Propane is a highly flammable fuel and can be dangerous if you fail to take precautions. This extra precaution is necessary when refilling the canisters and disposing of containers. You may argue that propane is environmentally friendly, but the tanks aren’t, so proper disposal is necessary.
According to British Columbia laws, it’s illegal to refill single-use propane cylinders. Using these tanks results in overfilling, leading to fires, explosions, and burn hazards. Again, most of the adaptors used in refilling are of poor standards.
The CSA B149.2 code states that, as you refill, follow these precautions;
- Measure the weight and volume of propane
- The canisters should have a TC-39M specifications
- Don’t use aerosol containers
This article will keep you informed on how to refill the propane canisters safely and the dangers of using single-use bottles.
Can Small Propane Canister be Refilled?
Yes, it’s possible to refill a small propane tank as long you follow the set guidelines. The law recommends that before handling propane, you should have completed an approved training course for your safety and that of the public. Again, it’s best also if you use approved propane cylinders.
The approved propane canisters should have the following;
- Water weight capacity of 42%, which is approximate to 0.51 relative density of propane
- A maximum volume of 80% when refilled
Under safety precautions, heed the guidelines below;
- Avoid using a float gauge or dispensing meter to measure cylinder density
- Don’t use containers with TC specification 39M, 2P, or 2Q, also called single-use.
- Keep off open fires and smokers while refilling
- Avoid a non-ventilated area while refilling
- Don’t overfill the canister; the gas requires room for expansion, and if it lacks, it will explode.
- Don’t leave your canister under the sun and refill it while hot. It should be cold or under room temperature.
- Don’t refill 1lb propane bottles and store them indoors or in your vehicle.
- When disposing of your container, contact a recycling center. Don’t throw them in a fire or incinerator.
How to Identify a Disposable Propane Canister?
The disposable propane canisters fail to undergo a rigorous manufacturing process, thus posing a risk. In addition, the tanks have thinner walls, so they may fail to contain the pressure. Again, they lack a bleeder valve to prevent overfilling and hence higher chances of leakage or explosion. Also, their valves can’t handle multiple uses, so with time, they start leaking.
Check this too: Why is My Induction Cooktop Not Working?
Are Disposable Propane Canisters Efficient?
The disposable tanks may be cheap but not efficient. The tanks tend to carry less propane than the standard tanks, thus failing to meet your needs. Also, the tanks can easily freeze, which affects propane usage and can easily cause frost burns.
How to Refill a 1lb Disposable Propane Bottle?
The law prohibits refilling disposable propane bottles, whether personal or commercial. These tanks pose a risk during handling and disposing of them. If possible, consider using use the refillable approved canisters.
But, in a scenario where you have a disposable bottle, you should be very cautious when refilling. Remember, propane is highly flammable, and you should follow the above handling guidelines.
Tool Required
- Propane refill adapter
- One lb. propane cylinder
- Filled 20-pound propane tank
- Safety glasses
- Kitchen scale
- Gloves
- Stand
- First, ensure you carry out the refilling process in a ventilated area( outdoors) away from the sun and flames. Next, put on all the safety gear, the glasses, and gloves. Finally, check if the empty 1lb container is in good condition, free of rust, and with good threads.
- Chill the empty one lb. container. Propane appears as gas and liquid. Therefore, to transfer it from one tank to another, you require pressure. Creating a pressure difference between the tanks by chilling the one lb. makes it easy to refill small propane tanks from big ones. Propane will flow from the high-pressure tank (larger one) to the pressure tank (small one).
- Remember to avoid over-filling the 1lb container. Weigh the small empty tank and note the readings.
- Connect the refill adapter to the larger tank and tighten it. A wrench may come in handy in securing the adapter. Also, connect the other end of the adapter securely to the small canister.
- Hold the 20 lb. canister on a stand and invert it because you need the liquid propane to fill the small cylinder.
- Open the larger tank’s valve slowly until the propane starts transferring. When the pressure equalizes in both tanks, the transfer sound will stop.
- Turn off the valve when the transfer is complete and turn the tank on reverse it-up.
- Unscrew the adapter from both tanks.
- Weigh the small tank weigh to ensure it’s not beyond max-rated capacity. Then, subtract the empty weight from the new refilled weight for the net propane weight. Each tank model is different, so it’s best to check with your manufacturer for correct figures for 80% refilling volume.
Top Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Make a Habit of Refilling Disposable Propane Bottles
Disposable containers are cheap and may sound convenient to use, but they have many disadvantages. Some of the reasons why you shouldn’t use them often include;
- The cylinders don’t hold much propane as the refillable tanks
- These containers are an environmental hazard when recklessly disposed
- The tanks aren’t durable and thus unsafe to use. The thin walls increase the chances of an explosion, and the lack of bleeders causes leakage.
- The tanks lack overfill protection hence a risk of overfilling them.
- The valves are weak and thus not suitable for multiple uses. In addition, with time, the valves can leak, forcing you to use a second manual valve.
- While refilling the disposable tank, you have to invert the 20 lb. tank for the liquid propane to flow.
- The tanks have some warnings while using them. For instance, they freeze up, so you should wear gloves to avoid frost burns.
- Again, there is a warning never to refill the container as this can result in an explosion. You also risk a $ 500,000 penalty or five years imprisonment if you transport a prefilled disposable container.
Conclusion
Using disposable propane tanks may be very convenient, but it’s not safe. You shouldn’t make it a custom to use disposable containers for safety purposes. As discussed above, these cans aren’t certified to carry propane, a highly flammable gas.
Check this too: Are Mr. Buddy Heaters Safe to Sleep With?
Their manufacturing is sub-standard, posing a risk to your life. Again, the cans threaten the environment, both inland and water bodies. If possible, use the refillable cylinders and follow the given safety precautions.
