Over 90 gallons of propane today…
I’d like to create a how to and have been sketching one on mutual aid or propane / fuel. I feel as if I have some authority in the area, but I know I am still learning.. it would be great to pool knowledge of those helping others or read more zines that focus on strategies and are primers for mutual aid.
PROPANE
Propane is a liquid gas that boils at a low temperature. Propane is liquid in tanks and boils to release gas. That gas is then expelled through a value. In the case of 1 lb “green tanks” it seems to be a pressure valve (verify). In the case of 20 lb or over it is a twisting valve and pressure value (verify).
One 20lb tank of propane holds about 144 thousand BTUs of heat. That is enough BTUs to run a Mr. Heater Buddy on the 3,000 BTU setting for about 48 hours. Each tank holds 4.5 gallons of propane at about $3 a gallon in today’s prices. Welding stores and commercial places might give it at a discount. Exchanged propane tanks are only filled about 75 to 80 percent full. Old tanks can be exchanged this way to get new tanks.
Propane tanks can be individualized.
To find the date of a propane tank look for a 4 digit numeric number the first two being the month and the last two the year. The tank must be within 12 years (verify. Including the month?) and can be recertified for up to 5 more years at some places like fire safety stores or bulk commercial sales spots.
The best way to transport propane is in the open air outside an enclosed driver’s cab that does not share air with the propane tanks. Propane is heavier than air. It sinks to the ground and fills space when it leaks. When ignited it creates a flash fire and quickly absorbs the oxygen in the room. Proper check valves that are tighten during transportation and using a pickup truck is best. A full tank of propane weight about 37 pounds.
To heat a tent with propane is doable. The best heaters depend on the circumstance and a person’s preference. Some people are afraid of propane heat or don’t feel comfortable around it. Some sleep with it on and some will never. It is best practice to not sleep with it on.
Green tanks are not legally suppose to be filled, but many do. With an adapter connection an overturned 20lb propane tank can fill a green can. They also sell 1lb tanks that have a pressure relief valve like the 20lb tanks for about $10 per bottle empty. Green tanks take about $1 to $1.50 in propane to refill.
Propane tanks are designed to be used in a particular position; mostly vertically.
One of the biggest drawbacks with propane heat, especially in the Northwest or wetter climates is that it is a wet heat or that it produces moisture in the living environment and promotes mold growth. You must have good ventilation when using it such as 1/2 inch cracks on a few windows and a vent on the roof to eliminate condensation inside the living space. It is not ideal for wetter climates, but easy to deploy in many spaces. Works great outdoors and hold a tremendous amount of energy for cost and size.
Heater:
Mr. Heater - Little Buddy ($35 to $65)
Pros: with only one setting that’s all most people need for a small enclosed space like a car, RV, or tent. this one produces 3000 BTU when on.
Cons: Angle is someone up so it must have more clearance above than other models. Uses 1lb tank to create a steady base, so in order to adapt it to the 20lb tanks which are cheaper and easier (safer?) to refill you must build a box to support it.
Mr. Heater - Mr. Heater Buddy ($55 to $85)
Pro: can be as cheap or cheaper than little buddy heater. Have there own base. Can be easily adapted to 20lb tanks with adapter hose for about ($20 to $25). Have multiple settings and pilot light. Low - 3000. High - 6000. Can be adapted to cook on or warm food fairly easily.
Cons: Finicky; lasts about one season with average use and tends to need repairs. The valve used with the thermocouple is fairly failure prone. Things can fall into the grill and melt, burst, smell when someone goes to turn it on and doesn’t see it. Lighters might possible fall into it…
Butane / Propane stoves:
Butane stoves can be found for about $20 and ones that take propane for about $60. They usually adapt to a 1lb tank out of the box, but can be set up for the 20lb tanks. I have little experience with them. They are somewhat inefficient ways to heat a space because nothing radiates unless it is something small, but are cooking burners and can warm water, flower pots, metal heaters, etc to radiate or warm an individual.
many other heaters exist…. the best heater is suited to the space and individual. It might be able to meet two needs in one or give extra utility if people can cook off it easily.
BUTANE
Butane bottle can be found at many Asian stores for about $7 per 4 pack. I am unsure the butane or BTUs in each…
WOOD
Wood is a dry heat.
Wood burning stoves can be had for less than $200, but I know less about them…
Preparing for next winter…
