D450166T012 06 Education Training Section LR

Education and Training
Safety, efficiency, and accuracy are required characteristics for an LP-Gas

system. Qualified personnel are needed to design, install, operate, and
maintain the systems. Emerson Process Management understands this and
provides customers many opportunities to supplement their experience with
quality training services and materials. The Education & Training section
provides our customers a reference guide for understanding inspection of
LP-Gas systems designs, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Emerson offers the following LP-Gas product and technology training:
Classroom and laboratory training in the McKinney, Texas, headquarters
and factory can be arranged for groups
Factory-trained experts work with Distributors to provide training in the
field at various locations
Seminars on various topics, including safety and technology, at national
and regional trade shows

Table of Contents
LP-15 Give a Regulator the Attention it Deserves
LP-19 Keeping Fisher Brand Internal Valves Working (continued)
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Parts of the Regulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Installation is Important . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
After Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
What to Do About Chips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Other Regulator Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Regulator Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Summing Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
LP-24 Plain Fact about Freezing Regulators

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
LP-18 Tests Show How Drip Lips Can Prevent Regulator

Freeze-Ups
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Regulating Agencies Step In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Testing Freeze Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Liability Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Going About Upgrading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Other Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
LP-32 Inspecting LP-Gas Regulators: What to Look for

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
The Question of Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Vent Blockage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Internal and External Corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Chips and Foreign Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
LP-26 Safety Practices for Domestic Tank Fittings

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Filler Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Relief Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Liquid Withdrawal Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Service Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
LP-27 How Cold Weather Affects Tank Capacity

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Frost Halts System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Wetted Surface Area Determinants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Temperature Differential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Vaporization Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
LP-19 Keeping Fisher Brand Internal Valves Working

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Valve Actuation Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
200
LP-29 Complying with NFPA 58 Transfer Area and Bulk Plant

Liquid Opening Requirements
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Transfer Area Valves and Bulkheads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Emergency Shutoff Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Bobtail and Transport Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Cable Closure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Pneumatic Closure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
ESVs for Tank Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Back Checks and Internal Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Bulkheads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Valves for Bulk Plant and Industrial Plant Container
Liquid Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Internal Valves in New Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Back Check Valves in New Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Retrofit of Existing Storage Containers
by July 1, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
What about Vapor Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Internal Valve Actuation Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Manual Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Cable Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Pneumatic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Thermal Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Signage and Remote Closure Locations
for All Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Operational Issues with Internal Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
On Retrofit Tanks, Additional Things to be Considered . . . . . . . . . 235
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
LP-37 Transfer Area Valving

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Snappy Joe Emergency Shutoff Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Back Check Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Internal Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Type N550 Snappy Joe Emergency Shutoff Valves for
Bulk Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Type N550 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Type N562 Snappy Joe Emergency Shutoff Valves
for Railroad Tank Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Pneumatic Closure Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Control Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Tubing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Types G200 and G201 Back Check Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Type G200 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Type C427 Internal Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Type C427 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
LP-10 LP-Gas Servicemans Handbook
Filler Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

Relief Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Liquid Withdrawal Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Service Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Flood Damaged Regulators and Valves
Properties of LP-Gases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Vapor Pressure of LP-Gases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Regulators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Determining Total Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Tank and Cylinder Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Vaporization Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Customer Propane Gas Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Vaporization Rates for ASME Storage Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Bulk Plant Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Vaporization Rates for 100 Pound DOT Cylinders . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Cylinder and Tank Manifolding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Two-Stage Systems Give More Uniform Regulation, Better
Container Location and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Container Preparation for Removal of Water and
Relief Protection, and Reduced Trouble Calls
Air Contaminants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Removing Water from Containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
The Two-Stage Advantage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Purging Air from Containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Better Overpressure Protection in an Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
DOT Cylinders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Regulator Freeze Ups Minimized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
ASME Storage Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Fewer Trouble Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Pipe and Tubing Sizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Directions for Sizing between First-Stage
Make these Checks when a Bobtail or Transport Pumping
and Second-Stage Regulators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
System doesnt Work
Directions for Sizing between Second-Stage
Regulator and Appliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Directions for Sizing between 2-psi (0,14 bar) Service
Regulator and Line Pressure Regulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Correct LP-Gas Regulator Installation can Improve Safety,
Directions for Sizing between Line Pressure
Give Longer Life
Regulator and Appliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Selecting the Regulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Keeping Vents Unplugged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Two Stage Regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Extending Service Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Advantages of Two-Stage Regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Free Regulator Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Regulator Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Regulator Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Leak Testing Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Low Pressure Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
High Pressure Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Leak Detection and Correction Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Regulator Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Improper Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Vent Blockage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Internal and External Corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Regulator Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Troubleshooting Domestic Tank Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
The LP-10 Servicemans handbook is available in a

pocket size edition. Contact your local LP-Gas Equipment
Distributor for copies.
201

LP-15 Give A Regulator The Attention It Deserves
closing cap
adjusting screw
main spring
internal relief valve
vent
diaphragm
spring
pushes down
valve disk
air moves in & out as

diaphragm moves up
and down
gas pressure
pushes up
gas
flow
appliance
pressure
orifice
valve lever
Figure 1. Parts of a LP-Gas Regulator
Introduction
A little attention to the proper installation and maintenance of the

regulator will pay big dividends in the form of increased customer
satisfaction and larger profits for you.
Before examining some of the things you should be doing with
regulators, lets look at the device itself. An understanding of the regulator
components makes it easier to see how and where problems develop.
Parts of the Regulator
The four basic parts are the valve disk and lever, the orifice, the
diaphragm, and the main spring (Figure 1). Gas pressure under the
diaphragm pushes against the main spring. Since the valve lever
is connected to the diaphragm, any movement of the diaphragm
causes the valve disk to move closer or farther away from the
orifice. In this way the regulator maintains the desired appliance
pressure, usually 11-inch w.c. (27 mbar), at all times.
Another important component is the vent. When the regulator
valve disk has to move against the orifice to restrict the gas flow,
the diaphragm moves upward and air is expelled through the vent.
As gas load picks up, the diaphragm moves downward and the disk
moves away from the orifice. Air is pulled in through the vent. A
regulator must breathe to perform properly.
Every final stage LP-Gas regulator reducing down to appliance
pressure must have a relief valve built right into it. Both the large
main spring and the small relief valve spring inside it act to hold the
diaphragm down on the relief valve seat (Figure 1). When pressure
under the diaphragm becomes too high, it overcomes both springs
202
and allows the diaphragm to move away from the relief valve seat
(Figure 3). Pressure then escapes through the vent.
NFPA No. 58 says that the internal relief valve must have a
start-to-discharge setting somewhere between 170% to 300% of the
regulator outlet setting. In other words, a regulator with an 11-inch w.c.
(27 mbar) outlet setting must have its relief valve start-to- discharge
when the pressure climbs into the 19 to 33-inches w.c. (47 to 82 mbar)
range. The relief valve spring permits the relief valve to open before
pressure gets above 33-inches w.c. (82 mbar). Tampering with the
relief valve mechanism is not recommended.
Installation Is Important
A lot of problems can be nipped in the bud by installing the
regulator correctly. On outdoor installations the vent should be
pointed downward (Figure 4). This keeps water from entering the
spring case and then freezing to cause a regulator malfunction.
Ice in the spring case can allow full inlet pressure to reach the
appliance by preventing the internal relief valve from opening.
Since the regulator must breathe to work properly, the vent cannot be
permitted to become plugged by snow, ice, mud, insects, etc. Install
the regulator so that the vent is above any possible snow or ice level.
Outlet Pressure
Inches of Water Column
Someone once said the way to receive undivided attention is to make

a mistake. This is true with LP-Gas regulators. Nobody gives much
consideration to the regulator as long as its doing a good job; but if
troubles occur, it receives undivided attention.
Propane Flow Rate
Figure 2. Typical Relief Curve

relief valve spring
main spring
vent
gas pressure
gas pressure
relief valve seat
Figure 3. Internal Relief Valve being Opened by Excessive Gas Pressure
Check the vent periodically to see that it is not clogged. If it has

a screen, make sure the screen is in place. The vent screen keeps
out insects such as wasps or mud daubers, which can plug the
vent opening.
Regulators installed indoors require a vent line to the outside air,
as shown in Figure 5. Sometimes the vent line will make the
regulator unstable, and it will pulsate or chatter. Such problems are
minimized by using as large a vent line as possiblenever less than
3/8-inch (9,53 mm) outer diameter tubing. A screened stabilizer
vent assembly at the end of the vent line may also help to eliminate
stability difficulties. If the instability persists, try lengthening or
shortening the vent line a few inches.
There must be a vent assembly at the end of the vent line. This
assembly must not be allowed to be covered by ice snow, mud, etc.
It should be checked from time to time to see that it is unobstructed
(and pointing down).
vent pointed down
Figure 4. Typical Outdoor Installation with Vent Pointing Downward
Regulators on buried container installations should be installed with

the vent down. If water is a problem on buried installations, run a vent
line above any possible water level. On underground applications,
1/4-inch (6,35 mm) outer diameter tubing of 12 to 15-inch (304 to
380 mm) is usually satisfactory. A regulator that has been covered by
water during a flood or heavy rain ought to be replaced.
The two most important components of a regulator as far as proper

operation is concerned are the valve disk and the orifice. The
synthetic rubber valve disk must be smooth and flat; the orifice
must be absolutely free of nicks and its nose properly formed.
A little dirt or chip lodged between the disk and orifice can cause
deviations that result in unacceptable regulator performance.
Remember, all regulator installations should be made in accordance

with NFPA No.s 54 and 58 and any state or local regulations.
Compliance with these rules and a periodic inspection program help
to prevent troubles due to faulty installation or a plugged vent.
What makes the chips work easier is the fact that the disk rarely
moves more than a few thousandths of an inch away from the
orifice, even on heavy loads. Trouble shows up when there isnt
much demand for gasperhaps just the pilot lights are in use. At
that time the disk has to move right up against the orifice to throttle
the very small flow. Lets say the load only amounts to 300 Btu/h
or less. If chips hold the disk far enough away (Figure 6) to allow
just a bit more than that, the pressure in the house piping will build
up above the desired appliance pressure.
After Installation
Once the regulator is properly installed, the vast majority of
operating problems can be attributed to chipspieces of dirt, pipe
scale, and other foreign materials.
203

to appliances
vent assembly
vent line
discharge opening
must be at least
3 feet (0,91 m) from
any opening below it
scale, dirt
basement
from first stage

regulator
leak
Figure 5. Typical Indoor Installation with Vent Line and Vent Assembly
Figure 6. Gas leakage Caused by Chips Preventing the Disk from Seating
Tightly Enough Against the Orifice
ice
liquid propane
propane vapor
Figure 7. Water in LP-Gas can Turn to Ice at the Regulators Inlet and Block Gas Flow
Excessive appliance pressure means irritating customer service

calls. Pilot lights keep going out, flames lift off burners, appliances
fail to perform satisfactorily, and so on. And the internal relief
valve in the regulator opens to discharge some of the excess
pressure, with resulting loss of gas.
times the powerful force of the valve disk pushing against the
orifice can break up the chips and return things to normal.
What To Do About Chips
Other Regulator Problems
To help minimize chips, always blow out all pipe or tubing fittings
when making the installation. When changing ICC cylinders, blow
or clean out the connection before attaching to the pigtail.
It was mentioned that the orifice nose must be carefully formed

by the manufacturer. It also must be carefully handled. Even
a tiny nick that can hardly be seen will cause leakage when the
regulator should lock up tight. When a regulator is taken apart, the
orifice should be protected as much as possible.
While those chips are a rough adversary, it still takes a fairly

stubborn piece of foreign material to pose serious problems. Many
204
But no matter what, chips cant be kept away all of the time. The
important thing is to recognize the problem. In most instances,
simply changing the valve disk and orifice will clear up the situation.

