Composite Propane Cylinders

[Jeremy airjer W]

I don't know if any of you have seen these or own them but I had a customer bring one in the other day. Since I had not seen or heard of them I refused to fill it based on a lack of training.

Our propane supplier also suggested not filling these types of cylinders until further notice. He also sent some information from the MN Propane Association explaining this decision.

Apparently on May 10, The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, which is part of the D.O.T., issued a notice of suspension of D.O.T. special permit #13957, Suspending the authorization of "Lite=Cylinder Co. Inc" out of Franklin, Tenn. to make a non-D.O.T. specification, liner less, fully wrapped fiberglass composite cylinder.

They did this after 5, 33 pound composite cylinders ruptured during storage at a facility in Florida.

This company also produced #10 and #20 cylinders.

[iffwalleyes]

I have no experience with them but I just saw them for the first time a couple days ago.

[chickeywing]

Are these the ones that 'glow' in a fire? About a year ago, I was talking to a Fire Marshall about the new 'composite tanks'. He was talking about some new tanks that would glow in a fire situation. This would alert the firefighters to a potential explosion hazard.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I don't think so. These have a greenish color and are translutent so you can see how much liquid is in the tank. Its a great idea but I don't know if I would ever trust one???

[UMDSportsman]

i just googled "composite LP tanks" and found some interesting stuff. including one from something in texas, it was a pdf about the indoor use of composite LP tanks. Although i do not know if i trust them, yet, but i do know that composites are the way of the future, making things stronger and lighter.

I use caution when i say stronger, i am not talking about ductility. Usually composites are less ductile (more brittle) than a steel tank would be. meaning a steel tank might dent, where a composite would fracture under impact.

[Jeremy airjer W]

TTT

[Mainehazmt]

Can you provide some more detailed info All my sources show that these are the next best thing since gravey Even the NFPA believes them to be safer for firefighters I also think mine is fantastic! and boat owners will love the no rust issue

[redtrucks]

Composite air tanks have been used for the past few years for firefighters. The ones that we use are filled to 4500 PSI and are tested every 5 years. DOT says that they can be used for 15 years but I think that they are trying to change that to 30 years along as the hydro test comes back good every 5 years. These tanks get abused and are exposed to extreme heat and we have not had any issues.

[Mainehazmt]

I agree 100% I started on the heavy ol 1800 lb steel tanks lol