How to Fill a Propane Tank

Propane (C3H6) is a flammable compound under standard conditions that is derived from natural gas or oil. It's a gas under normal conditions but it can be compressed to a liquid with relative ease. Propane only requires a pressure of about 12 standard atmospheres (atm) to remain a liquid at 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Liquid propane is easily stored in tanks and is a common fuel for outdoor cooking. When a tank of propane runs out, you can refill a tank instead of replacing it. Propane users can easily transfer propane from one tank to another while it's in a liquid state.

Things You'll Need

• Portable propane tank
• Supply propane tank

Instructions

1. Inspect the free end of the hose from the supply propane tank. It should have a coupling that will allow you to connect it to the fill valve on the portable propane tank. Ensure the coupling has a black rubber gasket so that it can form a tight seal.

2. Connect the hose from the supply propane tank to the hose from the empty propane tank. The two ends should simply screw together to form a secure coupling.

3. Open the valve on the supply tank. This should create sufficient pressure in the hose when the liquid propane flows out to open the fill valves on the coupling and the portable tank.

4. Watch the fuel level on the portable tank as the liquid propane flows into it. Allow the level in the portable tank to rise slowly and close the valve on the supply tank just before the portable tank is full.

5. Drain the remaining fuel in the hose into the portable tank. Disconnect the hose from the coupling on the portable tank.

References

• Propane 101

Resources

• All About Propane