up charge by loading their tank onto my trailer and delivering it to their yard. They said as long as it was undamaged, I could do that. So, the OP wants to do it himself, then he should check with the tank owner first, to make sure they will accept it!

 

[hslogger]

by law you need proper hazmat placards to transport big tank

 

[kebo]

by law you need proper hazmat placards to transport big tank

Ahh, I did not realize that. Thanks for pointing it out, and scratch what I said earlier about taking a tank back to the propane provider on a trailer!

 

[pmsmechanic]

Around here old propane tanks are converted into incinerators. You cut one end off and install a trap door. Add a smoke stack and a side door for garbage and you have a cheap incinerator. I don't know how they are purged to remove the old propane gas but there is a good market for used propane tanks.

 

[gstrom99]

I don't know how they are purged to remove the old propane gas but there is a good market for used propane tanks.

Okay, you can be the guy to cut into the old tank.


I've got two big old farm heating oil and gasoline tanks waiting to get cut open, that were rinsed with water and have been sitting out two years and open to the air. They still smell of fuel. Maybe LP is different?

 

[5030]

I see we are mislabeling propane containers again. they are 'bottles', not tanks and around there at least, transferring propane from one bottle to another is entirely up to the supplier and it is their choice, not the homeowner's choice.

In my case, I own all 3 of my 500 gallon bottles so no worry every about switching propane suppliers (not that I do) anyway because one of my hunting buds owns the propane company I deal with and I always get the best price on gas.

 

[pmsmechanic]

Okay, you can be the guy to cut into the old tank.


I've got two big old farm heating oil and gasoline tanks waiting to get cut open, that were rinsed with water and have been sitting out two years and open to the air. They still smell of fuel. Maybe LP is different?

Hey there's a reason I haven't cut big tanks myself. I've cut into 20lb tanks just by leaving them open and in the sun for about 2 years.

If I ever run into someone who does the conversions I'll ask.

To the OP. Nice job on figuring out a solution.

 

[not2old]

Hey there's a reason I haven't cut big tanks myself. I've cut into 20lb tanks just by leaving them open and in the sun for about 2 years.

If I ever run into someone who does the conversions I'll ask.

To the OP. Nice job on figuring out a solution.

When I converted an old 30 lb. bottle for an air compressor, I filled it with water before drilling a hole. Can't explode if full of water.

 

[stephenh]

Two propane companies in my strate told me, back in early 90s, that it was illegal for them to transport a tank that had any propane left in it. Don't know whether that is true [what about homeowners transporting the 20-pounders for the grill, in their cars???].

Anyhow, I found a deal back then for a 500-lb tank that had an estimated 50 gallons left in it. Seller just wanted the tank gone away and didn't care about the gas and said give me $250 and get it out of here. Couple buddies and I figured out a way to put it in my pickup and bring it home. Gas co. I called first said I needed to open the valve and off-gas the gas before I moved it. I didn't and ended up having no trouble with the move.