LP-15 Give
A Regulator The Attention It Deserves

The nose of the orifice tends to indent the disk even during ordinary
operation. After many years, the disk can become indented enough
to prevent tight lockup. Nicked orifices and indented disks give the
same leakage problems as foreign material between the disk and
orifice. The solution is also the samereplace the disk and/or orifice.
Under certain conditions ice can form at the orifice inlet and prevent
gas from entering the regulator (Figure 7). LP-Gas expands as it is
reduced to a lower pressure, and it needs heat to expand. The heat
comes through the walls of the regulator, making the inlet much
colder. If water is present in the gas, it drops out of the gas at the
inlet and eventually turns to ice if the temperature stays low enough.
If you suspect water in the LP-Gas, use methyl alcohol (one pint
to 100 gal; 378 l of fuel). Make sure all tanks and cylinders are
thoroughly dehydrated before they go into service. Two-stage
systemsa first stage and a second stage regulatorare much less
susceptible to freeze-ups than a single stage regulator. This is
because more heat can be transferred from the outside through two
regulators than just one.
Regulator Repair
Its fairly easy to repair regulators. A competent person, some
common tools (such as a crescent wrench and a screwdriver), the
necessary repair parts, and a test rack are required to do the job.
As a rule, the valve disk and the diaphragm should always be
replaced, especially on units that have been in service for several
years. Check the orifice carefully and replace it if necessary. Also
replace any corroded or damaged parts.
When reassembling, take care not to stretch the diaphragm of the
regulator like a drum head. Leave the flange screws loose until
the adjusting screw has compressed the main regulator spring
about half way. Then tighten the flange screws and the required
diaphragm slack will be assured.
Before the regulator can be returned to the field, you must make
sure the repair job was successfully and that the unit has been
set for the correct outlet pressure. A test rack is needed for this
purpose; they are available from most regulator manufacturers
although some companies make their own. Every repaired
regulator must be closely checked, tested, and set before it goes
back into service.
Regulator repair can sometimes fall into the realm of diminishing
returns. Dont let good regulators that could be repaired stand idle; on
the other hand, dont keep trying to repair a regulator that was obsolete
10 years ago. Throw it away and put in up-to-date equipment.
Summing Up
Theres nothing that responds to a little care any better than the
LP-Gas regulator. But if it is overlooked, all kinds of troubles can
result. Remember these points:
1. Install the regulator vent down on outdoor service; use a
vent line sized to at least 3/8-inch (9,53 mm) outer diameter on
buried installations.
2. Keep the vent unplugged and check it periodically to see
that its not clogged. If the vent has a screen, make certain
that it is in place.
3. Keep in mind that dirt and chips can cause leakage and poor
regulator performance. Clean lines and clean gas connections
help reduce the chip problem. Replacing the valve disk and
orifice will usually correct any troubles.
205

LP-24 Plain Facts About Freezing Regulators
Introduction
Although most people dont realize it, the LP-Gas regulator has
to do a difficult job. Many think all the regulator does is reduce a
given high pressure to a given low pressure. Theyre right but this
is just the beginning.
Your regulator must compensate immediately for any gradual or
drastic changes you or the weather may make on the inlet pressure.
It must also compensate immediately for gradual or drastic changes
your customers make in the gas load.
Your regulator has to be able to shutoff flow completely when the
load goes down. Your regulator must be gentle enough to pamper
the pilot light on Mrs. Jones stove and flexible enough to satisfy
the appetite of a boilera turn-down that can be as high as 1000
to one.
To accomplish all this, your regulator is a finely balanced mechanism
in which only those features that contribute to proper operation have
been retained. One of the quickest ways to confound the regulator
mechanism is the presence of water in LP-Gas. And there is only
one non-freezing regulator, the one that gets a water free diet of
LP-Gas.
The freezing regulator problem is eliminated by using only dry fuel
and keeping the fuel water free until it passes through the regulator.
Unfortunately, these desirable conditions cannot always be brought
about. It is, therefore, important to know the conditions that cause
freeze ups and what can be done to prevent them.
Since all the trouble begins from the presence of water in the fuel,
where does the water come from? From a variety of sources: Fuel
can be water saturated when received from the natural gasoline plant
or refinery unless care is taken in dehydration; dry fuel may become
saturated with water when transported in tank cars that previously
carried wet product; hydrostatic testing may leave water in cylinders
and tanks which the dry propane can pick up; empty cylinders
standing in moist atmosphere with the valve open allow air to enter
the cylinder where the moisture condenses and is trapped.
How much water does it take to cause freeze up problems? Table 1 gives
some idea of the amount of water which liquid propane can absorb. It
doesnt seem like very much, but it doesnt take much to cause problems.
Table 1. LP Water Absorption
temperature
of the liquid
propane
amount of water in a
full 100-pound
(45,4 kg) cylinder
amount of water in a
full 500 gallon
(1893 l) tank
100F (37C)
3/4 ounce
16-1/2 ounces
32F (0C)
(water freezes)
1/10 ounce
2 ounces
Note that the warmer the liquid the more water it can hold
in solution. Almost eight times as much at the summertime
temperature of 100F (37C) as at freezing temperature! If your
LP-Gas comes to you in a tank car, it could be hiding three pints
of water. Only a chemist could detect it. Let that propane cool to
freezing temperature, however, and all but a part of the water is
then free. Free to freeze up regulators.
206
But the water propane can carry as a liquid is hardly a drop in the
bucket compared to what it can carry as a vapor. Look at Table 2.
Table 2. Water Carried By Vapor Vs. Liquid Propane
temperature of the propane
vapor or liquid
how many more times the weight

of water can be carried by
vapor than by liquid propane
100F (37C)
4.2
40F (4C)
8.3
It looks like the ability of propane vapor to carry water increases

as things get colder. This isnt true. Table 2 means that the liquid
loses its ability to hold water as things get colder faster than the
vapor does. Table 3 shows how much water the vapor can hold.
That goes down too, with lower temperatures.
Table 3. Propane Vapor - Water Carrying Capacity
temperature
of propane
vapor
amount of water in
855 ft3 (24,2 m3) of vapor
(a 100-pound (45,4 kg)
cylinder of liquid
expanded
into gas)
100F (37C)
3-1/3 ounces
70 ounces
40F (4C)
1 ounce
22-1/2 ounces
amount of water in
18,240 ft3 of vapor
(a 500 gal. (1893 l)
tank of liquid expanded
into gas)
Lets look at actual operating conditions. Take a cylinder of gas,

during the fall, with an outside temperature of 60F (16C). A cold
spell drops the temperature to freezing, and water starts to collect
in the bottom of the cylinder because neither propane liquid or
vapor can carry the increased amount of water. It stays cold with
the free water at the bottom of the cylinder. As vapor continues to
be drawn off, the vapor robs the liquid propane of its water, since
vapor can carry much more water than the liquid.
Mrs. Jones stove and water heater are connected to this cylinder
(through a regulator, of course). She starts cooking and Mr.
Jones decides to take a bath. Its coldabout 35F (2C)and
propane vapor at that temperature comes out of the cylinder to
the regulator inlet at a pressure of about 57 psi (3,9 bar). The
regulator goes to work maintaining proper appliance pressure,
see Figure 1 which shows a conventional single stage regulator
installed at the customers home.
Note that the gas on the low pressure side of the regulator in Figure
1 is only 15F (-9C). What has happened? It takes heat to expand
the gas from its compressed volume at 57 psi (3,9 bar) to its enlarged
volume at 11-inches wc (27 mbar) for the appliances. This heat comes
from the surrounding air through the walls of the regulator. After the
gas has left the regulator and entered the outlet tubing, it goes back
up to 30F (-1C). The only trouble is that the heat is where we dont
need itat the regulator outlet instead of the inlet.
Figure 2 shows what can happen if the situation in Figure 1 goes
on for some time. There have been slight changes in pressure
and temperature within the cylinder. This always happens when

LP-24 Plain Facts About Freezing Regulators
vapor is drawn off, and 54 psi (3,7 bar) is plenty of pressure to do
the job. But look what has taken place at the regulator inlet. The
expanding gas has pulled the temperature down to 28 F (-2 C)
and propane condenses at the inlet. Free water appears because we
cool the vapor and reduce its ability to carry water. In Figure 2 the
condensate forms just ahead of the regulator orifice.
Figure 2 shows the condensate turned to ice at the orifice. This
causes a freeze up unless the action of the regulator can break the
ice jam.
atmosphere 35F (1,7C)
regulator
body 35F (1,7C)
35F
(1,7C)
30F
(-1,1C)
11-inches wc
(27 mbar)
Low pressure
gas 15F (-9,4C)
57 psi
(3,9 bar)
57 psi (3,9 bar),

35F (1,7C)
There are a number of things you can do to prevent this kind of

situation. Number one on the list would be to make sure youre
using dry LP-Gas. Secondly, make certain that all tanks and
cylinders are thoroughly dehydrated before they go into service.
Here are a few other hints and precautions:
Figure 1. System Operating Normally
1. Use methyl alcohol if you suspect water (one pint to

100 gallons (379 liters) fuel).
2. Keep cylinder valves closed while cylinders are in storage.
Liquid
Vapor
Regulator
3. Consider two stages of regulation, i.e., a first stage regulator

and a second stage regulator. See Technical section for
more information.
4. Consider using a regulator with a larger orifice.
5. Install the regulator and pigtail so that condensate drains back
to the cylinder.
The above practices should virtually eliminate freeze up complaints
and the costly trouble calls that go with them.
ICE
Liquid PROPANE
PROPANE VAPOR
atmosphere 35F (1,7C)

regulator
body 25F (-3,9C)
25F
(-3,9C)
28F
(-2,2C)
11-inches wc
(27 mbar)
condensate
54 psi
(3,7 bar)
54 psi (3,7 bar),

32F (0C)
Low pressure
gas 15F (-9,4C)
Figure 2. Freezing Temperature Results In Ice At The Orifice
Liquid
Vapor
Regulator
207

LP-18 Tests Show How Drip Lips Can Prevent
Regulator Freeze-Ups
Introduction
Freezing rain and sleet have long been potential sources of trouble
for a LP-Gas system. If the LP-Gas regulators vent becomes
plugged by ice, high pressure gas can reach the appliances, creating
a definite fire hazard.
The plugged vent scenario has been related numerous
times, but its still worth repeating. Once the regulator vent
opening becomes obstructed by ice, snow, insects, or whatever,
the regulator is no longer capable of breathing. A regulators
diaphragm moves up and down in response to differing gas loads.
As it moves, air is taken in or expelled through the vent. Air cant
move in and out of the spring case with a plugged vent, and the
regulator is unable to keep doing its intended job.
One of two things happens within the regulators spring case: (1)
a vacuum develops, or (2) theres a pressure build-up. In the first
instance the appliance pilot lights and any burners that are on may go
out because the regulators outlet pressure drops to 0 psig (0 bar).
Stove burners dont usually have safety shutoffs, and if the vent
becomes unplugged, gas will flow out of the open burner into the
house. On the other hand, a pressure build-up in the spring case
can allow the regulator outlet pressure to go excessively high,
such as between 5 to 15 psig (0,34 to 1,03 bar). In either case an
obvious safety hazard exists.
Regulating Agencies Step In

These kinds of plugged vent situations have occurred due to
vent freeze-overs often enough in the past to prompt regulating
agencies to write new codes covering the installation of the LP-Gas
regulator and the design of the vent itself.
The 1974 edition of NFPA No. 58 All regulators for outdoor
installations, except regulators used for portable industrial
applications, shall be designed, installed, or protected so their
operation will not be affected by the elements. This protection
may be integral with the regulator. (Actually NFPA No. 58 said
much the same thing way back in the 1951 edition. This sentence
appears in that edition: Regulators shall be so installed that the
elements will not affect their operation.)
Further, Underwriters Laboratories Standard for Pressure
Regulators for LP-GasU.L. 144calls for regulators that have
a drip lip vent design and states, Such regulators shall be marked
to specify that if for outdoor installation, the vent opening shall
be down, or the regulator shall be installed under a protective
cover... So a regulator with a drip lip vent of the minimum size
specified by U.L., installed with the vent pointed down, does not
need additional protection. If, however, the vent does not have the
drip lip or the regulator is installed so that the vent is not pointing
down, there will have to be some sort of cover to protect the vent
from the elements.
208
drip lip
Figure 1. Drip Lip Vent Construction has a Recessed Vent Opening while the
Non-drip Lip Version on the Right does not.
Just what is a drip lip vent? Figure 1 shows a typical example along
with a vent not having the drip lip construction. It can be seen that
the lip acts as a shield to the recessed vent opening, thus making it
much more difficult for the opening to become plugged by freezing
rain. The effectiveness of the drip lip design in resisting the vent
opening from being covered by ice has been proven in freeze tests
performed by EmersonTM as well as U.L.
Testing Freeze Resistance

Tests conducted at the EmersonTM Regulators engineering
laboratory in McKinney, Texas, demonstrated that a properly
designed drip lip permits icicles to form in such a way as to
actually protect the vent opening from becoming blocked. As
the icicles grow around the circumference of the drip lip, an ice
cylinder tends to develop. This ice cylinder works to keep the vent
unobstructed no matter how much ice accumulates.
The Fisher brand Type 912 regulatorthe one with the smallest
drip lip diameterto subjected to a simulated freezing rain in
an environmental chamber. The unit was installed with the vent
opening pointing down, and ice was allowed to collect on the
regulator until it reached a thickness of approximately 3/4-inch
(19,1 mm) (see Figure 2). Icicles grew to about 6-inch (152 mm) in
length, forming a cylinder that kept the vent unplugged, as can be
seen from the picture in figure 3 looking up into the vent opening.
The vent remained open until the bottom of the icicles reached a
horizontal shelf or the floor of the environmental chamber.
Tests also showed that drip lip regulators installed in a horizontal
position had their vents plugged by the simulated freezing rain in
a matter of seconds (see Figure 4). U.L. has been and currently
is conducting its own freeze test program with regard to regulator
vents. The laboratories require a manufacturer to label regulators
which fail to pass the U.L. vent freeze-over test with the following:
CAUTION: For outdoor use, install under a protective cover.
Liability Considerations
The U.L. 144 ruling went into effect as far as regulators labelling is
concerned on December 14, 1973. This requirement, along with the
wording contained in NFPA No. 58, raises important questions as to
an LP-Gas dealers legal liability.

