Mounting Propane tank at an angle?

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1973Guppie

1973Guppie

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Hoping someone can answer this question. I am working on my revising my rear bumper to hold a 5 pound propane tank for camp cooking. I have a good idea but the way my rear 4x4 labs gas can carrier sits the best solution is to mount the propane tank at a slight angle, like 25 degrees angle. Wondering if that is an ok thing to do? I was just not sure if it is absolutely necessary that these are mounted flat? I searched for info but could not find any info on their construction internally that might effect the pickup of fuel. I can post some pics later of my thoughts.
 
It depends on where the valve is and how you use it. Propane tanks can be handled and shipped in any orientation. They can only be use in a vertical orientation as long as the valve is ABOVE the fuel line in the tank. You do NOT want to tip the tank to force out liquid fuel, as that will cause a very unsafe condition.

No matter how you transport, make sure the VALVE is protected from a collision, tree branches, rocks, small UFO's, and flying monkeys. Breaking off a valve can lead to disastrous results. Fortunately, the propane tanks are considered low pressure (not like oxygen or acetylene), but they still need to be treated with respect.

I have had a BBQ grille that kept the cylinder at an angle, but it forced you to have the valve to the top side and the cylinder would only fit one way. Most tanks are under-filled anyway, but don't take the chance, particularly when it's on a vehicle. Do NOT transport it inside the vehicle unless it is for short distances only, and it is well-secured inside (like put a seat belt on it.)
 
I have a 5# (very handy, but spendy) that I use on my Grill for Charcoal Ignition. It will work at 25° but I don't think you will be able to pull the full capacity.
Forklift tanks can work both vertically and horizontally. They may have dual pickup tubes, but I'm unsure???
Post up some pics if you can.
 
Hornd said:
I have a 5# (very handy, but spendy) that I use on my Grill for Charcoal Ignition. It will work at 25° but I don't think you will be able to pull the full capacity.
Forklift tanks can work both vertically and horizontally. They may have dual pickup tubes, but I'm unsure???
Post up some pics if you can.
Click to expand...

well it will be mounted on a bracket so the bottle is easily removable if I need to get to the last of the fuel in the cylinder
 
a pic, this is roughly the angle it will sit, I may just pan on removing
FullSizeRender.webp
it when using.
 
half k cruiser said:
Interesting, I was never aware that propane tanks had pickup tubes. I always assumed due to its very low boiling point, the tank acted on the principal of open the valve and the gas will just push out.
Click to expand...

I don't know if they have pickup tubes or not?
 
I thought propane could operate in any orientation? Isn't that why these extreme rock crawlers run propane injection...... so they can basically run upside down if needed?
 
Marine7 said:
I thought propane could operate in any orientation? Isn't that why these extreme rock crawlers run propane injection...... so they can basically run upside down if needed?
Click to expand...

I would think that would be correct also. However, if upside down you would probably need an expansion chamber to give the liquid time to come out of the valve and boil.
 
you will be ok with slight angle , all girl tanks use vapor gas but you can't tip it a lot if you tip it a lot you will get liquid gas in the regulator and liquid and vapor does not use same type of regulator
fork lift tank is usually set up as liquid tank so you need to convert it to vapor by removing pickup tube inside the tank
 
Now I have to research their set-ups because them things will scale a 90 degree vertical wall, and I know they run the propane because gas won't feed correctly at their angles. Either way- good luck with your set-up! I wish I could tell you 100% one way or the other.
 
Ok, my "know it all" brother (who is a certified fabricator/welder verified that Half K Cruiser is correct. Don't ever try to operate a lp tank upside down or angled, just like acetelyne (sp?) gas, it needs to stand upright for at least 30 minutes to make sure the liquid settles. Propane is filled as a liquid, and lp bottles are only filled 70%-80% to allow the liquid to vaporize before exiting the bottle. Stay safe and enjoy!
 
acetylene tank and propane is totally different system if i m correct acetylene tank is filled with sand a lot of people blew their car up by leaving the acetylene tank in car and using remote to lock and unlock doors
regular grill bottle is vapor system if you flip it upside down you can use it as liquid but problem is the pressure regulator you cant use vapor regulator to run liquid propane thru
and propane tank is filled 70%-80% because of expansion in different temperature range and it is impossible to fill that tank more than 70%-80% because OPD valve system all all tanks must have OPD valve on it other way it is not legal to be used
 
Yes, they are different, but for safety they should be handled the same...I.e. Allowing to stand upright for 30 minutes before use.
Propane is filled 75%<> so the liquid can turn to vapor before reaching the regulator.
 
And yes.... you can use propane as a liquid, but I don't think that pertains to the OP's question.
 
Yes, acetylene is dissolved in a solution (acetone) and the tanks have a porous material inside them in order to stabilize the acetylene. Yes, those MUST be used upright and must be upright for 30+ minutes prior to use.

Propane tanks (LPG) do not have baffles or porous material inside them for the propane. The propane sloshes around in the tank like water at a 70% -ish fill. As long as the valve is above the liquid line, no problem for a grille.
 
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