Propane cylinders come in varying sizes and are used for many applications. No matter the size or application, it is important to understand how to safely use, care for, and transport your cylinders. In addition, there are safety guidelines in place for having your cylinders refilled. Below, we have shared what you can expect when bringing your cylinders to use for refilling.
Sizes of Cylinders
20 lb. cylinders are most commonly used for outdoor BBQ's or patio heaters. The capacity of this size cylinder is 4.7 gallons and typically weight just under 40 pounds when filled.
30 lb. cylinders are common on RV's and travel trailers as well as outdoor cooking appliances like fryers or burners. These cylinders will hold 7.1 gallons and weigh about 55-60 pounds when filled.
40 lb. cylinders will be seen on larger RV's and large outdoor cooking equipment. The total capacity is 9.4 gallons and will generally weight around 70 pounds when full.
100 lb. cylinders are mostly seen in commercial or industrial usage but are also used for heating and cooking in RV's. These will hold 23.6 gallons and typically weigh 170-190 pounds depending on the cylinder.Transport of Cylinders
While all cylinders are equipped with many safety features including safety valves and pressure relief valves, you should always exercise caution when transporting them in your vehicle. By law, you cannot transport more than four cylinders or 90 lbs. of propane in an enclosed vehicle. Cylinders should be transported standing upright to avoid the liquid moving around and increasing pressure inside the tank. When transporting cylinders, whether in an enclosed vehicle or the back of a truck, all cylinders must be secured.
Propane Cylinder Inspection & Safety
Any cylinder that is presented to be filled will go through a visual inspection to ensure the safety of the cylinder and its operation. At any time, a cylinder can be deemed unsafe and unable to be filled. We will always explain why a cylinder may not be filled and offer options on repairing the cylinder or where to get a new one. Below are the things that we look for when visually inspecting a cylinder.
- Damage to the cylinders exterior including dents, bulges or cracks on the container's surface
- Excessive rust or pitting on the cylinder, particularly on the bottom of the bottle
- Absence and condition of a cylinder foot ring, cylinder collar, or valve cover
- The date the cylinder was manufactured or last recertified
- Required cylinder markings and readability
- OPD valve (if required)
Storage of Cylinders
All cylinders should be stored outside, never in a home or small enclosed space. Keep cylinders safe from the elements like rain, snow, and dirt. Always keep your BBQ cylinders stored with the valves closed and away from grease traps.
When you visit us to have your cylinder refilled, be prepared to be able to load a filled cylinder into your vehicle. As a general rule, we are prohibited for loading a filled cylinder into a customer's vehicle due to safety and compliance reasons.
