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Propane Tank Disposal
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- Effective April 1, 2002, a new provision of an existing safety code developed
by NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) requires overfilling prevention
devices (OPDs) on propane cylinders weighing between 4 and 40 lbs., commonly
used for outdoor gas grills, RVs etc. An OPD shuts off the flow of gas to
a cylinder after 80% capacity has been reached. This limits the potential
for release of gas when the cylinder is heated, averting a fire or possible
injury.
- Propane cylinders with OPDs can be identified by a triangular hand-wheel
(pictured on the right). Some earlier model cylinders were produced with a
round hand-wheel but "OPD" is stamped on the brass valve body.
- Since 1998, all new propane cylinders from 4 to 40 pound propane capacity
have been equipped with OPDs. Cylinders manufactured after September 30, 1998,
are equipped with OPDs and require no change.
- Older cylinder models must now be retrofitted with the device before refilling
can occur or the cylinder should be discarded properly and replaced with an
OPD-equipped cylinder.
- Many propane dealers/retailers (such as gas companies, hardware stores,
or service stations) will retrofit older cylinders with an OPD. There is,
however, a charge for this. It may be more economical to replace the entire
cylinder, especially if it is rusty. In many parts of the U.S., exchange cylinder
racks can be used to swap an empty cylinder without an OPD for a full cylinder
equipped with an OPD, for a nominal fee, eliminating the need to dispose of
the cylinder or to have it retrofitted.
- Warning! DO NOT TRY TO REPLACE THIS VALVE YOURSELF – IT IS VERY DANGEROUS!
- Web Resources
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