Propane tanks are used for a variety of applications, predominantly in commercial or industrial settings. Propane tanks are usually handled with extreme cautions as this natural gas is somewhat dangerous when it leaks into the atmosphere or is enclosed in a room, which imposes the risk for fires and explosions. If you're unfamiliar with propane tanks or any other propane-filled product, you'll be surprised that you are regularly using propane inside your house without even knowing it's a type or derivative of propane gas. When combined with butane, the gas is used mainly for vehicle fuel or to power your gas stove, and is termed as liquefied petroleum gas or LPG. It may also comprise of small amounts butylene and propylene. Propane tanks are primarily used in a liquid state and in average pressures. This enables quick refill times, cost-efficient fuel tank systems, and ranges that are comparable to gasoline. As we've pointed out earlier, the gas' use is quickly growing in non-industrialized settings around the world. The gas has served as an alternative for wood and other conventional fuel sources in communities. With such a strong use in this particular industry, propane gas has also been termed as cooking gas. If you're looking to buy propane tanks for sale, you'll have plenty of factors to take into consideration.

photo credit: SpecMode

The type and size of propane tanks are two of the most common elements to consider. The universal type of propane tanks is the 20-pound or 5-gallon cylinder tank. It is commonly utilized for family grills, insect-extermination devices as well as recreational sedans. Households with gas stoves and propane-fueled water heaters usually necessitate a larger propane tank or a larger version or type of cylinder. If you require larger propane tanks to use for more demanding applications, either for residential or commercial purposes, a "submarine" tank is usually the best option. A submarine tank features greater tank capacity as well as a larger footprint. Propane sellers and other commercial sites utilize a broad range of larger tanks that are used for bulk storing of the gas. Though not commonly needed, a specialized version of the submarine tank is made available for installment undergrounds.

When opting to buy propane tanks for sale, you may either opt to buy the tank or rent it. Both options have its own pros and cons that are worthy of consideration. For instance, when you're intending to use it for an occasion like RVs and camp-outs or for a big celebration or party, then propane tanks can be rented from propane gas companies within your locality. When you're intending to use it for a commercial or industrial business as well as for household cooking gas, then purchasing it is the most ideal option. You can also try to buy used propane tanks for sale through the internet. These may result in higher savings as opposed to buying a brand new one. Choose a propane gas company that can send over expert workers to install your propane tank safely and securely.

photo credit: Martin Cathrae

In terms of safety, handling propane tanks are very delicate. Propane is a highly flammable gas that can function as an accelerant in the event of an explosion or fire. Thus, the necessary precautions are required when using, storing, and installing propane tanks to your household or any other commercial or industrial device. A benefit, however, is that propane tanks are constructed to be 20 times more puncture-resistant as opposed to tanks that are filled with methanol, ethanol or gasoline. Propane tanks are designed with durable carbon steel which is to comply with the procedures patented by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. For a homeowner that is currently using propane as their primary cooking gas, the easiest way to check if propane has leaked into the air is by smelling its unpleasant smell. If the odor of propane is in the atmosphere, a potentially life-threatening situation may be present. When a fire does spark within the area, extinguish all open flames and instantly vacate the area when propane fume is suspected to be in the atmosphere. Also, avoid touching any electrical switches or electronics when you suspect any propane leak. If not trained professionally, don't tamper with the propane system's supply lines. If not your task, don't tamper with the safety devices, regulators and fittings on the propane tank. Also, refrain from testing propane leaks by means of an open flame. For both residential and commercial settings, installing carbon monoxide detection devices are available for purchase in many hardware stores.

One of the most widely used gases for fuel is propane and one of the safest ways of storing the gas is in aluminum tanks. Propane or dimethylmethane is a colorless, flammable gas made from petroleum. It is normally in liquid form and has to be vaporized to effect energy.

The Energy in Propane

Aluminum tanks are puncture free, non-chafing and long-lasting. Propane fuel tanks are cylindrical pressure vessels and can also be made of other materials such as stainless steel or titanium. They contain valves that feed the burner and supports refueling. The tanks, having both a fuel gauge and a pressure gauge, are available in various sizes 38 liters to 76 liters. The propane itself contains the necessary vapor pressure to force the fuel through a line. Nitrogen might be used to assist in the conversion or warmth. Some tanks may be preheated, or fitted with electrical tapes to convert the gas to vapor pressure. An insulating blanket can be used to regulate the temperature and preserve the warmth.

