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Propane Systems: Propane and Butane Storage Tanks

Tank Specials
(From LPG Standby Systems ...an Overview)

Most LPG storage tanks in standby-plant service are steel, non-refrigerated pressure vessels. Tanks
are available in many sizes for both aboveground and underground service. New propane tanks are
built to ASME standards and are designed for at least 250 psig working pressure. Common tank
sizes and approximate dimensions are shown in the chart below. Larger industrial and commercial
applications generally use 18,000 gallon and larger tanks.
Tank Trim
Required tank trim includes relief valves, excess flow valves and gauges for temperature, pressure
and liquid level. Remote / automatic valve features are often required or desired to provide enhanced
product control and safety (See also: 9, Safety Systems.)
Fire Protection
At some locations, "special protection" for tanks (such as mounding, burial, insulating coatings and
water-spray systems) may be required or desired to reduce the already small potential for fireinduced tank failures.
LPG Storage Tanks

Storage Capacity
RULE OF THUMB...

11 gallons propane equals 1 MMbtu

Relating Natural Gas & Propane Storage

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To allow for expansion of the liquid propane, tanks are never filled to 100%. At 60 F, the maximum
filling density is about 85%. The chart and graph below show common tank sizes and net fuel
storage capacities in gallons and "millions of btus" (MMbtu).

Propane Vaporizers
The Waterbath Vaporizer
At SES, we understand the need to customize vaporizers to meet specific application requirements.
We also realize that Peak Shaving in Utility applications requires a far great utilization of a propane
system than the incidental industrial stand-by customer.
The number of industrial stand-by customers far exceeds the Utility applications in the U.S.,
consequently the LP-Gas vaporizers manufactured today are designed and built with the industrial
customer base in mind. Most units can be depended on to supply stand-by fuel for a few days a year,
if even called on to perform this often. The Utility customer, however, may need to run the Peak
Shaving unit for weeks or even months at a time. The equipment available to the Utility has been,
and continues to be, the same unit utilized by this incidental stand-by application...until now!
Compare the specs of the waterbath vaporizer to anything else on the market. We're sure that you
will agree that this is the only equipment that will meet your needs and demands. Compare the
features...even the base weight of the unit is indicative of the durability and unsurpassed quality that
goes into each waterbath vaporizer unit.

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Propane / Air Mixers

The Propane/Air Venturi Mixer

Our Venturi type mixers are designed and manufactured to deliver precise gas and air
measurements ensuring a perfect natural gas compatible mixture. Surge tank is fabricated in
accordance with ASME unfired Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division I. All Mixers
are available with Vaporizers, or sold as stand alone units.
Click on images for a larger view:

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Standard Features:

Packaged Venturi Mixers are available with all vaporizers.

Stand-Alone units connect with any standard vaporizer.

100% Capacity Turndown with on-off Operation and Surge

Tank.

Packaged systems designed for outdoor installation.

BTU Mixture can be adjusted.

115 Volt, Single Phase electrical connection.

Packaged design minimizes installation costs

Weatherproof Construction.

Adjustable Mixed Gas delivery pressures are available for the following ranges - Each range
has different nozzles and diffusers: 3 - 5 PSIG, 6 - 8 PSIG, 9 - 10 PSIG, 11-12 PSIG and 13 15 PSIG.

Shipped with all operational and safety controls.

Surge tank is fabricated in accordance with ASME unfired Pressure Vessel Code, Section
VIII, Division I.

Tank includes overpressure relief valve, pressure gauge, and drain valve.

eets all Applicable Codes:

Surge tank is fabricated in accordance with ASME unfired Pressure Vessel Code,
Section VIII, Division I.

NFPA 58, 59 and 70 National Fire Protection Association. (NFPA).

All wiring, controls, and electrical components and their installation comply with
NBFU, NEMA, UL and CSA standards.
Capacity

PSIG

Surge
Tank

Vapor
Supply

Mixed
Gas

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Size
Model #

MMBTH

2-5

6-8

PMVM-2.5

2.5

PMVM-005

PMVM-010

10

PMVM-020

20

PMVM-025

9-10

Inlet

Outlet

11-12

13-15

Gallons

250

1" NPT

2" FLG

250

1" NPT

2" FLG

250

1" NPT

2" FLG

250

1" NPT

4" FLG

25

250

2" FLG

4" FLG

PMVM-030

30

250

2" FLG

4" FLG

PMVM-040

40

250

2" FLG

4" FLG

PMVM-050

50

500

2" FLG

4" FLG

PMVM-060

60

500

2" FLG

4" FLG

PMVM-070

70

500

2" FLG

4" FLG

PMVM-080

80

500

2" FLG

4" FLG

PMVM-100

100

500

2" FLG

6" FLG

PMVM-120

120

500

2" FLG

6" FLG

PMVM-150

150

500

2" FLG

6" FLG

PMVM-180

180

500

2" FLG

6" FLG

PMVM-200

200

500

3" FLG

6" FLG

PMVM-220

220

500

3" FLG

6" FLG

PMVM-250

250

500

3" FLG

6" FLG

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When LP-Gas was first isolated, it was primarily butane. Since that time, technology has
developed to the point that the product being marketed today is primarily propane, which
has a great deal more versatility due to its lower boiling point and proportionately higher
storage pressure. For the purposes of this section, we will use the term "Propane" since
the other LP-Gases can be used and perform in a similar manner, a number of technical
considerations which we won't get into here.

