Re: [VAC] Aluminum Propane Tanks (New Valve Question)

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Gerald,
 There are at least a couple of ways to 'recertify' a propane tank.

A simple inspection, presumably inside and out, by a "qualified
individual" can be used to recertify the tank for 5 years.

Applying a full hydrostatic test, done by a qualified testing
laboratory, can be used to recertify a tank for (I believe) 11 or 12
years, same as whatever a new tank is certified for.

Needless to say, the "inspection" method is more widely used and is
plenty adaquet for propane tanks. Also, most filling stations don't look
at the date anyway, so you can use a tank that's long out of
certification.

High-pressure tanks as used for oxygen and welding gasses are a
different story, those are usually certified by a hydrostatic test every
five years. I've returned tanks for exchange that I know for a fact are
long out of certification, but haven't been questioned. My assumption is
that they'll get inspected somewhere along the way and "someone" will
cover the approximately $25.00 cost.

                                             Jim