Have a question about Blue Rhino? The answer may be below in this list of questions we hear. If not, just email Customer Care team customerservice@bluerhino.com, or call us at 1-800-BLU-RINO.
- Do you accept only Blue Rhino tanks for exchange?
- How do I connect my tank?
- I'm not getting any gas from my tank. Why?
- I can hear a banging or clanking sound when moving the tank. What's up?
- What's this thing about the shape of the handwheel?
- So how am I supposed to turn on this new OPD thing?
- My handwheel won't turn on. What can I do?
- Is it true that propane suppliers will no longer fill certain grill tanks?
- What is an OPD?
- How do I know if my tank is obsolete?
- Can I continue to use my obsolete tank until it is empty?
- Does exchange pricing vary greatly between retailers?
- Your label says not to store the tank under my grill. Why?
- Can I store my tank in my garage?
- Can I store my tank in the direct sun?
- I have a mobile home with a horizontally mounted tank. Can I use Blue Rhino?
- There is frost buildup on my tank. What causes that and what should I do?
- Where can I find the date on my tank?
- What is the normal pressure of propane from tank to appliance?
- Does the outside temperature have any effect on pressure?
- Why do old regulators have a hard time working with the new valves?
- What is the length that the "nipple" inside the screw on knob (onto a tank) must be to push back the check valve inside the valve?
- How long does the average tank last?
- How many BTUs per hour can I expect from a tank?
- What is the average pressure from the tank to a grill? Or what is the operating pressure for the average grill?
- Why do tanks sometimes freeze up when turned on all the way?
- I’ve heard that people are exchanging tanks after filling them with anhydrous ammonia for use in methamphetamine production.
- Do you have any safety suggestions for grill usage?
- Are there any safety steps I should keep in mind when using my propane tank?
- I’m getting ready to use my turkey fryer. Are there any safety steps I should keep in mind?
- How does propane help me in periods of severe weather?
- My tank has a special “Quick Disconnect” valve. Does Blue Rhino offer these?
- What is an OPD?
- Where is the OPD?
- What Do I Do If My Tank is Obsolete?
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
Do you accept only Blue Rhino tanks for exchange?
Blue Rhino will accept any 20# propane tank, as long as it is in acceptable condition. You don't need to have a special brand of tank to exchange.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
When Connecting For Use:
- Use only in compliance with applicable codes.
- Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
- Consult manufacturer’s instructions concerning the cylinder connection provided with your appliance.
- Be sure regulator vent is not pointing up.
- Turn off all valves on the appliance.
- To Connect (see illustrations below):
- Attach Appliance Connector (1) or (2) to Cylinder Valve (3)
- If Connector (1), turn counter clockwise. Tighten with wrench.
- If Connector (2), turn clockwise. Hand tighten.
- Test for leaks: Open cylinder valve. Apply soapy water to all areas marked “X”. If bubbles appear in any location there is a leak. Close valve immediately, reconnect and test again for leaks. Proceed when no bubbles are visible.
- Never check for leaks with a match or open flame.
- Light appliance(s) following manufacturers’ instructions.
- When appliance is not in use, keep cylinder valve closed.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
I'm not getting any gas from my tank. Why?
Gas may not come out of a tank for several reasons:
- The valve may be turned on all the way
- Improper connection
- Faulty regulator
The OPD valve has a safety feature that sometimes restricts gas flow if the tank is turned all the way on. We recommend that you turn the tank valve one turn (360 degrees), light up, and then use smaller turns for a higher flame. The normal procedure is to turn the tank on and then turn the grill controls on, but doing this with a tank equipped with an excess flow device will sometimes cause the "check valve" to prematurely activate.
OPPOSITE TURN ON METHOD:
- Turn control knob on appliance to ON or Start
- Slowly turn the triangular hand wheel of cylinder to ON
- Push Igniter on appliance to Light
- Appliance should operate normally. Turn off tank after each use to avoid any further problems with the excess flow device.
