4.1.4 CETP Instructor PowerPoint Template

Designing Aboveground
4.1.4
ASME Tank Installations
A very important decision in designing a propane

distribution system with an aboveground ASME tank is the
selection of an acceptable and appropriate location for the
tank installation. Ensuring the proper number and capacity
of tanks is critical to satisfactory system operation.
Determining the vaporization capacity of the supply

container(s) to meet gas appliance demand for any vapor
system is a fundamental design task.
4.1.4 Student Book 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 1
4.1.4
In this module you will learn to:

(1) Identify regulations that govern aboveground ASME tank site
selection
(2) Identify steps to finalize an aboveground ASME tank location plan
(3) Identify factors that affect aboveground tanks vaporization capacity
(4) Select propane storage tanks by applying ASME tank vaporization
guidelines
(5) Identify other considerations for selecting appropriate ASME tank
sizes
4.1.4
In this module you will learn to:

(6) Identify code requirements and components for aboveground ASME
manifold tanks in vapor service
(7) Identify components for typical vapor service manifold tank
installations with single regulator configuration
(8) Identify code requirements and components for manifold tanks
supplying liquid to an auxiliary vaporizer
Regulations that Govern Tank Location
Aboveground and underground ASME tanks NFPA 58

NFPA 58
shall be located no closer to important buildings,
2001 2004
property lines that can be built upon, ignition
3.2.2 sources and building openings than the 6.3
minimum distances set out in NFPA 58.
Figure 1 presents, in table format, minimum required distances

and a brief purpose or explanation of the requirement.
Figure 1. Minimum Distance Requirements

for Stationary ASME Tank Installations
Figure 1. Minimum Distance Requirements

for Stationary ASME Tank Installations
Figure 1.
Minimum
Distance
Requirements
for Stationary
ASME Tank
Installations
Figure 2. Aboveground ASME Tank Location

Minimum Separation Distances
The illustrations are presented as a guide or

reference only. Always check your companys
SOP and state and local codes.
The distance requirements above are based on recommendations in NFPA 58. They do
not replace any requirements in your state or local codes. Tanks should always allow
space for maintenance.
Figure 3. Multi-Tank Installations
Steps to Finalize a Tank Location Plan
Step 1: Mark the information on a worksheet and draw a simple

sketch of the property.
Step 2: Explain to the customer the purpose in selecting a proper

location for the tank.
Step 3: Determine that the customer prefers an aboveground

tank.
Step 4: Determine the customers general preference for the tank

location (in back of house, etc.). Explain that the final
location will have to meet safety regulations.
Step 5: Select an area that has access for fuel delivery and fire
fighting.
Steps to Finalize a Tank Location Plan
Step 6: Based on the water capacity of the tank(s), select an

area for the installation that meets the distance
requirements. You may also refer to Table A (Figure 1)
for an explanation of each distance shown in the
illustration.
Step 7: When the final location for the tank has been selected,
clearly outline the area with stakes or flags.
Step 8: Add the tank(s) location to the worksheet drawing/sketch

of the property.
Some propane marketers have detailed procedures for

determining system layout. Always follow local guidelines.
Remember, a competent and complete planning effort will
produce a satisfied customer.
Sizing ASME Aboveground Tanks for Vapor Service
Factors Affecting the Vaporization Rate of Tanks When a
tank(s) is sized for vapor service, make sure the vaporization rate
of the tank(s), or withdrawal rate, is equal to or greater than the
demand for propane.
Outside Surface Area of the Tank: The heat required to
vaporize liquid is transferred through the walls of the tank. If
the area of the tank wall which is in contact with the propane
liquid (wetted surface area) is large, the total heat (Btu) that
can be transferred to the liquid is high.
Level of Liquid Propane in the Tank
T y p ic a l 5 0 0 G a llo n W . C . P r o p a n e T a n k
W e tte d S u rfa c e A re a
7 0 % L iq u id F ille d
5 8 .8 s q ft
1 9 % D e c re a s e
5 0 % L iq u id F ille d
4 8 .5 s q ft 5 4 % D e c re a s e
3 5 % D e c re a s e
2 0 % L iq u id F ille d 3 1 .8 s q ft
Figure 4. Effect of Decreased Liquid Level and
Wetted Surface Area on Vaporization Rate
Factors Affecting the Vaporization Rate of Tanks
Air Temperature Surrounding the Tank : Because of

