Safe Dispensing of Propane - Propane Dispensing Unit Operator Training Manual

		SECTION 3 Safe Dispensing of Propane
		PROPANE CONTAINERS

As a dispensing unit operator, you will encounter two common types of LP gas containers - ASME tanks, and more frequently, DOT cylinders.

ASME TANKS
ASME tanks are manufactured according to specifications of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. This type of propane container will most frequently be encountered in mobile installations such as recreational vehicles, and as motor fuel containers on vehicles. ASME tanks are more commonly used in residential, industrial and commercial applications to store propane for use in various heating and cooking applications. ASME containers used in these applications are fixed in place and are considered stationary tanks.

DOT (ICC) CYLINDERS
DOT (ICC) cylinders are portable and are manufactured according to U.S. Department of Transportation specifications. Prior to 1967, specifications for these cylinders came under the authority of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), therefore, many times DOT cylinders are also referred to as DOT (ICC) cylinders.

These cylinders are the type you will most commonly encounter, as they are extremely portable and are used to store propane for gas grills, fork lift motor fuel, and various other heating and cooking activities.

Regardless of their construction specifications, both ASME and DOT tanks have basic parts that share common functions as shown in the table below:

BASIC CONTAINER COMPONENTS
ASME CONTAINER	DOT (ICC) CONTAINER	FUNCTION
Valve Protection	Neck Ring/Protective Cap	Protection of Container Fittings and Openings
Data Plate	Container Markings	Container Information (design/use/capacity)
Container Openings	Container Openings	Filling connections/valves
Container Body	Cylinder Body	Product Storage Area
Mounting Hardware	Foot Ring	Mounting or Placement of Container

BASIC CONTAINER COMPONENTS