Propane differs from natural gas on several fronts, but one significant difference is how these fuels are delivered. Natural gas comes to your home heating equipment and gas appliances by way of piping from a gas utility.
Propane, on the other hand, is a liquefied petroleum gas that can be stored and transported as a liquid in pressurized tanks. Whether you’re talking about a portable cylinder or a stationary propane tank, it’s important to know that your propane storage system is safe and reliable.
Propane tanks are built with welded steel. They store propane as a liquid under pressure (typically between 120 and 200 psi). When you open the gas valve, the pressure drops, and the liquid turns into gas to power your appliances.
For safety, tanks come with an overfill protection device that keeps them from being filled beyond 80%. This precaution leaves room for fuel expansion, which happens when temperatures rise. A pressure regulator manages the gas flow and keeps the pressure safe, while a gas valve lets propane flow to your devices. There’s also a bleeder valve that vents excess air during filling, so only liquid propane stays in the tank.
As a general rule, both propane tanks and cylinders are built to be reused many times. Aboveground stationary propane tanks can last for 30 years or more, often with multiple different owners. (Underground tanks tend to have shorter lifespans — around 20 to 30 years.)
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers sets safety guidelines for stationary tanks. There isn’t a mandated inspection schedule for these tanks, but your propane delivery company can provide guidance. If you recently acquired a tank or your tank shows signs of wear, please reach out to your propane provider right away for a safety inspection.
Portable propane cylinders like 20-pound grill tanks are subject to certification guidelines from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Typically, these tanks are reused multiple times over their lifespan and require inspection and requalification 12 years after the manufacture date — then every five years after that.
Here are some indicators that an older propane tank or cylinder needs to be inspected right away and potentially replaced:
The best way to ensure your home has a safe, well-maintained propane tank is to lease it from a reputable propane provider. In Flagstaff and surrounding northern Arizona communities, that provider is Superior Propane. We carry top-quality propane tanks in a range of sizes. When you lease from us, we handle installation, testing, and upkeep as long as you’re a propane delivery customer. Plus, we get your tank set up in 24 hours!
You’ll be amazed by Superior Propane’s Hassle-Free Switch offer. Contact us today to become a customer.
