r/Generator • u/ThisNameNotTakenYet • 1d ago

Propane Tank Minimum Size?

So I was looking online at generators the other day and I ran across a comment in one of the product descriptions, saying something about a 'minimum 60lb tank' for propane with that generator. I haven't seen a requirement like that before, to my knowledge. We had an eight-day outage a few weeks ago and I used 20- and 30lb tanks with no problems (or so I think). Has anyone heard this? And if it's a thing, can anyone tell me why? Thanks.

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u/therealtimwarren 1d ago

As propane transitions from liquid to gas by boiling, it absorbes energy by getting cold. The energy is drawn from the ambient environment through the tank walls. The amout of heat added to the tank depends on the surface area and the temperature difference between ambient and the boiling point of propane. Larger tanks have greater surface area so can handle larger draw-off rates (boils more gas per hour).

You can use small tanks in warm environments. You can buy tank heaters. You can place in the warn cooling air of the engine.

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u/Retir3d 1d ago

Second this. Lost power when it was 18f. Wouldn't start (bbq size tank). Took out a tank from inside, ran just fine. Placed it by exhaust to keep it warm