In reference to the second possibility, please check to be sure your connector to the tankis over an inch long. This should be enough to push back the check valve inside the valve. If it is too short, then you will need to get another connector.
A faulty regulator will inhibit the flow of gas. We would recommend getting a new hose with regulator.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
I can hear a banging or clanking sound when moving the tank. What's up?
This is probably the float on the OPD valve inside the tank hitting the sides when the tank is moved. It should not affect the performance of your tank.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
What's this thing about the shape of the handwheel?
To enhance consumer safety from overfilled tanks, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has enacted code 58-2.3.1.5. In summary, the code states that tanks without OPDs can no longer be refilled by anyone. OPDs have triangular handwheels. All other tanks are obsolete and cannot be refilled - but you can upgrade your obsolete tank by exchanging it for a Blue Rhino tank.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
So how am I supposed to turn on this new OPD thing?
When using the OPD valve with the excess flow device or check valve, it is better to light a grill by starting with all of the valves turned off. Then turn the triangular hand wheel one complete (360 degree) turn, then turn the appliance to the "ON" or "LIGHT" position and light up. From here you can adjust slowly for a higher flame.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
My handwheel won't turn on. What can I do?
The first thing to do is to make sure you are turning it clockwise. The next step is to determine if it is already open. Sometimes, with a new OPD, there is a shallow rise from OPEN to CLOSED. It might look closed but may have been shipped open. Since gas won't come out unless a tank with an OPD is hooked to an appliance, it won't leak. And IF the tank is hooked up to a grill that was turned to the ON position, it may have "shut down" when it was hooked up just like what happens in the improper grill lighting procedure. In this case the gas suddenly is released to go forward and the valve detects that it is going too fast so if shuts itself down. The remedy: shut everything off, wait one minute, open the tank valve, turn the grill to the LIGHT position, attempt to light.
If the valve is still stuck, a small bit of oil applied to the stem will help loosen it up.
Do not use a wrench since too much torque may result in the valve coming apart.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
Is it true that propane suppliers will no longer fill certain grill tanks?
Yes. NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) has enacted code 58-2.3.1.5 which states that only tanks with overfill protection devices (OPD) can be refilled effective April 1, 2002. This code has been adopted as law by dozens of states across the country, and is also being enforced in many communities regardless of acceptance of the code at the state level.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
An OPD is a mechanism located inside the tank that stops the intake of gas before it reaches an unsafe level. Automobiles use a similar system to prevent you from putting too much fuel into your gasoline tank.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
How do I know if my tank is obsolete?
Tanks with round- or star-shaped handwheels do not contain OPDs and are obsolete. Tanks with triangular shaped handwheels contain OPDs and are OK to use. The propane industry estimates there could be up to 50 million non-OPD tanks in operation in the US.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
Can I continue to use my obsolete tank until it is empty?
Yes, you can.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
Does exchange pricing vary greatly between retailers?
Some retailers elect to spread the upgrade costs across all their exchange transactions so no one has to pay a large upgrade fee.
Other retailers only charge upgrades to consumers that have obsolete tanks. Thus consumers with OPD tanks are provided the lowest cost exchange available.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
Your label says not to store the tank under my grill. Why?
That label caution refers to spare or extra tanks, or if you store your grill indoors. Your tank is perfectly safe when stored beside your grill.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
Can I store my tank in my garage?
WE DO NOT RECOMMEND STORING IN ENCLOSED AREAS. Your tank should be stored in an area that is well ventilated or outdoors.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
Can I store my tank in the direct sunlight?
We recommend that you store tanks in a shaded or cool ventilated area. Do not bring your tank indoors. Storage outside of buildings should be located a least 5 feet (1.5 M) from any doorway or opening.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
I have a mobile home with a horizontally mounted tank. Can I use Blue Rhino?
No. Always refer back to the instructions stating that the tank must be stored, transported and used in the vertical position.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
There is frost buildup on my tank. What causes that and what should I do?