Figure 2. Ice Completely Covered the Regulator Used in the

Freeze Tests.
Figure 3. Looking Up into the Vent of the Same Regulator as shown in

Figure 2 Reveals that the Opening Remains Unplugged.
Scarcely anyone in business is unaware of the tremendous increase

in the number of law suits and the claims awarded by the courts to
injured consumers. There has been a complete turnaround in the
product liability law, and it affects everyone in the distribution
chainthe manufacturer, the reseller, the installer, and the gas
marketer. Each can be sued (together or separately) if there is an
accident with a particular piece of equipment or system. Its up to
these people to be able to show that they were not at fault and that
they acted in accordance with the codes and rules of the applicable
governing bodies.
Heres reason enough to begin a systematic program of inspection
and upgrading of all regulator installations. Being on the losing
end of just one law suit could cost many times the amount of time
and money expended checking out the regulator. And certainly no
one wants an accident to happen in the first place, regardless of the
legal consequences.
Going About Upgrading

It would seem on the surface that LP-Gas dealers would have to
spend a lot of money for protective hoods or new regulators with
the drip lip if they want their older installations to conform to the
current U.L. and NFPA requirements. Although this indeed may
Figure 4. Vents on Horizontally Mounted Regulators became Quickly
Plugged During Tests.
209

Figure 5. An Auxiliary Vent Assembly can be Installed in Threaded Non-drip

Lip Vents.
Figure 6. Angle Style Auxiliary Vent Assembly Used on a Horizontally

Mounted Regulator.
be the case, there are a few options open to dealers which would
give compliance without being too costly. Lets go over the most
common domestic hook-ups.
would appear it makes a little difference whether the regulator

has a drip lip or not because a hood is the only thing that satisfies
the new rulings. There are, however, other possibilities for single
cylinder hook-ups.
ASME TanksNearly all domestic tanks have hoods to begin

with. Make sure that the first stage or single stage regulator is
completely under the hood. Another thing to watch for is to be
certain the slot in the hood for the regulator outlet piping does not
extend high enough to expose the vent to the elements. Slope the
regulator vent downward enough to allow any condensate that
might collect to drain out through the vent. Dont defeat the entire
purpose of the hood by leaving it open.
Regulators at the HouseSecond stage regulators at the building
being served should be checked to see if the unit has a drip lip
and that the vent is pointing vertically down. Most non-drip lip
versions have a threaded vent opening in which an auxiliary vent
assembly could be installed (Figure 5) that gives all the advantages
of an integral drip lip.
Twin Cylinder Hook-UpsMany of these installations already
have some kind of protective cover. On those that do not, the
same auxiliary vent assembly can be used as described above if
the regulators vent is threaded. Smaller regulators most probably
do not have a threaded vent, and many simply have a slotted
vent opening. The decision to add a hood or install a new drip
lip regulator ought to be made on the basis of the age of the old
regulator. A regulator that has been in service for over ten years is
a likely candidate for replacement.
Single Cylinder InstallationsHere the regulator vent cannot
be pointed down with conventional straight or angle POL
adaptors because the regulator hits the top of the cylinder. So it
210
Regulators with threaded vents can use an angle auxiliary vent

assembly like the one shown in Figure 6. Other alternatives are
encasements and vent protectors (Figure 7).
Other Factors
While freezing rain or sleet are the most common causes of vent
obstruction, theyre not the only ones. Snow, insects, and mud can
also plug the vent. It ought to be checked each time a gas delivery
is made to see that it is free from any obstruction. In areas where
snow can cover the entire regulator, a protective hood should be
considered. Dont install a regulator directly under roof eaves,
down spouts, or in other locations where there can be excessive
water accumulation.
Mud and road splatter can pose special difficulties for regulators
used on recreational vehicles. The 1974 edition of NFPA No. 501C
(Standard for Recreational Vehicles) specifically states, Regulators
shall be installed so the regulator vent will not be affected by the
elements such as by ... mud or by wheel spray.
Sometimes the LP-Gas container on the RV is installed in a spot
where the regulator can catch the full brunt of any spray from the
wheels. Conventional covers usually arent effective against road
splatter because the vent needs protection not only from the top and
sides but from the bottom as well. LP-Gas dealers can explain the
problem to the RV owner when the container is being refilled and
possibly remedy the situation.

All regulators should be inspected periodically for internal
corrosion. Condensate or water can collect in the regulators
spring case, especially on horizontally mounted or insufficiently
sloped units, and cause corrosion of the internal parts. If any
corrosion or water marks are visible within the spring case, the
regulator should be replaced. It is recommended that regulators in
service over five yearsor regulators moved from one location to
anotherbe inspected for internal corrosion at regular intervals.
Checking and updating regulator installations is time well spent
from both a liability and a customer acceptance stand-point. Its
a policy that reduces the number of regulator malfunctions (and
trouble calls) while at the same time helping to maintain customer
satisfaction. And making sure all new regulators have the drip lip
type construction will be a big aid in cutting installation costs on
domestic hook-ups.
Figure 7. Encasements or Vent Protectors may be able to Solve the

Horizontal Mounting Problem.
211

LP-32 Inspecting LP-Gas Regulators: What To Look For
Introduction
Vent Blockage
LP-Gas regulators in general are very durable pieces of equipment.

And since they are able to automatically supply gas year in and
year out, its easy to take the regulator for granted. Oftentimes the
regulator receives minimal, if any, attention from the bobtail driver
when he makes gas deliveries to a home or business.
Regulators cannot work properly with a blocked or plugged

vent. Such a condition can cause over-pressure at the appliances,
resulting in the possibility of a serious accident. This is why
ULs Standard for Pressure Regulators for LP-Gas has called
since 1974 for a regulators vent to be of drip lip design, see
Figure 1. If the vent is not of drip lip design, the regulator
manufacturer must label the unit with CAUTION: For outdoor
use, install under a protective cover.
Lack of regulator inspection can be the cause of numerous accidents

each year accidents that in most cases could have been prevented.
Lets take a look at some simple, common sense inspection
procedures that can lessen the likelihood of an LP-Gas system
causing injury or damage. Were assuming the regulator has
been installed correctly in the first place and that the installation
complies with NFPA 58, state or local regulations, and the
manufacturers instructions.
The Question of Age

How long should a typical LP-Gas regulator last? This is a
frequently asked question, and its impossible to have an accurate
answer to it. There are just too many variables, things like climatic
conditions, air pollution, and the possibility of contaminants in the
LP-Gas. These factors and others play a major role in determining
the service life of a regulator.
It is not recommended to keep Fisher brand regulators in service
over 15 years. Admittedly this is a rule-of-thumb recommendation,
but in our experience the majority of regulator failures happen
in units over 15 years old. Replacing older units is probably the
biggest single step that can be taken in helping to reduce accidents
associated with LP-Gas regulators.
To be sure, the 15-year old regulator may have a number of years
of life left in it. But exactly how many more years of service is
it capable of giving? Its impossible for anyone to say for certain
how much longer an older regulator will continue to work without
causing problems.
Waiting until a regulator wears out malfunctions before replacing it
runs the risk of allowing an accident to take place. With something
as important as an LP-Gas installation, preventive maintenance is a
necessity for continued safety.
For those who feel the 15 year figure is too conservative, it should
be pointed out that some natural gas utilities change their regulators
when they have been in service as little as 5 years. Service life
depends upon the regulators environment, and some environments
are much more unfavorable than others as far as regulator service
life is concerned.
The regulators date of manufacture is usually stamped on one of
three places: the closing cap, the spring case, or the bottom of the
body. If you cant be sure of the date (a date code of some sort has
been used), write the manufacturer for further information.
212
Drip lip vents are extremely resistant to blockage by freezing rain

when properly installed outdoors (vent pointing down). Freezing
rain is the most common cause of plugged vents, hence the
requirement for drip lip vents or protective covers. Make sure all
regulators installed outdoors have the drip lip construction and the
vent pointed down. Regulators without a drip lip vent should have
either an auxiliary vent assembly (Figure 2) or a protective hood.
Drip lip vents and/or protective covers do not eliminate the need for
periodic inspection of the vent. Insects like mud dobbers are apt to
build nests in small openings, and they have caused vent blockage
in the past. Mud has also caused problems on recreational vehicles
when the regulator is exposed to road splatter.
Its a quick and easy thing to check for vent obstruction each time
the container is filled. Observing this simple procedure could
prevent a serious accident.
Internal and External Corrosion

Corrosion problems are particularly acute on regulators installed
near coast lines or around large bodies of water. Also, buried
containers where water covers the regulator during a flood or heavy
rain can account for serious corrosion. Regulator models which
have worked for 30 years in a dry climate have failed in as little as
2 years where they were submerged in water from time to time or
located in coastal areas.
A brief inspection of the regulator is sufficient to spot signs of
external corrosion. It takes a little more time, however, to find
internal corrosion and its internal corrosion that leads to sudden
regulator failure. A non-working regulator permits high pressure to
the appliances, creating a fire or explosion hazard.
Water can accumulate inside the spring case due to
condensation even if the regulator is installed under a
hood. Eventually the pusher post can be destroyed, making
it impossible for the regulator to operate. The effect of
condensation on internal parts can be greatly reduced by
installing the regulator so that the vent is pointing or sloping
down. This delays pusher post and relief valve corrosion by
keeping these parts out of moisture. It also allows water to
drain out through the vent in the case of heavy condensation.

drip lip
old style
vent
Figure 1. Regulator Vents with Drip Lip Design are Much More Resistant to Freeze-up than Old Style Vents when Installed Pointing Down.
4. Replace the regulator if signs of corrosion are present.

5. Observe normal start-up precautions for lighting of pilots and
system pressure tightness when turning the system back on and
adjusting the regulator.
Its not very difficult for a serviceman to make a survey of
customer regulators to find the oldest unit. These older units
should be inspected for corrosion and aging problems. Regulators
of various ages should be examined to get an idea of just how
quickly corrosion can become a problem in the particular climate.
By doing this a LP-Gas dealer can then determine about how long
a regulator can remain in service before it needs to be replaced.
Chips and Foreign Material
AUXILIARY VENT
ASSEMBLY
Figure 2. Some Old Regulators can have Drip Lip Protection through an
Auxiliary Vent.
To inspect for internal corrosion:

1. Remove the closing cap and look down into the spring case. A
flashlight may be needed for the inspection.
2. In order to get a good look at the internal parts, it may
necessary to remove the adjusting screw and spring. Shut down the
system if these parts are removed.
3. Look for visible corrosion or water marks on the shaded area
in Figure 3.
Pipe scale, dirt, and chips of foreign material may also be a source
of problems. These chips sometimes become trapped between the
regulators orifice and seat disk, refer to Figure 4, preventing the
regulator from locking up (shutting off completely). Pressure
then becomes too high downstream when the appliances are shut
off. Usually the regulators internal relief valve prevents hazardous
pressure conditions if the chips are small.
Chips are most likely to be encountered on new installations
where there can be foreign material in the pipe or tubing. Another
possible problem area is on weekend or summer homes where
gas is shut off for a time and then turned back on; the sudden flow
surge in the line could dislodge piping scale.
The best approach is to attempt to minimize the effect of chips.
Blowout pipe and tubing fittings before installing a regulator or when
a cylinder is changed out. Dont reuse old copper pigtails when
making new installations because they may be brittle or contain
scale. Installing second stage regulators with the inlet pointing down
makes it more difficult for chips to enter.
213

scale, dirt
leak
Figure 3. The Pusher Post and Internal Relief Valve Assembly (Shaded Area)
Should be Examined for Signs of Corrosion.
Figure 4. Dirt can Prevent Regulators Seat Disk from Moving Close Enough
to the Orifice, Causing Higher Pressure when Appliances are Off.
Seat disk indentation can eventually cause pressure variations, but

it usually takes a number of years for the disk to become indented
enough to give high pressure difficulties.
Conclusion
If the regulators seat disk is damaged by chips or seat indentation,

it has to be replaced. Repaired regulators should be visually
inspected and completely tested by qualified personnel before they
are returned to service. After the regulator is put back in service, a
re-check of the entire system should be conducted.
214
By establishing a systematic inspection program for LP-Gas

regulators, youll be preventing a lot of potentially hazardous
situations from ever taking place. Periodically check the regulator
for age and signs of internal corrosion. External corrosion and vent
blockage can be easily inspected each time the container is filled.

