Propane tanks

We use our propane tanks standing upright, the usual way.  It would more convenient to have it lying on its side- presenting the shut-off valve more directly.

Are there reasons to not do this?

Thanks

A quick Google leads me to believe that, no, you can't lay them or use them on their sides. The Google knows. 

@Soul_29

Thanks for your time and effort

If you turn a propane tank on its side you may get liquid propane out of the tank rather than gas and liquid propane expands I believe 1600 to 1700 times so you would create a very explosive gas cloud

Apollo_T said:

We use our propane tanks standing upright, the usual way.  It would more convenient to have it lying on its side- presenting the shut-off valve more directly.

Are there reasons to not do this?

Thanks

@dfc,

Thanks for your time.  

I found an article about this after I asked the RIGHT question.  Indeed several articles that say th same thing you did.

The Apollo missions were scrubbed years ago…please don’t turn your propane tank on its side…

The tanks are potentially bombs.  They are built with a 'weak point', which is in the bottom.

If a tank standing up blows, it shoots straight UP.

If you store it on the side, it shoots 3-500' sideways.  Not a good situation.

Thanks everybody— J got it.