Does LPG Go Off – LPG Shelf Life – Does LPG Gas Expire
LPG – propane – just never goes bad. LPG has an indefinite shelf life, as it does not expire. An LPG shelf life being 10 to 30 years or more would not be an unreasonable expectation, with the limiting factor being the container.
This makes LPG fuel the perfect choice for emergency generators.
LPG – propane – does not degrade through any natural process.
Assuming that the LPG cylinder and valve are in good shape, you shouldn’t have a problem.
This makes LPG the near perfect choice for emergency generators and similar off-grid survival equipment.
Gasoline (petrol) and diesel fuel degrade with time.
The only limitation on using LPG is the durability of the container – gas bottles, cylinders or tanks.
That and cobwebs!
LPG Expiry Date vs Gas Cylinder Expiry Date
When people talk about “LPG expiry date”, they are actually talking about the gas cylinder inspection date, not the LPG itself.
As previously mentioned, the LPG gas never goes off or expires.
Gas cylinders must be inspected periodically.
The timing typically runs from 5 years to 15 years, with 10 years being the most common time period.
This can vary by country, as well as type and size of the vessel.
Durability of LPG Gas Bottles – Propane Tanks
High quality galvanised LPG gas bottles or cylinders (propane tanks) can last 30 years or more.
There is no water or oxygen inside a full sealed gas bottle so they typically do not rust from the inside.
If they are stored in a cool dry place, exterior rust would be slow to develop, particularly with a galvanised cylinder or tank.
There are also aluminium and the newer composite cylinders that simply cannot rust, as they do not contain steel.
Some composite cylinders are also translucent, meaning you can see the liquid LPG and very easily check the fill level.
Cylinder re-inspection requirements typically apply to the refilling of the cylinders but place no time restrictions on the use.
These regulations can vary by country so it is best to check if this is the case for you, as well.
High quality valves and fittings are also a must.
Rubber hoses, that can perish, are best avoided in favour of copper tubing or piping.
LPG vs Diesel vs Petrol Shelf Life?
An emergency generator is not much good if the fuel for it has gone off and it won’t run.
To prevent the problem of bad fuel, you have to go through the effort and expense of changing out the fuel supply on a regular basis.
But what do you do with the bad petrol or diesel fuel? You can’t just dump it.
Switching to LPG is the simple answer.
Petrol – Gasoline – Shelf Life
Petrol (gasoline) has a very limited shelf life.
Quality petrol should be good for six months, when stored properly.
However, petrol (gasoline) will break down slowly over time due to the separation of the components, with gummy, sticky resin deposits and layers of varnish.
“Stale fuel” can cause corrosion of system components.
Petrol should be stored in an airtight container that does not allow the petrol to vent away the volatile components.
Petrol has many components with different properties.
When petrol is kept in an open container, eventually it will completely evaporate but the components will evaporate at different rates, affecting performance.
Preventing water contamination and oxidation will extend the shelf life.
It also helps if the container is as full as possible, to decrease the exposure to air (oxygen).
Petrol containing ethanol is even more problematic, as ethanol is hygroscopic – attracting moisture from the atmosphere.
Ethanol is also harmful to rubber seals and components.
The addition of a fuel stabiliser can slow the oxidation process.
Fuel stabiliser can extend petrol shelf life to about 15 months.
The real problem is how do you dispose of the petrol after it goes off?
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Diesel Fuel Shelf Life
Diesel fuel can also go off, forming gummy deposits, varnish, sediment, microbial slime and sludge.
It also becomes dark and stratified (see image above).
Exposure to water, air and heat are the three things that facilitate degradation.
This can block fuel filters, lead to carbon and soot deposits on injectors and other combustion surfaces, and increase the frequency and cost of filter changes.
Diesel that has gone off makes black smoke and may even prevent the engine from starting.
Ironically, the newer low Sulphur diesel fuels are actually more prone to degradation problems.
Microbial growth – fungus, bacteria & algae – is part of the process that breaks down diesel fuel.
Higher Sulphur levels used to inhibit this growth, providing a much longer shelf life.
The new lower Sulphur products lacks this natural preservative effect.
Microbes can now multiply more quickly in the fuel, allowing the creation of biomass formations and production of acids that degrade the fuel.
“Diesel fuel can be stored 6 months to 1 year without significant fuel degradation if you keep it clean, cool and dry.” according to Exxon.
BP says that under normal storage conditions diesel fuel can be expected to stay in a useable condition for:
• 12 months or longer at an ambient of 20°C.
• 6-12 months at an ambient temperature higher than 30°C.
With the addition of fuel stabilisers – with antioxidant and biocide – diesel fuel can last for 3 years or more.
Once again, the real problem is how do you dispose of the diesel after it goes off?
Best Fuel for Emergency Generators & Off-Grid Survival – LPG
With an indefinite shelf life, LPG – propane – is the perfect fuel for emergency generators and survival in the events of catastrophic emergencies and other unforeseen circumstances.
LPG can be used to power generators, but is can also be used directly for cooking, heating, hot water, and most machinery that is powered by small internal combustion engines.
There are LPG versions of water pumps, small tractors, and an assortment of tools.
The list of LPG – propane – applications is almost endless.
A larger storage tank could also be used as Autogas, if the vehicle has had a gas conversion.
You could literally provide your entire energy needs with just LPG and, with sufficient storage, you could do it for many years.
Nothing compares to LPG when it comes to shelf life of emergency fuel.
Is it Safe to Use a Full LPG Gas Cylinder Unused for Many Years?
Assuming that the cylinder is in good shape, you should be fine to use an older cylinder.
Be sure to check for leaks around the valve before and after connection.
Use the soapy water test to check.
This quick 60 second video shows how to perform the soapy water leak test:
Eric Hahn has over a decade of experience in the LPG industry and has become a key figure in shaping how LPG is marketed and communicated. As the creator of one of the world’s first LPG blogs, Eric has authored over 200 technical posts, helping educate and inform the industry and consumers.
Eric has served on multiple committees for Gas Energy Australia and the World LPG Association (WLPGA), contributing to important discussions and advancements within the global LPG sector. He has presented at WLPGA Annual Conferences, sharing his expertise as a speaker, panellist, and panel chair.
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