Weighing propane tanks

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John

.
Jun 3, 2006
803
Catalina 36mkII Alameda CA
On a previous thread, somebody suggested using a little fish scale to weigh a propane tank to see how much gas remains. That sounds like a good idea, except I'd have to know what the tank should weigh full and empty. From what I gather, the tank I need weights 10.2 lbs. full. It's a 2 gallon tank, and propane weighs 4.2 lbs. per gallon (according to wikipidia). Does this mean that there should be 8.4 lbs. in the tank when full, or is there moer than 2 gallons of propane in it, since I assume it's under compression? Anybody have an answer?
 

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Most tanks are stamped tare and gross weights. Most filling stations fill the tanks on a scale.
 

Ross

.
Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Weight of package without the contents. Equal to empty weight on a truck.
 
Oct 15, 2008
23
Banjer 37 San Rafael
not exactly an answer to the question, but there are now transparent, composite propane tanks, you can actually see how much fuel is left, no guessing. i have one, quite happy with it.

Filled, it weighs less than any empty steel tank. There is a video of one on fire, compareing to what happens to a metal tank.

"Lite Cylinder Company" google it

the usual disclaimer, I am a very happy customer
 

Ross

.
Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
not exactly an answer to the question, but there are now transparent, composite propane tanks, you can actually see how much fuel is left, no guessing. i have one, quite happy with it.

Filled, it weighs less than any empty steel tank. There is a video of one on fire, compareing to what happens to a metal tank.

"Lite Cylinder Company" google it

the usual disclaimer, I am a very happy customer
My exchange cylinders have a uniform weight of 17 pounds empty. the fill varies two of the tanks are labeled 17 pounds net and one is labeled 15 pounds. The stamp on the cylinder indicates a 47+ pound water capacity. since water is almost twice the weight of propane the tanks are justifiably called 20 pound cylinders.
 

John

.
Jun 3, 2006
803
Catalina 36mkII Alameda CA
filling 'em

not exactly an answer to the question, but there are now transparent, composite propane tanks, you can actually see how much fuel is left, no guessing. i have one, quite happy with it.

Filled, it weighs less than any empty steel tank. There is a video of one on fire, compareing to what happens to a metal tank.

"Lite Cylinder Company" google it

the usual disclaimer, I am a very happy customer
yes, I know. In fact, this web site sells them. The problem is that from the calls I've made around here, it's hard to find a place which will fill a propane tank, vs. swap and empty one out for a full one.
 

Ross

.
Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Re: filling 'em

If you have room for a standard 20 pound exchange cylinder, I don't see a down side to going that way. By the time they start to get rather funky they also get empty and you get a new one. Weight shouldn't be a major problem when a full cylinder will weigh in at less than 40 pounds. About the same as a five gallon can of engine fuel or a couple of cases of beer.
 
Jun 4, 2004
273
Oday 25 Alameda
where are you berthed?

yes, I know. In fact, this web site sells them. The problem is that from the calls I've made around here, it's hard to find a place which will fill a propane tank, vs. swap and empty one out for a full one.
You need a better marina. At Ballena Isle you just call for an attendant to come to the refilling station at the marina. 7 days a week normal hours.
 

Benny

.
Sep 27, 2008
1,149
Hunter 320 Tampa, FL
If you can weigh a full 20 lb propane tank on a little fish scale I would like to see what you use for bait.
 

Ross

.
Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
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Heavy-duty Anodized-aluminum frame
Corrosionproof stainless steel springs

Weighing your catch and setting the drag on your reel are just two of the many uses you'll find for these scales. The bodies and handles are constructed of anodized aluminum and the springs and hooks are stainless steel for a lifetime of corrosion-free service.
Available: 20-lb. capacity 1/2-lb. graduation (Not Shown)
50-lb. capacity 1/2-lb. graduation
100-lb. capacity 2-lb. graduation (Not Shown)
150-lb. capacity 2-lb. graduation




This would work. ;)
 
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