Safety

The concern for safety is of paramount importance especially in instances where there is environmental stress such as rolling around and pitching. Any kind of damage to these tanks could be fatal and result in an explosion. In many states and countries around the world, filling tanks with explosive material is illegal and must comply with the industry standards set by ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)because of the risks involved. Propane tanks must be securely mounted or they will ‘float’ as evidenced in underwater environments. Generally, the standards can be summarized in the following quote: “the surface coating of a cylinder must be suitable for the conditions of use. Galvanized or stainless steel cylinders are preferred”.

Here is a propane safety video:

What are propane tanks generally used for?

Cruising, kayaking: the 1.4 Aluminum propane tank is relatively lightweight, at only eight (8) lbs, and made with marine alloy construction. It is refillable and very strong. It is the ideal size for short trips, such as kayaking trips, fitting in almost every hatch.

Camping gas grills: Safety is the essential concern when handling propane gas tanks. On a camping trip, you should have a stove stand with the proper steel clamps to hold the tank in place, especially, if it is a vessel that is constantly moving around. It is always useful to have a repair kit on hand for the attached stove or cooking equipment. Make sure to have a vertical or horizontal mounting rack that securely holds your tank in place.

Hot Air Balloons

photo credit: prayitno

The burner unit includes an aluminum propane tank. This is suitable because as the liquid propane turns to gas, it mixes with air; the mixture ignites and sends the flame to the mouth of the envelop. Envelopes are balloon shaped structures made of polyester and a coating that makes it impermeable to air.

Remember that it is illegal to install an aluminum propane tank on your own in most states. Installation is always the job of a licensed propane company.

Propane is a by product of processing of petroleum. It is used as a fuel for engines, barbeques and portable stoves. In some cases propane is mixed with butane and used in domestic households as fuel to cook food. In this case an odorant is added to ensure that in case of a gas leak either from the cylinder or from the stove it can be identified and therefore not cause a lot of damage.

Uses of propane

• It is used in certain cars as a fuel and it has a lot of better qualities when compared to gasoline as it is not as pollutant and also does not damage the vehicles engine.
• It is used as a fuel in furnaces for the heat it gives when it burns.
• It is used for cooking in recreational vehicles and campers.
• In some parts of the world, propane is known as cooking gas, but unlike in North America where the cooking gas is mostly propane with very little butane, due to the low boiling point, warmer countries add more butane to the gas.
• Propane when combined with some other chemicals can reduce the global warming threat by replacing the chlorofluorocarbons that are used in refrigeration.

photo credit: jronaldlee

Cautions

Propane is highly flammable and therefore has to be treated with utmost care. It is heavier that air and therefore settles closer to the ground which also means that it does not disperse but rather collects and an accidental spark can lead to an explosion.

Used propane tanks are the tanks that were used to store propane. They can be reused as they can be refilled with propane gas and this will save you a lot of money as a new propane tank is a lot more expensive. However a tank will only be refilled if it passes inspection as it could be very dangerous to fill a leaky or rusted tank which could not only explode when attached to a stove but also while it is being filled. Make sure that you keep the cylinder upright all the time to avoid exerting pressure on the valve which will increase the chances of leakage.

Things to remember when buying a used propane tank are:

• First decide the purpose of the tank
• Decide the size that you will require
• Look around to see who gives you the best price on the tank and its benefits
• Make sure that the nozzles that you buy are original, in proper shape and fit the stove or any other appliance properly to avoid any mishaps.
• Many used old tanks just need a new coat of paint and some minor adjustments to be made to look as good as new and this will save you more money than buying a new one.
• Make sure that if you are not using an old tank it is disposed of properly as it could still do a lot of damage if it bursts.

Propane tanks are often times overlooked. The only thing normal people care about is if the end product, the propane, can get to point b from point a. Of course there is a little more involved in this process than just turning a nozzle.

