Are you using the correct Normal Vent?

You may be completely unaware of some of the little things that can cause problems with your tank and put you out of compliance. To be honest, there are many seasoned Registered Inspectors that do not pick up on some of these small items and pass tanks that are out of spec.

One of these items is the Normal Vent or PPV on a MC306 or DOT406. Each respective design has characteristics that provide a need for their own specific vent system. In all, these small design characteristics insure your tank will live its longest life with the lowest cost to operate. Betts PPV is probably the most used in the industry and provides options for gasket type (very important when hauling products more aggressive than simple gasoline or diesel), as well as, the option of an aluminum or stainless steel body.

Most important is the pressure and vacuum settings as described in 178.341-4(b), 178.346-3(b)(2), and 178.346-3(c)(2). You can easily identify the Betts PPV as the correct model by opening the fill lid on your tank. If the tank is a MC306, the PPV will have a silver disk on the bottom and if a DOT406 the disk will be black. For more information you can visit the data sheet for Betts PPV and FVA products.

Additional attention should be paid to the testing requirements for these valves. Quite often these are less expensive to just replace than rebuild and retest.