Date:         Thu, 31 May 2001 20:53:45 -0400
Reply-To:     David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Propane Tank, Overfill - what happens?
Comments: To: Miguel Calvin <mcalvin@MAC.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <B73B0EDF.35E5%mcalvin@mac.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

At 08:55 PM 5/30/2001, Miguel Calvin wrote:
>I call upon your experience: What exactly happens if there is too much
>propane pumped into the propane tank?

Nothing -- until the tank gets too hot.  Then boom.  Actually, it might
also spit liquid into the regulator, which isn't meant for it.

>Where does it go?

Stays right there.

>Does it escape through the vent on the regulator when you open the valve to
>pressurize the system?

Nope.  There is no vent on the regulator.  Each stage has an opening to
atmosphere to allow the regulating function to work, but any propane coming
out indicates a diaphragm failure.  To get rid of excess liquid you have to
vent it through the bleed valve.  Beware -- the valve will become very
cold, and if it is moist it will freeze and you will be unable to close it.


>Could warmer weather lead to enough expansion that a full tank becomes
>overfull?

The 20% headspace is deemed sufficient for safety in any reasonable
temperature.

david

David Beierl - Providence, RI
  http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
'85 GL "Poor Relation"