propanes relatively low boiling point (-44F at atmospheric
pressure) the heat needed for vaporization is usually available
from the air that surrounds the propane storage tank. High
summer air temperatures surrounding the tank create more
available heat to be transferred to the liquid. As a result, the
rate of vaporization is high. However, low outside
temperatures in the winter reduce the tank vaporization
capacity.
Location of the Tank. Certain ASME tanks are designed to

be installed aboveground or underground. Aboveground
tanks have maximum vaporization rates during exposure to
high summer temperatures and direct sunlight. However,
aboveground tanks may experience a drop in the vaporization
rate in the winter due to low temperatures, sustained cloudy
skies, and periods of rain, fog, sleet or snowfall.
Relative Humidity: If the air is moist (high humidity), the air

may cool down to a temperature where the moisture will
condense on the wetted surface area of the tank & freeze.
The resulting "frost line" on the wetted surface acts as an
insulator and drastically reduces the vaporization rate of the
tank.
Figure 5. Estimated Vaporization Rates for Aboveground ASME Tanks
Applying ASME Tank Vaporization Guidelines
Seven Sizing Factors The wide ranges of air temperatures and
relative humidity that are experienced in different parts of the United
States dictate that the selection of storage tanks be made using the
following Seven Sizing Factors:
1. What is the lowest anticipated temperature for the installation?
2. What is the highest expected relative humidity?
3. What is the total gas system demand (Btuh load)?
4. What does the gas system customer profile tell about anticipated
customer demand and critical service factors?
5. What are the operating characteristics of the connected gas
appliances (appliance load factors)?
6. How does the installation compare to similar gas customers in the
immediate area?
7. What are the propane company guidelines for delivery scheduling?
Using Tank Vaporization Guides It is important that persons
who select propane tanks for residential and small commercial
installations take the time to examine the assumptions and
conditions that apply to the tank vaporization guide used.
Using a Rule of Thumb Guide (for Small to Medium

Propane Demand Systems and Moderate Climate Conditions)
The method uses ASME tank dimensions, liquid level, and a constant
value for each 10 percent of liquid to estimate the vaporization capacity of
a given tank size at 0 F. Additional factors are used to calculate
available vapor at other temperatures.
The method does not consider relative humidity as a variable, but yields
fairly reliable vaporization capacity estimates for moderate demand
systems for locations with moderate prevailing weather conditions, such
as the southern states and Hawaii.
Rule-of-Thumb Vaporization Capacity for
ASME LP-Gas Storage Tanks1
1
Engineered Controls International, Inc. REGO Products LP-Gas Servicemans Manual
Rule-of-Thumb Vaporization Capacity for
ASME LP-Gas Storage Tanks1
1
Engineered Controls International, Inc. REGO Products LP-Gas Servicemans Manual
Selecting Aboveground ASME Tank(s) for High Demand
Systems and Severe Climate Conditions Using a Tank
Vaporization Chart When the seven sizing factors are applied
to the gas customer profile illustrated by Figures 7a and 7b, it is
apparent that a more detailed method for aboveground tank
selection is required for the high-demand system.
Figure 7a. High-Demand,

Severe Service Conditions
Customer Profile
Figure 7a. Example of a Gas Customer Profile (Front)
Figure 7a. Example of a Gas Customer Profile (Front)
Figure 7b. High-Demand,

Severe Service Conditions
Customer Profile
Figure 7b. Example of a Gas Customer Profile (Back)
Figure 7b. Example of a Gas Customer Profile (Back)
Tank Vaporization Chart Method for Selecting Aboveground
ASME Tank(s)
Step 1: Determine the total demand of all present and anticipated

future appliances.
Step 2: Determine the effective load on the tank. Determining load-

sizing factors is based on the way that gas appliances
typically operate under normal circumstances.
Figure 8. Determining Effective Load for Use with the Tank Vaporization Chart
Note: Calculations at bottom of chart are specific to the Customer Profile in
Figure 7.
Figure 9. Average Appliance Load Factor Chart By Customer Type
ASME Tank(s)
Step 3: Determine the most severe weather conditions under

which the tank must operate. The two most important
factors affecting the vaporization rate of a propane tank are
the temperature surrounding the tank during a gas demand
and the humidity surrounding the tank.
Figure 11. Average Highest Relative Humidity for the Month of January
ASME Tank(s)
Step 4: Using the Estimated Vaporization Capacity Chart, select

the proper size and number of propane tanks for the
application.
Customer System Operating Factors