Firm Fuel means a contractual agreement between a user and a utility company requiring
the utility to furnish gas to the user on a year-round basis.
Interruptible Fuel means a contractual agreement between a utility and user allowing
the utility to discontinue service to the user during peak periods of demand.
Base Load Fuel means propane or propane/air being supplied to a user as a primary fuel
where natural gas is not available.
Stand-By Fuel as used here on the SES Web Site, is intended to indicate undiluted
propane, or a propane/air mixture being supplied as a replace for natural gas.
Stand-By Plant as used here on the SES Web Site, is intended to mean a storage and
handling system with accessory equipment: vaporizer, etc. to facilitate the use of propane
to produce a standby fuel for natural gas (See Stand-by Fuel).
Peak Shaving Plant as used here on the SES Web Site, refers to the use of undiluted
propane or a propane/air mixture to augment or to be mixed with natural gas to eliminate
periodic peaks in the consumption of natural gas. The equipment used for a peak shaving
plant in industrial facilities is identical to that used for a stand-by plant, but with the
addition of control equipment to limit the consumption of natural gas. A controller in the
natural gas line controls the flow of natural gas to a predetermined maximum
consumption (peak) and the propane will automatically feed to make up the difference
between the controlled flow and the actual plant consumption. Generally, undiluted
propane cannot be used in such circumstances unless the addition of the undiluted
propane into the natural gas is extremely small (under 10% of the total flow). Since the
total flow may easily fluctuate to momentary peaks, requiring the addition of a higher
percentage of stand-by fuel, propane/air is generally used for this purpose.

Glossary of Propane Terms

Storage Facility is a term for a system of storage tanks and handling equipment to allow
transfer from truck transports or railcars into storage tanks and transfer from storage
tanks into accessory equipment designed to convert the liquid propane into a gaseous
from for use as a fuel for either stand-by or peak shaving.

LP Gas System and

Propane Tank
Repairs

Propane tanks, LP gas

piping, and other LPG
systems are just like
anything else, they
sometimes require
repair and
maintenance.
Fortunately, Mission
Propane/Air indicates a mixture of propane and air which will result in a mixed gas
which will produce burning characteristics in existing burners similar to that produced by Gas Company is able
to perform needed
the natural gas. While the mixture thus created is not an absolutely perfect replacement,
repairs on propane
the differences are extremely hard to detect in normal
burning processes.
Vaporizer A device that receives liquid propane from a storage facility and adds heat to
convert the liquid into a gaseous state for use as a stand-by or peak shaving fuel. While
small amounts of propane vapor can be withdrawn directly from vapor space in the
storage tanks, this would require the heat for vaporization to come from the atmosphere.
This would soon result in the tank being refrigerated, reducing the pressure within the
tank and its ability to supply vapor. Therefore, a vaporizer is used to add heat from a
source than that the atmosphere.

Compatible Mixture is a mixture of propane and air, which, when burned in natural gas
burners, will produce results similar to the combustion characteristics

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tanks, LP gas systems, and many propane appliances. CALL A LICENSED PROPANE
PROFESSIONAL FOR REPAIRS OR MAINTENANCE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MODIFY OR
REPAIR YOUR PROPANE TANK OR LP GAS SYSTEM.
Propane Tank Repairs

LP gas tanks will likely need repairs if they are not properly maintained. Propane tanks beyond
repair are taken out of service as required by law for safety reasons. Preventative maintenance helps
avoid costly tank repairs and extends the propane tanks service life. Propane tank repairs are
generally made when the tank is empty. Replacing propane valves and parts that are in direct
communication with the inside of the LP gas tank include the fill valve, relief valve, parts of the
service valve, and the float assembly of the percentage gauge. Propane tanks do not have to be
empty for repairs such as:

replacing the dial chamber of the percentage gauge

tightening the dial screws of a leaking percentage gauge

tightening threaded valves

regulator replacement or pigtail replacement

propane tank leveling and painting (depending on the tank size)

Propane Tank Maintenance

Preventative maintenance ensures a long life for your propane tank and helps reduce the number of
repairs. For instance, rusty propane tanks are dark in color, absorb heat from the sun, and can cause
the relief valve to open due to excess pressure buildup inside the tank. If the relief valve does not
close properly, all of the gas will leak out and the relief valve will have to be replaced. This also
presents another problem, the LP gas system has lost all pressure...this is when gas leaks develop.
Not only does the propane have to be replaced, but the relief valve as well. The required leak test
may uncover more problems resulting in an extremely costly repair. This could have all been
avoided by painting the propane tank a reflective color, which is required by law.
LP Gas System Repairs

LP gas plumbing and piping systems consist of everything between the propane tank and the
propane appliance. This typically includes the regulator, underground gas line, the interior LPG
plumbing, and the propane gas valves at the wall. Any number of reasons can cause a gas leak to
occur within the LP gas system such as:

running out of propane

improper system modification by unlicensed individual

improper LP gas system installation

digging or trenching through the underground LP gas line

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testing LP gas system improperly with excessive pressure

interruption of propane flow

propane tank movement

any loss of vapor pressure

DO NOT EVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR YOUR OWN LP GAS SYSTEM - CALL YOUR
PROPANE SUPPLIER OR A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL.
Our propane service department is able to troubleshoot LPG system problems, tank problems, and
many appliance issues. Our service trucks contain the necessary repair parts for most all LP gas
related problems that may arise.
LPG Repair Capabilities

Our LPG troubleshooting and repair capabilities include (but are not limited to) the following:

Propane regulator testing and replacement

Gas tank leveling

Valve, gauge, and propane connection replacement

LP Gas piping modification

Propane appliance conversion

Pressure testing, leak testing, and LPG leak repair

Move propane tanks

Propane vaporizer installation and repair

Heater cleaning and maintenance

What is the difference between LP Vapor and LP Liquid Fuel Systems?

LP Vapor Withdrawal - With a vapor withdrawal system, the LP fuel is vaporized in the fuel tank
by heat input from the ambient. The pressure is reduced to about 11" water column (0.4 psi) at the
tank outlet with a regulator. The vaporized fuel is then brought to the engine and the demand
regulator on the generator which reduces the pressure even further before it enters the carburetor.
LP Vapor Withdrawal is a simpler system for the generator set. Same low pressure vapor system as
other appliances.
LP Liquid Withdrawal - With a liquid withdrawal system, the LP fuel is removed from the tank in
liquid form and is brought to the generator set at tank pressure. The generator set supplies the heat to

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vaporize the fuel. The Marquis and Emerald LP liquid withdrawal systems include a coil that wraps
around the exhaust manifold to add heat. In addition, the 2-stage regulator supplies additional heat as
well as reduces the pressure to supply directly to the carburetor.
LP Liquid Withdrawal provides better operation in colder temperatures. If a complete vaporization
pressure regulation system is on the generator from the factory, it will allow for a smaller capacity
fuel tank.

Fuel supply systems.

(a) LPGas system design and service line pressure. (1) Systems shall be of the vapor-withdrawal
type.
(2) Gas, at a pressure not over 14 inches water column ( 1/2 psi), shall be delivered from the system
into the gas supply connection.
(b) LP-gas containers (1) Maximum capacity. No more than two containers having an individual
water capacity of not more than 105 pounds (approximately 45 pounds LP-gas capacity), shall be
installed on or in a compartment of any manufactured home.
(2) Construction of containers. Containers shall be constructed and marked in accordance with the
specifications for LP-Gas Containers of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) or the Rules
for Construction of Pressure Vessels 1986, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code section VIII,
Division 1 ASME Containers shall have a design pressure of at least 312.5 psig.
(i) Container supply systems shall be arranged for vapor withdrawal only.
(ii) Container openings for vapor withdrawal shall be located in the vapor space when the container
is in service or shall be provided with a suitable internal withdrawal tube which communicates with
the vapor space on or near the highest point in the container when it is mounted in service position,
with the vehicle on a level surface. Containers shall be permanently and legibly marked in a
conspicuous manner on the outside to show the correct mounting position and the position of the
service outlet connection. The method of mounting in place shall be such as to minimize the
possibility of an incorrect positioning of the container.
(3) Location of LP-gas containers and systems. (i) LP-gas containers shall not be installed, nor shall
provisions be made for installing or storing any LP-gas container, even temporarily, inside any
manufactured home except for listed, completely self-contained hand torches, lanterns, or similar
equipment with containers having a maximum water capacity of not more than 2 1/2 pounds
(approximately one pound LP-gas capacity).
(ii) Containers, control valves, and regulating equipment, when installed, shall be mounted on the
A frame of the manufactured home, or installed in a compartment that is vaportight to the inside
of the manufactured home and accessible only from the outside. The compartment shall be
ventilated at top and bottom to facilitate diffusion of vapors. The compartment shall be ventilated
with two vents having an aggregate area of not less than two percent of the floor area of the
compartment and shall open unrestricted to the outside atmosphere. The required vents shall be
equally distributed between the floor and ceiling of the compartment. If the lower vent is located in
the access door or wall, the bottom edge of the vent shall be flush with the floor level of the
compartment. The top vent shall be located in the access door or wall with the bottom of the vent not
more than 12 inches below the ceiling level of the compartment. All vents shall have an unrestricted
discharge to the outside atmosphere. Access doors or panels of compartments shall not be equipped
with locks or require special tools or knowledge to open.
(iii) Permanent and removable fuel containers shall be securely mounted to prevent jarring loose,
slipping or rotating and the fastenings shall be designed and constructed to withstand static loading

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in any direction equal to twice the weight of the tank and attachments when filled with fuel, using a
safety factor of not less than four based on the ultimate strength of the material to be used.
(4) LP-gas container valves and accessories. (i) Valves in the assembly of a two-cylinder system
shall be arranged so that replacement of containers can be made without shutting off the flow of gas
to the appliance(s). This provision is not to be construed as requiring an automatic change-over
device.
(ii) Shutoff valves on the containers shall be protected as follows, in transit, in storage, and while
being moved into final utilization by setting into a recess of the container to prevent possibility of
their being struck if container is dropped upon a flat surface, or by ventilated cap or collar, fastened
to the container, capable of withstanding a blow from any direction equivalent to that of a 30-pound
weight dropped 4 feet. Construction shall be such that the blow will not be transmitted to the valve.
(iii) [Reserved]
(iv) Regulators shall be connected directly to the container shutoff valve outlets or mounted securely
by means of a support bracket and connected to the container shutoff valve or valves with listed high
pressure connections. If the container is permanently mounted the connector shall be as required
above or with a listed semi-rigid tubing connector.
(5) LP-gas safety devices. (i) DOT containers must be provided with safety relief devices as required
by the regulation of the U.S. Department of Transportation. ASME containers must be provided with
relief valves in accordance with sub section 2.3.2 of NFPA 58-2001, Standard for the Storage and
Handling Liquefied Petroleum Gases. Safety relief valves must have direct communication with the
vapor space of the vessel.
(ii) The delivery side of the gas pressure regulator shall be equipped with a safety relief device set to
discharge at a pressure not less than two times and not more than three times the delivery pressure of
the regulator.
(iii) Systems mounted on the A frame assembly shall be so located that the discharge from the
safety relief devices shall be into the open air and not less than three feet horizontally from any
opening into the manufactured home below the level of such discharge.
(iv) Safety relief valves located within liquefied petroleum gas container compartments may be less
than three feet from openings provided the bottom vent of the compartment is at the same level or
lower than the bottom of any opening into the vehicle, or the compartment is not located on the same
wall plane as the opening(s) and is at least two feet horizontally from such openings.
(6) LP-gas system enclosure and mounting. (i) Housings and enclosures shall be designed to provide
proper ventilation at least equivalent to that specified in 3280.704(b)(3)(ii).
(ii) Doors, hoods, domes, or portions of housings and enclosures required to be removed or opened
for replacement of containers shall incorporate means for clamping them firmly in place and
preventing them from working loose during transit.
(iii) Provisions shall be incorporated in the assembly to hold the containers firmly in position and
prevent their movement during transit.
(iv) Containers shall be mounted on a substantial support or a base secured firmly to the vehicle
chassis. Neither the container nor its support shall extend below the manufactured home frame.
(c) Oil tanks (1) Installation. Oil tanks and listed automatic pumps (oil lifters) installed for gravity
flow of oil to heating equipment shall be installed so that the top of the tank is no higher than 8 feet
above the appliance oil control and the bottom of the tank is not less than 18 inches above the
appliance oil control.
(2) Auxiliary oil storage tank. Oil supply tanks affixed to a manufactured home shall be so located as
to require filling and draining from the outside and shall be in a place readily available for
inspection. If the fuel supply tank is located in a compartment of a manufactured home, the
compartment shall be ventilated at the bottom to permit diffusion of vapors and shall be insulated

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from the structural members of the body. Tanks so installed shall be provided with an outside fill and
vent pipe and an approved liquid level gage.
(3) Shutoff valve. A readily accessible, approved manual shutoff valve shall be installed at the outlet
of an oil supply tank. The valve shall be installed to close against the supply.
(4) Fuel oil filters. All oil tanks shall be equipped with an approved oil filter or strainer located
downstream from the tank shutoff valve. The fuel oil filter or strainer shall contain a sump with a
drain for the entrapment of water.