Propane grills are popular among many BBQ enthusiasts as they are easy to use. With a simple turn of a knob, the propane grill is ready for use. So, does propane gas go bad?
Although you will find an expiry date on the propane container, the truth is that propane gas does not expire. The shelf life of propane gas is indefinite. However, the container that carries the gas is the one that expires. Therefore, inspecting the propane gas container is crucial to avoid using spoiled propane gas, which can be catastrophic.
If you use propane as the primary source of energy in your home, then there is a lot that you need to learn about propane gas so that you are never caught off-guard. Keep reading for more information.
What Is Propane?
Propane is a colorless hydrocarbon with a chemical formula C3H8 that is easily liquefiable. It is extracted from natural gas, crude oil, and other refinery gasses.
Besides domestic uses such as cooking, refrigerating food, and water heating, propane is also valuable in many ways. For instance, propane is used in several industries, including manufacturing, agriculture drying, metal drying, printing press applications, and warehouses.
Does Propane Go Bad When Stored?
With the incredible ability of propane gas to improve the quality of life in several ways, it is easy to wonder whether or not it will go bad, especially if you are planning to store it for a long time.
The good news is that propane gas does not have a shelf life. In other words, you can store it for as long as you wish without worrying about it going bad. However, you need to understand that maintaining the propane storage tank’s integrity is critical in propane gas storage. Since the tanks are the ones that expire, you need to have them inspected by professionals to detect if there are any issues with the storage tank.
What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A Propane Tank?
Since propane gas does not expire, you may want to know about the life expectancy of the propane tank.
The life expectancy of a propane tank is not constant as it depends on various factors, including the size, the use of the tank, and maintenance.
Underground Tanks
Underground tanks have a life expectancy of 20-30 years. Some factors that will influence the life expectancy of these propane tanks are the weather, soil type, and how they were installed. Underground propane tanks that were adequately installed have the potential to last for a long time.
Heating And Cooking
The other factor influencing the life expectancy of the propane tank is its usage. Propane tanks have a wide range of usage. For instance, it is used as water heaters, camp stoves, or cooking on grills. The life expectancy of furnaces powered by propane gas is about 20 years.
Care And Maintenance
If you want your propane tank to serve you for a long time, you must commit yourself to proper care and maintenance of the propane tank. For instance, keeping your propane tanks in locations where they will not be exposed to dents and bangs can help lengthen their lifespan.
Recertification
Propane tanks require recertification after 12 years from the date they were manufactured and, after that, every five years. Recertification is necessary before the tank is refilled.
When Does Propane Go Bad?
The simple answer to this question is that propane is one of the most storage-friendly, resilient, and stable energy sources that do not have an expiration date. Propane gas does not degrade over time, thus a long shelf life.
However, if the container used to store the gas expires or goes bad, that is when you can say that propane gas has gone bad. To prevent such a situation, you need to make sure that you take good care of the tank used for propane gas storage.
What Is The Shelf Life Propane?
If well stored, propane can last for decades as it is one of the most storage-friendly energy sources. With no expiry date, you should always be prepared to store it in a well-maintained tank to ensure its potency will not degrade over time. In other words, if you are trying to find out about the shelf life of propane, you should understand that it is exceptionally long.
BBQ cylinders are the standard propane gas tanks. They are popular because of their convenience, portability, and ease of storing and refilling. Moreover, they can serve you for a long time if you store them well.
Does Propane Go Bad In A Tank?
Unlike other energy sources such as diesel, kerosene, gasoline, and heating oil degrading over time, propane does not have a shelf life. It is a resilient and storage-friendly source of energy. Therefore, propane gas does not go bad in a storage tank. What can go bad is the container used to store it, and this is why you need to ensure that you maintain the storage tank well.
However, propane gas stored in a tank can freeze in rare situations when the weather is icy. During winter, propane gas may shrink. Consequently, the propane gas level in the tank shrinks, making you think that you could lose the gas through unprecedented leaks.
Generally, cold conditions have a negative impact on the heating oil. It thickens in the tank in a condition known as gelling. When gelling occurs, it can reduce the flow of oil to the furnace or boiler and result in the system’s shutdown. If that happens, you might be compelled to spend a lot of money trying to rectify the problem.
The best way to prevent such a situation in the future is to ensure that your propane tank does not get low.
How Long Does A Propane Tank Last?
While propane tanks are incredibly resilient as they are designed to safely contain the propane gas stored under pressure, they do not last forever.
In Canada, a propane tank is deemed safe ten years after the day it was manufactured, while in the United States, a propane tank is suitable for 12 years from its manufactured date. A recertified propane tank is deemed to be in good condition after 5-12 years, depending on the type of recertification.
How To Tell If Your Propane Tank Has Expired?
If you are not accustomed to how propane tanks work, you may find it challenging to tell if your tank is expired.
The simplest method that can help you determine the condition of your propane gas is to inspect the handle or the color area of the tank. While this observation will not answer your worries, it will give you crucial information about when the propane gas was manufactured or certified. With the information on the exact date that your tank was manufactured or certified, it will be easy to calculate and determine how much time you have to use the tank.
What To Do If Your Propane Tank Has Expired?
When examining your propane tank, there are two primary find outcomes that you should expect. Either the tank has expired, or it has not. But what are you supposed to do if you find out that your propane tank has expired?
If your tank has expired, the best way to handle the situation is to exchange it with an expired safe tank. Your energy service provider should be willing to provide safe propane tanks.
Conclusion
Propane gas is resilient and storage-safe gas. However, it is crucial to understand that while propane gas does not expire, propane tanks do. The signs of wear and tear on your propane tank include dents, awful smell, signs of corrosion, and orange and yellow flames. If your propane tank shows any of the signs above, you should get a new tank.
Scot has loved smoking food in his free time for the last few years. Each major holiday or off-weekend, Scot spends days testing and prepping new recipes for perfection.