Turn the tank off for 15 minutes, making sure to disconnect it and turn it OFF. When turning the tank back on, only turn the handwheel one complete rotation. DO NOT turn the handwheel all the way until it stops! This causes frost and may also cause the hand wheel to break off.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
Where can I find the date on my tank?
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) prohibits the distribution of tanks older than 12 years. Look for a date stamp on or near the collar of the tank. The date (month & year of re-qualification inspection) is usually stamped on the edge of the tank collar.
Tanks without unacceptable defects are good for up to 12 years from date of manufacture. A visual re-qualification is good for 5-years, assuming no defect occurs that would render that tank unacceptable subsequent to the re-qualification inspection.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
What is the normal pressure of propane from tank to appliance?
The appliance regulator will typically reduce the tank to anywhere from 1/2 psi to about 2 psi, depending on the size of the appliance and its BTU rating. Regulators are rated according to use. Usually, you can find the rated pressure on the side of the appliance regulator.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
Does the outside temperature have any effect on pressure?
According to NFPA 58, for a tank with 20 pounds of gas, at -
- 70 degrees F - the pressure would be about 145 psi.
- 90 degrees F - approximately 180 psi.
- 105 degrees F - approximately 235 psi.
- 130 degrees F - approximately 315 psi.
It is worth noting that tanks equipped with OPDs hold only about 17 pounds of fuel, which results in lower pressures at the above temperatures.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
Why do old regulators have a hard time working with the new valves?
Old regulators should work satisfactorily with the new ACME OPD valves assuming that the appliance rating in BTUs does not exceed 100,000 BTU's per hour. If the appliance has a maximum output rating of over 100,000 BTUs per hour, the smaller orifices in the design of the ACME OPD valve may result in some restrictions in the vapor flow from the tank. A regulator that is not working properly shouldbe replaced with a new one.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
What is the length that the "nipple" inside the screw on knob (onto a tank) must be to push back the check valve inside the valve?
According to the Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet V-1, the "nipple" may vary in length from 1.087 inches to .884 inches.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
How long does the average tank last?
It depends on how much demand is placed on the tank by the appliance. Propane contains approximately 91,000 BTU's per gallon. If a consumer uses a propane tank to supply a grill that placed a 30,000 BTU per hour demand on the tank, a tank that has 3 gallons in it would last for about 9.1 hours. Variances in the weather as well as the rate of demand placed on the tank (such as operating the grill at demand levels above or below 30,000 BTU's would either reduce or increase this time).
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
How many BTUs per hour can I expect from a tank?
The BTUs per hour is a rating associated with an appliance. For example, on an outdoor grill, the "higher" the setting of the grill burner knobs, the greater the demand in BTUs per hour on the cylinder. The "lower" the setting on the burner knobs, the lower the demand in BTU's per hour. A single gallon of propane should last approximately 3 hours if the demand is 30,000 BTUs per hour. It should last approximately 4.5 hours if the demand were reduced to 20,000 BTUs per hour.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
What is the average pressure from the tank to a grill? Or what is the operating pressure for the average grill?
The pressure within the tank is dependent upon the ambient temperature of the propane within the tank. Typically, on a 70-degree F. day, the propane may have a pressure of approximately 145 psi. To help ensure safe operation of the appliance burner(s), a regulator is provided at the inlet to the appliance to maintain a steady pressure of about 2 psi to the burner(s).
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
Why do tanks sometimes freeze up when turned on all the way?
Propane converts from liquid to vapor form by absorbing heat from the surrounding surfaces of the tank. When unusually high vapor withdrawal demands are placed on the cylinder (such as when used on a very high BTU rated appliance), the rapid heat absorption may cause a frost line to form on the cylinder wall or ice to form on the inside of the service valve. This condition can usually be avoided by matching the cylinder size with the appliance BTU rating. For example, a typical 20lb grill cylinder may show the above signs of "freezing" if an attempt is made to use it to supply a "weed burner" torch which may have a BTU rating of over 150,000 BTUs per hour.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
I’ve heard that people are exchanging tanks after filling them with anhydrous ammonia for use in methamphetamine production.
