bear with me on this...

M

mitri

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This is my first thread. So pointers on how to use the fourm are more than appreciated.
I have acquired a fork lift truck cylinder (40lbs give or take) and filled it with propane for my home made forge. Unfortunately before filling it, i did not notice that it had 2 valves; liquid and vapor. The vapor valve is sealed.
My question is: will i be able to run liquid propane to the forge?
Notes: i have a regular compressor pressure regulator. it worked fine on the smaller propane cylinder (20lbs).
Main concern is obviously safety related... ie. blowing up shop...
 
98 views and no ones wiling to comment? :(
maybe i will expound on the cylinder for those who dont know how a fork lift cylinder is structured...
i am assuming most cylinders (the ones for a grill and outdoor giant ones for house hold appliances) have only "vapor" valves, since most of the things propane is used for uses vapor form of propane. Forklifts use liquid, and as far as my research goes, they turn vapor into a combustible fuel via. many regulators and valves etc. In order for liquid propane to be extracted from the tank, the valve is connected to a tube reaching to the bottom of the cylinder as opposed to the top where there is an air gap (or pressurized vapor gap). This tube allows for the propane to bypass the -49 degree "boiling point."
my cylinder has only one functional valve and it is the liquid valve.
my question: can i run liquid propane to my forge?
hope that helps...
 
I'll comment. I always try to use the right tool for the job. If I was wanting to fuel a forklift your tank would be perfect. For firing a forge, I would want a regular 20# propane tank. Just MHO.
 
Thanks NC BIKER! unfortunately moneys tight. (i know im not the only one in this damn boat), so im trying to do what i can... everything i have i built from scrap. but i do value my life more then a few bucks for a tank. ha... so im starting to lean on the side of picking up a proper tank. thanks again for the advice.
 
Well, theoretically, if you store the tank upside down, you would avoid getting liquid into the tube and only use the vapour. Not sure this would be the best idea though. check moving sales if you want a cheap tank. Since most moving companys wont pack/move propane tanks, people often leave them or sell them or give them away.
 
tatooedfreak... i thought about that. esp. since it is a forklift tank and is meant to be mounted sideways, but unfortunately from what i read, you are never supposed to turn a tank upside down. the reason being, the fluctuating heat causes pressure build up in the gasses. even though all propane tanks are only filled 80% (or at least should be). My tank has a pressure release for excess pressure.
Thanks for the Post! appreciate it!
also, i will deff. look into moving sales. ive been hoping to find something at an auction but winter is upon us, and those are going to be less frequent!
 
Do not use the tank for running a forge. It will not be wise at all. Forges and their regulators run on vapor, not liquid. Any attempt to circumvent the problem will be dangerous.

Either get a proper 40# to 100# tank or take the fork lift tank to the propane dealer and have the valve changed.
 
Thanks Stacey. Will do... i thought it might be risky... figured id ask people that would know!
 
Sounds like you've found the right answer, but I'll just point out the obvious... no matter how tight money is (believe me, I'm right there with you), it tends to get even tighter when you blow yourself up, burn your shop/house down, and/or end up with an ER bill in the 10s of thousands of dollars.

Factory built forges are dangerous enough, much more so home built forges, and even more so when short cuts are taken and things aren't done right.
 
Andrew.
I agree... i know this was a touchy subject to most that viewed this thread. On one hand, yea it might work... on the other, this guys gonna get hurt. Just wanted to know if its possible. i would not risk my well being for an experimental penny saver. This thread is a testimony to the morality of fellow creators of art! no one wanted to say "go for it!" haha... brilliant. i appreciate it! thank you all for the comments. i will keep you guys posted on whats to come of it all... i will definitely look for a proper tank.
Cheers!
 
Assuming the valves are constructed similarly (so the liquid valve can adequately contain vapor) it shouldn't be a problem to run the tank upside down.

The tank pressure will be consistent over the interior surface regardless of liquid or vapor portion. The pressure is what maintains the liquid state as well as what propels the liquid out. The temperature (above boiling for propane) is what maintains the pressure.

In fact, if there is adequate room for expansion (in manifold) the liquid would vaporize coming out of the valve and should be usable right side up.
 
Could conceivably fill two 20# tanks with correct connection hardware (expect some loss).

Or better, craigslist the full tank and use the cash to purchase 20# tanks.
 
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