Propane Bottles (small): Safety

[Mario]

Folks:

Rhapsody came equipped with a nifty Magma BBQ grill, the model that uses small propane bottles. We used it numerous times last summer and loved it. However, at the end of the season we ran into a problem with a leaky propane bottle.

After using the grill at the dock I unscrewed the (nearly new) bottle after the grill had cooled. Unfortunately, the valve in the bottle was stuck slightly open and you could hear the faint hiss of escaping propane and if you looked you could see how the cool gas distorted the atmosphere, not to mention the odor. I decided not to try to close the valve with needlenose pliers, fearful that a spark could create an explosion. So, I put the bottle at the end of the dock where it was highly unlikely to come into contact with a spark. It was pretty breezy, and within a few hours the hissing had stopped and the bottle appeared to be empty. I disposed of it.

Two questions: Have you ever had this happen with one of these small bottles? If so, what's the best way to handle it? Can you close the valve or should you do as I did and let it dissipate in a safe place?

Second: It occurred to me that my options would be different if we were anchored out one evening and this happened. The only solution I can think of is to lower the bottle in a nylon string bag over the bow into the water and let it dissipate that way. Obviously, we don't want it near the cabin or any other potential ignition source.

Any thoughts?

Mario
s/v Rhapsody
CD 30 #252



capedory252@aol.com

[Tom]

Those propane bottles are closed by three little balls being squeezed against a rubber hose by three little springs. It's a funky system at best. It's hard to make springs out of stainless steel because the stainless doesn't lend itself to being springy. I dont' think you want to store propane cannisters for any length of time on a boat and I'd never store one in a locker as I've seen a lot of people do. I made a special compartment when I built my sealed propane locker with an overboard drain I made a special compartment to keep them in so that if they leak it goes overboard.

If you have a valve on your BBQ you can screw the bottle back on and use the valve on the BBQ to stop the flow until you can get back to somewhere where you can dispose of it safely. If you have a lamp or torch head that screws on you can use that also as anything with a screw type valve is better than trusting those little springs. You did some fast thinking there using what you had to deal with it and being aware of a potential problem.

Folks:

Rhapsody came equipped with a nifty Magma BBQ grill, the model that uses small propane bottles. We used it numerous times last summer and loved it. However, at the end of the season we ran into a problem with a leaky propane bottle.

After using the grill at the dock I unscrewed the (nearly new) bottle after the grill had cooled. Unfortunately, the valve in the bottle was stuck slightly open and you could hear the faint hiss of escaping propane and if you looked you could see how the cool gas distorted the atmosphere, not to mention the odor. I decided not to try to close the valve with needlenose pliers, fearful that a spark could create an explosion. So, I put the bottle at the end of the dock where it was highly unlikely to come into contact with a spark. It was pretty breezy, and within a few hours the hissing had stopped and the bottle appeared to be empty. I disposed of it.

Two questions: Have you ever had this happen with one of these small bottles? If so, what's the best way to handle it? Can you close the valve or should you do as I did and let it dissipate in a safe place?

Second: It occurred to me that my options would be different if we were anchored out one evening and this happened. The only solution I can think of is to lower the bottle in a nylon string bag over the bow into the water and let it dissipate that way. Obviously, we don't want it near the cabin or any other potential ignition source.

Any thoughts?

Mario
s/v Rhapsody
CD 30 #252

TomCambria@mindspring.com

[D. Stump, Hanalei]

Mario,

At the dock, you could try tapping the bottle, neck down, on the dock(protect the bottle threads with the plastic cap). That might reseat the valve. At anchor, do not hang it off the bow, as the bow will be facing into the wind, and propane gas will flow over your vessel, possibly collecting in the bilge and when you strike a match, BOOM! I know of other skippers that store spare bottles in the cabin! I would advise against this, too much of a hazard. Take the bottles home with you at the end of the weekend or store them in a dock box.

FWIW...

Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30

[M. R. Bober]

I have experienced the same trouble with two different brands (one was "Ten Peaks")of propane. Both were the short squat cylinders. I have a propane locker (CNG actually) where I store the propane cylinders, but would never put a known leaky bottle in it.

We use the propane for the grill. I have a bag that hangs from the lifelines, which holds three bottles.

The first time we experienced a leak--we were at anchor--we secured the leaking bottle to the swim ladder (below deck level) I thought it safe enough. It was empty the next morning. Without the "bottle bag" I would have thrown the cylinder--downwind--as far as I could. One fewer explosion can greatly improve the quality of life aboard.

For what it's worth, in twenty years of camping I never had a leaky cylinder. Marine environment??
Mitchell Bober
RESPITE
CD330

[Ken Cave]

I don't know what kind of bottle you are using, but Coleman uses the same stems that come with the inner tubes of bicycles!! I use them all the time, and never had a leak. I do, however, spray some WD40 on the receiving end of the canister before installing it. I also spray some WD 40 on the bottles that I store-mainly to keep the condensation away from the valve stem!

Ken Cave



bcave@whidbey.net

[Mario]

I don't know what kind of bottle you are using, but Coleman uses the same stems that come with the inner tubes of bicycles!! I use them all the time, and never had a leak. I do, however, spray some WD40 on the receiving end of the canister before installing it. I also spray some WD 40 on the bottles that I store-mainly to keep the condensation away from the valve stem!

Ken Cave

Thanks Ken, and to all who responded. Everyone was very helpful.

I bought a Bernz-o-matic propane canister this time. Costs a bit more than the house brands, but I'm hoping that it means the valve is a little more reliable. I'm also going to spritz the valve with WD-40 before each use. We do have a propane locker, and I'll store it in there. And, if I get another leaky valve I'll attach the grill valve to it to shut off, or hang it off the stern in the water.

Whew! The trouble we go through for a good burger...

Mario
s/v Rhapsody
CD 30 #252



capedory252@aol.com

[Ross Williams]

ironic timing on your note. A week or so ago I had a scary experience with a small propane BBQ grill. This is the table top kind but I use the same propane canisters on our Magma grill onboard our CD26. I've never had a bad experience with propane and always thought I was cautious but this experience gave me a wakeup call and thankfully I wasn't hurt in the process. I had just finished cooking and had shut off the fuel valve so the stove was out. This is where I got a little to relaxed and didn't follow safe stove instructions. I decided to remove the canister before going in for dinner. Guess what, when I started to unscrew the canister, the valve malfunctioned and I heard that hissing noise that you described. My problem was that there was still sufficient heat from the stove to ignite the leaking gas. Yikes! Wake up call you idiot the stove is not cool! Luckily for me, the tank stopped leaking when I let it go or I accidently re-tightened it in my panic not sure which. It all happened so quickly and was over before I could realize what happened. thankfully, I walked away with only some singed bangs and no burns at all but I realized how lucky I was. I was also glad I got this reminder on land and not on the boat. So I just wanted to re-enforce to the boating crew not to become to relaxed with those cannisters and be sure that the grill has cooled prior to removing the tank. I've never seen a valve stick open as you'd described but I have seen them leak on occasion while connecting or disconnecting as this one did. Be safe and enjoy those burgers!



rosswilli@aol.com