A propane tank is a cylindrical storage tank that contains liquefied propane under high pressure. A common method of fabricating propane tanks is roll bending, also known as plate rolling. This metalworking process utilizes a series of rollers to bend a metal sheet into a cylindrical or conical shape.
To support propane tank fabricators and OEMs, The WEBB Corporation offers a large selection of custom and standard plate rolls, tank turning rolls, seam welders, and more. As a leading manufacturer of fabricating equipment, WEBB can work with you to determine the right solution for your propane tank needs.
Propane Tank Overview
Propane tanks are storage containers that hold propane in liquid form under high pressure. These tanks are available for mobile or stationary use and come in various shapes and sizes, from small household tanks to those capable of holding hundreds of gallons. The primary purpose of a propane tank is to store liquid propane until it’s converted into a gas for use in appliances, HVAC systems, and more. The proper propane tank size depends on the level of propane usage as well as the design of the home or facility.
Propane tanks feature a variety of components that work together to safely contain and deliver propane:
- Fill valve. Hoses are attached to the fill valve to refuel the propane tank.
- Relief valve. This is a safety relief mechanism that is designed to vent propane in the event of over-pressure conditions.
- Service valve. This is where the propane is converted into a gas for use with appliances.
- Propane regulator. This is one of the most important components of a propane tank. The propane regulator lowers the pressure of the propane and controls the flow from the tank to the appliance where it is used.
- Guage system. This system helps you monitor propane levels and pressure.
In most situations, propane tanks are designed for installation at a customer’s location and filled on-site.
Applications and Industries of Propane Tanks
Many industries and applications rely on propane tanks for certain operations. For example, homes often use them to provide propane supplies for cooking, heating, and powering systems like generators, water heaters, and clothes dryers. Various industrial and commercial settings also use propane tanks for powering cooking, heating, and other systems in settings like hotels, restaurants, and production facilities.
Specific applications for propane tanks include:
- Backup power generation. Propane tanks can be used to fuel backup generators to provide power in the event of an outage.
- Agriculture. Propane is used for a variety of agricultural applications, including powering grain dryers, irrigation systems, and other equipment.
- Outdoor living. Propane tanks power many types of equipment for outdoor living, including patio heaters, lighting, and fire pits.
- Cooking. Homes and businesses may use propane for powering gas stoves, ovens, and grills.
- Home heating. Propane is often used to power boilers and furnaces to heat homes.
- Water heating. Propane can be used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings to power water heaters.
Propane Tank Capabilities
Whether used for residential or industrial purposes, propane tanks must meet several requirements:
- Include the manufacturer’s nameplate, otherwise, they can’t be filled
- Reflective paint color
- Regulator must be pointed vertically down or have adequate coverage and protection
- Positioned on level ground or above the soil
At The WEBB Corporation, we offer a variety of metal fabrication equipment that can be used to manufacture propane tanks. Our offerings include:
- Plate bending rolls. These machines turn sheet metal into radiused or cylindrical parts. We offer three- and four-roll bending equipment capable of producing the well-defined curves needed for propane tanks.
- Tank turning rolls. Our tank turning rolls are especially beneficial when fabricating larger propane storage tanks. Functioning similarly to positioners and rotators, this equipment minimizes handling, increases efficiency, and improves safety.
- Seam welders. Once the metal has been bent into its cylindrical form, seam welders can be used to weld the ends together to form the propane tank shell. Our welding equipment is also used to weld caps onto the tanks.
Propane Tank Fabrication Equipment from The WEBB Corporation
Propane tank fabrication requires specialized equipment capable of bending large metal sheets into a cylindrical shape. WEBB offers an extensive range of metal fabrication equipment, including plate bending rolls, tank turning rolls, seam welders, and more to support the production of propane and other gas storage tanks. Our expert designers and engineers can work with you to recommend one of our standard options or customize a solution that meets your specific requirements.
For more information about our propane tank fabrication equipment, contact us or request a quote today.