I remember there was some trick to learn the level in a propane tamk. We're gonna have a BBQ and don't want to run out...but we haven't used it much. What is an easy way of determining how full the tank is...besides taking it in to get it filled...which may be very unnecessary... Thanks
2007-07-25 17:40:38 · 5 answers · asked by BuckarooBanzai 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Pour very hot (boiling) water down the side of the tank. The gas in the top of the tank does not conduct the heat very well so the wall will heat up. The liquid propane does conduct heat away from the wall well so the wall stays cool to the touch.
So after you pour hot water down the side of the tank, put your hand at the bottom of the tank wall and move it up the side. The place where it starts to feel warm is the top of the liquid propane level.
Sometimes you might even see condensation form on the lower, cooler part of the tank. The top edge of the condensation shows where the top of the liquid propane level is.
Usually an empty tank weighs about 20 pounds and a full tank weighs about 40 pounds. You can check to make sure by weighing the tank when it is empty and then again after it is filled.
When you do finally empty the propane tank then weigh it on some bath scales. Then after it is filled, if you aren't sure how much propane is left then you can weight the tank and know how many pounds are left.
2007-07-25 18:37:56 · answer #1 · answered by Jim B 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The propane in the tank is in liquid form, with vapor boiling off to provide the gas, so pressure will be constant.
You can guage the level of the liquid gas by 'sloshing` the tank to feel how much liquid remains, (not all that easy or accurate), or you can place your hand on the side of the tank. The liquid will absorb your body heat faster than the vapor, and you can get a pretty good idea of the level by finding the place where it feels colder below and warmer above.
2007-07-26 00:56:11 · answer #2 · answered by Irv S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Put the tank in the sun for a while, then feel the surface There will be a temperature change at the level of the liquid surface.
2007-07-26 00:57:10 · answer #3 · answered by Ed 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
buy a guage that attaches between the grill and the propane tank. If you have UHaul near you they sell these guages.
http://www.uhaul.com/
2007-07-26 00:50:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can't judge the weight, you need to weigh an empty bottle & a full one on your bathroom scales.
2007-07-26 00:59:14 · answer #5 · answered by gejandsons 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