Introduction
Domestic tank fittings, like any other type of mechanical
equipment, require periodic maintenance and inspection because
operating problems can occur. Tank fittings are of vital importance
in the LP-Gas system from a safety standpoint since they contain
and control the product. Everyone handling LP-Gas should be
aware that there is a limit to the number of years a tank fitting can
remain in service without malfunctioning due to damage and wear.
Since this time limit can vary widely due to service conditions, a
periodic inspection routine is especially valuable. The following
examines ways to avoid and correct potential safety hazards with
the most common domestic tank fittings.
Filler Valves
These valves historically have been subject to more operating
difficulties than any other fitting. This is probably because the
filler valve must open and close more than other fittings and is
subjected to high flow surges, product impurities, and rough
handling. Problems occur, of course, when the valve fails to close.
The filler valve could stick in the wide open position or permit only
a small leak past its rubber seat disk. In either case, a hazardous
condition results from the escaping gas and corrective action must
be taken.
The serviceman could encounter the valve sticking wide open if he
quickly disconnects the hose end connection and finds gas rapidly
escaping from the tank. Here would be an extreme hazard because
there is no way to stop the escape of gas. Hazards of this type can
be avoided by not completely disconnecting the Acme coupling
until all pressure is bled off. If the pressure does not dissipate,
the filler valve has malfunctioned. Never disconnect the hose end
under this circumstance.
If light tapping on the valves does not close it, the tank would have
to be emptied before the hose can be disconnected. However, if a
filling hose adaptor back check (such as Fisher brand M460 or
Rego 7577V) is used between the filler valve and the hose end valve,
the adaptor can be left on a filler valve which fails to close. Then the
hose end valve can be removed from the adaptor.
At other times, a filler valve may not completely shut off even
though pressure does bleed off before the hose end adaptor is
disconnected. A small leak past the seat disk can sometimes be
discovered only by applying a leak-detector solution over the seat
seal and watching for bubbles. Small leaks waste gas and may also
create hazards. Of course, all filler valves should be tightly capped
when not in use.
Never jab a tool or some other object at the valves poppet in an
attempt to make the filler valve seat. Such attempts can damage the
poppet so badly that even changing the seat disk will not stop the
leakage, making replacement of the filler valve necessary. Tapping
the side of the valve may help it to seat, but dont tap hard enough to
further damage the valve. Also never tap on the Acme threads, and
never use a tool that could make a spark.
Underwriters Laboratories require that the seat disk in filler valves

be replaceable under pressure. It should be kept in mind that the
internal construction of filler valves differs from manufacturer to
manufacturer, and use only the correct spare parts for the particular
valve. The drawings in figure 1 show how the disk can be replaced
in valves of differing construction, i.e., two-piece and one-piece body
designs. Since some gas will be lost because of the metal-to-metal
lower back check, caution is necessary during disk replacement.
Filler valves of the two-piece body construction should be tested to
make sure the lower back check is still functional before attempting
to take the valve apart. The test can be made by forcing the upper
back check open with a Fisher brand M450A or Rego 3120 or 3119
adaptors. Take care to dislodge only the upper back check and not
both of the back checks. If there is just a little leakage with the
upper back check open, then the lower back check is in place and
the disk replacement procedure can commence.
caution
If the lower check is missing and the filler valves upper
body is unscrewed, there is nothing to contain the LPGas within the tank and a very hazardous condition
results. A few of the older tanks may not have a
separate liquid withdrawal valve, indicating that the
filler valve also serves for liquid withdrawal purposes.
This can be determined by using an adaptor as
described above to slightly open the valves upper back
check. If significant leakage occurs, the disk should
not be replaced under pressure because the leakage
represents too great a hazard.
Relief Valves
The relief valves purpose is to relieve excessive tank pressure
by venting gas until the pressure drops. Excess pressure can be
caused by overfilling, improper purging of air, or possibly from
overheating of the product. If the relief valve is found to be
discharging slightly, check the pressure gauge on the tank. When
pressure is in the 240 to 260 psig (16,5 to 17,9 bar) range, the valve
is functioning properly by discharging gas. At no time should a
person approach or stand directly over a relief valve when tank
pressure is high. The valve could pop wide open at any moment,
blowing gas, dirt, and other debris into a persons face and eyes.
These procedures are suggested for checking relief valves that leak:
1. Check to see if the valve reseats as tank pressure drops. If
it does, the unit is doing exactly what its intended to do,
provided tank pressure was in the 240 to 260 psig (16,5 to 17,9 bar)
range. Tank pressure could be lowered by either removing
product from the tank or cooling the outside of the tank with water.
2. Do not attempt to force the valve closed! This could cause a
tank rupture and will probably damage the relief valve.
3. If you find a relief valve that starts discharging when tank
pressure is substantially below 240 psig (16,5 bar), it means the
valve is malfunctioning and will have to be replaced after the
tank is emptied.
215

two-piece body
cap
one-piece body
washer
cap
upper body
washer
retainer
screw
holder
retainer
disk
disk
holder
body
sub-assembly
spring
lower body
sub-assembly
Figure 1. Exploded View of Typical Filler Valve Constructions
Water, dirt, and other foreign materials are the enemies of the relief
valve because they can damage its poppet and seat. A small drain
hole in the lower portion of the upper body has been provided,
and this opening should always remain unobstructed. There also
should be a raincap placed on the valve to protect it from water
and debris. Some relief valves utilize internal guiding for the main
stem and appear as viewed from above in Figure 2, drawing B. Other
relief valve styles have wings on the poppet for external guiding, as in
drawing A.
Relief valves with wing guides are especially susceptible to
corrosion. The wing guides can become welded to the guide
surface due to prolonged exposure, preventing the valve from
opening as required. If these wing guides are found to be corroded
or jammed by dirt, the entire valve needs to be replaced. Relief
valves are precisely set by the manufacturer for the correct startto-discharge setting, and field repair should never be attempted.
Since the disk in a relief valve is subject to normal deterioration, it
is recommended to replace a relief valve every 15 years (almost all
valves carry the date of manufacture). Earlier replacement may be
required due to severe service conditions.
216
Liquid Withdrawal Valves

Tradenamed SafEvac, Chek-Lok, or Checkmate, these units
are for evacuating liquid from the tank. They are installed on the
top, side, or bottom of the container, depending on the internal
construction of the tank, and are not intended for use as a normal
liquid outlet. During the evacuation process, the unit also acts as an
excess flow valve. Most of the liquid withdrawal valves in the field
today have metal-to-metal seats, and product loss will take place
when making connection to the units.
In some cases, a damaged seat may allow an excessive amount of
liquid to be discharged when the closing cap is loosened. A bleed
hole in the closing cap has been provided to vent the liquid before
the cap is completely unscrewed. If a significant amount of liquid
continues to be blown from under the closing cap for more than
30 seconds, it can be assumed that the internal seat will not prevent
a dangerous amount of gas from escaping. Do not remove the
cap if in doubt. This is particularly true if the tank is located in a
congested area, such as a mobile home park. Should only vapor be
leaking from under the cap, the connection to the liquid withdrawal
valve can usually be made.

A
A
top view
angle
valve
top view
special
adaptor
wing guide
liquid
withdrawal
valve
internal
guiding
Figure 2. Relief Valve Poppets with Internal Guiding or Wing Style Guides
Figure 3. Operational Drawing of a Liquid Withdrawal
Most newer designs of these valves contain a soft seat which helps
to reduce substantially the amount of liquid or vapor vented when
the closing cap is unscrewed. Such a valve is shown in Figure 3.
A common operating practice is to first attach an unloading adaptor

to an angle valve, see Figure 3, and then screw this assembly
into the liquid withdrawal valve. The angle valve is kept open to
prevent the main poppet from opening. As the angle valve-special
adaptor assembly is being screwed into the withdrawal valve,
the bleed through the withdrawal valve is coming out of the open
angle valve (remember the withdrawal valve bleed is being forced
open). Theres a chance some liquid could spray out of the angle
valve as it is rotated. Because of the possibility of liquid spray,
proper protective clothing must be worn and extreme care taken
throughout the entire process.
Once the closing cap is removed, it is valuable to have a full

understanding of how the valve works. The valves contain a
mechanism which is activated by screwing in an unloading adaptor
or a pipe nipple. As the adaptor or pipe nipple opens the valves
bleed seat (increasing product leakage through the valve), the
main valve poppet opens once the pressure equalizes, as shown
in drawings A and B, Figure 3. As soon as the adaptor seals to
the withdrawal valve, closing the angle valve, drawing B, permits
the main poppet to open. The system is now ready for liquid
withdrawal when the transfer equipment is connected.
The special unloading adaptors for these valves made by different
manufacturers have slightly different gasket designs and may
leak somewhat if mated to a different brand valve. Instead of the
special adaptors, an ordinary 3/4-inch MNPT pipe nipple could be
used to open the valve. However, some brands of valves can be
damaged if the nipple is screwed in too far so care must be taken if
a pipe nipple is used, and the nipple may not seal completely.
Disconnecting the unloading adaptor after tank evacuation also

requires care to see that the valves built-in excess flow shutoff
parts were not jammed open by tank debris. The excess flow
must be slugged shut by sudden discharge and not be allowed to
open again while the adaptor is unscrewed. The manufacturers
instruction sheet covers this aspect in more detail.
217

Service Valves
Conclusion
Valves of this type, called ComboValve, MultiValve, or Unipac,

offer fewer potential problems than other fittings, but they still
should not be ignored. The customer should be shown this valve and
told how to shut it off if gas is escaping into the house or any other
abnormal situation takes place.
Vehicles have run into tanks, floods have submerged them, and
high winds have tipped them over. There have been instances
where children playing on tanks have damaged valves, causing
accidents. While the LP-Gas dealer is powerless to prevent natural
disasters or acts of just plain ignorance, he can establish day-to-day
safety practices which will benefit both his business interests and
the well being of the customer he serves.
The service outlet should be checked periodically to see if it will

still close (many valves in service today have not been shut off in
years). Be sure the handwheel is in place and is accessible. Also
examine the stem seal periodically for leakage and replace it if
necessary (empty the tank first). The fixed liquid level gauge on
the valves will start to show liquid at the 80% level and can be
used to check the float gauge reading at that level. If the two dont
agree, go by the one that shows the highest filling level until a
more thorough inspection and repair can be made.
caution
All other service valves require emptying all
pressure from the tank before attempting repairs.
218
For more information about domestic tank fittings, see the NLPGA
Safety Bulletin No. 306-71, Suggested Regulator and Valve
Maintenance. This information, available by writing the NLPGA,
comes as a separate bulletin or as a part of the NLPGA Safety
Handbook. The various valve manufacturers can also supply
product instruction sheets upon request.

Introduction
Its during severely cold weather that the LP-Gas system faces its
most serious challenge. These are the times of freezing equipment,
low tank pressure, and peak customer demand. The portion of the
LP-Gas installation put under particular stress by winter conditions
is the tank and its vaporization rate. Understanding the factors
affecting the capacity of an LP-Gas system during cold weather
therefore becomes vitally important.
The operation of an LP-Gas system depends upon the vaporization
of the compact liquid stored in the tank. Expanding in volume as
much as 270 times, propane vaporizes into a gas which supplies
pressure to move itself through the system before it is finally
burned as a fuel. It is this central principle of vaporizing liquid fuel
that is so adversely affected by winter temperatures.
The liquid in the container must use the temperature difference
between its boiling point and the outside temperature in extracting
enough available heat to permit vaporization. When gas is
withdrawn from the tank, the pressure is lowered below that of
equilibrium, lowering the liquids boiling point. This action causes
more vapor to boil off to restore the pressure. Cold weather results
in a reduced tank vapor pressure simply because there is less heat
energy In the atmosphere to boil off the liquid fuel into vapor.
Frost Halts System

A tank will meet load demands until gas is removed faster than
boiling can replace it. When this occurs, the outside walls of the
tank are chilled, inducing precipitation on the walls from the
surrounding atmosphere. During the winter, moisture on the tank
surface quickly transforms into frost up to the level of the liquid.
As the layer of frost develops, it acts like an insulator on the tank,
greatly restricting heat transfer from the surrounding air to the
liquid. The system then fails because the vapor pressure falls below
that needed for satisfactory regulator performance.
A simple formula governs the vaporization capacity of any given
tank. It is as follows:
Q = U x %A x (T1 - T2)
Where:

Q=

Heat transferred from the atmosphere

through the tank walls into the liquid
(Btuh)

U = 2,

which is a coefficient accounting for the

convective heat transfer from the air to the tank
wall, the thermal conductivity through the
wall, and the convection from the inner surface
to the liquid (Btu/ft.2 hr. F); 2 is an average
number since wind and sunlight affect this factor
%A =
Area of the tank surface up to the level
of liquid (ft.2); this is the only portion of the

tank transferring significant heat
(T1 - T2) =

The difference in temperature between the air

temperature, T1, and the temperature of the
liquid in the tank, T2.
Figure 1. Layer of frost on Underside of Tank. The Tank has been Painted
Black in that Area to Make it Easier to Identify this Condition.
The most important variable in the equation is %A, the wetted

surface area of the tank, which is dependent upon several factors.
Wetted Surface Area Determinants

The greater the physical size of the tank, the more outside surface area
it has, directly increasing its vaporization capacity. However, only
that portion of the tank in contact with the liquid can transfer heat.
This area is found from the volumetric percentage of liquid in the
tank and can be easily determined from the liquid level gauge. The
liquid level itself is affected by two other factors: (1) the ratio of the
tanks length to its outside diameter, and, less importantly, (2) whether
the tank heads are flat, elliptical, or hemispherically shaped. Table 1
demonstrates the effect of the various parameters on the percentage
of wetted surface area.
Table 1. Wetted Percentage of Total Tank Surface Area
head type
length to
diameter
ratio
25%
33%
50%
Flat
2:1
4:1
6:1
34.41
35.46
35.86
39.82
40.54
40.82
50.0
50.0
50.0
Elliptical
2:1
4:1
6:1
34.35
35.45
35.86
39.80
40.55
40.83
50.0
50.0
50.0
Hemispherical
2:1
4:1
6:1
34.29
35.44
35.87
39.77
40.56
40.85
50.0
50.0
50.0
volume percent full
Total surface area for a cylindrical container with hemispherical heads = overall length
x outside diameter x 3.14. Total surface area for a cylindrical container with other than
hemispherical heads = (overall length + 0.3 outside diameter) x outside diameter x 3.14.
219

