What is an LPG Tank?: All You Need to Know

An LPG tank, also known as an LPG cylinder or storage vessel, is engineered to store propane, butane, or a mixture of both in their liquid state, which is achieved by maintaining the gas at a high pressure. Depending on the uses of LPG, such tanks come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. They range from small portable cylinders for household use to large, fixed tanks for commercial or industrial purposes.

LPG tanks ensure the safe handling and efficient delivery of liquified gas for tasks like cooking, heating, powering vehicles, and even running production machinery. Due to the flammable nature of LPG, the storage containers are usually made of durable materials and come equipped with pressure relief valves, as well as temperature and weight sensors to prevent leaks or accidents and ensure compliance with valid LPG tanks safety regulations.

LPG vessels are meticulously designed structures that ensure safe LPG storage and are built to endure high pressure, withstand environmental conditions, and guarantee integrity and intactness during transportation and stationary use. Here are the main structural parts of an LPG tank.

• Tank body is most often cylindrical for more even pressure distribution vital for LPG storage, though you might come across rectangular or square tanks as well. What is inside the LPG gas cylinder? The body has a multi-layered design, with a durable outer shell for protection and longevity, insulation to maintain consistent internal temperatures, and a specific corrosion-resistant inner lining to prevent chemical reactions inside the tank.

• Tank lid or the dome is flat or conical in shape. It’s a critical component that houses various operational and safety mechanisms to ensure safe operation during filling, usage, and maintenance.

• Tank bottom is often slightly curved or rounded for even weight distribution. In some designs, the tank bottom may include a drainage port for removing residual liquid or cleaning.

• Tank legs provide the structural support needed to hold the tank in place and elevate it from the ground. For big stationary tanks, they are often bolted or welded to a concrete foundation for added stability.

LPG tanks come in various types, each tailored to specific applications, storage capacities, and usage environments.

• Aboveground LPG tanks are installed on the surface of the ground and are a common choice for residential, commercial, and small-scale industrial applications. They entail lower installation costs, are simple to relocate, and are easy to inspect for leaks and damages.

• Underground LPG tanks are buried below the ground, with only the access points and valves visible above the surface. Aesthetic appeal and space-saving design make them a match for larger residential areas, commercial buildings, and high-profile locations.

• Vertical tanks are designed to stand upright and are often used where floor space is limited, but height is not an issue. Space-efficient and easy to integrate into existing setups, they are good for manufacturing plants.

• Horizontal tanks are among the most widely used designs, and they are distinguished by high storage capacity and easy transportation. As such, it’s optimal for large-scale industrial operations.

• Mounded tanks are a hybrid of aboveground and underground designs, covered with a layer of earth or sand for protection from fire hazards and environmental damage. This type is mainly used in areas with high safety standards.

• Cylindrical tanks are one of the most traditional and versatile shapes, suitable for various applications, from small portable cylinders to large industrial reservoirs.

• Spherical tanks are intended to withstand high-pressure storage and are typically used in petrochemical plants, refineries, and large-scale storage facilities for industrial sectors.

The choice of material for LPG tanks depends on the application, environmental conditions, and regulatory requirements. The most common materials used for LPG container production include:

• Steel has high tensile strength and is durable and resistant to wear, making it ideal for long-term use.

• Stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance and is often chosen for specialized applications in marine environments, high-end residential setups, or areas with strict hygiene requirements.

• Nickel alloys are highly resistant to oxidation and corrosion and can withstand extreme temperatures. This material is common in chemical plants, refineries, or regions with harsh environmental conditions.

• Aluminum is lightweight and naturally resistant to rust, making it optimal for cylinders and marine tanks. Yet, due to lower tensile strength, it’s not used for large-scale vessels.

• Composite materials, such as fiberglass-reinforced polymers, combine strength with lightweight properties for household or recreational use.

• Concrete is used as a protective shell for underground tanks or as a foundation for above-ground tanks to shield against external impacts and temperature fluctuations.

As a popular alternative to natural gas, LPG is widely used across various sectors. With that, the LPG tank uses are also diverse.

• Household LPG tanks fuel stoves and ovens, ensuring a consistent energy supply for cooking.

• Bulk LPG tanks can be installed outside homes to power central heating systems in colder months.

• Water heaters powered by LPG are more energy-efficient compared to electric systems.

• Larger LPG tanks are used in restaurants to support high-volume cooking and heating requirements.

• Hotels and resorts use LPG for heating water, laundry services, operating cooking appliances, and outdoor catering.

• Businesses use LPG-powered generators to back up their power supply during outages, ensuring uninterrupted operations.

• Industrial-sized LPG tanks store fuel for power plants and co-generation systems, which are crucial in energy-intensive operations.

• LPG serves as a feedstock in chemical production.

• Portable and mid-scale tanks are widely used for metal cutting, welding, and molding.

• LPG is ideal for crafting glass and ceramic products.

• LPG is used for drying grains, tobacco, and other crops.

• Poultry farms and other livestock facilities use LPG heaters to maintain optimal temperatures.

• LPG-powered fumigation equipment helps farmers effectively control pests.

How much is an LPG tank? A few major factors determine the price of the tank:

• LPG tank capacity and size: Smaller tanks or portable cylinders (50–100 liters) are significantly less expensive than large industrial tanks (10,000–50,000 liters).

• Material: Steel tanks are more affordable than those made of stainless steel, aluminum, or nickel alloys.

• Tank type: Above-ground tanks are less costly to install compared to underground tanks, which require excavation, reinforced coatings, and additional safety measures.

• Tank condition: Older and used tanks are still serviceable and more affordable than brand-new models.

Thus, portable LPG cylinders (5-50L) will cost between $50 and $300. Residential tank price ranges from $500 to $5,000. Commercial and industrial-grade vessels could cost you from $10,000 to $100,000.

Establishing a safe and efficient LPG storage system requires meticulous planning, quality materials, and adherence to safety standards. I-Maximum, a leader in designing industrial gas installations and supplying high-quality LPG tanks, can simplify the process with professional expertise and quality products.

We come up with out-of-the-box projects tailored to your business needs, covering everything from initial assessment and planning to design and installation. The LPG tanks we deliver are from reputed manufacturers and comply with all current European standards. Tap into the energy- and cost-efficient future with I-Maximum.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to install an LPG system or a business owner exploring fuel storage options, there is an LPG tank to match your needs. By selecting the right type and material and ensuring proper maintenance, you can optimize the benefits of LPG storage while prioritizing safety and efficiency.