Does Improper filling propane tanks cause MR Heater regulator failure?

[mamohr686]

I was taking to a guy who used to work for a natural gas company. I was telling him how I ruin a MR heater cooker on almost every trip to LOW. When we got to talking about when I fill the tanks, I told him that I have 2 tanks and don't fill them until one is empty unless I'm going on a trip. Basically he says that if the fuel/air mixture is wrong when you fill a 1/2 full propane tank that it can ruin a regulator. I've noticed that sometimes guys who refill tanks don't really pay attention and just let them fill until the OPD valve shuts off the gas, and charge me for the weight. Usually after that happens I seem get the flamethrower effect. Possibly because there is more pressure in the tank? Anyone else have problems with this or am I just unlucky with MR. Heater cookers? Would I be better off to completely empty my tank before I refill it?

[Jeremy airjer W]

There shouldn't be any air in the tank at all! The air is removed (or should be)when the tank is filled for the first time. This is called purging the tank. It is still possible to overfill a tank that has an OPD valve. The valve relies on a float. if the float is damaged or out of calibration it will not shut off as intended.

Next time you have them filled have the person that helps you out set the scale at no more than 38# (for a twenty pound tank). Have them shut off the flow of propane into the tank as soon as the scale starts to tip. If this resolves the issue than we can confirm that there are overfilled. If it continues there may be a problem with the tank, hose or device your using. I assume it does it no matter what tank you use?

[BobT]

Ditto the air in the tank thing. An air to fuel ratio in the tank would provide the means for an explosion.

Bob

[mhjohns]

One thing that I haven't seen on these forums dealing with propane and heater failure is the companies supplying the propane.

It is really important to get your propane from someone that knows what they are doing and flush their tanks. Some companies that sell propane also use their trucks and tanks to store and haul anhydrous ammonia during the summer months. A few years ago a company in my area did this and didn't flush their tanks all the way. They ended up paying for furnace repairs for over 60 people.