At Blue Rhino, we recycle millions of propane tanks each year, striving to ensure that they can be used safely in America’s backyards. Our state of the art production processes includes multiple steps where we inspect, test, and leak check each and every tank we receive.
As a part of that, our staff of propane professionals is trained on how to identify a propane tank that may have been used in methamphetamine production. Watching for these tanks is part of our process. If we do encounter a tank that we suspect has been used in that manner, we immediately contact hazardous materials response units to properly dispose of the tank. We do not resell those tanks.
At Blue Rhino, wencounter a very, very low amount of tanks used in meth production – just a handful out of millions each year. More than likely, anyone engaged in an illegal activity like that will be reluctant to bring their tanks to an exchange center.
By far the vast majority of propane tanks do what they are intended to do, which is to provide safe fuel for outdoor fun.
Grillers can feel confident that when they need gas for their grill or other propane appliance, Blue Rhino is not only a convenient choice but also a safe choice.
For more information, visit http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/methtank.asp or http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/121412348039280.xml&coll=2&thispage=2.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
Do you have any safety suggestions for grill usage?
Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind when using your grill:
- Always follow manufacturer's instructions for assembly, operation, maintenance, repair and storage. Consult owner's manual.
- Always turn control knobs to OFF and tank valve to CLOSED when not in use.
- Make sure tank has the right connection for your grill
- Inspect grill and tank before each use for damage or wear. Replace worn grill parts as needed, especially hose(s) and regulators.
- Never operate grill if parts are damaged, missing or improperly installed.
- Before lighting grill, always OPEN grill lid.
- Never move a grill that is in use.
- Never allow children to operate a grill or play around a grill.
- Use long handled utensils and flame retardant mitts to avoid burns.
- Use baking soda to control grease fires.
- Have a fire extinguisher handy.
- To reduce flare-ups, trim excess fat from meats, replace greasy lava rocks or ceramic briquettes, and keep grill clean.
- Wipe the grid with a clean cloth after using a wire brush.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
Are there any safety steps I should keep in mind when using my propane tank?
Please keep these important propane tank tips in mind at all times:
- Using soapy water, check tank and valve for leaks. Open the valve but leave the appliance off while testing. See the side of your Blue Rhino tank for more info.
- Never store a spare tank beneath a grill.
- Always store tanks upright.
- Never store a tank in temperatures of 125 degrees F or more.
- When transporting, secure tank upright in a well-ventilated area of your vehicle. Drive directly to where it will be used. Do not allow tank to sit in a vehicle unattended.
- Never use or store a propane tank indoors.
- If storing grill indoors, disconnect tank. Move tank to a secure, well-ventilated location outdoors.
- Do not try to repair a damaged tank or tank valve.
- Take a damaged tank to a qualified propane supplier for repairs or disposal.
- Ensure the tank valve handle is in the "Closed" position when the tank is not in use.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
I’m getting ready to use my turkey fryer. Are there any safety steps I should keep in mind?
Please keep these important turkey fryer safety tips in mind at all times:
- Use only for intended purpose. Consult owner's manual.
- For outdoor use only. Never use inside an enclosed area (patio, garage, etc.) or under overhang of house or building.
- Only use cooker on a level stable surface and away from any combustible materials (wood rails, wood decks, dry grass, leaves, shrubs, etc.).
- Never use near gasoline or other flammable vapors or liquids.
- Never use cooker on an asphalt (black top) surface.
- Never leave cooker unattended. Constant supervision is necessary when in use and until cooker has cooled.
- Always keep children and pets away from cooker when in use and until unit has cooled completely.
- Always follow manufacturer's instructions for operation. Consult owner's manual.
- Always keep hands, hair, face and clothing way from cooker and cooking pot.
