40# Propane tank Single Burner forge, likely to freeze up?

M

mgysgthath

Joined
Dec 15, 2009
Messages
1,008
I can get a 40# tank at a fairly reasonable price, and I'm wondering if you'd expect me to have any freezing problems with that size tank? A 100lbs tank is going to be a bit unwieldy to get filled. I thought eventually I'd get a second 40# and have to get them filled less often.
 
If you are doing this as a hobby, then I think you will be fine. I read that a 20# will freeze up after a couple of hours, and so a 40 should be fine. however, this is just from research. if anyone actually has real experience, listen to them.
 
I use a 40# on my 3 burner forge with no problem. When it gets down to a quarter I cannot run welding temps or it will freeze up but at regular forging temps and if it isn't too cold outside or inside I can run it almost out.
 
I have a smaller venturi forge, one burner. When I take it places for demos I use a 20# bottle, which doesn't freeze up unless like Burton says it's low. At home I run this forge and my welding forge off of a 100# bottle. I've run my small forge at welding temps for a few hours at a time, this would cause a 20# bottle to freeze up.

It all depends on the gas consumption of your forge at your typical running pressures. Is your forge blown, and does it have a small drilled orifice?
 
It is a venturi forge, a Chile Tabasco single burner. I think from what you guys said I'll be fine with the 40# tank, but should keep an eye on it when it's getting low. I wonder has anyone tried strapping a heating pad around their tank before? I should probably start a different thread, but cold Canadian temperatures and propane tanks are raising some new questions.
 
I have used tiger torches to warm up propane cylindars, it has been a common practice around here when working in january conditions. Just make sure the cylindars are turned off or flames could errupt from the regulator or any small leaks. Gently warm the tank around the base and keep flame away from the valve area, and only do this outdoors or in a very well ventilated area
 
I can freeze a 40lb tank in 20-30 minutes with my blown burner welding forge. I do not freeze 20lbers with my venturi. A really easy way to keep them from freezing is to put them in a tub of water. I personally would avoid using a tiger/ weed buring torch on them like the plague.
 
I haven't thought of a heating pad, I've thought of a magnetic engine block warmer. I use it when a tank gets low and frosty. It is normally on my anvil, and it makes it too hot to touch. Those suckers put out a lot of heat, and it makes a big difference. I'm sure there must be different sizes and temperatures made, but it sure is easy to throw the magnetic block warmer at the LP tank.
 
Thanks, that's a good idea gizzard. Ya I'd rather do just about anything than put a torch to a cylinder full of combustible gas/liquid.. not that it wouldn't work, but I wouldn't personally take the risk. Thanks all !
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top