Propane Gas Tank Styles

• Old propane tanks can be recycled. Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

  A harmless, colorless and odorless gas used for heating and cooking, propane, like all gas, needs to be stored in a closed container, since it expands. Keeping the propane in the container becomes important due to the explosive nature of heavier than air propane if leaked into the air. To account for the expansion, the container must not be filled totally. Containers, known as tanks, come in varying sizes and styles, depending upon usage.

Large Storage

• Typical large stoarge units gas tanks image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com

  This style tank, which resembles a submarine, holds large volumes of propane, over 1,000 gallons or more. Generally found in commercial locations, white in color, it would not be considered attractive and finds itself placed away from buildings. Large users of propane who want to either have a ready supply or desire to fill a large tank when the price goes down, represent the main customers. This style is also found at the local propane dealer.

Upright

• Larger tank than portable cylinder Propane Tank image by John Walsh from Fotolia.com

  For the residential user who needs more propane than a cylinder will hold and does not want a large storage tank in the backyard, the upright style tank represents the solution. This style holds up to 120 gallons of propane.

Diving Tanks

• This style tank, a smaller version of the upright tank, resembles the tank worn by divers on their backs. It holds more than a cylinder but less than an upright. While an upright is filled on-site, this style is portable and can be exchanged when empty.