Propane is Always a
Custom Fit
In
the early stages of your project planning, one
of the important questions you'll need to answer is:
What size tank does my project demand? That's where
the energy consultants at DiSanto Propane come in.
We can help you assess and meet you project
requirements, and recommend the best fit for you and
your customer, provide installation guidelines and
planning, including delivery and setup of the tank
and associated piping to the building.
At
DiSanto Propane, we have the training, experience
and expertise to help you get the job done
right: on time, safely, and efficiently. The
following guidelines will help you be better
informed about the process and major considerations
that need to be taken into account.
When it
comes to job-site planning, there are four major
steps that DiSanto Propane will walk you through to
ensure you get the right tank and pipe configuration
for your customer's needs.
 STEP
1: Determine Tank Size
There are two main types of propane tanks. DOT
cylinders, familiar to homeowners with propane
grills, are generally used above ground and
typically don't contain more than 25 gallons of
propane. Typical horizontal ASME tanks have a water
capacity of 125 to 1,000 gallons, and they can be
filled with propane to the 80 percent level. Propane
tanks can be installed above ground, and there are
also models that are safe to bury underground, out
of sight.
Other
factors influencing tank size are the total square
footage of the home, as well as total BTU load of
installed propane appliances. Also keep in
mind that a larger tank can help your homeowner
"ride out" price spikes by purchasing propane in
larger quantities during periods of low prices.
STEP 2: Determine Tank or Cylinder Placement
The next question you'll be asking is: Where should
the tank get placed? When selecting a location for
the placement of a DOT cylinder or ASME storage
container, we can help you evaluate the site and
provide guidance on tank placement. It is
important to only install tanks in accessible,
safety-approved sites. Considerations include:
-
Building and safety codes: These vary from
location to location. Precedence must be given
to state and local regulations and the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 58 Liquefied
Petroleum Gas Code. Your DiSanto Propane
professional will refer to these standards when
planning placement of propane containers. Extra
copies are available from the NFPA, Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02269. Generally, tanks
fall under a 10-foot rule with regard to
clearance from the home and other structures.
There are additional distance requirements for
the point of transfer and other considerations
that we will determine for you.
-
Ease of access: Delivery trucks will need
adequate access to refill tanks or exchange
cylinders. Accessibility considerations
are particularly important since deliveries will
be made during the winter months.
-
Customer's desires: Aesthetics play an
important part in project success. Be sure to
review proposed tank placement with your
customer and discuss landscaping, if necessary.
Tanks can be placed above ground and
attractively landscaped, or they can be buried
underground for true "out of sight, out of mind"
eye appeal.
STEP 3: Permitting and Installation
DiSanto Propane will take care of permits and
installation, including setting above ground tanks,
burying underground tanks, and providing piping to
the premesis.
STEP 4: Purging Propane Containers
Water and gas are contaminants to propane
containers. On new installations, we will purge new
propane containers to ensure that there are no
contaminants present that might decrease appliance
performance and require service calls.
You Can Rely on
DiSanto Propane Every Step of the Way
Our DiSanto energy
consultants are experts in their field. For more
information about DiSanto Propane's Builder and HVAC business
programs, contact a DiSanto Energy Consultant today. |
