Container Information

Propane is sold and stored in portable DOT containers or fixed placement ASME containers. When a container is filled to its proper liquid level it will be approximately 80 percent full. The remaining 20 percent of the container's volume contains propane vapor. This is the propane vapor consumed by your appliances.

The vapor space in the container also provides room for the expansion of liquid propane. Liquid propane has a moderately high coefficient of expansion and accordingly, expands greatly when subjected to temperature increases.

Warning!

If a container is filled beyond its maximum permitted liquid filling density, a situation may develop in which there will not be enough space available to accommodate the liquid propane's expansion. When an overfilled container is exposed to any temperature increase, the following hazardous conditions may occur:

  1. The hydrostatic relief valve may actuate (open), discharging liquid propane to the atmosphere.
  2. Liquid propane could enter your system's distribution lines. This would result in higher than normal operating pressures to your appliances.
  3. If the container becomes hydrostatic, and the hydrostatic relief valve fails to open, the container could rupture, resulting in serious injury or property damage.

 

Container Handling and Safety:

When transporting your propane gas container, or storing it for future use, a few simple precautions must be followed:

  • Never use, store, or transport containers in the passenger compartment of your vehicle.
  • Never store a container inside a building, including your garage. Containers should be stored outdoors and off the ground on a non-combustible base. The container's vapor service outlet should be plugged.
  • Propane gas containers must be transported in an upright position. This allows the hydrostatic relief valve to remain in the container's vapor space at all times. Only a container designed for horizontal use may be transported horizontally.
  • When transporting a container, the container's vapor service outlet must be plugged or protected. The container's vapor service outlet is a female POL type connection.
  • Any container that is damaged, corroded, exposed to fire, or appears to be leaking must be removed from service immediately. If you have a defective, damaged, or leaking container, contact us and a technician will remove it from service.

Container Refilling:

Warning!

Only properly trained technicians may engage in container refilling.

New containers must be properly purged  by a qualified technician prior to their initial filling. This insures that your appliances will operate properly. The presence of oxygen in an improperly purged container can diminish the containers odorant level and cause excessive pressures. Once a container has been properly purged, the vapor service valve must remain closed, except when in use.

Containers are filled by weight or fixed liquid level gauge to prevent overfilling. It is imperative that your container be filled by a qualified technician.
 

Container Maintenance:

The exterior of your container should be protected with light-colored, heat-reflective paint. This will reduce pressure increases as ambient temperatures rise. A proper exterior coating will protect against rust and corrosion. Aluminum containers do not require painting.

When taking advantage of Littlefield Propane rental tank service, all container maintenance is provided free of charge.