Propane & Tanks Info.

richoso1

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Jun 21, 2007

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• Apr 15, 2008

• #1

I recently had a friend ask me how he could tell if his 20 lb. propane tank was near empty. I own 2 tanks so I don't really worry about it. So in searching for a good answer for him, This is what I came across from Wikipedia.
The only accurate way to measure the propane left in a propane tank is to weigh it. Engraved on the side of the tank should be the letters TW then a number. This number is the empty tank weight. For example, the typical 5 gallon propane tank might say TW 17.2. The weight of the empty tank in the example is 17.2 lbs. Next, weigh the tank on a bathroom scale to find the total current weight. Let's say that the current weight of the tank is 24.2 lbs. To find the weight of propane simply subtract the tank weight from the total weight.
24.2 lbs - 17.2 lbs = 7 lbs
Each gallon of liquid propane weighs 4.23 lbs. Divide 7 by 4.23 to get the number of gallons currently in the tank.
7 ÷ 4.23 ≈ 1.66 gallons of propane
I use a GOSM big block with a BTU rating of 18.000. Based on my spreadsheet I'll get about 5 hrs. burn time per gal.
I tried this and it worked for me. I hope you can benefit from this.

 

desertlites

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Dec 6, 2007

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• Apr 15, 2008

• #2

thanks rich, i have several 5#rs and a 23#r (that heats the water here)always keep the little 1s full for the grill and for back up-your friend needs another-sux to run out 1/2 through a smoke or grill.

 

bb53chevpro

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Dec 29, 2007

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• Apr 15, 2008

• #3

Thats good to know. This could come in handy. Thanks
Andy.

 

geek with fire

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Rural out-skirts of Sedalia, MO

• Apr 15, 2008

• #4

I could have used that on my big LP tank for the house. We ran out this weekend. You'd think that wouldn't be a big deal for April in Missouri, but it was cold!

 

pineywoods

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• Apr 15, 2008

• #5

Yea good info but a 2nd tank is almost a must the cussing when I run out and don't have a spare just ain't worth it.

 

geob

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Mar 19, 2008

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Magnolia, Ms.

• Apr 15, 2008

• #6

Pour hot water on the tank and the frost line will tell you how much gas is left. Maybe you said that and I just didn't get it. Oh well try it, it works.
I knew you knew this.

geob

 

travcoman45

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A Holler in North Iowa

• Apr 15, 2008

• #7

Yup, weighin the tank is the only really accurate way to know what is left in the portable tanks. I've gotten to where I can pick it up and give er a shake and tell if I'm needen another tank. Keep several on hand all the time just so I don't have one them oh ****e moments.

 

fireguy

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Jan 17, 2008

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Husker Country

• Apr 15, 2008

• #8

very cool, thanks

 

fred420

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Jan 5, 2008

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buffalo, ny

• Apr 16, 2008

• #9

hoe depot has a thread on level gauge for propane cylinders--$20.00 well worth it..

 

stfron

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May 7, 2007

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• Apr 16, 2008

• #10

My local hardware store refills tanks by the pound- Half full?? You only pay for 10lbs- EASY CHEESY-

 

kookie

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Mandan North Dakota

• Apr 16, 2008

• #11

Good info .................Thanks for sharing it..............