Horizontal Propane Tanks

• Horizontal propane tanks can range from 5 gallons to 1 million gallons and must follow strict guidelines that are mandated by the ASME. The ASME mandates that a manufacturer's nameplate with a serial number must be attached and visible on the tank at all times. Without the serial number and name plate the tank will not be able to stay in service and will be banned from being refilled by gas companies.
  
  

Vertical Propane Tanks

• Vertical propane tanks can be found around barbecues or inside the basement of your home and also require a visible serial number and manufacturer's nameplate. Typically, a serial number will be placed on the outside of the vertical propane tank that can be easily spotted by service workers and gas filling stations.
  
  

Serial Numbers

• Each propane gas tank is provided with a serial number that identifies the tank's manufacturer and whom it currently belongs to. The serial number is then used each time the tank goes through inspections for safety standards. The ASME and the United States Department of Transportation typically perform inspections on propane gas tanks.
  
  

Manufacturer's Nameplate

• A serial number is found on the manufacturer's nameplate, along with other pertinent information. Other information includes the tank's weight and material, year of manufacture, design pressure, tank shell and head thickness and any cautionary information.
  
  It is also crucial that a nameplate contains the current manufacturer's name and address, capacity of gas it can hold and the design working pressure. The tank's design working pressure will determine the safe level of pounds per square inch (PSI) that can be utilized. For example, a nameplate will caution users that the "container shall not contain a product having a vapor pressure in excess of 215 PSI at 100 degrees Fahrenheit". Failure to follow this cautionary message can increase the chances of the gas tank leaking or exploding.