Vapor Distribution Severest Anticipated Operating Conditions
System
Lowest Anticipated Highest Anticipated
Effective Load Ambient Temperature Relative Humidity
2,275,650 Btuh 0 F 80%
Figure 12. Vapor Distribution System Operating Factors (Example)
Figure 13. Estimated Vaporization Rates for Aboveground ASME Tanks

NOTE: Refer to Chart Application Criteria for Use
ASME Tank(s)
If the tanks listed in the tables do not provide the vaporization rate
to meet the effective load of the appliances, there are four options
that might be used:
1. Manifold two or more tanks together.
2. Install an underground tank.
3. Choose a larger capacity tank.
4. Change to liquid withdrawal and install a vaporizer.
Other Considerations in Tank Selection
Frost Lines The first consideration for proper tank sizing with regard
to vaporization capacity is to ensure that the tanks that are installed do not
develop a frost line under peak demand and severe operating conditions.
If the supply tank(s) consistently develop a frost line when the liquid level
is above 20%, the tank is too small for the load, and larger tank(s) should
be installed.
Efficient and Reliable Delivery Schedule Figure 14 can be used

to estimate the initial frequency of required delivery scheduling for a
customer account.
D E L IV E R Y D A Y S v s . C O N N E C T E D L O A D
T h i s c h a r t a p p li e s s i z i n g f a c t o r s t o a p a r t i c u l a r l o a d
to d e te r m in e th e n u m b e r o f d a y s to c o n s u m e th e u s e fu l
g a llo n s in a 1 0 0 0 g a l. W . C . T a n k . T h is is d o n e b y ta k in g
t h e to t a l c o n n e c t e d lo a d a t th e b o t t o m o f t h e c h a r t ( f o r
e x a m p le : 5 0 0 ,0 0 0 B tu h ) a n d r e a d in g u p u n til th e c u r v e fo r
t h e s i z i n g f a c t o r ( e x a m p l e 0 . 5 o r 5 0 % ) , t h e n r e a d i n g h o r i-
z o n t a l l y t o t h e le f t t o d e t e r m i n e t h e d e l i v e r y d a t e c y c l e ( i n t h i s
c a s e --9 d a y s ).
T h is c h a r t is fo r o n e 1 ,0 0 0 g a l. W . C . A S M E ta n k
fo r a n a v e ra g e 2 4 h o u r c o n s u m p tio n p e r io d . If y o u
h a v e m o r e th a n o n e ta n k , fo r e x a m p le , th r e e 1 ,0 0 0 s ,
m u ltip ly t h e r e s u lt b y th e n u m b e r o f ta n k s
( 3 x 9 d a y s = 2 7 d a y s . F o r a 5 0 0 g a l. W . C . ta n k ,
th e n u m b e r o f d a y s w o u ld b e o f th e r e s u ltin g
a n s w e r (4 d a y s ).
Figure 14. Example of a Delivery Scheduling Chart
Summary of Sizing Considerations

Proper selection of ASME tanks is one key to customer satisfaction.
Tanks must be sized using the most severe anticipated conditions.
Preparing a gas customer profile provides important information, and
knowing how the customer gas appliances will be used are the basis
for sizing and selecting propane supply tanks.
Supply tank selection must consider any critical service factors.
If the supply tank(s) are not capable of supplying sufficient volume of
vapor at the minimum required supply pressure (10 psig), auxiliary
vaporizing equipment should be used.
Service technicians, and especially, delivery personnel should report
the formation of frost or ice on customer propane tanks.
Code Requirements for Manifold Tank Installations
Most propane system installers and jurisdictional

NFPA 58 NFPA 58
authorities interpret 2.3.3.2 (a)(4) as a
2001 requirement for excess-flow protection in 2004
2.3.3.2(a)(4) manifold tank installations where the first-stage 5.7.7.1(F)
regulator is connected to tank service valves
using vapor piping longer than the pigtail used in
typical single tank installations and where the
regulator is installed outside of the tank dome.
Selecting Components for Manifold Tank Installations
Figure 16.
Excess-Flow
POL Fitting
Figure 15. Manifold Aboveground ASME Tanks
Figure 18.
POL Back Check Tee
Figure 17. Manifold Underground ASME Tanks
Special components for manifold underground tank installations:
1. Regulator vent pipe-away assembly
2. POL back check tees
3. Open-bottom water meter or valve box, or poured-in-

place concrete vault with loose-fitting manhole cover
Requirements for Manifold Tanks in Liquid Service
ASME containers that have liquid

