Moving 100LB Propane Tank with FEL?

[ponytug]

Acetylene bottles need to be stored upright. That idea has spilled into other material transport. There’s no reason to keep propane upright or other gas cylinders.

Yes, there is, as @Jstpssng points out. Propane tanks and cylinders rely on pressure relief valves to release excess pressure. Those are designed to vent gas, not liquid, and can freeze open if liquid vents through them.

Other compressed gases are supposed to be transported vertical for safety reasons in case of the valve breaking or shearing. The idea is that the 80lb steel torpedo of the tank with the sheared valve will go vertically down into the ground relative safely. Having seen the damage a horizontally moving sheared tank can cause, I would not want to be anywhere remotely close to a horizontally stored compressed gas tank.
More here:

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2005-01-19

And section 4650 e) below specifically calls out the need to have the gas vent in contact with vapor space at all times.

California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 4650. Storage, Handling, and Use of Cylinders.

I think that these regulations are just trying to keep workers and those nearby safe.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Clayak]

So I'm curious how come every propane powered lift truck in the world has a tank that is mounted horizontal while in use but gets handled vertically every time they are moved or stored?

I understand there is a float in the horizontal tanks so no 'liquid' propane comes out the valve when used. There is no float in a vertical tank.

 

[Clayak]

Anyone have experience or photos of them moving a 100LB propane cylinder using a loader? Thinking of getting one to fuel a heater in my barn...I could look at having a service come fill it up but if I were to bring it to a local place to be refilled (who knows how frequently but I am guessing maybe once per year) it seems like there should be a relatively easy way to use my FEL to move the thing around.

I have a couple images in my head...surprised I haven't found more online. If anyone is doing this...im sure TBN people are!

Here's a website with a upright attachment that fits into your trailer hitch slot.

 

[5030]

Never have had any of my propane bottles vent in 35 years.

 

[bigtiller]

Propane 100 lb. bottles/tanks are supposed to have it's cap on when transporting. Like this one...

 

[ponytug]

Propane 100 lb. bottles/tanks are supposed to have it's cap on when transporting. Like this one...

Yup, great practice true for all compressed gas tanks being transported at all times. Nobody wants a sheared valve. There are "caps" that allow for regulators to remain attached, but I have no idea on the legality of that. It might meet the letter of the law, but it doesn't pass my sniff test on the spirit of the law to protect the tank valve.

All the best,

Peter

 

[newbury]

Your correct, less then 45 lb can be in any position an greater then 45 lb must be in vapor space. From 2014 edition

Guess its one of those some fill stations will let you lay them down and others say no. Since trucks normally require at least 100 gallons to be delivered, I'll still have mine filled and haul back laying down in back of the pickup

View attachment 577834

Thanks for the table.
I'm looking to transport a 30lb'er in my Escape. It should fit in the backseat standing up and strapped in

 

[Jstpssng]

I used to moonlight for a friend's catering business. He was just getting started so always running from one job to the next. I remember all too well riding with him on the way to a job, rushing down a rough road way too fast with several 20lb propane tanks rolling around in the back.

Come to think of it I rolled that van one night. His employees thanked me.

 

[not2old]

Thanks for the table.
I'm looking to transport a 30lb'er in my Escape. It should fit in the backseat standing up and strapped in

It will be a lot easier to strap down if you put it in a milk crate. I transport 20 and 30 lb. bottles this way.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Anyone have experience or photos of them moving a 100LB propane cylinder using a loader? Thinking of getting one to fuel a heater in my barn...I could look at having a service come fill it up but if I were to bring it to a local place to be refilled (who knows how frequently but I am guessing maybe once per year) it seems like there should be a relatively easy way to use my FEL to move the thing around.

I have a couple images in my head...surprised I haven't found more online. If anyone is doing this...im sure TBN people are!

I use this bracket bolted to a hand truck:

Gas Cylinder Wall Bracket - 1 Cylinder Capacity H-10676 - Uline

Easy-to-use tank storage. Polyester straps with steel buckles hold tanks in place. Cushioned bumper guards for scratchless grip. Fits 4-12" diameter cylinders. Meets NFPA and OSHA Standards. Mounting hardware not included. ULINE offers over 42,000 boxes, plastic poly bags, mailing tubes...

www.uline.com

I fetch the tank with the hand truck, lift it by the handle with the FEL, put it in the truck bed and move it into position for transport.

Makes it a snap to move around.