Whether users are on the jobsite, tailgating before the game, or taking the RV out in winter months, they’ll need to put their trust in the propane tank to keep the operation rolling.
Propane, sometimes referred to as liquid petroleum gas, is an eco-friendly, safe, and low-cost option for powering the home appliances or business operation. Propane is multifunctional, stores easily, and has a long shelf life. It’s still crucial, though, to store propane tanks or cylinders properly to keep users and the propane safe all year long.
Freezing temperature problems
This year, be prepared when colder weather arrives. Cold temperatures often have adverse effects on equipment and materials like propane tanks, especially when the job requires every moving part to go smoothly. Without an effective solution to these freezing temperature problems, the project stops, time and money are lost, and users suffer. Learn how to keep propane tanks from freezing and make the most of the propane tanks pressure by preparing it for cold weather conditions.
Cold temperatures often have adverse effects on equipment and materials like propane tanks
Technically speaking, yes, propane can freeze. The propane isn’t what users should be worried about, though, but rather the tank. If liquid propane falls below -306°F, it will freeze. Inside of the tank, propane is found in a liquid form. Luckily, propane tanks are built to protect propane and utilize its heating capabilities in its gas form. As liquid propane leaves the tank, it reaches its boiling point (-44°F) and returns to a gaseous state, powering the grill, water heater, or other appliances.
Propane refill services
While it’s extremely unlikely that users will find themself or the propane tank in temperatures this cold, the tank and its functions will still be affected by general cold weather. Low pressure, minimal production, and weathered or deteriorated tanks are a few of those effects.
What’s one of the best ways to prevent the propane tank from freezing? The answer’s simple: keep it full. Skip the exchange and refill the tank more often. Not only is it cheaper, users will save themself from the inconvenience of a frozen tank. According to U-Haul, a company that many are surprised to learn offers propane refill services, they can save an average of $1.76 per gallon if they refill the propane tank instead of exchanging it. Not only that, they won’t let any propane go to waste if they choose to fill it up before it’s completely empty.
Low pressure propane tanks
As the temperature drops, the total volume of liquid propane in the tank drops, and so does pressure
Propane contracts as temperatures drop, so the colder the ambient weather, the slower the flow will be. This change in the rate of pressure can cause your tank to ‘freeze up’. As the temperature drops, the total volume of liquid propane in the tank drops, and so does pressure. In conditions as high as 60°F, users may have noticed an obvious change in the pressure of the propane tank.
There are more than a few ways to avoid low pressure propane tanks. One of those is by keeping it full as often as possible. Depew Energy suggests that users should keep the propane tank at least 30% full at all times to maintain positive pressure.
Maintaining positive pressure
The warmer the propane tank is kept, the higher the pressure output will be. Refer to the chart below to determine the ideal temperature for your desired PSI.
The warmer the propane tank is kept, the higher the pressure output will be
When utilizing an option like a heated blanket to keep the propane tank warm, it is important to know how many watts are necessary to obtain the PSI levels desired or required. Users will want to look for a solution that can provide that information for users before they make the investment.
Avoiding pressure problems
Ways to avoid pressure problems:
- Keep propane tanks and regulators clear of snow.
- Maintain propane tank warmth using a heating blanket.
- Keep the tank full, never let it drop below 30%
- Always store propane cylinders in an upright position, never upside-down or on their side.
- Protect the tank from freezing due to outdoor elements, but always keep it outdoors in a well-ventilated
- When not in use, be certain that the propane tanks gas valve is turned to ‘off.’
Temperature-Regulated area
The ideal place to store the propane tanks is outdoors in a shaded, dry place
Where should users store the propane tank? It’s best to store the propane tanks in a well-ventilated and cool area. While it can be tempting to keep the propane in a temperature-regulated area like a garage or a basement, the potential dangers aren’t worth the risk.
The ideal place to store the propane tanks is outdoors in a shaded, dry place. Rain, snow, and humidity cause rusting which deteriorates the tank and decreases its lifespan. What sort of temperatures can a propane tank withstand? According to Amerigas, users should avoid storing propane tanks at or subjecting them to any temperatures above 120°F and below -40°F. While those are both extreme temperatures on both ends of the spectrum, it’s wise to take extra care by never storing the propane tanks in direct sunlight and always keeping them clear of ice and snow.
Rust and unnecessary wear
Depending on where users work or live, storing propane tanks outdoors means keeping them in freezing conditions.
To avoid tank freezing and low pressure, keep the tank free from any ice, sleet, or snow buildup
They get that it’s not an ideal situation and likely a recipe for low tank pressure and a bad headache. There are plenty of solutions, however, for when they need to store propane tanks outside in winter conditions. To avoid tank freezing and low pressure, keep the tank free from any ice, sleet, or snow buildup. If it snows, clear off the tanks, valves, and regulators immediately. Not only will this keep them warm and well-pressurized, they’ll save them from rust and unnecessary wear.
Propane tank heating systems
Another solution would be to utilize propane tank heating systems. Try to find a heating method with safe heat, such as a heating blanket or insulated blanket, depending upon the amount of pressure needed.
Look for a heating solution that offers consistent heat and complete coverage. Keeping liquid propane at warmer temperatures will increase the pressure output and save users the headaches that come with low PSI. This constant regulation of tank temperature could be what saves the bacon during winter conditions.