Composite propane tanks

[Jared J]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

This is definitely an issue, and to fully address it, the only option is not just steel, but 20 pound steel, since I've never seen the any other size in an exchange cage.

Yep, good point. Mine are 30, so I can't exchange anyway. Going to fiberglass wouldn't change anything in that aspect.

[ruscal]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Also... who is selling rusty refilled tanks? All the companies I've seen clean and commonly repaint the tanks before they are (partially) filled and sent back out.

Yep, rusty, and most have plastic shrink sleeve around them which fills with moisture and keeps the rust going. You have to cherry pick to get a decent looking one. They're usually found in the far back corner! I picked up a tank from Home Depot, took it home, hooked it to the barbeque, and it spewed propane out of the valve stem. I took it back to Home Depot and told the guy about the dangerous situation with the tank. He just shrugged and put it right back with the other bottles without tagging it!
Russ

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by ruscal

... most have plastic shrink sleeve around them which fills with moisture and keeps the rust going

Those sleeves need to come off for this reason, although they reduce scratching while still in a box with other tanks. Of course, they're not supposed to have rust before the sleeve is put on...

Originally Posted by ruscal

I picked up a tank from Home Depot, took it home, hooked it to the barbeque, and it spewed propane out of the valve stem. I took it back to Home Depot and told the guy about the dangerous situation with the tank. He just shrugged and put it right back with the other bottles without tagging it!

I wish I could say this was really surprising... but it is certainly scary. I assume the leak from the valve stem was large, or continued even when the valve was fully opened - I gather these valves don't seal well in anything but fully open or fully closed positions, so a bit of leakage while turning it is apparently not uncommon and might be acceptable (although I haven't noticed it).

The composite tanks presumably use the same valves. Russ's experience might be an argument for keeping your own tank (of any material) rather than trusting the exchange stuff.

[GPJ]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Russ's experience might be an argument for keeping your own tank (of any material) rather than trusting the exchange stuff.

Good point. Nothing gets driven harder than a rental car...probably the same situation with exchange tanks.