SCALEofOF
SHADES
scale
shades
under
40 40
UNDER
40
40- -5050
50
50- -6060
E OF SHADES
UNDER 40
0 - 50
0 - 60
0 - 70
0 - 80
0 - 90
60
60- -7070
70
70- -8080
80
80- -9090
Figure 2. Average Relative Humidity (%), January
Temperature Differential
Another important consideration in the vaporization equation
is the temperature differential between the liquid in the tank
and the atmosphere. As mentioned previously, this differential
determines the amount of heat available to the liquid. Not all of
the heat, however, can be used. A humidity correction factor limits
the amount of available heat that can be extracted from a given
temperature differential.
Using the equation,
As air temperature decreases and relative humidity increases,

the usable temperature difference reaches a minimum. This is
because the cold air surrounding the tank becomes saturated with
water vapor at high humidity levels, making precipitation form
on the slightly colder tank surface. At winter temperatures the
precipitation immediately turns into frost. As can be seen from
Table 2, there is only 1F (-18C) temperature difference between
the air and the tank with a -30F (-34C) air temperature and 90%
relative humidity. Going the opposite direction, a low humidity of
20% together with an outside temperature of 40F (4C) gives 35
of usable temperature differential.
Take, for example, a 500-gallon (1893 liters) tank with
hemispherical heads and an overall length-to-diameter ratio of 4:1
that has a total surface area of 97 ft2 (9 m2). The tank is located in
a region where the lowest average temperature is -10F (-23C)
and the average relative humidity is 80%. (See Figure 2 for a
map showing typical relative humidities for various regions of the
United States.) Under these conditions, how much fuel can the
tank vaporize without frost build-up if it is one-quarter full?
220
Q = U x %A x (T1- T2), we find:
U=2
%A = 97 ft.2 x 35.44
(% of total surface area wetted from Table 1)
(T1- T2) = 3
(F, usable temperature difference from Table 2)
Plugging these numbers into the equation produces a Q value of

206.3 Btuh. Table 3 shows the Btus needed to vaporize 1 pound
of propane at various temperatures. At -13F; -25C (-10F;
atmospheric + -3F usable temperature difference) it can be
interpolated from that table that it takes 174.25 Btu to vaporize 1
pound of liquid propane.
Therefore:
206.3 Btuh -174.25 Btu/pound = 1.18 pound/hr (vaporized fuel)
Vaporized propane = 21,591 Btu/pound
1.18 pound/hr x 21,591 Btu/pound = 25,562 Btu/hr
(the amount the tank can vaporize under these conditions)
If the 25,562 figure seems exceptionally low, its because the high
humidity limits the available heat range to a scant 3 for continuous
service. Also, the wetted surface area of the tank is small when it
is only one-quarter full. Under intermittent loading, the capacity
for the tank might be three to four times greater.

Table 2. Difference Between Air Temperature and Temperature of Frost Formation
Air
Temperature,
F (C)
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
-30 (-34)
---
---
---
---
8.0(1)
5.0(1)
2.5(1)
1.0(1)
-25 (-32)
---
---
15.0(1)
11.0(1)
8.0(1)
5.0
3.0
1.5
-20 (-29)
---
20.0
15.0
11.5
8.5
5.0
3.0
1.5
-15 (-26)
---
20.0(1)
15.5
12.0
8.5
5.5
3.0
1.5
-10 (-23)
27.5(1)
20.5
16.0
12.0
9.0
6.0
3.0
1.5
-5 (-21)
28.0
relative humidity
(1)
(1)
(1)
21.0
16.0
12.0
9.0
6.0
3.5
2.0
0 (-18)
29.0
21.5
16.5
12.5
9.0
6.0
4.0
2.0
5 (-15)
29.5
22.0
17.0
13.0
9.0
6.0
4.0
2.0
10 (-12)
30.0
22.5
17.0
13.0
9.5
6.5
4.0
2.0
15 (-9)
31.0
23.0
18.0
13.5
10.0
7.0
4.0
2.0
20 (-7)
31.5
24.0
18.0
14.0
10.0
7.0
4.0
2.0
25 (-4)
32.5
24.0
19.0
14.5
10.5
7.5
4.5
2.0
30 (-1)
33.0
25.0
19.5
15.0
11.0
8.0
5.0
3.0
35 (2)
34.0
26.0
20.0
16.0
11.5
8.5
5.0
3.0
40 (4)
35.0
27.0
21.0
16.5
12.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
(1)
1. If the full temperature difference is used in these cases, the minimum tank pressure may be too low for satisfactory performance. Reprinted with permission
from A Practical Guide to LP-Gas Utilization.
Vaporization Capacities
Tables 4 and 5 are generalized listings showing the vaporization
capacities of standard size tanks of the 4:1 ratio, one-quarter
full, and at 40% and 80% relative humidities. The tables show
maximum continuous withdrawal rates that can be achieved without
tank frosting taking place. Note the dramatic reduction in tank
vaporization capacity with the 80% relative humidity (Table 5).
This means that for older installations merely maintaining a higher

fuel level in the tank will appreciably boost the vaporization rate.
When all of the elements of the capacity equation are given proper
consideration, the LP-Gas system is better prepared to operate
effectively through its most challenging period.
In sizing tanks to prevent a winter time overload, it is apparent that

four factors should be prime considerations
1. The size of the tank
2. The lowest normal temperature expected
3. The mean relative humidity
4. The lowest percentage volume level the tank will be allowed
to reach.
221

Table 3. Heat (Btu) Needed to Vaporize 1 Pound Propane
Temperature, F (C)
40 (4)
30 (-1)
20 (-7)
10 (-12)
0 (-18)
-10 (-23)
-20 (-29)
-30 (-34)
-40 (-40)
159.0
162.0
165.0
168.0
170.5
173.5
176.0
179.0
181.5
Table 4. Tank 25% Full at 40% Relative Humidity Maximum Continuous Withdrawal Rate (Btuh)
Without Tank Frosting If Lowest Outdoor Temperature (24 Hour Average) Reaches:
lowest outdoor temperature (24 hour average), F (C)
tank size,
gallons (l)
40 (4)
30 (-1)
20 (-7)
10 (-12)
0 (-18)
-10 (-23)
-20 (-29)
-30 (-34)
150 (568)
250 (946)
500 (1893)
1000 (3785)
84 740
113 570
188 760
336 230
77 280
103 570
172 150
306 640
70 500
94 480
157 040
279 720
65 580
87 890
146 080
260 200
62 740
84 090
139 760
248 940
59 910
80 300
133 460
237 730
55 400
74 260
123 420
219 840
29 430
39 440
65 550
116 760
1. For a tank at 1/3 full, multiply Btuh values by 1.144.

Table 5. Tank 25% Full at 80% Relative Humidity Maximum Continuous Withdrawal Rate (Btuh)
Without Tank Frosting If Lowest Outdoor Temperature (24 Hour Average) Reaches:
lowest outdoor temperature (24 hour average), F (C)
tank size,
gallons (l)
40 (4)
30 (-1)
20 (-7)
10 (-12)
0 (-18)
-10 (-23)
-20 (-29)
-30 (-34)
150 (568)
250 (946)
500 (1893)
1000 (3785)
33 000
44 230
73 510
130 940
20 360
27 290
45 360
80 790
16 020
21 480
35 700
63 580
15 760
21 120
35 100
62 530
15 510
20 790
34 550
61 540
11 460
15 360
25 530
45 480
11 290
15 130
25 150
44 800
9 270
12 420
20 640
36 770

222

LP-19 Keeping
Fisher Internal Valves Working
Tank
tank
inlet pressure
outlet pressure
M1105
C427 Series
Figure 1. Operational Schematic of a Typical Fisher Brand Internal Valve.
Introduction
Internal valves are one of the most important elements in a bobtail
or transport trucks transfer system. While Fisher brand internal
valves are widely used on trucks hauling LP-Gasas well as other
compressed gasessome drivers and maintenance mechanics run into
problems when they dont completely understand how the valves
work. This bulletin brings out four points about internal valves: (1)
recommended operation, (2) correct installation of valve actuators,
(3) proper maintenance, and (4) troubleshooting tips.
Operation
Moving an internal valves operating lever to the fully open position
does not open the main poppet immediately. Instead a pilot equalizing
valve is opened to allow tank pressure to bleed downstream.
Referring to the schematic in Figure 1, the shutoff portion of the
valve is held closed by both tank pressure and the closing spring.
Positioning the operating lever about mid-point in its 70 travel
places a smaller section of the valves stem in the pilot bleed
opening. Pressure can equalize much faster in this position, called
rapid equalization, than if the lever was fully opened.
After a few seconds, a click can be heard indicating that pressure
has equalized on both sides of the main poppet and that the poppet
has opened. The operating lever can now be moved to the full open
position. If, during product transfer, flow exceeds the rating of the
excess flow spring, the main poppet closes.
Warning
Failure to inspect and maintain internal valves and

their remote actuating control systems may result in
the valve failing to close in an emergency, leaving no
way to control the discharge of product. Inspection and
maintenance must be performed frequently enough to
assure that the valves are operating properly.
The amount of time for the pressure equalization to take place
depends on several factors. Among them are:
1. The volume of the downstream line to be pressured through the
internal valve. (How near is the next closed line valve?)
2. The tank pressure.
3. The downstream line pressure when the operating lever is
opened. If this line is left wet, the internal valve will usually
open immediately.
4. The amount of foreign material plugging the bleed channel.
Unusual temperature conditions can also affect the equalizing time.
Sometimes the actual temperature of the propane in the truck can be
quite a bit higher than the ambient temperature (if a cold front comes
through, for example). Under these conditions the propane that
bleeds through the valve is cooled in the downstream piping. Due
to the lowered vapor pressure of the cooled gas, the downstream
pressure will stay lower than the tank pressure until the piping fills
completely with liquid. This process could take a long time; the
condition, luckily, happens very rarely.
223

LP-19 Keeping
Figure 2. Moving the Valve Operating Lever Halfway Open Gives Faster Equalizing.
Figure 3. To Obtain Full Operating Lever Travel with Some Cable Controls,
the Cable has to be Attached Close to the Handle Pivot.
Its important to follow the correct sequence of actions when

unloading. The recommended sequence for transports would be:
valve lever has been travelled to the wide open position and ignores
looking into this possibility as a solution to the trouble.
1. Lock the truck brakes. Check and connect ground wires as needed.
Cable controls are by far the most popular method of actuating

internal valves, both on bobtails and transports. The operating
lever on Fisher brand valves swings through a 70 arc (90 on
1-1/4-inch valves) from the closed to the fully open position. The
cable control must move the lever to within 5 of the fully open
position to avoid premature excess flow valve closure. A number
of manufacturers, including EmersonTM, make cable controls and a
few truck fabricators produce their own. No matter whose control is
used, the cable slack has to be adjusted so that the control moves the
valve operating lever the correct distance.
2. Connect the transfer lines, leaving the in-line valves closed.

3. Open the internal valve. On rapid equalizing valves, hold
the operating levers about halfway open for a few seconds for
best equalizing results. Air actuated valves will equalize faster
if opened and closed a few times during the equalizing process.
4. After the internal valve opens, gradually open the downstream
line valves and allow the lines to fill.
5. Finally, start the pump or compressor to begin the transfer operation.
Since bobtails normally leave the piping pressurized, little or no
pressure equalization time is required. Also, there are fewer in-line
valves to worry about on bobtails.
Some drivers will claim this sequence too slow and involved, but
the few additional seconds it takes will prevent a lot of premature
valve closing, pump cavitation and wear, and time lost repeating
some other sequence that is not effective.
Note
In the event of an accident during product
transfer, it is essential that the attendant activate
the remote closure control of the valve. Remote
closure controls are the primary safety device
for a product transfer system. In most transfer
accidents no internal valve, regardless of make,
will close unless the valves closure controls are
activated. This is why the attendant should be
located so that he has access to the closure controls
throughout the transfer operation.
Valve Actuator Installation

A problem that could be experienced with internal valves is the failure
of the actuating device to move the valves operating lever far enough
open. Insufficient travel permits the built-in excess flow valve to close
once the transfer operation begins. Often times the operator thinks the
224
The various controls give differing amounts of cable travel. Fisher

brands current cable controls have latch positions for 4, 5, and 6-inch
(101, 127, and 152 mm) travels. Therefore the Fisher brand cable
control system is optimized to fully stroke the valve to the 70 degree
position with these with these indexed positions. Some of the other
widely used cable controls have a travel of only 1-1/2 to 2-inch (38,1
to 50,8 mm). In order to achieve the full 70 travel with these controls,
the cable attachment point on the operating lever must be moved closer
to the handle pivot (see Figure 3). At times the cable attachment point
has to be made only 1 1/4 to 1 1/2-inch (31,8 to 38,1 mm) down from
the pivot, depending on the make and type of cable control.
Cable stretch after installation can cause problems for a control
with a short travel. For instance, a 1/4-inch (6,35 mm) cable stretch
after final adjustment results in 17% less operating lever movement
(down to 58 rotation) with a control traveling 1-1/2-inch (38,1 mm).
The same 1/4-inch (6,35 mm) stretch with a 6-inch (152 mm) travel
reduces operating lever movement just 4% (a 67 rotation).
Over tightening the cable may also cause issues. Most internal
valves come to a positive stop internally at the full open position.
If the cable is adjusted too short and the stop is reached before the
control travels to its latching point, a great deal of force is applied
to the valve mechanism by strong-arm attempts to latch the cable
control. On some controls with a high mechanical advantage,
several hundred pounds of cable pull can be developed. This kind
of force can damage the valves internal parts.

