Is there any knowledge out there about this propane tank? It seems to be in good order, but getting blown up while cooking isn't how I want to go out. At least not in this context.
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Sorry, I missed this one. I started a reply but lost it, got distracted, whatever. Let me give it a shot now.
The thing that jumps out at me about the tank is the round valve handle. That suggests it doesn't have an Overfilling Protection Device as it doesn't have a triangular handle.
OPDs were mandated in the late 90s so I'm guessing this one hasn't been updated. I understand the 2001 edition of the Liquified Petroleum Gas Code granted an exception for horizontal tanks. However, those tanks are supposed to be marked to indicate the exception. The other thing about it is there are different rules for portable horizontal tanks such as you have and permanently-installed horizontal tanks in RVs. I don't know if that exception applied to both.
That raises the obvious question. Has the tank been refilled since 2002? If the previous owner was using it, I imagine the answer could be as simple as the owner took it to a propane refill station that didn't follow the rules. Or it has the marks indicating an exemption to the OPD mandate.
The tank itself appears to be a vintage Manchester horizontal 20-pound-capacity tank. We can see the Manchester logo in the top photo. There should be markings on the metal protective collar telling you what month and year the tank was manufactured. The general rule is a tank needs to be re-certified after the first 12 years, then every five years after (assuming it continues to pass). And when that's done the tank is marked to indicate that has been done.
The yellow strip is an Accu-Level propane-tank level gauge. The idea is you pour hot water over it and you'll see the color change is different above vs below the level of liquid propane in the tank. They're still being sold today.
The orange plug is to be used when transporting the cylinder after removing the hose assembly. It's purpose is to protect the valve threads and keep them clean.
The regulator appears to be a rather straightforward two-stage regulator, a Helco in this case.
The system may work fine but of course you'll want to check things out as best you can. I think I'd disconnect and pull out the tank and examine (and photograph) the markings. If it's not obvious how the previous owner was able to get it filled without an OPD, start calling some propane re-certification techs and tell them what you have and see what they have to say. If you only get to talk to a clerk, you may not get anywhere and I'm sure there are techs who will just give you a convenient answer. You might try using the idea that you have a vintage camper and would like to preserve the vintage tank if possible. A replacement Manchester horizontal 20-pound tank is going to cost around $200 empty, by the way. You don't HAVE to replace it with a 20# horizontal. An 11 pound vertical squatty might also work and those are about $60. And, no, you can't use a vertical 20# tank lying on it's side. Also-- the vintage re-hab guys on here may have better answers.
The other thing to do, of course, is to check that rubber hose's condition and test all the connections with soapy water once you have the tank back in place and turn on the valve. Brushing the soapy water on with a paintbrush seems to be the right combination of convenience, access, and reach.
Let us know how it goes!
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