Gas bottles

Dunclair replied on 07/07/2023 21:45

Posted on 07/07/2023 21:45

There is a thread on here relating to gas bottles but it is a couple of years old now and things have changed, mostly because Calor don't sell small bottles any more.

About nine or ten years ago I bought a Safefill bottle. It has paid for itself. Not only on my being able to buy much cheaper gas, but the sheer convenience of going on a trip knowing that we have plenty of gas.

When I first bought the bottle there was an ignorant jobsworth who wouldn't let me fill the bottle but these days I have not had that problem at all. I bought the adaptors for Framce amd Spain but have never needed to use them. 

I can see the level of gas in my bottle and check it before I leave home. I have a fuel station close by that sells LPG at a veey competitive price so if I need to fill up, I do.

If you have the space in your locker, get a refillable gas bottle. You won't regret it.

LLM replied on 20/11/2023 11:32

Posted on 19/11/2023 20:54 by Tirril

I have had Safefill for a number of years and enjoy the saving in gas prices. I wonder how much longer garages will stock and sell gas enabling refill with the move towards EVs etc. My other reservation regards to the poor quality of the Safefill outer casing which from early on saw the joined sides separate. Also after a refill the valve sticks shut even when the regulator pipe is screwed tight. I have to screw and unscrew the lock nut and let a little gas out after which I can retighten and all is fine. Is Gaslow a better piece of kit?

Posted on 20/11/2023 11:32

If the outer casing side joints have separated the cylinder is in a dangerous condition as the casing provides part of the structural integrity.  

DSB replied on 23/11/2023 00:08

Posted on 23/11/2023 00:08

Safefill makes sense for us.  We don't use a lot of gas, but I still reckon we'll break even in 10 years.  The most important thing for us is the saving of weight compared with a steel bottle.

David

mickysf replied on 25/11/2023 07:07

Posted on 23/11/2023 00:08 by DSB

Safefill makes sense for us.  We don't use a lot of gas, but I still reckon we'll break even in 10 years.  The most important thing for us is the saving of weight compared with a steel bottle.

David

Posted on 25/11/2023 07:07

One issue for those buying either vans with a fixed tank or portable refillable bottle, is the life period of that tank/bottle, some suggest tanks need to be replaced after ten years, some sooner. I’ve seen quotes ranging between £600 and £800 to do this.
A similar situation, but not as expensive maybe, would apply to portable refillable bottles. I guess this expense needs to be factored into the cost effectiveness of purchasing such systems.

eribaMotters replied on 25/11/2023 15:35

Posted on 25/11/2023 15:35

I'm guessing the suggestion is based upon the fact that the tank is a pressure vessel. Good practice would be to have the vessel tested, which I believe is the case when "normal" gas bottles go back for filling. 

Colin

DSB replied on 06/12/2023 14:48

Posted on 25/11/2023 07:07 by mickysf

One issue for those buying either vans with a fixed tank or portable refillable bottle, is the life period of that tank/bottle, some suggest tanks need to be replaced after ten years, some sooner. I’ve seen quotes ranging between £600 and £800 to do this.
A similar situation, but not as expensive maybe, would apply to portable refillable bottles. I guess this expense needs to be factored into the cost effectiveness of purchasing such systems.

Posted on 06/12/2023 14:48

I don't know much about the 'installed tanks', to be honest.  I am a bit neurotic about gas though.... I'm one of these folk who switch off the gas at the cylinder as soon as we've finished cooking the meal, and I always disconnect the pipe from the bottle when we travel.  It's a pity they haven't yet found a solution to the bottles having to be disguarded after 10 years.  I wonder how long the metal bottles last before they are sent for scrap?

David

Wherenext replied on 06/12/2023 19:39

Posted on 06/12/2023 19:39

I'm one of these folk who switch off the gas at the cylinder as soon as we've finished cooking the meal, and I always disconnect the pipe from the bottle when we travel. 

I'm with you on that one David. Mind you OH has a great sense of smell and smelt gas once and since then I changed to turning things off.

nelliethehooker replied on 06/12/2023 20:37

Posted on 06/12/2023 19:39 by Wherenext

I'm one of these folk who switch off the gas at the cylinder as soon as we've finished cooking the meal, and I always disconnect the pipe from the bottle when we travel. 

I'm with you on that one David. Mind you OH has a great sense of smell and smelt gas once and since then I changed to turning things off.

Posted on 06/12/2023 20:37

Me too, not very much of a problem even when it is raining. However I don't disconnect when travelling as I believe in touching the locking nut as little as possible.

MikeyA replied on 07/12/2023 11:04

Posted on 07/12/2023 11:04

Turning off the gas bottle at night is something we used to do in the 70/80s as that is what my dad used to do. Nowadays we rarely do this.

However what I ensure is that I never turn on the gas until I am certain the Alde is operating on electricity. We all learn by our mistakes and I found out that the Alde really devours gas!

LLM replied on 07/12/2023 11:34

Posted on 07/12/2023 11:34

Posted on 06/12/2023 19:39 by Wherenext.

I'm one of these folk who switch off the gas at the cylinder as soon as we've finished cooking the meal, and I always disconnect the pipe from the bottle when we travel

Each time you break the seal you increase the risk that it will not reseal safely when it's reconnected. 

If it's a rubber or fibre seal it should be replaced each time it's released or if it's a metal to metal seal it needs to be kept scrupulously clean as even the smallest bit of contamination can cause a problem. 

As Nellie suggest it is best left alone.  If you are concerned about equipment leaking inside the van you should turn off the isolation (safety) valves which are designed and intended for that purpose.  

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