LP-19 Keeping
Figure 4. The Cable should be at a Right Angle to the Operating Lever

at the Mid-travel Position.
Figure 5. Using Straps or Other Devices to Hold the Operating Valve Open
Indicate a Lack of Valve Maintenance, and is a Poor Practice.
Check the pull angle of the cable when routing and attaching it
to the lever. At the mid-travel lever position, (see Figure 4) the
cable should pull at a right angle to the lever. Because the control
cable may have some drag, be sure to use a return spring on the
lever. Protect the cable linkage from the elements with a rubber
boot or some other means.
A simple preventive maintenance program for the valve and its

controls will eliminate a whole bunch of problems, and it takes
very little time. Take a few minutes when the truck is having its
oil changed or whatever to look over the valves and the controls.
EmersonTM recommends these steps be conducted at least
once a month on Fisher brand internal valves and more often in
harsh environments:
Fusible links, of course, must be installed at both ends of the

control cable. Make certain to use links with a load capacity equal
to the task. Cable controls with short travels may require fuse
links with a higher load capacity than those with longer travels.
Air cylinders and hydraulic fluid systems are other ways of actuating
internal valves. Here the clevis on the cylinder rod can be adjusted
to move the valve lever to the fully open position (the entire 70 or
90 arc). Air interlock systems with the truck brakes give excellent
ease of operation in addition to increased safety.
Test air operated valves for closure periodically. Doing this will
reveal if wear or dirt in the air cylinder and linkage would keep
the valve from closing. The linkage from the air cylinder to the
valve lever should also be protected from mud, dirt, ice, and road
splatter. And be sure the fusible elements are installed in the air
line that opens the valve.
Maintenance
Its human nature to disregard things that arent causing problems.
The trouble with this attitude, especially where internal valves are
concerned, is that when things go bad they can create difficulties of
enormous proportions. Maintenance and inspection programs help
to prevent sudden equipment failures which leave a costly bobtail
or transport inoperative.
Much too often the only maintenance an internal valve gets takes
place when the valve is suspected of slowing or impeding product
transfer. There can be a tendency to make a temporary fix which
then becomes permanent if product transfer hasnt been slowed
down. One such temporary fix is the use of a coat hanger wire
to hold the valve lever open (see Figure 5). Obviously such a
maneuver destroys the ability of the valve to function as designed.
Never wire open an internal valve. It is an unsafe, unnecessary,
illegal, and a highly dangerous practice.
1. Inspect the operating lever to see that it moves freely and

smoothly. Also examine the stub shaft bonnet nut for leakage
using a soap solution. If there is leakage, the bonnet packing
will have to be replaced. Replacement shaft seals are

inexpensive and easy to store. Although they are

seldom needed, it pays to keep them on hand. A sticking lever
indicates mechanism wear or trapped dirt. This could mean
the need for new shaft seals, shaft bushings, stem bushings,
or a few other things. Its time, in other words, for repair
before the trouble gets worse and the valve wont open (or
close!) with a tank full of product.
2. Check for tight closure of both seat disks. With the internal
valve closed, exhaust downstream pressure. If piping is cold,
allow it to warm to ambient temperature. Then close the first
downstream valve and note any pressure build-up between
the two closed valves with a pressure gauge. If leakage is
indicated, both disks should be replaced. This test can reveal
some odd and scary things. An owner of a second-hand
transport had shutoff problems with the internal valve. It seems
the previous owner, faced with an excess flow rating below his
normal pumping rate, had removed all the shutoff parts from
the valve!
3. All operating controls should be inspected and cleaned and
oiled. The controls should be checked to see that they fully
open but not overtravel the internal valve operating lever
and work freely to close the valve. If wear is detected that
could cause trouble later, order replacement parts now.
225

LP-19 Keeping

Troubleshooting
All of the foregoing wont completely eliminate the chance of some
sort of valve malfunction. Parts in equipment like internal valves
which receive almost daily use do eventually wear out. Many times,
however, the valve gets the blame when some other component in the
system is actually the culprit.
Troubleshooting the valve isnt too difficult; the most useful tool
for the trouble shooter is a pressure gauge installed at the valve
outlet. When the valve is opened, the gauge should show the same
pressure as in the tank. With flow through the valve, this gauge
should always read within a few psi of the tank pressure.
Four common complaints are listed below along with possible
solutions:
Internal Valve Will Not Open Most frequently due to the
operator not using the rapid equalizing position when opening the
valve, could also be from leakage downstream, engaging the pump
too soon, or excessive internal valve wear. If excessive volume
is in the downstream system, a longer time is required to equalize
tank and downstream pressures before the pump can be engaged.
To find out if the valve pilot seat is opening, install a pressure
gauge at the valve outlet and open the valve. If pressure does not
build up to the tank pressure, the pilot seat is not opening. This test
should be done with the pump off. A pilot seat not opening may be
due to internal damage or from foreign material plugging the pilot
bleed opening. Try back flowing through the valve to clear it out.
If the operating lever rotates past the fully open position, there is
something wrong internally and the valve will have to
be disassembled.
226
Premature Valve Closure An improperly connected operating

lever which doesnt fully open the valve (see the Installation
section) is the first thing to look for. This condition could also be
caused from engaging the pump too soon, sudden line surges, or
an underrated excess flow spring. The trouble could stem from a
valve that has its inlet port obstructed.
Internal Valve Will Not Close Most frequently due to a faulty
or sticking actuator, but the stub shaft or stem could be bent. If
the valve leaks even though it seems to close, the seats could be
damaged or foreign materials could be trapped on the seats. Before
disassembling the valve, check the actuator mechanism to see that
it works freely by disconnecting it from the valve lever and cycling
it several times. Also, operate the valve lever manually. If it sticks
in the open position, the packing and bushings should be replaced
which should free the operating mechanism if the valve does not
have internal damage.
Low Flow Capacity First, is the valve large enough? Too
small or long downstream piping might be being used. Other
possibilities include a plugged screen or strainer, some restriction
downstream, or a bypass valve sticking in the open position. The
bypass valve could also be set too low and be opening prematurely.
Check for high differential pressure across the internal valve to
determine if it is at fault.
Conclusion
Internal valves were first introduced in the 1950s. Since that time,
they have gained ever increasing acceptance from users, as well
as regulating agencies. The valves of today are greatly improved
from a performance and durability standpoint from those of ten or
even five years ago. They are capable of giving years of troublefree service, but they do require minimal attention if they are to
remain on the job. This article has attempted to point out ways of
keeping the valve working properly so that the truck can stay on
the road.

LP-29 Complying with NFPA 58 Transfer Area and
Bulk Plant Liquid Opening Requirements
Introduction
This bulletin discusses how Fisher brand valves and accessory
equipment can be used to satisfy NFPA 58 requirements regarding
the transfer area at LP-Gas bulk plants and the installation of
internal valves or the retrofit of 4000 gallon (15 142 l) or larger
storage containers with internal valves, emergency shutoff valves
and back check valves. For Transfer Areas, it brings out the
advantages and disadvantages of certain hook-ups and bulkhead
installation considerations. For 4000 gallon (15 142 liters) and
larger bulk plant or industrial plant containers, it describes which
valves can be used, where retrofit valves must be placed, and
signage requirements.
Transfer Area Valves and Bulkheads

Emergency Shutoff Valves
Emergency Shutoff Valves (ESVs) were first mandated in the
1976 edition of NFPA 58. The following three features must be
incorporated in an ESV (Ref. NFPA 58, 5.10.4)
Automatic shutoff through thermal actuation. The thermal
element must melt at no more than 250F (121C).
Manual shutoff from a remote location
Manual shutoff at the installed location.
The following installation points must be followed for the
installation to comply with NFPA 58 requirements.
An ESV is required on liquid transfer lines 1-1/2-inch (38,1 mm)
or larger and on vapor lines 1-1/4-inch (31,8 mm) and larger.

A back check valve, designed specifically for the application, may
be used if flow is in one direction only.
The thermal element for the ESV must be no more than 5 feet
(1,5 m) from the nearest end of the hose or swivel piping
connected to the piping on which the ESV is installed.
The ESV or back check valve must be installed within 20-ft
(6,1 m) of lineal piping from the nearest hose or swivel
piping connection.
The ESV or back check must be installed in the plant piping
so that any break will occur on the swivel piping or hose side of
the connection while leaving the valves and piping intact on the
plant side of the piping. This protection can be accomplished
by the use of concrete bulkheads or equivalent anchorage or by the
use of a weakness or shear fitting.
Remote location shutoff devices must be located not less than
25-ft (7,6 m) or more than 100-ft (30,5 m) in the path of
egress from the ESV.
Figure 1. The N550 Series Snappy Joe Emergency Shutoff Valves
An ESV gives a way of remotely shutting off gas from the

stationary storage piping. Primarily there are two situations
which could create a need for remote ESV closure:
1. A pull-away by a bobtail or transport truck with the
hose/piping still connected, or
2. A hose rupture or piping break.

If either of these things took place at a bulk plant without ESV
protection, it might be impossible to reach the shutoff valve at the
tank in order to shutdown the system.
Remember that NFPA 58 calls for ESV protection on both sides of
the transfer hose or piping. Bobtails and transports equipped with
remotely closed internal valves can give protection to the truck side
of the hose.
Bobtail and Transport Transfer

Fisher brand Type N550 Snappy Joe ESVs (Figure 1) are
designed to protect the bulk plant side of the installation
when loading or unloading bobtails and transports. All Type
N550 Snappy Joes look and operate exactly the same; the
only difference in the 1-1/4, 2, and 3-inch FNPT units is their
physical size. This can make training drivers to use the Snappy
Joe easier because all that has to be known to close the valve is
to push the lever down. The driver does not have to remember
under the pressure of an emergency situation different closure
procedures for different ESVs.
227

Figure 2. Type P163A Cable Release
Figure 3. Type N550 with a Type P327D Pneumatic Release
Fisher brand Emergency Shutoff Valves are listed with

Underwriters Laboratories as a primary shutoff valve. The
valve is designed to be a working shutoff, meaning a globe
or angle valve does not have to be installed with a Snappy Joe
at the bulkhead unless the user desires to do so. However, no
ESV eliminates the need for a means of shutoff at the stationary
storage tank. NFPA 58, Section 5.7.7 gives a listing of what
valving is required in the stationary storage
Pneumatic Closure
Standard construction Snappy Joe ESVs can be remotely closed

by either a cable or a pneumatic cylinder and cannot be opened
from a remote location. This was done to assure that inadvertent
opening of the valve from a remote point could not take place.
A special service chamber air actuator, Type P539, is available
that will both open and close the ESV from a remote location,
but special precautions must be taken so as to not inadvertently
open the valve at the wrong time. The person making the transfer
should have control to open the ESV.
Cable Closure
The standard Snappy Joe comes with a latch mechanism with a
looped cable attachment. A remote release cable such as the
Type P163A (Figure 2), consisting of a release mechanism and
25 feet (7,6 m) of cable, avoids many of the problems associated
with ordinary cable. Since Type P163As use a shielded cable,
ice and dirt are less likely to pose a threat to cable movement.
And the cable requires far less guiding; a number of bends
can be made without affecting its ability to close the Snappy
Joe. Attachment is made to the valves latch mechanism after
removing the looped cable portion, a procedure described in the
Type N550 instruction manual, Form MCK-1149.
For more details on cables and cable installation see the following
pages for the Cable Operation section.
228
A pneumatic closure system (using a Snappy Joe a Type P327D

cylinder) should be considered when any of these conditions
are present:
1. More than one ESV is required at the installation.
2. Remote closure point is a long distance from ESV.
3. More than one remote closure point is desired.
4. Other valves in the system are pneumatically operated.
All bulk plant ESV control systems should be hooked-up so that
activating any of the remote closure controls closes all ESVs (and
internal valves) in the bulk plant. Each ESV, of course, should also
be capable of individual control for normal operations. This is easy
to do with the Type N550-P327D (Figure 3) because the cylinder
actuator can be left pressurized continually and depressurized only
when emergency closure is required.
For more details on pneumatic controls see the following pages for
the Pneumatic Operation section.
ESVs for Tank Cars

Unlike bobtails and transports, railroad tank cars are not equipped
with internal valves. So on tank car installations ESV protection
is required on both sides of the hose or swivel piping. The valving
for the unloading riser side of the installation can be the same kind
of ESVs or back check valves used on conventional hookups. For
the tank car side of the hose, however, EmersonTM felt conventional
ESVs were too heavy and awkward to install, and the Type N562
Snappy Joe ESV was developed specifically for tank cars.

excess flow
spring
quick
disconnect
nipple
main
poppet
internal
thread
nipple
hardened stainless
steel pipe threads
wrenching
hex
fuse plug
pilot
valve
seat
disk
piston
Figure 4. Type N562 Snappy Joe ESV for Tank Cars
Exactly the same pneumatic accessories can be used for the

Type N562 (Figure 4) as the Types N550/P327D covered
previously. The same amount of supply pressure (50 psig; 3,4
bar) can also be used, making a pneumatic tie-in between all
Snappy Joes (and internal valves) in the system possible. In this
way the entire bulk plant, including the tank car, could be shut
down from one or more widely separated locations.
Back Checks and Internal Valves

