Filling horizontal propane tank problem

[Doodles]

The propane gas company that used to fill my tanks (with OPD's) no longer does it and all the local stores that do it can't seem to get the tank to take gas for some unknown reason. The tanks were last filled by the propane company and there were no problems, so the tanks are fine to my knowledge. Any ideas what the local guys are doing wrong? The tank says it has to be filled through the fill value (the large one to the side of the center service valve). See photo.

[njoynthewater]

We had the same problem in Connecticut. You can't fill through the valve that the hose connects to. It takes a special adapter to fill through the square or acme threaded fitting adjacent to the hose valve.

[Doodles]

Originally Posted by njoynthewater

We had the same problem in Connecticut. You can't fill through the valve that the hose connects to. It takes a special adapter to fill through the square or acme threaded fitting adjacent to the hose valve.

Thanks. Do you know what the special adapter looks like? I've had people with an adapter that fits it but they still don't work, and everyone says the value looks like it needs a nozzle or needle in the center which is not present on the adapter they are using.

[Jammer]

All the newer ones I've seen have to be vertical (not horizontal) when being filled, or they won't take propane. It is a common mistake to try to fill them in the horizontal orientation in which they are used.


Older horizontal propane tanks from before the OPD era were filled while in a horizontal position, and some people don't realize that there has been a change.

[njoynthewater]

I didn't get a good look at it but it threaded on to the fitting and the standard fitting for filling tanks threaded into the back of it. I had taken the tank in to be recertified at a big propane supply house and was told I needed a new valve after they tried to fill it. I stopped at a Tru Value on my way big to the boat and the guy handed it back to me full. Been through the Bahamas and BVI's and had it filled since with no problems. I assume that you have had it filled previously.

[john61ct]

looks like a forklift type fill valve?

for USA you want "CGA 791" vapor service/liquid fill

male ACME QCC (quick closing coupling) Type 1

1-5/16″ on the outside, POL female inside

like standard BBQ bottles.

Find a propane shop that will replace (much better) or buy an adapter.

[DeBe]

That fiting is for an automobile gas fill. Its pumped in at about 200 to 250Psi at a filling station, not a local hardware store. Where i live Vehicle fill stations use Propane not a mixture of propane/butane.

[john61ct]

Then some autogas places let you self serve, depends on the area

[Doodles]

Originally Posted by Jammer

All the newer ones I've seen have to be vertical (not horizontal) when being filled, or they won't take propane. It is a common mistake to try to fill them in the horizontal orientation in which they are used.


Older horizontal propane tanks from before the OPD era were filled while in a horizontal position, and some people don't realize that there has been a change.

Yes, I should have mentioned this. I've been trying to fill it in the vertical position. There is a notice on the side that says fill through the fill valve, not the service valve, and fill in the vertical position only.

[Doodles]

Originally Posted by DeBe

That fiting is for an automobile gas fill. Its pumped in at about 200 to 250Psi at a filling station, not a local hardware store. Where i live Vehicle fill stations use Propane not a mixture of propane/butane.

This could be my problem. In the past the only place that was able to fill it was the propane company and they did it at the station where they filled the big trucks they used for residential and commercial refilling. My problem is that company was bought by a larger company and they don't fill small tanks anymore. I'll look for a vehicle fill station. Thanks.

[Brewgyver]

Any and all LPG fill stations should be able to fill that tank, I have the same one. I've had it filled at four different stations: one is an equipment rental yard near home, two at local (automobile) gas stations, and the last time at the Amerigas yard, to get it re-certified.

All LPG filling stations fill at essentially the same pressure, which is only enough to achieve flow, just like a gasoline or diesel filling pump. You can fill a smaller (10-20 lb) bottle by gravity alone, as many cruisers have done in the Pacific islands, etc.

The operating pressure in any LPG tank varies a bit with ambient temperature, but they're all filled the same, with the fuel in the liquid state. That's why you'll notice the person filling the tank has to open the vent screw below the valve.

[Moontide]

That is a vertical tank, not horizontal. Propane always draws off the top of the tank. The top layer is gas but bulk of tank is liquid so you can't / shouldn't draw off anywhere but the top. Horizontal tanks have the valve on what would be the side of a vertical tank.

[Doodles]

Originally Posted by Moontide

That is a vertical tank, not horizontal. Propane always draws off the top of the tank. The top layer is gas but bulk of tank is liquid so you can't / shouldn't draw off anywhere but the top. Horizontal tanks have the valve on what would be the side of a vertical tank.

Nope, it’s definitely a horizontal tank. Here’s a better photo of the same tank.

[john61ct]

There are tanks that can only be filled in one orientation but must be used in the other.

[Brewgyver]

Originally Posted by Doodles

Nope, it’s definitely a horizontal tank. Here’s a better photo of the same tank. Attachment 195869

Yep, I have exactly the same tank. Made by Worthington, IIRC.
The location of the valve on the tank isn't necessarily where the gas is drawn from.