Purging a new propane tank

[Hawg]

I've been reading that purging is a somewhat complicated thing. The guy at the station says he just puts a little gas in a new tank then tips it over and drains it out. Does that work or should I wait till the gas company opens. They are 40#'s so I can't just exchange them.

[Down Deep]

It takes awhile to complete the purging and best done by someone who knows how and does it right. It should be done with a special valve that will allow the air inside to bleed out while gas in pumped in.

[Smoker]

I would wait. I never seen the guy at the gas company do it that way. I believe there is something on the valve to open to bleed it.

[servocam]

On the 20# tank, there is a valve on the neck that you turn open with flat-head screwdriver. Sometimes come spring time, the 20# won't fill; like it is air-locked. I open the valve to relieve anything left. They have also done this when filling them.

[Gordie]

You should have someone that is qualified do it. Yes most places charge you and yes it probably can be done by yourself ,but is it worth the risk.

Unless you have the proper way of filling a tank it is not a task that should be done by a Do it your selfer.

[ski_otter]

When I got a new 5# tank filled last week the station owner purged it for me for no charge. He hooked it up to a special valve, and opened and closed it about 20 times, each time it let out air

[Werewolf]

You can add some gas and let it drain off but that is not a the best way, a vacuum pump is what is used to remove the air and it only takes a few minutes, you can use a AC pump to pull a vacuum on the tank, the regular propane distributor will do it for free

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

Wait until the gas company opens and have them do it!!! It isn't worth the risk if something goes wrong.

[Jeremy airjer W]

On the 20# tank, there is a valve on the neck that you turn open with flat-head screwdriver.

[dfeste]

Just had a 40#er purged at Uhaul today. The kid that went out with me was new and didn't know how so the manager came out and showed the guy and explained what the process was. He said the companies that make the cylinders put a gas in them so that they don't rust before the consumer gets the tank. They use another valve that vacuums that gas out like noted above. They go for 1 minute per 10 pounds capacity. As others have said, I'd wait until it can be done correctly.