ESVs are not required in every instance, and two other valves
could be used under certain conditions to gain NFPA 58
Type G201
compliance. Where flow is only into the stationary storage tank,Type G200 & G201 Back Check Valve
such as transport truck unloading point, a back check valve can be
used instead of an ESV. It makes sense to use back check valves
wherever possible because they are the only valve in the system
that works automatically, i.e., when flow stops, the valve closes
without action on anyones part.
August 2007
Type G200 & G201
Another option is the internal valve where the 20-ft (6,1 m) lineal
piping distance can be met. Some bulk plants already use internal
valves in the stationary storage. Where this is the case, all thats
needed is a fusible element at both the internal valve and within
5-ft (1,5 m) of the hose and a way to close the valve at the valve,
such as a Type P340 manual latch or 3-way pneumatic valve
installed at the valve and at a safe remote location.
M1095
Conventional back check valves were not felt to be of rugged enough

construction to function in-line at the bulkhead day after day. For
this reason, EmersonTM introduced the Fisher brand G200 Series,
see Figure 5, of back checks, a valve similar in body construction
to the Type N550 Snappy Joe valves with heavy duty steel and
stainless steel internal parts. Type G201 has a built-in flow indicator
and could take the place of the sight flow indicators.
inlet pressure
INLET PRESSURE
OUTLET PRESSURE outlet
pressure
M1095
Type G201 Operational schematic
Figure 5. Type G201 Back Check Valve
229

Figure 6. Type C427 Internal Valve
Figure 7. Type P340 Manual Latch
The Type C427 internal valves, see Figure 6, have proven

themselves on truck applications, and many LP-Gas dealers use the
valves in stationary storage instead of an excess flow valve-globe
valve combination. The Type C427 can be closed by cable or
pneumatically.
Valves For Bulk Plant and Industrial Plant Container

Liquid Openings
Bulkheads
All installation drawings of ESVs, back checks, or internal valves
show a bulkhead because of NFPA 58, 6.10.8, wording requires
for valving to be installed in the plant piping so that any break
resulting from a pull will occur on the hose or swivel type piping
side of the connection while retaining intact the valves and piping
on the plant side of the connection. If the fixed piping can be
damaged by a pull, the safety features the valves were meant to
provide become worthless.
There are a number of prefabricated steel bulkheads now on the
market, and it is also possible to make a bulkhead out of concrete.
Many of the prefabricated bulkheads have undergone pull tests
to make certain they can withstand the force generated by a truck
attempting to leave without being disconnected. These tests
clearly demonstrated the strength of LP-Gas hose, taking in the
neighborhood of 10 000 to 14 000 pounds (4536 to 6350 kg) of
pull before either the hose or a pipe fitting broke. At this kind of
force the valving in the truck could be pulled out even though the
bulkhead remained unharmed.
One way of reducing the amount of pull necessary to cause a break
is to install the piping at the bulkhead as shown in the installation
drawing, Figure 8. A lever arm is created by the pipe, and tests
have shown that the pipe breaks at the bulkhead at a much lower
pull force. (This force can be controlled by changing the length of
the lever arm.) By reducing the number of pounds of pull it takes
to cause a break, both the valves in the truck and in-line at the
bulkhead are in less danger of being damaged.
230
The 2001 edition of NFPA 58 gave new valve requirements for

ASME storage containers over 4000 gallons (15 142 l) for both
new and existing containers used in Bulk Plants and Industrial
Plants. The 2004 edition of NFA 58 further clarified the
requirements found in paragraphs 5.7.7.2 and 5.7.7.3 by adding a
Table 5.7.7.3 to help clarify the new and retrofit requirements. The
code changes provide for the installation of internal valves which
have multiple actuation methods. With this change in the code, if
there is a break in the piping between the container and the ESV; or
fire in the area of the container liquid valves, there is now a method
available to the operator to close the container valve from a remote
location and thus keep product in the storage container. The new
requirements provide for:
Thermal closure,

Remote closure by cable or pneumatics and

Signage for the remote closure locations.
If you already have internal valves in your tanks, remote shutoff
locations and signage must be added to the valves, if not already
installed, to comply with the requirements.
Finally, NFPA 58 requires that all existing containers over 4000 Gallons
(15 142 l) used in bulk plants and industrial plants be upgraded or
retrofitted with internal valves, ESVs or back check valves by July 1,
2011, to meet the new requirements.

hose
connection
12-INCHES (305 mm)

OR MORE
emergency shutoff
valve type N550
bulkhead
cable to safe
location
fixed piping
Figure 8. Bulkhead with a Lever Arm
Internal Valves In New Installations
Back Check Valves In New Installations
Liquid Withdrawal Openings require an internal valve, such as

the C400 Series, fitted with remote closure and thermal capability.
If a container has a dedicated Liquid Inlet Opening a back check

valve such as the soft seated Types G105, G106 and G107 or the
metal to metal Type G104 or G112 installed in the container and
in combination with a positive shutoff valve, Type N310 or N410
Series Globe and Angle Valves installed as close as practical to the
back check valve may be used in place of an internal valve.
Liquid Inlet Openings require an internal valve, such as the

C400 Series, fitted for remote closure and thermal capability.
Internal valves come with either 1-1/4, 2 or 3-inch threaded NPT
connections with different body configurations. They are also
available in 3-inch or 4-inch (DN 80 or 100) flanged connections.
Internal valves can function as an excess flow or as a back check
valve, but not at the same time. Whether the valve is open or closed
determines when excess flow or back check function is in operation.
Internal valves when open will function as an excess flow valve
with the same limitations as an excess flow valve, mainly they may
not always close when you need them to close. Internal valves
when closed can be used as a back check valve in a tank opening.
A differential pressure of 5 to 10 psi (0,35 to 0,69 bar) is generally
required to open the internal valve, but when flow stops, the internal
valve closes. By connecting the remote release to the internal valve,
these valves can be closed from a remote location in the event they
are open.
Since a back check valve closes when flow stops or flow reverses,
no remote shutdown is required for this valve installation.
However, it is recommended that you periodically test the back
check to make sure it is still operational.
Internal Valves are listed with Underwriters Laboratories as a

positive shutoff valve.
231

back check
valve
excess
flow valve
positive
shutoff
valve
liquid
inlet
only
liquid
inlet and
oulet
liquid
ouTlet
Figure 9. Pre-2001 Liquid Tank Opening Valves if Not Using Internal Valves
Retrofit of Existing Storage Containers by July 1, 2011

Containers built prior to the 2001 edition of NFPA 58, if they didnt
use internal valves in the openings, had liquid openings with either
back check or excess flow valves installed in the container wall and
positive shutoff valves installed in the piping close to the container
wall. See Figure 9.
These older containers need to be retrofitted with internal
valves, ESVs or back check valves by July 1, 2011, to meet the
new requirements.
The Retrofit of a Liquid Withdrawal Opening that has an
excess flow valve installed in the tank and a positive shutoff, see
Figure 10, on the outlet of the excess flow valve, requires either:
Option 1: Remove the excess flow and install a C400 Series
internal valve fitted with remote closure and thermal capability, or
Option 2: Install a N550 Series ESV downstream and as close
as practical to the positive shutoff valve while keeping the
excess flow valve in the tank.
Several options are available for the Retrofit of Liquid Inlet
Openings, see Figure 10:
Option 1: Remove the excess flow and install a C400 Series
internal valve fitted with remote closure and thermal capability,
Option 3: Install a N550 Series ESV downstream and as close
as practical to the positive shutoff valve while keeping the
excess flow valve in the tank,
232
Option 4: For dedicated inlets, install a G200 Series back

check valve in the line upstream and as close as practical to the
positive shutoff valve and the excess flow valve installed in the
container or,
Option 5: For dedicated inlets, remove the excess flow valve
and install a back check valve such as the soft seated Types G105,
G106 and G107 or the metal to metal Type G104 or G112
installed in the container and in combination with a positive
shutoff valve, Type N310 or N410 Globe and Angle Valves
installed as close as practical to the back check valve.
What about Vapor Openings

While the new requirements are mandatory for liquid lines for both
valves and valve retrofit, they are not mandatory for vapor lines.
However, the application can be applied to vapor lines to provide
an even safer bulk plant system. Previous editions of NFPA 58
allowed several valve options for Vapor Inlet and Vapor Outlet
connections and included the use of internal valves, back check
valves, excess flow valves and positive shutoff valves in various
combinations. One combination is the use of a positive shutoff as
close as practical to a properly sized excess flow valve installed
in the tank. If the vapor line is broken with this combination of
valves, the excess flow may not close for a number of reasons, or
you may not be able to get to the shutoff valve at the tank to close
this line. With this scenario you have an uncontrolled flow of
vapor that can cause a significant accident because you cant stop
the vapor flow.

LIQUID OUTLET LINES
LIQUID INLET AND OUTLET LINES
LIQUID inLET LINES
Figure 10. Retrofit Options for Liquid Container Valves
While the tank is down for retrofit of liquid lines, strongly consider
the safety value of replacing the excess flow valve in the vapor
lines with either an internal valve, a back check valve where
applicable, or installing an ESV in the piping just downstream of
the positive shutoff valve. Again these upgrades will give you
the ability to shutoff the vapor lines from a remote location which
results in a safer bulk tank system.
Some states, Texas for example, do require these same or similar
requirements for vapor openings. You should refer to your state
requirements regarding valves required for vapor openings.
Internal Valve Actuation Methods

Internal Valves can be actuated by several different methods. They
can be:
Opened and closed manually,
Opened and closed with a cable system,
Opened and closed with a pneumatic system, and
Thermally closed.
caution
An internal valve, when in an open position, does
include an excess flow function. Various excess flow
spring rates are available. However, because of the
limitations, such as piping configurations in size,
length, valves and pumps which add restrictions to
flow, partial breaks that dont exceed the excess flow
rating, and limited inlet pressure at certain times of
the year, the excess flow should not be considered a
reliable closure method in the event of an emergency.
Manual Operation
Internal Valves, such as the C427 Series, see Figure 6, have manual
latches, Type P340, see Figure 7, that allow you to open and close the
valve at the installed location. The latch includes a thermal element
and can be connected with a remote cable for closure at a remote
location. See the section on thermal releases and cable operation.
233

Cable Operation
A cable system can be used to open and close the internal valve
without having to crawl under the tank. A Fisher brand
Type P650 or P651 Primary Cable Control will work with all
Fisher brand threaded internal valves. The Type P650, for example
could be installed at the bulk head so that it is easy to open the
internal valve. A remote cable is also attached to the Type P650, so
that it can be closed from a remote location. Two fusible links are
required; one at the Type P650 and one at the internal valve where
the cable attaches to the lever.
Types P163A and P164A Auxiliary Remote Releases, consisting
of a release mechanism and either 25 or 50-ft (7,6 or 15,2 m) of
cable, avoid many of the problems associated with ordinary cable.
Since they use a shielded cable, ice and dirt are less likely to pose a
threat to cable movement. And the cable requires far less guiding;
a number of bends can be made without affecting its ability to
close the Internal Valves. Attachment is made to the valves latch
mechanism if a manual latch is used or to the Type P650 if a cable
control is used.
A cable system is probably the most economical way to open
and close a valve and also provide remote closure capabilities,
particularly if there is only one tank at the bulk plant. But cable
systems do have limitations. Conduit, pulleys, eyes, or some other
means of guiding is needed to run the cable to the internal valve
and to run cable to a safe remote location (such as the entrance
of the bulk plant). Simply pulling the cable releases the latch
mechanism holding the operating lever in the open position.
Open type cables can run into problems in cold weather. Water
could get into the conduit and freeze or ice could freeze the cable
to the pulleys, making it impossible to close the valve with the
cable. Also sharp bends may cause binding and prevent standard
cable from being able to close the valve. Cables do stretch, and
need to be periodically adjusted. Care must be taken with cable
hook-ups to make sure they are capable of not only closing the
Internal Valve today but tomorrow as well.
caution
Use the remote cable release at least once a month
to make certain that it is still functional. The
wrong time to find out that your remote release
does not close the Internal Valve is when you need
it in an emergency.
Pneumatic Operation
A pneumatic closure system should be considered when any of
these conditions are present:
1. More than one bulk storage container is at the Bulk Plant or
Industrial Plant
2. More than one internal valve is required at the installation.
234
3. Remote closure point is a long distance from the Internal Valve

or ESV.
4. More than one remote closure point is desired.
5. Other valves, such as ESV at the bulk head, in the system are
pneumatically operated.
All bulk plant Internal Valve control systems should be hookedup so that activating any of the remote closure controls closes all
Internal Valves and ESVs in the bulk plant. Each Internal Valve,
of course, should also be capable of individual control for normal
operations. This is easy to do with a 3-way solenoid or button
valve in the pneumatic line to each valve. If the individual valve
needs to be closed, bleeding the pneumatic pressure between the
internal valve and the button valve will close the internal valve.
Bottled nitrogen, CO2, and dry compressed air all have decided
advantages as pressure sources. All of them are readily available,
are chemically compatible with commercial pneumatic controls
and seals, and do not contain impurities to gum up or freeze in
the control system. Available in supply bottles of 30-ft3 (0,85 m3),
they can last from months to years in a typical system. Because
pressure in the bottles run up to 3000 psig (207 bar), very high
pressure regulators such as welding units or Fisher brand
Type 1301F are required to reduce the pressure to the required
level (50 psig; 3,4 bar) is ideal for the Snappy Joe.
It may be possible to use shop air from small air compressors in
the warmer climates. However, in cold weather areas there can be
problems with moisture freeze-ups in the lines.
While LP-Gas vapor can also be considered as a pressure
source, it has several limitations. First, local codes may require
metallic or special LP-Gas piping for the system. Because
system pressure is above 20 psig (1,4 bar), control lines could be
restricted from entering buildings, and discharge of gas from the
pneumatic control valves may have to have venting to a safe area.
Finally, some codes may require U.L. listed control valves which
might not be available.
Regardless of codes, the tubing, valves, and seals must be resistant
to LP-Gas and be capable of operating with deposits of any likely
impurities (heavy ends, etc.).
Just as with cable systems, pneumatic controls need to be checked
at least once a week from each remote location to validate that
closure from the remote location will actually close the internal
valves and ESVs.
caution
Use the remote pneumatic release at least once a
month to make certain that it is still functional
and will close the internal valves and ESVs. The
wrong time to find out that your remote release
does not close the Internal Valve is when you need
it in an emergency.

