Propane Gas Refilling

Pioneer Sand's propane gas refilling is available in the following locations:

BROOMFIELD 11250 Dillon Rd. (303) 465-4212
BERTHOUD 2123 N. 1st St. Berthoud, Co. 80513 (970) 532-4126
NORTHGLENN 11010 Irma Dr. (303) 252-1095

Having your propane grill tank refilled is 20–30 percent less expensive than replacing it through a propane exchange program for a few reasons:

• When gas prices went up, propane exchange programs increased the cost of your propane tank exchange. When gas prices went down, the price of your propane tank exchange did not necessarily go down.
• When gas prices went up, propane tank exchange companies also started filling their tanks with less propane. They went from filling the tank with 20 to only 15 pounds of propane.
• Propane that's left in your exchanged tank is lost.

A full propane gas grill tank weighs about 37 pounds - five pounds more than an exchange program tank, providing you with 25 percent more propane. You obtain further savings because propane refills are less expensive then propane exchange tanks. In combination, you save 20 - 30 percent.

When you leave a propane exchange program, pick the best tank you can find. Look through the tanks and choose one that has the least amount of rust, wear, and the newest valve. Another option is to purchase an empty tank at a retailer. A tank with a built in fill gauge is convenient.

When coming to Pioneer Sand for a propane gas refill you may want to wrap your tank in an old towel or blanket to protect vehicle upholstery. We recommend filling your tank in the same general location as its use. Avoid filling a tank in freezing temperatures and using it in a warmer climate.

Propane tank filling should be done by a certified official only. Before taking your propane tank to be refilled, check to make sure the tank was not manufactured before 1998. These obsolete tanks have a circular valve knob with five prongs. The newer models have a triangular shaped knob. Old propane tanks should be disposed of through recycling depots or scrap dealers. Valves, hoses and tanks should be checked for bulges, dents, wear, tears, and leaks before being filled.

The law places limits on the number of cylinders and the amount of propane that can be transported in closed-bodied vehicles such as passenger cars and vans. For more information you may visit the following web sites: NPGA or Propane Education & Research Council.

• Cylinders with round or star-shaped hand wheels cannot be refilled because they do not meet the 2002 NFPA code.
• Plastic plugs that screw into the tank should not be used with a QCC connection (a large black knob). These plastic plugs bypass the valve's safety features.
• The best method for storage or transportation is to use a dust cap only. Dust caps are normally provided when the tank is new. If the dust cap is missing ask your local gas supplier for a replacement.
• Do not store a propane tank inside, under or near a grill.
• Transport tanks in a secure upright position in a well ventilated area of the vehicle.
• Dispose of tanks with the assistance of qualified propane personnel.
• Never store or place a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent.
• Never store or place a propane cylinder in an area of excessive heat (120 degrees or higher) or near a stove, fireplace, or other heat source. The heat builds up pressure inside the cylinder, which may cause the pressure relief valve to release propane. Flash fires or explosions can result from exposing cylinders to heat.
• Never smoke or have any ignition sources such as flames or spark-producing electrical tools in the area while handling or transporting cylinders.
• Always close the cylinder valve and, if required, seal with a plug, even if the cylinder is empty.

• Propane is highly explosive, but when properly handled it is very safe.
• Propane is heavier than air and has no odor or color. An odorant is added to help detect leaks and gives propane its familiar scent.
• When empty, moisture can get into open propane tanks, making the odorant less effective.
• Propane is purchased in a liquid state.
• Propane tanks are filled to 80 percent to allow for expansion.
• Don't use teflon tape or lubricant on threads. It may cause an improper seal, and leaks.
• Propane is the most common fuel used in outdoor cooking. It is ordinarily a gas, but in a propane tank cylinder it is compressed into a liquid.