Builders

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 Lorden 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 Lorden, 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 Lorden 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 Lorden 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

Lorden 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 Lorden Every Step of the Way

Our Lorden Consultants are experts in their field. For more information about Lorden’s Builder and HVAC business programs, contact a Lorden Consultant today.