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theyeti1775

1lb Propane bottles - how long can they be stored?

Just a quick question, was wondering how long the little 1lb propane bottle (used for cook stoves) could be stored for?

Found myself at Wal-Mart last night and noticed they had an over abudance of them on the shelves.

Answers :


Dave


The propane can never go bad, only the container. Keep them rust free . I'm using a bottle from 1994 in my shop today. All I orginally did was wipe it vasoline and kept the cap on.

Jerry D Young

I had one that was over twenty years old. Worked just fine.



Warning reply against use of petroleum jelly etc. on threads of tanks.


medicineman

Not that I think anyone isn't smart....

But remember to NOT put any petroleum oil/grease/jelly into, on, or around the threads or the area of the valve.

Oil + pressure = BOOM

And that's your safety tip for the day.

LOL


Correction on use of petroleum jelly on tanks.


Dave


I'd sure like some reference on your end mediceman.


I've been able to find half a dozen credible references for using Vaseline on tank fittings from Propane tanks but none against.

It's always been common practice as far as I was originally taught when I built my first propane forge nearly 20 years ago. It still is according to my Propane delivery man when I asked yesterday.

If something has changed over the last 20 years I'd really like to know for all the obvious reasons.

Below is reference from a propane Co., in a California where lawsuits and over regulation is the rule of the day.


http://www.calurent.com/propane.htm


" DETECTING LEAKS: In its' natural state, propane is an odorless gas. A foul smell has been added to it so that you can detect any leak. If you suspect a leak in any propane tank system (including lines and connections) put soapy water on the suspect area and see if it bubbles. A good idea to reduce chances of any leak at your line connection to the tank is to coat the threads with Vaseline prior to connection. Remember that the threading is reverse and you must go in a counter-clockwise direction when tightening the line to the tank. "

end quotes.

I hope this is useful to those who use propane.

the prohibition of grease on the threads of compressed gas bottles is from the use of grease on OXYGEN bottles. Grease, and OXYGEN under pressure can result in a spontaneous fire of the grease.
Since the large bottles are dry, the cap squeals when you remove it, so the temptation to oil the threads is there. It is only O2 that this applies, but it is generally followed, since cross contamination can occur.
Using it on propane canisters (the little one) will keep them from rusting.