Propane Tank Inspection Intervals: Re NFPA 58

Self | 6/5/2014 | Self

[Little Bill]

I am going to get in to a pissing match over a $145 charge to maintain my 500 gallon propane tank.

The NFPA requires tanks be inspected periodically and marked, how should the inspection stamp be applied and dated, should the tank have hazmat stickers.

They have not inspected this tank in the twelve years I have lived here and as near as I can determine since the tank was installed,

[Clay Moore]

“What is the solution to the corruption you describe?”

How about just letting the science determine what works and what does not. Forget who pays the most.

[RossA]

Doesnt Ferrelgas offer a tank replacement program? Blue rhino, if I can remember anything these days.

[X-spurt]

Have been on propane from one company of another for 40 years and not one tank has ever had a single inspection or sticker from NFPA. Never heard of any propane tanks exploding, even some in a fire.

[NYFriend]

Come to think of it, I’ve seen only one tank explode, only know of one tank explosion relate to an in transit accident, and I've seen someone shoot 7.62 into a 35 lb to show how big an explosion it would make (didn't buy still not recommended). Could honestly be that because most tanks are checked for rust and pressure relief valves, you don't get explosions. (like water heaters, never saw an explosion, but my granddad saw two, and my dad saw a couple, responding as a cop. Some safety rules do work).

I've seen propane and propane related explosions. Two fatals, that come to mind and one hilarious grill event. Also saw a massive evacuation due to a propane fill station fire, with tanks launching into the air. I got some respect for propane am natural gas, an if I was responsible for a tank, I'd be cautious.

[ansel12]

In the big San Diego fires a few years ago, I talked to a kid helping us try to save a house, and he said that in his neighborhood the cars and propane tanks were blowing up when the fire took out his community, a day or two before.

[X-spurt]

An “exploding” 250 gallon propane tank would clear a city block.

Betcha the “kid” saw the cars and tank burn, maybe mightily, but explode, probably not. Gas tank in cars should not be able to contain the pressure up to a point of actual explosion. The “exploding car gas tanks we see on TV and in the movies is set off by C4 or dynamite to make a spectacular fireball.

Propane tanks have a safety pressure relief valve that would release to the atmosphere if it was engulfed in fire and make a heck of a flame jetting from the tank.

I’d have to see photos of ripped open propane tanks, not just burned tanks as is usual.

[ansel12]

Clear a city block?

Are you familiar with the 2003 Cedar Fire in San Diego?

It was the largest in California history, wiping out entire communities, including that young man's. He and his father had stayed past the evacuation, and his stories were extraordinary, his courage was great as well, I had come from the beach looking for adventure, and had talked the (fleeing) homeowner into fighting for his house and this lad knew his daughter and volunteered to stay with us, although he was still caught up in the emotion of his own near misses in his totally wiped out community, a few miles away.

The fire destroyed almost 3,000 buildings, including 2,232 homes and covered almost 300,000 acres.

[X-spurt]

Yep hellofa fire. Jam em up in brush country is not unlike how tornados really like trailer parks.

Now I’m still waiting on something beyond anecdotal description of a widespread fire on the exploding propane tanks story.

[ansel12]

I didn’t realize that we were having such a legalistic argument, but tanks can and do explode when the situation overwhelms their ability to bleed off.

I have no reason to disbelieve the young man.

[X-spurt]

And here I thought it was more a technical discussion around explosion as opposed to a vigorous fire and some verifiable evidence of exploding propane tanks.

I am sure your young friend was quite astounded by the experience.

[ansel12]

The only technical point introduced is me pointing out that the safety relief can be overwhelmed.

How did you get so angry so quickly?

Perhaps you should show that it is impossible for them to explode, since that is your claim.

[ansel12]

"Propane tanks behind Gingham restaurant exploded"

Here is video of an exploding propane tank.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8TIWB9w07I

Here is a photo of an exploded propane tank on the site of the Wren Fire Depatment (scroll down).
http://www.wrenfiredepartment.4t.com/photo.html

Another exploded tank.

[jjotto]

Small tanks for BBQs are more dangerous than larger permanent tanks:

http://www.propane101.com/explodingpropanetanks.htm

[X-spurt]

How did you get so angry so quickly?

Angry? I must be on Feelings Republic.