ASME Residential Propane Tank

ASME is a certification for tanks that are typically larger and used for home heating or additionally heating and appliances. These tanks are designed for stationary installation thus are not designed to be moved when containing propane. The design and standards are governed by American Society of Engineers aka (ASME).

Propane has a freezing point of -44 degrees Fahrenheit.

500 Gallon Propane Tank

A 500 gallon propane tank is a common size domestic gas tank for whole house application. It can contain up to 400 gallons of propane. The empty weight of a 500 gallon propane tank is approximately 1000 pounds or more. Depending on the brand, they range from 950lbs to a little over 1000lbs.

• A Manchester brand 500 gallon tank model 500 GAL A-G is advertised as weighing 1062.00 lbs empty.

A full 500 gallon propane tank weighs filled to 80% should weigh more than 2650 pounds.

Propane pressure within the tank should be between 100 and 200 psi to ensure that the liquid propane gas remains in a liquid state. Normally, the pressure inside a propane tank fluctuates slightly based on the outside temperature.

The temperature of liquid propane is typically around -44°F (-42°C) at atmospheric pressure. This is the temperature at which propane transitions from a gas to a liquid state, known as its boiling point. On a hot summer day, the temperature outside can rise significantly. If a propane tank is exposed to direct sunlight or high ambient temperatures, the temperature of the liquid propane inside the tank can also increase. However, propane tanks are typically well-insulated, which helps to minimize temperature fluctuations within the tank.

To comply with the 80/20 rule for propane safety, a 500-gallon propane tank can only securely carry 400 gallons of propane. The 20% of vacant space in your propane tank offers that opportunity for expansion such as that from a hot summer day. You should never paint your gas tank a dark color for safety reasons. Lighter colors reflect heat from the exterior, while darker colors absorb it, resulting in harmful propane expansion.

It's important to note that propane tanks are designed to withstand changes in temperature and pressure, and they incorporate safety features to prevent over-pressurization. However, it's still advisable to take precautions to keep propane tanks cool and shaded, especially during hot weather, to ensure safe and efficient operation.