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Borrego
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2013 03:35pm
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I'm getting to the point where I'll be installing my propane supply. A large size tank is out because where it could sit and get filled would mean digging the pipe through rock. Since the distance to the cabin from accessible road is just under 100', I got 3 100lb tanks and plan on plumbing them together. I get differing views on how far from the structure they must be, but I know it's more than 3' from a window, door or combustible appliance.
1) Any recommendations as to how to connect them to allow for easy filling? And/or easy disconnect if I want to haul one into town myself?
2) They each need a regulator, right?
30 Anything else?
Thanks!
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MJW
Member
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2013 05:11pm
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We are using 2 100 lb tanks and have the hooked up with an automatic changeover regulator.
I believe I have heard of some folks hooking several of them up in a sequence with these but can't remember where I saw it.
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Martian
Member
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2013 07:28pm
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Why regulate each tank? A manifold, with individual tank valves feeding a regulator, allows you select and change out tanks.
Tom
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rayyy
Member
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# Posted: 26 Jun 2013 06:42pm
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Iv'e done that for two years.Hauled 100 pound propane tanks into town to get them filled.But they complain to me you must secure that tank in an upright position to haul it.I finally got them to just set up a 200 pounder perminately at my cabin and have them come to you to fill it.No more lugging them heavy 100 pounders around.And it's cheaper to for them to bring it to you.
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Borrego
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# Posted: 26 Jun 2013 07:15pm
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Well I'm gonna try to get them to come out and fill them, I have them just where the hose will reach (~100 ft). I am just figuring how to plumb them together most effectively...
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Cooks Dock
Member
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# Posted: 26 Jun 2013 10:07pm
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Out my way, if the propane company comes to fill, be ready for inspections and the fee that come with..if you take the tank, no problem..And I don,t have an issue with laying them down and neither do my suppliers. I really don't need the hassle. I have an appliance cart, I can move them.
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skootamattaschmidty
Member
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# Posted: 27 Jun 2013 10:46am
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We use two 100lb tanks as well. We also did have the single automatic changeover regulator but it stopped working when I was trying to cook Thanksgiving dinner. In the small town close to my cottage they only had a single regulator so I had to buy it. Now when one tank is empty I just manually switch it over to the other. As far as filling goes, I use a hand truck to move the tanks from the cabin up to where we park. It works very well and minimal effort. It never used to be a problem to lay it down in the back of my truck when filled. My supplier now makes me transport it upright because he has been getting flack from the inspector in the area and they can be fined if they allow it. He told me he didn't care what I did with the tank after I left the property. I guess the rule is in place for a reason so better safe then sorry and if the pressure relief did go, then it will work the way it is supposed to.
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Borrego
Member
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# Posted: 27 Jun 2013 12:09pm
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So what do you have to do to get the propane company to fill your tanks? I mean as far as making them legal....I've heard you need one of the new fitting that have either the outside or inside threads, anything else?
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 28 Jun 2013 09:33pm - Edited by: ICC
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the opd valves are only required on 4 to 40 lb cylinders. USA, don'\t know Canada.
The rule about a tank or cylinder needing to be transported and used in the vertical position has a very good reason behind it. (unless the tank is designed for horizontal use). reason is the safety over pressure release. The over pressure release valve is designed to vent vapor if or when the tank is heated to where the expanding liquid creates too much pressure. The valve vents off propane in gaseous form. But if the tank is laid on it's side the pressure release will vent liquid propane.
That presents ome serious safety issues. Liquid propane turns to a gas almost instantly. It is cold enough to instantly freeze body parts. Changing from a liquid to a gas propane increases volume about 270 times. A little liquid fills a big space in gaseous form. Makes for a possible big boom if the air to propane ratio is right. So good reasons to transport those cylinders upright. I have seen some pictures of what can happen. Nasty and there were no survivors from inside the vehicle carrying the cylinder.
The RV auto changeover regulators are handy for use with portable cylinders. Like anything thay can go bad. I used to use them and had a spare on hand all hooked up with hoses and iron pipe. Used a pipe union to connect to the system, that made a swap easy. Very much appreciated on a cold night.
100 pounders are better in cold weather than the smaller cylinders. Small ones can have problems delivering the volume at low temps and low tank levels.
One regulator is all that is needed. Though a 'proper' home system will usually have a high and a low pressure regulator. The RV autochange and single types have a two stage regulator. Good ones that is. some cheap single regs may be a single stage and are not as good ay delivering steady pressure under high demands. Inspectors may not pass RV equipment for home/cabin use. They are not approved for home use.
It is hard to beat the convenience of an on site 200 gallon or bigger tank. Propane companies around here have cheap rental plans ($1 a month or so) as long as you buy enough propane from them. And ya never have to worry about replacing or re-certifying the tank because they own it. I don't use enough propane for that to worl for me though so I have a 100 gallon ASME tank on a trailer. Haul it to town every couple years.
If you are in a wildfire prone area it is a good idea to have the tanks 50 feet away in a clear area. Run iron pipe (green coated for gas underground) or whatever else the area allows.
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