Ball Valves and Propane

[Diggin It]

I need a 3/4" ball valve with a port for a manometer to test pressure. The ones I've seen so far run close to $40, but now I find this one with a port called out differently as a waste port.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/AMERICAN-VALVE-Brass-3-4-in-FNPT-Ball-Valve/1000242259

Since it's the weekend, I can't call the manufacturer. Will this handle propane and if not, why not?

 

[Egon]

That is a port for depressurization of a line when the valve is closed.

The valve and fittings have to be adequate for the pressure involved. Usually the body will have a stamp for this.

 

[Diggin It]

And that stamp would be?

Propane isn't listed in PSI as far as I know. Usually 'water column' whatever that converts to.

 

[ponytug]

I don't think that is the one you want. You are looking for a relatively obscure valve, and $40 sounds about right from memory. These valves are only used in gas service. The alternative is to plumb in a normal valve and a manometer port downstream that I think will probably set up you back more than the special valve by the time that you are done.

The ball valves that I have seen will state (somewhere) rated for use with water, air, gas (natural/propane), or at least the standard that they meet. Or just water, or just gas. The primary issue with propane/gas is gasket and packing material that won't leak or degrade with the hydrocarbon and mercaptan exposure. Neither is operated at much pressure, hence the measurement in inches of water.

Best of luck.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Damifino]

You need to have a valve with AGA stamp on it, American Gas Association. A 1" column of water = 0.036127291827354 psi. here's one not to bad on price. Amazon.com: Jomar T-23IPS JOMAR 12-34 Gas Ball Valve: Home Improvement

 

[Diggin It]

^^ I was all set to go for that and decided to do one more check for the part number. This is the same one, isn't it?



JOMAR VALVE 12-34, 3/4" FNPT BRASS GAS BALL VALVE, INLINE, T23FF, FREE SHIP 662527291493 | eBay

And what's the difference between that one and this one other than price?

Generac Ball Valve 3/4" Pressure Rated W/ Test Port Part# K8754 | eBay

Looks like I can even see the JI brand on it.

 

[LouNY]

Just for information many valve will have a label such as;
WOG- Water Oil Gas
WO - Water Oil
or just W- Water
and then often a pressure such as;
600 WOG for 600 PSI Water Oil or Gas

 

[Peter 315]

^^ I was all set to go for that and decided to do one more check for the part number. This is the same one, isn't it?



JOMAR VALVE 12-34, 3/4" FNPT BRASS GAS BALL VALVE, INLINE, T23FF, FREE SHIP 662527291493 | eBay

And what's the difference between that one and this one other than price?

Generac Ball Valve 3/4" Pressure Rated W/ Test Port Part# K8754 | eBay

Looks like I can even see the JI brand on it.

Looks the same to me...same part numbers

 

[kenmac]

And that stamp would be?

Propane isn't listed in PSI as far as I know. Usually 'water column' whatever that converts to.

about 28'' wc =1 psi
If that's what your asking

 

[kenmac]

Amazon.com: Jomar T-23IPS JOMAR 12-34 Gas Ball Valve: Home Improvement

I have used these ball valves in the past. Haven't used them with a test port though

You using something like this Amazon.com: Yellow Jacket 78 Complete Test Kit, -35" W.C: Industrial & Scientific to test with , or water gauge ?

 

[Diggin It]

^^ I was all set to go for that and decided to do one more check for the part number. This is the same one, isn't it?



JOMAR VALVE 12-34, 3/4" FNPT BRASS GAS BALL VALVE, INLINE, T23FF, FREE SHIP 662527291493 | eBay

And what's the difference between that one and this one other than price?

Generac Ball Valve 3/4" Pressure Rated W/ Test Port Part# K8754 | eBay

Looks like I can even see the JI brand on it.

This one is also listed under the Generac part number, but you can clearly see the JI brand just under the blue handle:

Generac Ball Valve 3/4" Pressure Rated Part# K8754: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

The one linked in post 5 above is shown on that page as the alternative.


I ordered the $19 from the bay with free shipping. Why pay $32 +$8 shipping for exactly the same item just because it has a Generac part number?

 

[Peter 315]

Amazon.com: Homewerks Worldwide VGV2LHB4CB Gas Ball Valve Female Thread, .75-Inch, Brass Finish: Home Improvement

 

[Diggin It]

You using something like this ... to test with , or water gauge ?

I don't have anything to test with, but I want the port available if a service tech needs it later on.

 

[ponytug]

Don't you need to use that port to check that the propane pressure is high enough not to be causing issues when under full load? I thought that was one of the commissioning steps for Generacs. (Probably in general for propane generators, but what do I know?)

All you would need is a manometer and some tubing, right?

All the best,

Peter

 

[Egon]

You need to have a valve with AGA stamp on it, American Gas Association. A 1" column of water = 0.036127291827354 psi. here's one not to bad on price. Amazon.com: Jomar T-23IPS JOMAR 12-34 Gas Ball Valve: Home Improvement

600 WOG. = 600 psi water oil gas.

 

[Egon]

I don't have anything to test with, but I want the port available if a service tech needs it later on.

Install a dedicated test port with valve.

 

[Doofy]

I would think that would be the gas companies responsibility if they own the tank.

 

[grsthegreat]

that valve with the test port is useless. we dont install them.I only install standard gas rated ball valve without test port. the generators demand regulator which is located in battery compartment has 2 test ports already installed. the upper test port tests static pressure. the lower test port is the one I, and most techs i know of, use. it tests the pressure available to the generator when the unit is starting and running. it only shows pressure when the generator solenoid is open. I have seen so many people swear their gen is getting fuel cause the outside test port shows it. but when i hook up to internal test port i get nothing cause the solenoid is not opening.

 

[Diggin It]

I wasn't going to pay $40 for it if I didn't have to. I found one place I could get it for $30, but I was still thinking of doing something else, maybe Tee out to a 1/8" fitting and cap. Then the guy above posted a link for $23 which led me to one for $19, so I went that way. It's really as much for the gas company if they need it as for the gen techs. It will be installed at the last point of the 3/4 line where it tees off to the 1/2" line that will feed the rest of the house. That's about 5' from the generator and will be easier to get to than the one under the covers.

 

[m1garand762]

The valve pictured is not suitable. That cap has a rubber seal which will degrade quickly from the propane. Go to a local plumbing supply hours. Ask for a 3/4 inch ball valve with adjustable packing and a "b" port. It will have an 1/8th inch pipe thread plug. And 40 bucks is about right for that.