345.949.7474
A propane system begins with a new propane storage tank (which can be placed above ground or below ground) or one or more 100-lb cylinders installed by Home Gas to supply your home or business with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Every tank is pre-tested and purged before being placed into service. Home Gas uses a two-stage regulation system which is installed with U.L.-tested and approved regulators that have been manufactured to be used with the propane appliances in your system. Other components include a pressure relief valve, a service valve, an under pressure shut off/over pressure shut off (UPSO/OPSO) valve, and an Emergency Cut-off Valve (ECV) to turn off your system from the supply tank. For a 100-lb cylinder installation, where two or more cylinders are connected together through an automatic changeover valve (ACV), the ECV will be positioned at a point downstream of the ACV. For a single cylinder installation, the outlet valve of the cylinder also acts as an ECV.
Regulators and pressure gauges — Propane systems use pressure regulators to adjust the pressure of the propane from the tank to the appliance to prevent damage and accidents when using the appliance. These regulators are complex valves that automatically adjust the pressure of the propane gas down to a safe level for the appliance to use.
Pressure valves deliver constant pressure with three key components: a restricting element, a loading element and a measuring element. The restricting element involves a valve of some kind, which changes significantly according to what the regulator is designed for. The loading element applies pressure to the valve, which can be done via spring, piston or diaphragm actuator. The measuring element makes sure that the pressure from the inlet and outlet are both equal. A regulator can have a single stage or multiple stages of function, and these components are arranged differently depending on the amount of stages or purpose of the regulator.
Tanks — Propane tanks come in all sorts of designs and sizes. They can be installed in a home to provide gas for cooking, dryers, generators, water heaters, barbecue grills and more.
A basic tank is simply filled with propane liquid using a special machine that forces the propane into the tank under pressure, and it stays pressurized inside the tank until the valve is released. When the valve is turned the gas turns to vapor and escapes through the opening. It is allowed to escape the canister under a specified pressure determined by the size of the valve. Industrial-sized propane tanks have several valves and gauges. The main valves are the fill valves, service valve to release the propane and a relief valve. The relief valve is a safety or overflow mechanism. Tanks also have gauges to measure the level of liquid in the tanks called a float gauge, and a vapor recovery valve that is used to release excess vapor in the tanks during service.
All installations are followed by a complete gas appliance safety check. Home Gas believes strongly in delivering the best customer service possible. If you have any concerns about your new gas installation at all, Home Gas is just a phone call away at 345/949-7474.