NFPA 58 NFPA 58
interconnections shall be installed so that
2001 the maximum permitted filling level of each 2004
3.2.6.2 container is at the same elevation. 6.6.3.2
If the actuated liquid withdrawal excess-flow valve (sometimes

called an evacuation valve) is used for manifold tank connection,
one of two forms of excess-flow protection must be provided:
A liquid transfer valve attached to an actuated liquid withdrawal
excess-flow valve that is recommended by the manufacturer for
continuous service; or
The actuated liquid withdrawal excess-flow valve must be removed
and replaced with a liquid transfer valve equipped with an internal
excess-flow.
4.1.4 Student Book 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Pages 26 & 27
Bottom Opening
Liquid Withdrawal
Figure 20. Internal Valve Top Opening

with Excess-Flow and Liquid
Cutaway View Withdrawal
Figure 19.
Excess- Flow
Angle Valve
Liquid piping sections that can be closed at each end must be

protected by the installation of a hydrostatic relief valve.
Hydrostatic relief valves should have a 400 to 450 psig start to
discharge rating.
Figure 21.
Hydrostatic Relief Valve
Typically, liquid piping for manifold tanks is comprised of

threaded schedule 80 pipe sections and heavy (2000 or 3000
pound) forged steel fittings.
Figure 23. Slab for Manifold Liquid Service Tanks
Figure 22. Stainless Steel

Braided Flexible Piping
Section
4.1.4 Student Book 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Pages 28 & 29
Time to See If You Got the Key Points of
This Module
Complete the Review on pages 30
- 33.
See if you are ready for the

Certification Exam by checking off
the performance criteria on pages
34 - 36.
4.1.4 Student Book 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Pages 30 - 36

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Designing Aboveground

A very important decision in designing a propane

Determining the vaporization capacity of the supply

In this module you will learn to:

In this module you will learn to:

Aboveground and underground ASME tanks NFPA 58

Figure 1 presents, in table format, minimum required distances

Figure 1. Minimum Distance Requirements

Figure 1. Minimum Distance Requirements

Figure 2. Aboveground ASME Tank Location

The illustrations are presented as a guide or

Step 1: Mark the information on a worksheet and draw a simple

Step 2: Explain to the customer the purpose in selecting a proper

Step 3: Determine that the customer prefers an aboveground

Step 4: Determine the customers general preference for the tank

Step 6: Based on the water capacity of the tank(s), select an

Step 8: Add the tank(s) location to the worksheet drawing/sketch

Some propane marketers have detailed procedures for

Level of Liquid Propane in the Tank

Air Temperature Surrounding the Tank : Because of

Location of the Tank. Certain ASME tanks are designed to

Relative Humidity: If the air is moist (high humidity), the air

Figure 5. Estimated Vaporization Rates for Aboveground ASME Tanks

Using a Rule of Thumb Guide (for Small to Medium

Figure 7a. High-Demand,

Figure 7a. Example of a Gas Customer Profile (Front)

Figure 7a. Example of a Gas Customer Profile (Front)

Figure 7b. High-Demand,

Figure 7b. Example of a Gas Customer Profile (Back)

Figure 7b. Example of a Gas Customer Profile (Back)

Step 1: Determine the total demand of all present and anticipated

Step 2: Determine the effective load on the tank. Determining load-

Figure 9. Average Appliance Load Factor Chart By Customer Type

Step 3: Determine the most severe weather conditions under

Step 4: Using the Estimated Vaporization Capacity Chart, select

Customer System Operating Factors

Figure 13. Estimated Vaporization Rates for Aboveground ASME Tanks

Efficient and Reliable Delivery Schedule Figure 14 can be used

Figure 14. Example of a Delivery Scheduling Chart

Summary of Sizing Considerations

Most propane system installers and jurisdictional

Figure 15. Manifold Aboveground ASME Tanks

Figure 17. Manifold Underground ASME Tanks

Special components for manifold underground tank installations:

1. Regulator vent pipe-away assembly

2. POL back check tees

3. Open-bottom water meter or valve box, or poured-in-

ASME containers that have liquid

If the actuated liquid withdrawal excess-flow valve (sometimes

Figure 20. Internal Valve Top Opening

Liquid piping sections that can be closed at each end must be

Typically, liquid piping for manifold tanks is comprised of

Figure 23. Slab for Manifold Liquid Service Tanks

Figure 22. Stainless Steel

See if you are ready for the

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