PILOON
Super Star Member
The farce of it all is when U need that propane to run your generator it is usually due to a power outage so all those precautions really don't matter, other than using ground heat. (buried tank)
Propane Tank Outdoor Storage
- Thread starter Bronco82
- Start date
- Views: 6990
Does a 100 pound tank provide a sufficient evaporation rate at the lowest temperatures in your area to support your heater? That surprises me. Is it an option to rent maybe a 250 gal or 320 gal tank. They have a much higher evaporation rate.
When I replaced my 500 gal tank, (would not pass inspection) we discussed using 3 x 120 gal tanks on a manifold. That was because it was difficult to get to where the tank was sitting and we did not use a lot of fuel - 500 gal about every three years. But the 3 x 120 did not have a high enough evaporation rate to run the house at -10. So we bought a new 500 tank.
Yes, if you buy a tank, they are expensive. My new one was $2300. HOWEVER, the company wanted to lease on to me for $6 a month. I would have done that, but I like to choose which company I refill with. If you lease, you will have to refill from the leasing company. Then they can deliver with will call service. Some services companies may have an minium use requirement. But that might be discussable if you need the evaporation rate of a larger tank.
There is a propane services man's manual that gives the evaporation rate and btu that can be used with different tanks at different temperatures. I think here:
The rate of the surface area evaporation in the tank is the maxium that can be supplied to your heater or furnace. The vapor btu rate at coldest temperatures is the real first determining factor on tank size.
JUST A THOUGHT. Best wishes.
When I replaced my 500 gal tank, (would not pass inspection) we discussed using 3 x 120 gal tanks on a manifold. That was because it was difficult to get to where the tank was sitting and we did not use a lot of fuel - 500 gal about every three years. But the 3 x 120 did not have a high enough evaporation rate to run the house at -10. So we bought a new 500 tank.
Yes, if you buy a tank, they are expensive. My new one was $2300. HOWEVER, the company wanted to lease on to me for $6 a month. I would have done that, but I like to choose which company I refill with. If you lease, you will have to refill from the leasing company. Then they can deliver with will call service. Some services companies may have an minium use requirement. But that might be discussable if you need the evaporation rate of a larger tank.
There is a propane services man's manual that gives the evaporation rate and btu that can be used with different tanks at different temperatures. I think here:
The rate of the surface area evaporation in the tank is the maxium that can be supplied to your heater or furnace. The vapor btu rate at coldest temperatures is the real first determining factor on tank size.
JUST A THOUGHT. Best wishes.
Larry Caldwell
Elite Member
There is plug-in thermo cubes designed for freeze protection that only kick on when the temp drops into the 35-40 F. range. You plug them into an outlet and the load into them. I have one set up with a 250w. heat lamp, in an insulated shed. It only burns electric when the outside temp is well below freezing.
Egon
Epic Contributor
Ahh yes, the rusted up heat riser valve.
The regulator should be sized to the flow rate.
A needle valve and propane at pressure allows one to fill a metal bucket with propane Liquid.
WM75Guy
Elite Member
Could you use structural insulated panels (SIPs) and cover them with some inexpensive exterior sheathing?
Egon
Epic Contributor
Be aware that if the tank installation is not up to the local codes the Propane supplier will not fill your tank.
not2old
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2010
- Messages
- 1,246
- Location
- Scotch Creek, British Columbia
- Tractor
- 2010 Massey GC2610TLB
If a 100 watt light bulb uses $10 per month in electricity it might pay to put in a thermostat to keep the temperature at the lowest point possible to maintain the flow. I've used this method to keep the utility room attached to townhouses from freezing. We used three 40 watt bulbs with a bypass switch. Turning on the switch for light, we confirm the lamps are working, turn off the switch and the thermostat would provide heat when needed.
ponytug
Super Member
We used to use two incandescent light bulbs in series. The lower voltage gives you a much longer bulb lifetime. (Slightly more heat than one bulb at full voltage, as cold filaments draw slightly more current.)
All the best,
Peter
All the best,
Peter
not2old
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2010
- Messages
- 1,246
- Location
- Scotch Creek, British Columbia
- Tractor
- 2010 Massey GC2610TLB
I'm presently using 130V trouble light bulbs in the doghouses that contain extra supplies for the first responders. I recently changed two of them after at least four years of continuous winter use.
JPRambo
Platinum Member
Would an RV waste tank heater work. Some can be used at 120 volt or 12 volt. They have sensors that turn on/off at correct temps.
I have them on my RV and run them on the batteries.
I have them on my RV and run them on the batteries.