There is coming over the horizon a new program for users of portable LP gas bottles. At this point it does not appear that the manufacturers of LP gas components or the RV industry are mounting a great campaign to inform the public I thought I would let this group in on what's coming. Particularly since in will impact the vintage RV owner first and the most.

The following is extracted for information provided by Marshall and Worthington tanks. As you may be aware several years ago a requirement to have LP tanks recertified went into effect. The requirement was for tanks 12 years and older from date of manufacture or 5 years from last certification. What it called for then was no significant rust and that the valve worked properly. Well starting 1 Oct. of this year no tank can be recertified with out an OPD valve in it. OPD or Overfill Protection Device is a combination of things that alter the design of the service valve. It adds the outside Acme right hand thread, changes the inside of the pigtail fitting to add a flexible seal, adds a 56 orifice to the outlet at the inside bottom of the valve, and finally adds a float to the bottom of the valve. The Acme thread will make it easier to connect using the new pigtail fitting (more on that later). The flexible seal will help ensure a better seal, reduce leaks. The orifice will limit outflow to 125,000 btu's of gas. The float will insure the tank cannot be overfilled by shutting off the inflow. Unfortunately the industry is not up to speed at this time to provide replacement valves. And some wholesale suppliers have decided not to stock and sell replacement valves. At this time if you cannot get your tank recertified the only option is to replace it with a new tank. If you are forced to buy a new tank take extra care when shopping as there are still many of the older style non OPD valve tanks in the pipeline. And while these tanks are still usable for the present, starting 1 Apr 2002 you will not be able to get them refilled without an OPD valve.

To put it simply if you buy a non OPD equipped tank now you will only be able to use it for about three years before you will have to buy another. This point is not being broadcast as the tank manufacturers will not take back the non OPD tanks. Who ever has them now is stuck with them. So the easiest way for the pipeline to clear is to sell them to the unsuspecting consumer and let the retail outlet take the heat when the word finally gets out.

At this point I have not seen a date for requiring the new LP pigtails but they are being slowly brought into the pipeline. The home barbecue market has already started using them. The main feature publicized is the ease of connecting and disconnecting. There are several other features to the fitting as well. The new fitting has a extension in the male portion that extends into the valve past the flexible seal to insure gas will only flow when the fitting is tight. There is an excess flow restrictor valve in the fitting. When this valve senses a reduced restriction it will severely limit outflow of gas. There is a thermal gasket in the fitting that when heated by high temperatures, melts and closes off the valve. This new fitting will not be compatible with the old LP service valve.

While these are all good logical safety features they will cause problems that the tank manufacturers have already recognized. The tanks must be purged properly before being filled the first time. This will change from a fairly simple procedure that takes minute to one that can take an hour or more. In the past there has been no fee for purging a tank. With the new procedure that is likely to change.

The flexible seal will be much more prone to damage from foreign material and will not have the same life as the old metal seal. The flow restrictor has already been recognized as a potential problem area. It is sensitive enough that they caution against opening it "suddenly" into a line that has no pressure or a significant leak. The symptom of valve closure is described as low pilot flame or failure of appliances to light. To correct it you must close the valve and reopen it "slowly". This may have to be repeated several times. If this does not work the pigtail will have to be replaced.

Bottom line, be aware and shop smart.

Charlie