Removing a vehicle LPG tank

[rtcosic]

The tank is probably full.
I cannot run the engine to burn it off.
I need to remove it and take it to a safe place to vent it.

View media item 9446
Is the powered valve likely to provide adequate isolation if I disconnect the tubing to the engine ?
Is there a non-return or other isolating valve in the fill line inside the tank, so I can remove the filling hose ?

 

[wookie]

Is the powered valve likely to provide adequate isolation if I disconnect the tubing to the engine ?

In my opinion yes, otherwise it wouldn't shut off the LPG flow when the vehicle isn't being used and that would be dangerous as vapours could build up in a garage.

Don't forget it's a liquid draw off on these tanks so it should be obvious if it's leaking as it will be very cold.

s there a non-return or other isolating valve in the fill line inside the tank, so I can remove the filling hose ?

I don't know, I suspect not but that is only my best guess, I have a scrapper LPG powered car that is empty, I'll investigate for you and report back.

 

[Bullet2012]

Yes should be safe. However both the fill pipe and the feed pipe will probably both be full of liquid lpg.
Disconnect solenoid by removing the little bolt, then Just loosen both pipes at the tank and allows w to vent, after a short while the venting should stop as the pipes will be empty. If venting continues for a long period then you may have an issue with the tank.
The vapour released is flameable.
Make sure all is safe and vented

 

[colnerov]

Hi, The local bus had some gas buses and had a problem with one of the pump/drivers and needed the tank emptying. They couldn't let it go to atmosphere because it's heavier than air and it would go down the drains, a big no-no, so it needed burning off. A man turned up set up a tripod with a burner on the top, hooked it up to the tank and lit it, then went and sat in his van and read the paper for half the morning.

Colin

 

[wookie]

Yes it has a one way valve on the filler pipe, on mine it is in the fitting where the filler goes into the tank.

It makes sense really, that way if the filler pipe is damaged by an accident or corrosion then the tank should retain it's contents.

 

[rtcosic]

Thanks to all - supports my assumptions.
The solenoid operated supply valve looked obvious and it seemed sensible to have a non-return valve in the fill nozzle in case of collision cutting the fill hose.

But it would seem sensible to me to have a relief valve or bursting disc in case of external fire, but I can't see one; unless the level gauge fitting has a bursting disc built into it, or the red thing is a bursting disc.

Now to drag the car outside, test the integrity of the two valves and if all well remove the tank.

Next challenge deciding where to do the venting. Windy West Wales will now be un-seasonally calm for days on end! Yes I know to add a second valve and use the one farthest away from the tank to take the pressure drop and the Joule-Thompson effect in case of freezing.

Wish I had some kind of burner that doesn't need a low pressure regulator, copes with liquid LPG and burns tens of kilogrammes per hour - I'm not on the refinery any more!

 

[bigegg]

I bought one from the scrappie that i thought was empty, but i discovered was full when i unscrewed the valve.

So, in my limited experience, should be safe to remove.

 

[rtcosic]

Typical!

Better Google search terms and I found this:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/removal-of-lpg-tanks-guidance

My tank and fittings are exactly as shown on the cylindrical tank on Page 5.

Also:

http://www.uklpg.org/advice-and-information/scrapping-vehicle-tanks/

I'm feeling much more comfortable about removing the tank, but still uncertain about how to dispose of the LPG. Maybe need to find some-one with an LPG converted car and accessible piping to use their engine as the burner? I'll check in with the local LPG seller.

 

[bigegg]

Typical!

Better Google search terms and I found this:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/removal-of-lpg-tanks-guidance

My tank and fittings are exactly as shown on the cylindrical tank on Page 5.

Also:

http://www.uklpg.org/advice-and-information/scrapping-vehicle-tanks/

I'm feeling much more comfortable about removing the tank, but still uncertain about how to dispose of the LPG. Maybe need to find some-one with an LPG converted car and accessible piping to use their engine as the burner? I'll check in with the local LPG seller.

The one i had had a valve mechanism held on with Allen screws.
I undid them one at a time until it starting hissing, then ran to a safe distance until it stopped/dispersed (field about 200yds from nearest garden)

 

[slim_boy_fat]

then ran to a safe distance until it stopped/dispersed (field about 200yds from nearest garden)

You must have excellent hearing

 

[Wendelspanswick]

My mate, who is always trying to cut corners, used to pump LPG out of 47KG cylinders and into his car.
The setup he had was a matched pair of pneumatic rams with the rod ends bolted together. One ram was connected to his air compressor and the other to the propane cylinder.
It all worked fine if a little slow but it used to make me cringe as the whole affair was bolted to a piece of crappy 18mm chipboard and the compression forces were trying, although not quite succeeding, to rip the piece of chipboard apart.
It's still in his garage I think, I will see if I can get a photo of it as it's a real Heath Robinson affair.

 

[bigegg]

You must have excellent hearing

There was a plume of white vapour that could be seen from space.