Propane in tanks is in a liquid state under high pressure to keep it that way. By turning the nozzle you release the propane to become a vapor and to be used as fuel. That being said propane takes some special precautions. Propane expands and contracts according to the temperature, not unlike water. Yet this expansion and contraction can be as much as 17 times of water. There is no reliable way to be able to read this. The only reliable way to figure how much propane is in a tank is through weighing it. Unfortunately some industrial sized tanks make this task nearly impossible. So the next best thing is the gauge that is put on top. Remember this gauge is not extremely accurate but is close. Also due to this restraint your common everyday propane tank is only filled to around 80% capacity. This is to keep the tank from overfilling as well as rupture in which case it becomes an explosive device. Fortunately most tanks are made to the specification that they be able to hold a pressure ratio of 5:1, or 5 times as much they would normally have.

Another aspect of the tank is how much it is labeled to hold. Since propane expansion and contraction is unpredictable propane tanks are tested to hold water. A 500 gallon tank in other words would hold 500 gallons of water or similar liquid. Propane tanks are to be maintained and serviced by professionals only. This is due to many factors such as the possibility of damaging the tank, creating a dangerous carbon monoxide situation due to leaks, or the event one could rupture the tank itself.

Some important information from above:

• Propane Tanks are measure in how much water they hold, not propane.
• Tanks are only filled to 80%-85%.
• Propane is stored as a liquid under pressure.
• Gauges give an estimate but not exact number of how much is in a tank
• Safety standards require that tanks be made to 5:1 ratio. The tank is able to withstand 5 times the regular pressure.
• Only qualified technicians should fill or service a tank due to inherent dangers of propane.

A trained dealer in propane will be happy to answer any question you have about propane. Propane has safely been used for years now and with a knowledge of the basics as well as a working relationship with technicians you can make sure it stays that way.

Before investing in a propane storage tank, there are some very important facts to consider very beneficial. First of all the professional gas company representative will manage the large tanks being consumed by the home or commercial buildings. What need to be checked first are the identification labels for the name or number of the propane gas company. Once the company information is located the service and records should be for that particular tank in the area. No need to be concerned about propane gas any more than electricity or natural gas once the qualified representative inspects and services the tank. We will begin by touching on some facts about propane storage tanks.

Propane Tank Valves and Types

photo credit: akeg

Technically, propane tanks are just metal containment holders, for a type of gas which has the properties of alkaline which is compressed and altered into liquid form. There is about 8 types of tanks or configurations and these are used for various household apparatuses in and around the home. Some of the common uses will be along side of grills, water heaters, stoves, generators and welding equipment. There will also be a single use propane tank such as the portable heating torch that is disposable. The more durable refillable tanks will be found serving heating systems and stoves. For cooking grills you have the Acme valve which easily connects without using a wrench. The POL valve is another not being used as often due to lack in full proof safety features. The OPD valve produces more safety characteristics such as an overfill protection device added to cover the larger capacity propane tanks.

Today there are 3 common cylinder types and sizes. The 20-lb cylinder which also includes the 30- and 40-lb are mainly used for RV vehicles or camping and grilling. The 100-lb cylinders, which hold about 23 gallons of propane is used for cooking and heating appliances. Lastly we have the 420-lb so called jug cylinder and is mainly used only for storage and not home use.

Safety and Other Tips

Like we touched on earlier if the propane tank is properly regulated and serviced this product will take care of your needs. So it is to a high degree that only a licensed propane gas service representative should work on the propane tank. There are regulations and codes to oblige by, and the professionals familiar with the propane tank will do the job right.

For the every day common propane tanks such as those for the grill or camping, safe storage will be the responsibility of the user. Make sure to store the cylinders in a well ventilated area away from high traffic. They should be situated in an upright position on flat concrete and away from flammable materials. For cylinders being stored, like on a rack, the relief valve should be in direct correspondence with the vapor space of the tank.

I hope this bit of information will help in some basic understanding of the propane storage tank.

One of the advantages of the recreational vehicle lifestyle is the ease by which we can make mobile any aspect of standard housing. RV propane tanks are one of the reasons this transition is so easy. Also known as LP tanks, the liquid petroleum is a relatively inexpensive fuel that meets a variety of uses from a heating fuel to running supplemental motors to provide electricity to your RV. It is easy to refill your tanks at ubiquitous filling stations on the road as well. There is some basic knowledge necessary to prepare you to safely handle your rv propane tanks though.

