How Does a Propane Tank Work?

About Propane Tanks

Propane tanks come in all sorts of designs and sizes. They can be installed in a home to provide gas for cooking and heating, or used with a barbecue grill. There are also many other types of tanks that work in slightly differently ways.

How it is Filled

A basic tank is simply filled with propane liquid using a special machine. The propane is forced into the tank under pressure, and it stays pressurized inside the tank until the valve is released. When the valve is turned the gas turns to vapor and escapes through the opening. It is allowed to escape the canister under a specified pressure determined by the size of the valve.

Additional Information

Industrial-sized propane tanks have several valves and gauges. The main valves are the fill valves, service valve to release the propane and a relief valve. The relief valve is a safety or overflow mechanism. Tanks also have gauges to measure the level of liquid in the tanks called a float gauge, and a vapor recovery valve that is used to release excess vapor in the tanks during service.