Precautions for using an old propane tank?

Dan Seaver

Dan Seaver

Joined
Jun 25, 2007
Messages
898
Well I found an old propane tank sitting behind our sheds and would like to use it for my forge. I plan to replace the valve and have the container checked for safety reasons. I think it will pass the test since its held a full tank for 15 years so far! :eek: So replace the valve, have the propane supplier test the tank and what else should I do for safety reasons?

Its about 4 feet tall and 12 inches in diameter; the valve still works fine but better safe then sorry.
 
If it's that old, no one will re-fill it.
There is an age limit, and the older ones don't have the internal auto-overfill-valve.
Just buy a new one.
 
Awww shucks. I guess I'll just try renting a large tank for this year then. The winters here are far too cold for small tanks. The lowest temperature I will have the tank running at is zero degrees Fahrenheit, would a 250 pound tank last for about 3 months of forging 5 hours a week, on one fill?
 
There is no way to determine that at this point.
You will need to discover the fuel demands of your particular forge, how large it is, how hot you run it, etc.
Instead of renting a 250, maybe buy a 100. At least that you could load in a truck or car, take to the supply "place" and have it refilled to avoid delivery charges.
 
At 4' tall it sounds like a 100# bottle you could take it to your local propane supplier and see if they can change the fill valve, The place here in town charges 15.00 to do it plus refill.They can tellyou if the bottle is still woth using.
 
The 100lb bottles do not require the new valve at least not in CA or Oregon. A propane supplier can do a Hydro test on the tank and recert for another 10 yrs if it passes. It is worth the $15-$25 to get it done. I have heard some areas are not refilling 100# bottles check in your area to make sure you can get it filled before you go through the trouble.

Chuck
 
I'll call with the supplier about filling restrictions, a new valve, and the hydro test tomorrow. Thanks for the help.
 
They make great forge shells.

forge-1.jpg
 
If you cut open ANY old propant tank. make sure youremove the valve, then fill the entire tank with water before you cut or have it cut! IT WILL EXPLODE IF NOT>.
 
I considered using a tank for a forge at one point in time but its far too dangerous. You can use a 16 gallon drum and get a forge of roughly the same diameter with very little risk.

Forgot to call Agway, on the list of things to do tommorow.
 
I drilled two 1/2" holes on each side of the valve and purged the tank with a garden hose. One hole was for filling and one for venting. Those valves don't always come off easy.
 
I drilled them very slowly. You can also get the tanks nitrogen purged to be extra safe. My local feed store charges $3 to do it.

I have never owned a drill with a fast enough speed to create sparks. And even if I did I wold not want to ruin my drill bits by using that speed.
 
First thing to do, Take the valve off and fill the tank with water. This will force all the remaining propane out the top of the tank. Do not try cutting the tank without purging it first. If you really want to get a little extra protection, Like Brian said, after draining the water run an inert gas into the tank, CO2 or ARGON work well. Then if a spark does occur it cannot burn as there is no O2.

Chuck
 
Well I talked with someone at suburban propane today and apparently I can get a 420pound tank set up and propane delivered. I only have to pay the price of the propane, no delivery charges. I'll finish off the propane I have then I will use their tank. Thanks for the help guys.
 
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