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yukonbob wrote:I've seen a two or three foot length of 4-5 inch (whatever size would fit the lpg canisters)glued and capped on one end and glued with a screw on cap on the other end. This way they can be stored inside for shorter (say a month) intervals. I would not recommend leaving for years without checking, but if you're going through them or at least checking them regularly it shouldn't matter.
Something scares me about the idea of pressurized propane trapped inside a homemade PVC container. I suppose it's better than in the bilge.
I've seen those homemade PVC containers, but they were outside the cockpit. I just wouldn't feel safe with them in the cabin.
I built 2 PVC tube holders for my 1 lb. propane canisters using PVC tube, a threaded cap on the top and a glued-on cap for the bottom.
I drilled 2-3 holes in the bottom of the bottom cap to vent any fumes. They hold 3 canisters each.
Mounted on the mast support at the stern of the boat, it's out of the way, safe and secure.
All items were purchased at Lowes. Buy a full length of the PVC tube, it's cheaper than cut lengths.
You can probably get buy with one canister holder for the season.
Thanks for the techno help Russ. I went with the rubber cap since it is fairly snug, but won' t become a bomb. I didn't consider the tube filling with HTA gas; I'll be drilling a small vent in the base. Thanks guys.
yukonbob wrote:I've seen a two or three foot length of 4-5 inch (whatever size would fit the lpg canisters)glued and capped on one end and glued with a screw on cap on the other end. This way they can be stored inside for shorter (say a month) intervals. I would not recommend leaving for years without checking, but if you're going through them or at least checking them regularly it shouldn't matter.
Something scares me about the idea of pressurized propane trapped inside a homemade PVC container. I suppose it's better than in the bilge.
I've seen those homemade PVC containers, but they were outside the cockpit. I just wouldn't feel safe with them in the cabin.
--Russ
You would require a catastrophic failure of multiple canisters in order to have that occur. 4” sched. 40 PVC pipe has an operating pressure rating of approx. 100psi and a bursting rating of almost 700psi. 1lb cylinders have a maximum working pressure is typically around 250psi, but you certainly don't want them getting anywhere near that high. Nominal operation at -44°F the pressure is zero, at 0°F the pressure is 28psi, at 32°F the pressure is about 60psi, at 70°F the pressure is about 130psi, and at 100°F the pressure is close to 200psi. Again if you’re checking them or using them often and notice a leak this shouldn’t be a problem if discarded properly, but I wouldn’t leave for extended periods unchecked.
yukonbob wrote:You would require a catastrophic failure of multiple canisters in order to have that occur. 4” sched. 40 PVC pipe has an operating pressure rating of approx. 100psi and a bursting rating of almost 700psi. 1lb cylinders have a maximum working pressure is typically around 250psi, but you certainly don't want them getting anywhere near that high. Nominal operation at -44°F the pressure is zero, at 0°F the pressure is 28psi, at 32°F the pressure is about 60psi, at 70°F the pressure is about 130psi, and at 100°F the pressure is close to 200psi. Again if you’re checking them or using them often and notice a leak this shouldn’t be a problem if discarded properly, but I wouldn’t leave for extended periods unchecked.
Good to know PVC is that strong. I suppose if you unscrewed it and heard/smelled gas, you would know something was wrong and could take appropriate action.
In fairness, as dangerous as propane is, there are very few reported incidents of explosions. So I guess ventilation and common sense are key.
Hello,
I think it is CNG that is lighter than air. It makes a good fuel BUT it is not widely available so hasn't taken off.
I've been using 1 lb propane cans (2) in a locker that is sealed and vented to the outside via a thru hull. Works very well. Each canister is good for a week of regular meals and coffee. I have 2 combined by a manifold, regulator and solenoid so it's about 2 weeks worth unless I'm cooking crab then it lasts half as long.
See mod here. http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/index.php?view=402
We also use the 1 lb bottles on a 2 burner camp stove I've built into the galley.
Had a custom fitting made to ease attachment/detachment of the bottle.
1 bottle usually lasts a few days with 2 meals a day being cooked.
We store the full ones in a net bag hanging from the rear of the pushpit.
The empties I use a rod to ensure they are empty and throw them in the laz.
We don't bother with a CO2 detector or a propane tester since when the bottles are in use
they are attended and when not in use they are outside.
The boat is well ventilated anyway so its not much of a concern.
The main reason I switched from the butane to white gas stove, and to a 5lb tank for the furnace is that all those 1lb bottles, and butane canisters will end up in a landfill. On the ends of the season when its colder we go through 3lbs of propane in a weekend and a half bottle of butane. Now we can refill the 5lb tank and I run white gas on all my other outdoor appliances so it works well. I just keep the odd 1lb disposable around for emergency use.
that is true yukon, i have seen a u tube video if guys refilling those disposable cannisters. the only argument being that no one knows how many cycles they can be used for- as corrosion is a real issue. but even if they were only used a few times, surely that would be good thing!
I don't have a boat yet, but this may be the middle ground for a couple of days to a week out of provisions if someone crafty could figure out a good stern rail mounting setup??
I plan to refill my 1lb canisters as well.
But in case no one read the back of the canister there is a $500,000 fine for refilling them and then transporting them. What the back of mine said anyways.
Wayne nicol wrote:that is true yukon, i have seen a u tube video if guys refilling those disposable cannisters. the only argument being that no one knows how many cycles they can be used for- as corrosion is a real issue. but even if they were only used a few times, surely that would be good thing!
We have several yard torches that use the 1lb canisters. I hate throwing them away. Seems like money tossed out.
So, I looked into those refill devices. Connect to a 5lb tank and it refills the 1lb canister. The more I read, the more I decided not to do this. The safety is a small aspect, but the biggest issue is that it doesn't work well.
Reviews:
"Good but only fills about 1/2 way"
"I recommend following the instructions, which requires putting the bulk 5 gal. tank in the sun for a few hours (let it get nice and warm), and the little 16 oz tanks in the freezer, using temperature differential as a pump. Then, grab one tank from the freezer and attach to the refill device/bulk tank, make sure everything is decently tight, and open the valve on the bulk tank"
This seems too weird. They are cheap enough. For the boat, I only buy name brand canisters. I fear fly by night operators selling discounted in the dollar store. Quality of the valves etc.
Fouz:
When you refill the 1lb tank, is the larger tank upright or upside down?
In other words, is there a pipe that goes from the valve to the bottom of the tank
to get the liquid out of the tank, or are you just drawing the pressurized gas out of the tank?
I would think that if it's only the gas you would only get a small amount transferred to the 1lb tank.
I haven't refilled any yet. But you only get around half full without tempering with the relief valve. The 5lb is upside down and the 1lb is on its side. Put the 1lb on the freezer for a little while before you refill. Alot of videos on youtube about it.