The most common sizes of LP tanks are twenty-pound and thirty-pound tanks. The twenty-pound tanks are what you commonly see attached to barbecue grills in the backyard. This twenty pounds works out to be a little over four and a half gallons of liquid petroleum. With safety being of utmost importance, be sure to inspect your tank for signs of wear, rust and damage before having it refilled. If there is any doubt as to it's safety or if the refill personnel feel it is an unsafe tank it should be exchanged. It is recommended that your RV propane tanks not be permanently attached to your vehicle. This is because the safest way to refill them is by weighing them, and not using a gauge as when you fill a regular gas tank.

photo credit: dno1967b

For a quick review, there are a few key aspects that need to be checked regularly on your RV and it's LP system to keep it in safe working order:

• Check the cylinder. The storage tank should be checked for wear, rust or leaks. If there is any question replace the cylinder.
• Hoses. Check for dry and cracking hoses. There are minimum pressure requirements that the hoses must meet. Do not try to repair hoses; if a hose needs repair, it needs replacement.
• Leaks. The entire vehicle should be checked for leaks using electronic leak detectors. These test for small amounts of propane that are being released from the system. This should be an annual test for your vehicle. Due to the safety hazard involved, an open flame should never be used to test for a leak. Something simple like using water on fittings to test for a leak is not recommended either as this could cause rusting of the fittings.
• Purging the system. Atmospheric pressure builds up within the tank during the normal course of its use. At the end of your traveling season the system should be purged when the vehicle is put into storage for the winter. This will insure the efficiency of the system and help prevent wear during the off-season.

Remember, RV propane tanks are a small part of an overall system. If proper care and maintenance is practiced, then there should be no extreme problems that occur. Keep backup parts and hoses and any problems that do occur can be easily handled. Enjoy your RV experience.

Using a charcoal grill? You'll need to do more than lug out the big heavy bag of coals to get started. Make sure you have lighter fluid, matches, and maybe wood chips to help the fire burn better.

Charcoal fires must slowly burn to white ash before you see the tell-tale orange halo that represents optimum heat and that your grill is ready to use. The wait is about 30 minutes -- if you're lucky.

With a propane grill you don't have to wait, you can press the lighter button and start grilling in five minutes.

Those who love charcoal don't mind the wait even though the inconvenience might render them simply holiday grillers.

Propane grill enthusiasts are often weekly or daily grillers because even after a hard day at work, they know that lighting the fire and grilling will be fast, efficient, and easy.

photo credit: vxla

Propane grills are often the most convenient for couples who want to cook one or two pieces of meat or a light meal like shrimp kabobs and veggies. There's no sense in hauling coals out and suffering the wait for such small meals. That's a chore for large gatherings.

MAINTAINING TEMPERATURE: PROPANE VS. CHARCOAL GRILLS

Once the fire is ready for the meat, a propane grill will keep a steady temperature of your choosing. Not so for charcoal.

With coals, the temperature fluctuation can have grillers moving meats around constantly to find or avoid the hot spots. Sometimes the fire will need to be stoked with new wood pieces.

When it comes to steady heat, ask yourself: Who's in charge? You or the heat source? Propane grill lovers will feel like Prometheus with their ability to tame fire and set the temperature as hot as they want for as long as they want.

The lasting fire and temperature of a propane grill will allow families to throw on new meat well into the night. With charcoal, eventually the fire will weaken and die. Then, if you still have meat that needs cooking, you'll need to clean out the ash and coals and start a new fire.

FLAVOR WARS: PROPANE VS. CHARCOAL GRILLS

Charcoal is heralded for its hickory, smoky flavor which seeps into meat and can be enhanced with wood chips and logs. Some people think it's not real barbecue unless it’s char-grilled. Those folks condemn propane grilling as a mere pretense -- indoor cooking simply done outdoors.

However, in the battle of Propane vs. Charcoal Grills, there are quite a few people who detest the taste of charcoal. These are the meat purists. They are those who want to taste the marbleized steak or Angus burger with only the flavors of fat and flesh that Nature intended in the best cuts.

