Full Propane Tank in the Summer (garage)

[m1k3]

Last year I filled my propane tanks in December. This year I filled them today (late July).

I know the pressure goes up when they get hot. The garage can get to 100F.

I know it is better to keep them outside but I really don't have a good spot.

What do you think?
(Sorry in advance if this has been asked... Seems like a common concern.)

 

[firerat]

I live in South Florida and have always stored my tanks in my utility shed outside. I know it gets 100F + in there in the summer.

Never had an issue.

Crap now I'm second guessing myself.

Hopefully someone more sciency than me will shed some light on this.

 

[flars]

I would not worry. Warnings would be plastered all over the tanks if there was a safety issue.
Just think about how tanks are in use out there where it gets really warm.

 

[m1k3]

I cut the warning label shrink wrap off the tanks. Doh!

I know I'm being paranoid... 3 tanks in the garage and a gas water heater pilot light. Does that void my homeowners insurance

 

[flars]

I cut the warning label shrink wrap off the tanks. Doh!

I know I'm being paranoid... 3 tanks in the garage and a gas water heater pilot light. Does that void my homeowners insurance

Only if you intentionally modify the valve to force a slow leak.

 

[satph]

I don't know who Propane 101 is, but they say "NEVER STORE PROPANE CYLINDERS INDOORS, IN A HOUSE OR GARAGE."

 

[Dan]

I'm going to error on the concept of "safe"

Propane is used widely. Temperature is extreme in some parts of this country of ours. I've never seen a propane tank of any capacity give way to fire or explosion except on a YouTube video where a guy repeatedly shot it with a rifle.

As much as I hate to put my hands in the government.. Some thing's they do very well. Consumer safety, identifying all the common hazards with propane and measures needed to negate them have made propane usage very user friendly and safe here in the USA.

 

[Jeffinn]

I store 6 full tanks in my garage all year round. Its not a problem or a safety issue unless the tanks have a leak (and when was the last time you received a leaky tank?)

 

[m1k3]

Ok, the warnings are to limit the liability of those who sell it.

I've got one more question... I know that propane is odorized for safety. But have you ever had that smell linger?

After the 3 tanks were filled I put them in the car and the smell stuck around a bit. Same thing in the garage. Maybe because they just filed and vented them. Maybe I am more sensitive to skunky substances.

If you exchange the tank I think it is not like this, since the get a chance to air out. But I was putting them directly into the car when refilled.

 

[philjohnwilliams]

Propane tanks have a pressure relief valve. If they get too hot and the pressure goes up, they will vent excess pressure and remain safe. This is why you must keep tanks upright, the valve won't work if horizontal, and why you shouldn't store them indoors, you don't want to be breathing in vented propane gas.

 

[flars]

Propane tanks have a pressure relief valve. If they get too hot and the pressure goes up, they will vent excess pressure and remain safe. This is why you must keep tanks upright, the valve won't work if horizontal, and why you shouldn't store them indoors, you don't want to be breathing in vented propane gas.

Yes, this would make sense. At what temperature would a full 20 pound tank or a nearly empty 20 pound tank begin venting excess pressure?

 

[Minbari]

consumer grade propane tanks have a pressure relief valve set for 375 psi. it will need to be ALOT hotter than 100°F to get there.

 

[Stealthcruiser]

A completely full propane tank will vent the excess, if sitting in the hot sunlight.
This I know, from filling new tanks on new R V's, and the tank sitting in the sunshine in the shop!
Not a problem with good ventilation, but quite noticeable!

 

[PrinceOfThePoint]

consumer grade propane tanks have a pressure relief valve set for 375 psi. it will need to be ALOT hotter than 100°F to get there.

This guy nailed it. Good graphic. My approximate eyeball-extrapolation puts the actuation pressure for the relief valve at 150 F at the very least (for 100% propane that is. The butane mixes would be an even higher temp!). Can you store your tank below 150? Then you should be fine

 

[barnaclebob]

I had a newly filled tank vent some excess out after it warmed back up to garage temp, which wasn't over 80. Took it outside and ran it in the outdoor heater for a few min to use some up. I'm glad they make that stuff smell so unique.