Re: [A/S] OPDs on horizontal DOT cylinders

[Silsby Pelissero <silsby@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

If you are a Good Sam Member and receive their "Highways" magazine, in the
January 2001 issue, page 23 (Tech Topics) Bob Livingston reviews the
"Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code" because of filling station mis-information.

He doesn't talk about removable horizontal tanks however, but if you have
vertical tanks

Paraphrasing:

He says "4# through 40# vertical cylinders designed for propane-vapor
service must be fitted with a listed overfill prevention device (OPD) and a
a fixed maximum liquid level gauge if fabricated after Sept. 30, 1998.

Cylinders must be certified by a licensed LP-gas service center 12 years
from date of manufacture in order to be eligible for filling. If an
older-style cylinder needs be re-qualified, it must be equipped with an OPD
and a fixed maximum liquid level gauge prior to certification and being
filled. I your current cylinder is within the qualification period (the date
stamped on the valve guard) - even if it is not OPD equipped - it still can
be filled legally at any licensed station until April 1, 2002 when no
cylinder can be filled, regardless of age or certification, unless it is
equipped with an OPD and a fixed maximum liquid level gauge. He also states
that ASME tanks used on motorhomes are not subject to this code" like
Charlie said.

He describes the difference between old valves and connectors and the new
ones and his suggestion is "if your cylinder is up for certification any
time soon, (he) suggests making a change (to new cylinders) rather then pay
to have it qualified with the existing valve that will only be good for one
more year".

It's a really good article and there's a lot more info. in it. He even
suggests carrying it in your travels in case anyone gives you grief about
whether or not they should fill your tanks.

Silsby