These purists might add a little butter and a wee bit of salt and pepper. What they absolutely don't want is the flamboyant character of charcoal messing up the natural flavor profile.

Prefer the video? Check this out:

Now, that you're armed with the basic differences, get grilling!

photo credit: Nevada Tumbleweed

Propane is a fuel source used in many different things in today's world, from barbecue grills to cars and trains to lamps and blowtorches. What many people do not know about propane is its wonderful history and how it has impacted the United States and the world for the better. It will continue to be useful and increasingly important in the years to come as countries around the world look for alternatives to current energy usage and more abundant and less pollutant chemicals to use to run their cars and other machinery. Interestingly enough, the many advantages of having these sort of applications of use for propane has sparked a worldwide interest in the fuel, and its impact on popular culture and the world around us is plain to see.

Did you know that...

• Propane was first discovered to be a useful fuel source one hundred years ago by a man named Dr. Walter O. Snelling?
• In 1922, 223,000 gallons of propane were produced in the United States?
• The byproduct produced by the burning of propane where excess oxygen is present is water and carbon dioxide?
• Trucks that bring propane to the delivery plants are called "bobtails"?

Propane will always be vital to the supplying of energy around the globe. It is the bread and butter of a lot of businesses, and it will continue to be so. Construction businesses use it to power some of their equipment, and it will be necessary to find ways to produce more of it on our own soil to decrease our dependence on foreign oil. Alternative energy sources will always be sought after while our budget deficit increases and our ability to depend on our own resources decreases. If we don't get our act together soon, we will be in debt beyond recovery. Businesses and economies cannot survive for long without the ability to produce their own fuel sources, so propane is something we as a country need to be looking into more and more.

Did you know that...

• Propane is used in "off the grid" productions such as refrigerator fuel and for backup generators?
• Some have experimented with the use of propane in air conditioning systems in cars, although the use of flammable fuel in systems designed for non flammable chemicals is considered dangerous, and in some cases, against the law?
• Propane is one of the chemicals used in making propyl alcohol, or rubbing alcohol?

photo credit: JamesEverett

Propane tanks are widely used in commercial and residential settings. Recently, US National Policy Act of 1992 has approved propane as alternate clean air energy, which has revitalized national and international sales. It was first discovered in 1910 when Dr. Walter O Snelling became interested in strange pressurized vapors coming out of a Ford T Model car.

Development

In just ten years, the sales of propane reached 223,000 gallons. Soon, propane tanks were used to heat barns in major farmlands around the United States. Its transformation into liquefied form propelled commercialization, promoting large scale use in vehicles and hot air balloons. In 1927, the Tappan Stove Company introduced the first propane powered gas range, which ultimately resulted in widespread use of propane tanks in residential sectors. Actually, it proved a revolutionary concept as people no longer depended on natural gas connections and firewood. Instead, they could just buy a compatible gas range and connect propane tank to cook their food.

Popularity

The following year, this revolution proved a catalyst in introducing bobtail trucks and propane powered refrigerators. Soon, it seemed that every house in the United States is striving to get its hand on a propane tank which could effectively be used to fuel background grills and operate pumpless blowtorch. Eventually, bobtail trucks with big white propane tanks became a common sight. Initially these trucks would carry approximately 500 gallons of propane gas but rising demand forced manufacturers to introduce 1000 to 3000 gallon propane tanks. In 1965, GATX became the first company to build the world's largest propane tank which could carry almost 60,000 gallons of gas.

Use in Transportation

photo credit: TheeErin

Nevertheless, the sale of propane tanks had already skyrocketed due to its potential use in fueling cars and heating homes. In vehicles, it was used as liquefied petroleum gas, LPG. Scientists soon realized this the gas is nature friendly. It produces 30% less carbon particles compared to oil and 50% less than coal. Realizing this distinct characteristics, US government passed laws to benefit transportation industry. Consequently, in 1950, Chicago Transit Authority ordered propane powered 1000 public buses. Following Chicago, Milwaukee also ordered 270 Taxis that would utilize propane gas. It will not be an overstatement to suggest that this was the Golden Period of propane tank when sales hit 7.5 million installed units. By then, nearly everyone seemed to own a white propane tank either for cooking fuel, welding household appliances or driving a car.

