Large Gas Bottles - How to know when full?

C

Conshine

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I have a gas fire that is fed from a large bottle, kept down the side of the house.
Its one of the 47KG bottles, stands about 5-ft tall or so.
When it runs out, I call the local supplier to deliver and he usually does so when I am not around, probably not intentionally, but the thing is, how would I know that he is delivering a full bottle?

Even if I was there when he delivered, how can you tell if it is full?

Ok, it is a lot heavier, but apart from that, there seems no way to ensure I am getting what I am paying for.

Any ideas?
 
Well, each time I get a refill, he swaps out the old bottle for a new one.
Are there guages that I can buy that I can screw in, turn the gas on and see teh level?
What would I be looking for though?
I assume that would only show the pressure, not how full the bottle is.
 
Yep. Look for the seal. Tell the guy not to connect the bottle so you can check the seal is intact.

Curious though - why are you suspicious?
 
extopia said:
Yep. Look for the seal. Tell the guy not to connect the bottle so you can check the seal is intact.

Curious though - why are you suspicious?
Click to expand...

As I work during the day, I rarely see the guy and the last bottle I had seemed to run out very quickly. Thats why I am suspicious.
 
I saw a stick on meter advertised within the last six months. It was clear plastic with two colourings. You put it near the bottom ........ to let you know when you're getting low. But I'm sure it would also work near the top! You could also boil the kettle and pour over the container ......... the water should evaporate quicker where there is no gas. On safari you just weigh the can ........... but you've got to know the full weight first;)
 
Conshine said:
Well, each time I get a refill, he swaps out the old bottle for a new one.
Are there guages that I can buy that I can screw in, turn the gas on and see teh level?
What would I be looking for though?
I assume that would only show the pressure, not how full the bottle is.
Click to expand...
The bottle pressure indicates how full it is....

You should be able to by a gauge that you can swap from bottle to bottle
 
The bottle will only ever be 80 something percent full of liquid to allow for gas at the top. The liquid actually boils to release gas. The cylinder should be sealed but if your suspect get on to the company either calor or flogas. they will be checked peridoically by the weights and measures peoples afaik. if its a small operation where the bottle is being actually refilled at a small local depot ( these are pretty rare unless your near the border) it could be suspect but otherwise I,d doubt it. Its been very cold of late so the cylinder could have run out quicker than yur used to if your using the appliance more. If in doubt contact the rep for your area.
 
another option is to install an automatic switching valve. Basically you need to have 2 cylinders. when 1 cylinder runs out the valve senses there is no presuure and automatically switches over to the full cylinder. I bought this valve recently and it costs about €40. Its very easy to install just bolt it to the ball and connect the 2 cylinders as normal.
 
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