How long should a bulk propane tank last?

KJohn · #1 2013-10-05, 6:21pm

I upgraded from a hothead to an alpha burner. I am using BBQ size bulk propane tank. I had read that some lampworkers change out tanks every two or three months, torching full time. One even mentioned six months. I find myself changing out tanks about every three weeks. There are no leaks. I was running it at 5, now adjusted to 2-3. Is this normal?

Raimond · #2 2013-10-05, 6:32pm

I figure 3-4 K tanks per 20 lbs of propane. Others may be using 40, 60 or 100 lb tanks...

KJohn · #3 2013-10-05, 6:52pm

Thanks, Raimond. I should edit to mean, changing out the propane tanks if that wasn't clear. I can see how you would ratio that, but I am on an oxycon. You are saying that a propane tank lasts about 30-40 hours for you? What kind of torch?

echeveria · #4 2013-10-05, 6:57pm

That seems fast to me. I only torch on weekends, but mine last almost a year. GTT Bobcat, at 5. I do small soft glass.

Cherri · #5 2013-10-05, 7:00pm

I use up a tank every three weeks.. I torch on the weekends, but for at least 5 hours per session. I am on a hothead.

KJohn · #6 2013-10-05, 7:03pm

The weather here has been VERY hot, and I wonder if that has to do with it. However, when it was cooler it still surprised me how fast I seemed to go through them. I torch on average 30 hours a week, give or take.

KJohn · #7 2013-10-05, 7:04pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cherri

I use up a tank every three weeks.. I torch on the weekends, but for at least 5 hours per session. I am on a hothead.

With a hothead, I went through tanks fast too. I couldn't see how the tank time would be close to the same as what I used before but it is similar.

Raimond · #8 2013-10-05, 7:25pm

My useage is based on a Bravo and a Phantom.
I melt boro so I use the outer ring which will burn more money, I mean propane...

KJohn · #9 2013-10-05, 7:35pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raimond

My useage is based on a Bravo and a Phantom.
I melt boro so I use the outer ring which will burn more money, I mean propane...

LOL. I'm hearing that!

pjBeads · #10 2013-10-05, 7:35pm

I run a Lynx w/2 oxycons about 40 - 50 per week. Propane set to 4 and a bbq size tank lasts 3 - 4 weeks. Soft glass beads.

tammydownunder · #11 2013-10-06, 2:12am

I torch about 30+hours a week and my 20 lb BBQ bottle lasts about 3 + months with a cricket and an 8lpm oxy con.

Dale M. · #12 2013-10-06, 8:07am

Another issue may be where you are getting a tank.... IF you are using exchange tanks they may not be as full as you expect.... Have heard rumors that some exchange tanks are not being filled to max volume to keep pricing in the $20 per exchange range.... To see how much propane you are actually getting, weigh tank, subtract "Tare" weigh of tank (usually stamped on tank safety collar) and resulting weight will be amount of propane in tank... Propane weights about 4.2 pounds to the gallon... ... BBQ sized tanks (five gallon/#20 pound) with OPD valve should be able to be filled to approximate 4.7 gallons ... You should have a resulting weight of about 19.7 lbs for 4.7 gallons of propane after tare weight of tank is subtracted (usually about 20 pounds)...

Also try to actually log hours of use, days or week or months of use is too ambiguous as all people spend different amounts of time (hours) on torch over days weeks and months...

Dale

KJohn · #13 2013-10-06, 11:02am

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjBeads

I run a Lynx w/2 oxycons about 40 - 50 per week. Propane set to 4 and a bbq size tank lasts 3 - 4 weeks. Soft glass beads.

This is basically what I am doing....although a Lynx is bigger. So this is a similar use pattern.

Quote:

Originally Posted by echeveria

That seems fast to me. I only torch on weekends, but mine last almost a year. GTT Bobcat, at 5. I do small soft glass.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tammydownunder

I torch about 30+hours a week and my 20 lb BBQ bottle lasts about 3 + months with a cricket and an 8lpm oxy con.

See, it's accounts like this that make me question my use rate. That is wonderful, I wish mine worked that way!

KJohn · #14 2013-10-06, 11:07am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dale M.

Another issue may be where you are getting a tank.... IF you are using exchange tanks they may not be as full as you expect.... Have heard rumors that some exchange tanks are not being filled to max volume to keep pricing in the $20 per exchange range.... To see how much propane you are actually getting, weigh tank, subtract "Tare" weigh of tank (usually stamped on tank safety collar) and resulting weight will be amount of propane in tank... Propane weights about 4.2 pounds to the gallon... ... BBQ sized tanks (five gallon/#20 pound) with OPD valve should be able to be filled to approximate 4.7 gallons ... You should have a resulting weight of about 19.7 lbs for 4.7 gallons of propane after tare weight of tank is subtracted (usually about 20 pounds)...

Also try to actually log hours of use, days or week or months of use is too ambiguous as all people spend different amounts of time (hours) on torch over days weeks and months...

Dale

Thanks for the details on how to weigh the tank. You are right, I exchange those. Their tanks are not always the best, either.

So, this sounds like a normal use rate to you, that I am falling within an average zone? I shouldn't worry, as long as there are no leaks?

Raimond · #15 2013-10-06, 1:37pm

Also, the quality of propane in the exchange tanks has been discussed and many believe it is not as clean as what you get at your local propane vendor. I always get mine refilled at my local welding shop...

artsyuno · #16 2013-10-06, 1:52pm

I use exchange tanks and have never had a problem with the propane quality.

Raimond · #17 2013-10-06, 2:04pm

I didn't imply there is a problem with the quality, only that many feel that there is.

I use the local welding shop as I support the small business owners and I do not like leaving my tank unguarded outside of the big retail stores while I wait in line to pay for an exchange.

EchoTantuli · #18 2013-10-06, 3:03pm

I have an alpha too. I would say it is good for about 7-10 long torch sessions...10 if they are 6-8 hours, and 7 or so if they are 10 hour. I guess what I'm saying is probably 70-80 hours on average for me per 20lb tank.

Dale M. · #19 2013-10-06, 4:17pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raimond

Also, the quality of propane in the exchange tanks has been discussed and many believe it is not as clean as what you get at your local propane vendor. I always get mine refilled at my local welding shop...

Quite frankly I think that is a myth..... OR old wives tail not backed up from any credible source.... All propane comes from refining petroleum products...

Dale

Raimond · #20 2013-10-06, 4:21pm

Could be, I have not had an issue with propane myself. However, gasoline comes from the same crude oil and there are stations that do not maintain their systems as well as others thus the quality of the end product is compromised.

KJohn · #21 2013-10-06, 10:15pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by EchoTantuli

I have an alpha too. I would say it is good for about 7-10 long torch sessions...10 if they are 6-8 hours, and 7 or so if they are 10 hour. I guess what I'm saying is probably 70-80 hours on average for me per 20lb tank.

That sounds a lot more like my experience. Not a bad average, just not expected. Thanks!