Posted on 06/18/2008 9:12:06 AM PDT by xcamel
INTRODUCTION: Readers of this bulletin should consult the law of their individual jurisdictions for codes, standards and legal requirements applicable to them. This bulletin merely suggests methods which the reader may find useful in implementing applicable codes, standards and legal requirements. This material is not intended nor should it be construed (1) to set forth procedures which are the general custom or practice in the propane industry; (2) to establish the legal standards of care owed by propane distributors to their customers; or (3) to prevent the reader from using different methods to implement applicable codes, standards or legal requirements. The National Propane Gas Association assumes no liability for reliance on the contents of this bulletin. It is offered as a guide only to assist expert and experienced teachers and managers in training in service personnel in their organizations.
The brass valve in a propane cylinder will be damaged if it comes in contact with anhydrous ammonia. This deterioration will lead to cracking of the valve body or its components and can ultimately result in a violent, unexpected expulsion of the valve from the cylinder, causing personal injury or death.
Background and Recommended Action
It has come to the attention of the National Propane Gas Association that propane cylinders are being used in the manufacturing of Methamphetamines. This drug is commonly referred to as 'crank'. Manufacturers of this illegal substance are using propane cylinders for the storage and the use of anhydrous ammonia. These cylinders have been found in many states at cylinder exchange and refilling locations as well as in hotel rooms and mobile laboratories, where the manufacturing of this illegal substance takes place.
As observed in the illustrations, a blue-green stain on any brass portion of a service valve is evidence that it may have been in contact with anhydrous ammonia*. The pungent odor of ammonia on or near the cylinder is also an indication. If you suspect that a propane cylinder contains or has contained anhydrous ammonia, exercise extreme caution and restrict access to the area.
It can be dangerous to move the cylinder due to the unknown integrity of the cylinder's service valve. If you determine that it must be moved, keep in mind that hazards due to valve expulsion can be reduced by pointing the end of the container in which the valve is placed away from yourself and others and towards the most safe direction.
Immediately contact your Fire Department, Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Unit or the nearest office of the United States Department of Justice's Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for information on properly disposing of the cylinder. If these respondents are not sure what to do, for assistance call 1-800-728-2482, which is the contact number for PERS, an independent hazardous materials information resource.
*Note: Sherwood valves contain a green coated valve stem. Additionally, a green thread sealing compound is used on some valves. These valves should not be confused with those that have been exposed to anhydrous ammonia.
Mmmm, Methburgers.
I’ll take the McMeth with fries.
Harrumph.
Real men grill with charcoal, anyway!
Something nice to know.
Breaking? Really?
Some of the greatest forgers of brass/bronze antiquities have long known that the desired patina can be best achieved by artificially aging the piece(s) in a slurry of cow urine and feces.
“*Note: Sherwood valves contain a green coated valve stem. Additionally, a green thread sealing compound is used on some valves. These valves should not be confused with those that have been exposed to anhydrous ammonia.”
Maybe Sherwood needs to change the color on their threads.
Not much meth manufacturing going on here in the Midwest anymore. That job has been outsourced to Mexico. They do it more cheaply and produce a much higher quality product.
Note that the use of methamphetamine has not dropped any, but we don't make it here in Indiana anymore!
"Speed Kills".
Speaking of blue rhinos, how's McCain doin'?
A few years ago the canisters in the exchange cages were getting stolen right and left in our area. The meth labs were really busy back then.
That's not a dinosaur it's a RINOsour...
Amen brother.
Ammonia (far less concentrated than anhydrous) in the form of ammonium hydroxide can, indeed precipitate cracking in brass.
I once used an ammonia-containing cleaner in a cartridge-case tumbler to "brighten up" some badly stained 9mm brass. It did the trick for shining up the brass. BUT -- as I was reloading them, I noticed several cracks in the cases. I was able to generate more cracks by running the cases through the resizing and taper-crimp dies.
I immediately trashed the entire batch of brass, so, fortunately, I did not discover any additional case cracks while shooting... :-)
I think I’ll stick with ammonia.
My idea of a fun afternoon isn’t following a cow around.
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