- Never move cooker when in use.
- Do not operate while raining. Cover cooking pot immediately and turn appliance OFF.
- Never touch hot surfaces. Always wear cooking mitts and shoes while operating cooker.
- Thoroughly thaw and towel dry food such as turkey or chicken before placing it in the pot.
- Lower items into the hot oil VERY SLOWLY.
- Use only a high quality stainless steel cooking pot that is sized for your cooker. Never use glassware, plastic or ceramic pots.
- Cook turkeys only in pots designed for cooking turkeys.
- Be careful when removing food from pot to avoid the possibility of severe burns.
- Always allow hot water or oil to cool completely before moving cooker to avoid the possibility of severe burns.
- To determine the maximum oil fill level on a pot that does not contain a maximum fill level line: place the food item in the pot and fill the pot with water until it is completely covered. Do not fill to the top of the pot – stop no more than 4 inches before you reach the top. Then, remove the food item from the pot and note the level of the water. This becomes your maximum oil fill line.Never allow gas hose to touch any hot surface.
- Never operate cooker if gas line is clogged or obstructed.
- Always use a thermometer to keep a constant temperature check.
- Never allow oil or grease to exceed 250°F.
- Important - oil will ignite at 550°F to 700°F.
- When cooking with oil, never place the cooking pot lid on the pot.
- Always keep tank at least 18" away from cooker while in use.
- Never store a spare tank near cooker while in use.
- Do not remove or attach a gas tank while cooker is in use or while cooker is hot.
- Always keep an operable type BC fire extinguisher within easy reach.
- Always follow manufacturer's instructions for storage. Consult owner's manual.
- Always allow cooker, pot and cooking liquid to cool completely before moving or storing.
- Always turn control valve and cylinder valve to OFF before storing.
- Cover and store your cooker outdoors in a well-ventilated area secure from children and animals where temperatures will not exceed 125°F.
- Indoor storage of the cooker is permissible only if tank is disconnected and stored outdoors in a well-ventilated area away from children and animals. Never bring a propane tank indoors.
- Always follow manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and repair. Consult owner's manual.
- Inspect cooker, tank and pot before each use for damage or wear.
- Never operate cooker if parts are damaged, missing or improperly installed.
- Always disconnect tank before making repairs.
- Always allow cooker, pot and liquid to cool completely before making repairs.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
How does propane help me in periods of severe weather?
During periods of inclement weather when there is a possibility of power failures, propane fueled heaters and grills can ensure you have a reliable source of heat and cooking. Demand for our product spikes after storms strike, so if a storm approaches, check to make sure you have enough propane on hand. Plus, don’t forget to be prepared for severe weather with these items:
- Fresh water and non-perishable, refrigerated food for at least three days
- Flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries or fuel
- Portable stove and fuel
- First aid kit and medicines
- Special items for babies, elderly, pets
- Sleeping bags, pillows, airbeds, and manual or battery powered pump
- Raingear and sturdy footweater
- Tools for simple repais
- Charged cell phone
- Battery powered radio or TV
- Cash for three days
- Working car with full tank of gas
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
My tank has a special “Quick Disconnect” valve. Does Blue Rhino offer these?
Because grill manufacturers no longer make grills with QDC connections, cylinder valve manufacturers are following suit. As a result, QDC valves are increasingly rare and therefore difficult for cylinder exchange providers to obtain. However, you can get a special adapter for your grill. Please contact your grill manufacturer or check the grill department.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
The OPD is located inside the tank. A specially calibrated float activates to stop the flow of gas into the tank before an unsafe fill level is reached. Valves with triangular shaped handwheels are OK.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO.
| What Do I Do If My Tank is Obsolete? If your tank's handwheel is round- or star-shaped:
Obsolete or damaged propane cylinders should never be abandoned or thrown in the trash. Instead, visit a Blue Rhino tank exchange location, where:
For More Information, please visit:
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.BLU.RINO. |
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