Heads up on Propane Tanks

[JMK]

I see there is a safety announcement making the rounds on various forums regarding propane tanks that have been used in meth labs. Many may have come across this already, but for those who may not have it may be worth repeating here:

Meth cooks are getting the propane tanks from the exchanges at Wal-Mart, Kroger, etc. and emptying them of the pro pane. Then, they are filling them with anhydrous ammonia (which they now have a recipe for by the way). After they are finished with them, they return them to the store. They are then rfilled with propane and sent back for you and me to buy. Anhydrous ammonia is very corrosive and weakens the structure of the tank. It can be very dangerous when mixed with propane and hooked up to our grills, etc.
According to our presenter, you should inspect the propane tank for any blue or greenish residue around the valve areas. If it is present, refuse to purchase that one.'
I researched the information, and you should check out the following website for more details. They also have pictures you can show.
http:/ /www.npga.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=529

My apologies if it was already mentioned here and I overlooked it.

[Green1]

Although this would be a serious risk if true, the likely hood of such a thing is pretty slim, criminals aren't interested in exchanging tanks used in this method to obtain more propane, and due to the tell-tale corrosion on the tanks, would be unlikely to risk doing so anyway. To date no store or Police department has reported this actually ocuring.

More information available at Snopes

[loki]

Although this would be a serious risk if true, the likely hood of such a thing is pretty slim, criminals aren't interested in exchanging tanks used in this method to obtain more propane, and due to the tell-tale corrosion on the tanks, would be unlikely to risk doing so anyway. To date no store or Police department has reported this actually ocuring.

More information available at Snopes

I heart snopes

[JMK]

I agree it seems like a minor risk. I actually suspected it may be part of a spam hoax so googled it as such first. I didn't find much, then it looked like the National Propane Gas Association really has posted it as an alert so I thought I may as well pass it on.

I also agree, it seems real unlikely that a store would sell a container that looks like this:



However, I guess it doesn't hurt to be aware just in case your buddy drags a freebee out of the trash to your next backyard BBQ.

[loki]

I agree it seems like a minor risk. I actually suspected it may be part of a spam hoax so googled it as such first. I didn't find much, then it looked like the National Propane Gas Association really has posted it as an alert so I thought I may as well pass it on.

I also agree, it seems real unlikely that a store would sell a container that looks like this:



However, I guess it doesn't hurt to be aware just in case your buddy drags a freebee out of the trash to your next backyard BBQ.

It's funny I trust snopes and mythbusters more than large associations that are supposed to know something better than anyone. The people in charge if safety for gas stations felt it was necessary to post signs at all stations not to use your cell phone as it could cause a fire! Well that was blown out of the water, but there is a major chance of starting a fire if you start fueling up and get in the car, out again with out touching the body and then grab the nozzle, no signs about that (well Canada doesn't allow you to lock the pump in the on position at self serve pumps but I don't think the states does). /rant off

[Green1]

well Canada doesn't allow you to lock the pump in the on position at self serve pumps

I dont' think there is any rule about that, I have noticed that although most stations won't allow it, some do (example, all Calgary CO-OP stations allow this)

[mararmeisto]

Know what that's from? Static electricity, and it's been demonstrated that women cause more of these accidents than men. Hear me out: they get out, start the fueling, re-enter the car to get their purse or money from their purse, build up a charge, exit the vehicle and touch the nozzle. ZAP! Men tend to have their wallet/money in their pocket and so are less likely to re-enter the vehicle.

Read here.

[Erebus]

Know what that's from? Static electricity, and it's been demonstrated that women cause more of these accidents than men. Hear me out: they get out, start the fueling, re-enter the car to get their purse or money from their purse, build up a charge, exit the vehicle and touch the nozzle. ZAP! Men tend to have their wallet/money in their pocket and so are less likely to re-enter the vehicle.

<tongue in cheek>So, let me get this straight ... if I want to get rid of my female SO, I should convince her that pumping yourself is cheaper and better for vehicle, then sit back and wait until I can collect the insurance?!?!!? </tongue in cheek>
Has anyone figured out the odds?

LOL Couldn't resist pondering the perfect crime!

[konadog]

<tongue in cheek>So, let me get this straight ... if I want to get rid of my female SO, I should convince her that pumping yourself is cheaper and better for vehicle, then sit back and wait until I can collect the insurance?!?!!? </tongue in cheek>
Has anyone figured out the odds?

Just don't send her out to do it in your diesel bus or you'll get no insurance payoff and just might get an earful about the oily mess at the diesel pump!

[mattias]

Snopes has a take on this:

http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/methtank.asp

[jwfchase]

On an aside: I'm amazed at how many drivers of late model BIG diesel trucks feel the need to leave their vehicle running while they fuel up. I think they must think they're driving a 1950's Mack in the dead of winter on a norhtern oil patch. I guess the price of fuel hasn't gone high enough yet. (If they're trying to save their starter motor, I'm pretty sure a new starter is cheaper than the amount of fuel burnt up idling for 5-10 minutes every time they stop at a service station).

[Green1]

On an aside: I'm amazed at how many drivers of late model BIG diesel trucks feel the need to leave their vehicle running while they fuel up. I think they must think they're driving a 1950's Mack in the dead of winter on a norhtern oil patch. I guess the price of fuel hasn't gone high enough yet. (If they're trying to save their starter motor, I'm pretty sure a new starter is cheaper than the amount of fuel burnt up idling for 5-10 minutes every time they stop at a service station).

They aren't trying to save the starter motor, they're trying to save the turbo, and the engine itself to some extent.

To be perfectly honest, we shouldn't be shutting down our vehicles to re-fuel either, especially on the highway... Turbo diesels need to let the turbo spin down, when coming off the highway this takes about 3 minutes, about the same amount of time it takes to fuel...

Diesel vehicles are not legally required to turn off their engines to re-fuel, assuming that the diesel pump is more than 10meters away from any gasoline pump.

As for price of fuel... how much diesel do you burn in 5 minutes (not much), vs how much does it cost if you destroy your turbo...

[jwfchase]

They aren't trying to save the starter motor, they're trying to save the turbo, and the engine itself to some extent.

To be perfectly honest, we shouldn't be shutting down our vehicles to re-fuel either, especially on the highway... Turbo diesels need to let the turbo spin down, when coming off the highway this takes about 3 minutes, about the same amount of time it takes to fuel...

I guess that makes sense, I do this when I get home after driving, but not at the fuel pumps...

[Green1]

I guess that makes sense, I do this when I get home after driving, but not at the fuel pumps...

Most of the time at the pump it's only been city driving, so the turbo doesn't really need cool-down time, so it's ok... but on the highway you're best to either idle outside the station for a few minutes, or pull up to a diesel pump that is completely seperate from the gas pumps and fill without shutting down. (note, if you pull up to a diesel pump that is within 10 metres of a gas pump the law still requires you to turn off the engine)

(and no, I don't always follow my own advice.... )

[jwfchase]

(and no, I don't always follow my own advice.... )

I wasn't going to be the one to say it...