Such was the impact of government reforms that United States, today, consumes 90% of the entire production that takes place, Worldwide. Recently, many advance and developing countries have also started using Propane. In Italy there are more than 1.5 million vehicles fitted with propane tanks. Similarly, 90% of Taxis in Japan use LPG. It is also becoming popular in many developing countries such as Egypt, Pakistan and Ecuador.

Current Usage

These days propane gas is widely used for rural heating, vehicle fuel, cooking and refrigeration. It is now ranked as the seventh most important source of energy. White cylindrical propane tanks are found in every size and shape. Large oceangoing ships are specifically built to carry thousands of gallons of propane to different regions of the World. In United States alone, more than 14 million rural homes and 700,000 farms depend on these propane tanks to fulfill their energy needs. Likewise more than 350,000 industrial sites utilize propane tanks to cut metals, provide heat in cold weather and to dry concrete.

Looking for propane tanks for sale?  You've come to the right place, because at PropaneTankSale.com, we have compiled all of the information you need to find and buy the right tank.

Have you always wanted to take a hot air balloon ride, soaring through the sky effortlessly like a bird with no cares in the world? Are you thrilled when you watch a movie and the action hero saves the day by using a flame thrower on the villain? You probably didn’t know it but the hot air balloon and the flame thrower are all powered by gas from propane tanks. Propane tanks supply many of our everyday needs that we basically take for granted.

Some Propane Uses

photo credit: Ken Roberts Photography

Every time you go camping you probably use propane tanks to fuel your tent heater, lantern and portable stove. Many campers and recreational vehicles use propane gas for cooking and heating. With a flip of a switch you heat your home with a furnace during the winter months with a propane tank that is installed on your property. Many mobile homes in rural areas are heated by this method and in addition they use propane gas to fuel dryers, water heaters and stoves.

The next time you catch a taxi, bus or a train, you may find that they too have been fueled by propane gas. Often times swimming pools are also heated with propane tanks. The next small retail shop that you visit may be using a propane tank as a fuel source.

Types of Propane Tanks for Sale

There are a variety of sizes of propane tanks for sale available for businesses and residential purposes. Propane tanks can be as small as 20 lb grilling tanks for your barbeque, large residential tanks outside your home or huge underground tanks. Residential and commercial customers with larger tanks save money.

Residential Uses

The more fuel that you can have delivered at one time usually saves you a bit of money with the supplier, whether you are running it for residential purposes or for commercial use. Many propane companies charge a delivery service charge per visit, no matter what quantity of gas is delivered.

The gas requirements for your home or business can be determined with the help of your propane supplier. They will bring their experience to the table to offer suggestions for the amount of fuel that you need based on the square footage of space that you use and the number and types of appliances or equipment that you run with propane. Incidentally, high volume users of propane fuel can receive price discounts with some providers.

photo credit: dweekly

The size requirements for residential properties are usually determined by the climate conditions of the area, because supplying heat for the home is the bulk of propane consumption along with a smaller portion allocated for appliance use. Generally tanks installed for homes are only limited in size by the location of where the tank is positioned on the property and most are installed above ground.

The main factor taken into consideration for the size requirements of industrial and commercial use is the consumption volume. The actual tank size could vary from business to business, depending upon their unique needs.

Propane tanks are sold and can be purchased from local suppliers in every size shape and form. You can locate a local propane dealer in the phone book or on the Internet.

Propane Safety

As with all materials that can potentially be flammable or explosive, propane tanks should be treated with safety in mind at all times. From a residential standpoint, children become the primary focus. They need to be taught by their parents that propane tanks under any circumstances should not be used as a play toy. When the tank is initially installed the pipe lines from the tank to the house should be noted to avoid digging into the lines for future projects.

Propane tanks that are in the vicinity of automobile traffic need to marked by some type of fencing as a visual deterrent. Any propane tanks that may be used at community functions or schools for example, should be properly fenced adhering to safety precaution guidelines.

When searching for propane tanks for sale, keep in mind that they can be dangerous. Check out this video to see just how dangerous they can be: