Propane Storage and Distribution Systems

Propane is a much more cost effective type of fuel than any other and is also convenient and valuable as a source of energy, used for things like water heating and outdoor accessories. You can sell and transport propane in either a gaseous or liquid state, but it has to be used in a gaseous state and because it is extremely flammable, must be used with caution. To reduce the risk of death or injury, propane has to be transported and stored safely. Special care must also be taken with distribution and storage methods to ensure that there are no leaks. Both workers and customers can experience serious consequences if there is a fault in the system. If the storage and distribution of propane is something you are having to deal with, the following items should be kept in mind to ensure the safe handling of propane.

 

Proper Size & Type for Containers

 

There are a wide variety of storage tanks for propane that vary in size. Whichever tank you choose will depend on the device or appliance you will use it for, what the customer prefers and the total energy demand from the system. It is important that the tank you or the customer chooses can handle the correct vaporization rate that will meet the needs of your customer. It is best for the customer in the long run if you calculate both the customers current and future needs so they will not have to switch to a larger tank should their needs become greater.

 

Proper Regulators and Valves

 

Making sure you use the correct regulators of the right capacity and type is very important because they are what controls the gas pressure to prevent overloading appliances. You will have three types of regulators from which to choose; the integral two stage, the single stage and the two stage systems that come with multiple regulators. It will depend on what the customers needs as far as what kind of system they have, as to which one you will choose. The areas of propane distribution and storage also has pressure relief valves and excess flow valves that contain and control the pressure and the flow of gas to ensure the gas is safely stored; all delivery trucks and storage tanks have these valves. Another type of valve is a line valve that controls the flow of gas at different points both to and from the system.

 

Routing and Sizing of Piping

 

The right size piping is important to installing a system for propane. If the piping is too small, it will cause appliances like a stove to not work correctly like causing the pilot light to fail as well as other malfunctions in the newer more efficient appliances. The smart thing to do is choose a pipe that is a little larger than what the minimum requirement is to insure all appliances get the pressure they need. But, do not go too big as there are problems with oversized pipes as well.

 

Testing

 

Once a system is installed, always have it professionally tested for proper pressure to make sure the job was done correctly; this test also helps to prevent leaks in the system. This test will save you and your customers future problems and ensure the safety of the customer. Some people may have the experience and right tools to do it themselves, but having a professional do the test is always best.

 

As long as propane is handled correctly, it is very efficient and totally safe. In order to prove its safety, the Department of Energy took a survey to find out the risk to propane professionals and consumers and found that only one death occurred in 37 million people. Natural disasters like, floods, tornados, fire and earthquakes kill more people than propane accidents do. It is most important however that you never let yourself become complacent because of of this survey’s results. It is still vital that you use proper storage and handling of propane to ensure that those survey results stay low.