Thermal Operation
All Fisher brand internal valves can be closed by thermal
activation. All thermal elements supplied will release in the 208
to 220F (98 to 104C) temperature range. A thermal element
must be installed within 5-ft (1,5 m) of the internal valve.
In some cases the thermal element is part of the latch mechanism,
such as in the Types P340, P341, and P342 manual latches. With
cable systems, a fusible link must be installed between the cable and
the lever at the valve and at the Type P650 primary cable control.
For pneumatic thermal releases, either 1/8 or 1/4-inch threaded
NPT fusible plugs are supplied or made available. The fusible
plugs should be installed at the inlet of the control cylinder at
the valve. If plastic tubing is used for the pneumatic system, the
fusible plugs must still be used to validate the requirement for
thermal release at no more than 250F (121C). While plastic
tubing will melt, it is seldom marked with its melting temperature
and different grades may melt at different temperatures. The use of
a marked fusible plug is validation of the melt temperature for you
and the local inspector.
Signage and Remote Closure Locations for All Installations

NFPA 58, 6.9 for Internal Valves and 6.10.10 for ESVs define
the requirements for Remote Closure locations. The remote
shutdown station must be not less than 25-ft (7,6 m) or more than
100-ft (30 m) from the liquid transfer point (where the transfer
hose attaches to the bulk head). More than 1 remote shutdown
location can be incorporated into the system, but there must be
at least one that meets the distance requirements. Ideally, the
remote shutdown station is the same station used for the ESV
remote shutdown. Both systems can be tied together so that
activating one device will close the entire plant.
The remote shutdown station must be identified with a sign that is
visible from the transfer point. The sign must incorporate the words
PROPANE--CONTAINER LIQUID VALVE EMERGENCY
SHUTOFF. The letters must be not less than 2-inch (51 mm) high
block letters on contrasting background.
Operational Issues with Internal Valves

There are a few things that need to be considered when using
internal valves in new or retrofit applications. The following
addresses some of the more common issues.
Isolation ValvesIf the inlet piping feeds more than one tank, it
is recommended that an isolation valve be installed ahead of the
internal valve so that each tank can be isolated during the filling
process. If a tank is not isolated, it is possible to overfill one tank
while trying to fill another on the same line.
Excess Flow RateBecause internal valves do have an excess
flow function, be sure that the excess flow spring chosen is greater
than the liquid or vapor withdrawal rate. Typically, a closing flow
of 1-1/2 times the withdrawal rate will prevent premature closures
during product transfer.
Valve Cable and Pneumatic ActuationMake sure the actuation

device is working properly. Never wire the internal valve open.
If you do, there is no way to remotely close the valve in an
emergency. Make sure your cables are correctly tensioned. They
will stretch and will have to be adjusted. Make sure pneumatic
systems are charged, do not contain water that can freeze, and that
the discharge rate is larger than the input rate for the pneumatic
pressure source.
Opening Internal ValvesInternal valves open when downstream
piping pressure is equal to tank pressure. When the valve lever
is moved to the half way travel position, an internal fast bleed is
opened to equalize the downstream piping. If piping is not drained,
this equalization and opening will be very quick. If the valve will
not open consider the following:
If the piping pressure is 0 psi (0 bar), then the length and size
of the piping will determine the amount of time required to
pressurize the piping before the valve will open.
Pneumatic actuators move the lever to the full open position
immediately, bypassing the fast bleed feature in the internal
valve. With the full open position, it will take longer for the
internal valve to equalize pressure and open. Try activating
the pneumatic controls several times which will move the
valve through the fast bleed position a number of times
helping decrease the time to equalize.
Extreme temperature differences between tank contents and piping
contents can result in opening problems on rare occasions.
On Retrofit Tanks, additional things need to be considered.

Half vs. Full CouplingBe sure to determine whether the
coupling is a half or full coupling into which the internal valve will
be installed. The excess flow rate for a full coupling is less than for
a half coupling and could cause premature closure.
Stand Pipes Inside the Tank and Attached to the CouplingIf
an internal valve is installed into a tank coupling that has a stand
pipe, the fill or discharge rate with an internal valve most likely will
be greatly reduced if the stand pipe is not larger than the coupling
size. In these cases, the use of a back check or Type N550 in the
downstream piping may be the best alternative.
Conclusion
Theres no such thing as the typical bulk plant. Since each plant
is unique, transfer area valving needs are going to differ from one
installation to another. Its impossible to have a single equipment
solution that will take care of every bulk plant.
This is where your local Distributor can help you. EmersonTM has
a variety of bulk plant equipment besides the industrys largest
selection of ESVs, back checks, and internal valves. Contacting
your local Distributor assures you of finding all the valves and
associated equipment needed to make bulk plant modifications.
Our local Distributors are completely familiar with NFPA 58
requirements and can recommend the best and most economical
way to gain compliance with the transfer area rulings.
235

Figure 1. Type N550 Emergency Shutoff Valve
Figure 3. Type G200 Back Check Valve
Introduction
Back Check Valves
EmersonTM offers a complete line of Fisher transfer area valving

Emergency Shutoff Valves (ESV), Back Check Valves, and
Internal Valves that complies with NFPA 58 requirements. All of
these valves feature heavy-duty construction for long service life and
can be used on LP-Gas as well as anhydrous ammonia (NH3). Only
EmersonTM offers so many different valves for bulk plant and tank
car applications, enabling you to find the right equipment for your
particular needs.
Where there is flow only into the stationary storage, an ESV does
not have to be used to satisfy NFPA 58. On these applications, a
heavy duty back check valve makes an excellent choice. G200 Series
Back Check Valves can be supplied with or without built-in flow
indication and offer very low flow resistance, (refer to Figure 15).
Snappy Joe Emergency Shutoff Valves
Two models of Snappy Joe ESVs are available: Type N550 for
bulk plants and Type N562 for tank cars. The Type N550 is usually
installed in-line behind a bulkhead. Operated manually under
normal conditions, it can be remotely closed in an emergency by
either a cable or loss of pneumatic pressure. The Type N562 is the
only valve on the market specifically designed for tank car use. It
is pneumatically opened and closed. Refer to Figures 1, 5, 6, 7,
and 8 for Type N550s and Figures 2 and 11 for the Type N562.
236
Internal Valves
Fisher brand internal valves have proven themselves to be reliable
performers on bobtail, transport trucks and bulk storage tanks.
They can be opened and closed manually, pneumatically, or by
cable. Complete information on the Type C427 is provided on the
following pages.

Type N550 Snappy Joe Emergency Shutoff Valves for Bulk Plants
Type N550 Emergency Shutoff Valves (ESVs) are designed for
in-line installation, usually near a bulkhead. (Refer to installation
drawing on the previous pages.) The valves provide an operator
a means of shutting off the flow of product in the event of hose
rupture, pull away, or piping break at the transfer area to avoid a
large scale loss of LP-Gas or Anhydrous ammonia (NH3) from the
storage tank.
Snappy Joes are manually opened, and can be closed manually at
the installed location or remotely by either cable or air. A thermal
release is built-in.
Figure 5. Type N550 (Valve Closed)
Features
Operational Ease Moving the operating lever to the vertical position
opens the valve, making it simple to tell if the unit is open or closed.
A pilot valve in the poppet opens as the lever is moved upward to
pressurize the hose. This allows pressure to equalize, allowing the
poppet to move quickly to the open position.
The valve is closed by simply pushing the lever down without first
having to trip a latch. It is easy to reach the operating lever from
across a bulkhead. All sizes look similar and operate exactly the
same, an important point in an emergency situation.
Figure 6. Type N550 with Type P327D
Cable Release Standard Snappy Joes are fitted with a release

mechanism for cable attachment. Connecting a cable to the wire loop
allows the valve to be closed from a safe remote location, such as the
bulk entrance. While ordinary cable can be used, Type P164B cable
release assemblies are available.
This assembly uses cable housing 50-ft (15 m) in length, which
does not require elaborate guiding like uncovered cables.
Figure 7. Type N550 with Type P539 Actuator
Rugged Construction Heavy-duty construction makes Snappy

Joe ESVs suitable for use as a working shutoff valve for the
transfer area, even under frequent use. The internal closing spring
is protected from the elements and tampering. All seats and
seals use metal back-up seals for extended fire resistance. PTFEgraphite packing forms an effective leak resistant seal around the
stub shaft.
Soft Seat The synthetic rubber seat disk provides bubble tight
shutoff. Since the seat disk is part of the seat ring, cutting or
indentation of the seat is minimized, improving service life.
High-Flow Capacity The main poppet moves out of the flow stream
to permit extremely low restiction-to-flow. For example, the 2-inch
body size flows 75 GPM (284 l/min) propane at 1 psig (0,069 bar)
pressure drop.
Pneumatic Operation The latch assembly can be quickly removed

and a Type P327D pneumatic release substituted to control valve
closure by air or nitrogen. Pressure on the Type P327D allows the
valve to be latched in the open position with manual closure possible
at the valve. Loss of pressure 30 to 70 psig (2,1 to 4,8 bar) air,
nitrogen, or CO2 permits the ESV to close. Operating Temperature
Range is equal to -40 to 225F (-40 to 107C).
Fusible Element The fusible element is located at the hub of the

operating lever and stub shaft. If exposed to fire, the element melts
allowing the stub shaft to turn. The poppet then moves to the closed
position, even if the operating lever has been wired open.
Ease of Service The Type N550 is designed to be serviced

without removal from the pipeline. Expected wearing parts are
all external and can be changed out in a matter of minutes. The
packing can be changed with the valve in-line.
Table 1. Type N550 Emergency Shutoff Valves

flow in gpm (l/min) propane
TYPE NUMBER
Body size
N550-10
1-1/4-inch FNPT
50 (189)
75 (284)
N550-16
2-inch FNPT
75 (284)
115 (435)
N550-24
3-inch FNPT
190 (719)
275 (1041)
1 PSID (0,069 bar d)
2 PSID (0,14 bar d)
Accessories
Type P539 Pneumatic Actuator
Type P164B Cable Release
Type P327D Pneumatic Release
Type P327C Air Cylinder
T1139599012 Control Valve
237

latch assembly
operating lever
cable
attachment
fusible element
poppet
Ptfe-graphite
packing
seat disk
Figure 8. Type N550 In Open Position

hose
connection
hose
connection
emergency
shutoff
valve
type N550
1 foot (0,3 m)
or more
1 foot (0,3 m)
or more
bulkhead
actuator
bulkhead
cable to
safe
location
fixed piping
fixed piping
emergency shutoff
valve type N550
Figure 9. Installation Schematic of Type N550 with Type P164B Cable
Figure 10. Installation Schematic of Type N550 with Type P539

Pneumatic Actuator
Opening and closing of Snappy Joes ESVs from a remote location

can be done by using Type P539 air actuator. The cylinder opens
the valve when around 30 to 70 psig (2,1 to 4,8 bar) air or nitrogen
pressure is applied. Operating temperature range is equal to -40
to 225F (-40 to 107C). Upon loss of pressure, the valve closes,
assisted by the spring in the pneumatic cylinder. All necessary
installation hardware for the Type P327C is furnished.
Placing the valves button in the upward position permits pressure

to the cylinder. Pushing the button down exhausts pressure to close
all valves connected to the system.
EmersonTM manufactures a Fisher brand small 3-way control

valve (Part Number T1139599012) for pneumatic ESV
installation. This control valve can be used as primary control (to
open or close the ESV) or an auxiliary remote release (close only).
238
Type N550 Specifications:

Body Sizes 1-1/4, 2, and 3-inch FNPT
Pressure Rating 400 psig (27,6 bar) WOG
Body Ductile Iron
Seat Disk Synthetic Rubber with Metal Back-up
Packing PTFE with Graphite/SST Back-up Ring

Internal
thread
nipple
main
poppet
quick
disconnect
nipple
excess flow
spring
hardened Stainless
steel pipe threads
wrenching
hex
fuse plug
piston
pilot
valve
seat
disk
Type N562 Snappy Joe Emergency Shutoff Valves for Railroad

Tank Cars
Type N562 Snappy Joe Emergency Shutoff Valves (ESVs) are
designed expressly for attachment to the shutoff valves on railroad
tank cars. (Refer to previous page for installation drawings.)
Typically three Type N562s will be used two on the liquid lines and
one on the vapor line. NFPA 58 regulations call for ESV protection
on both sides of the transfer hose or piping.
While conventional Type N550 ESV, which are intended for
bulkhead installations can be used on tank car service, they are
generally unsatisfactory for this application because they are too
bulky for easy handling on top of a tank car.
The Type N562 is pneumatically opened and closed at the valve by
means of a standard quick-disconnect coupling (furnished with the
valve). Depending upon the pressure in the tank car, approximately
20 to 60 psig (1,38 to 4,14 bar) is needed to open the valve.
Remote closure from one or more points, such as the unloading
riser, is accomplished by exhausting pressure from the valves
piston chamber with a pneumatic control valve.
Features
Light Weight Type N562 ESVs weigh approximately 14 pounds
(6,35 kg), making them easy to handle at the unloading riser. In
addition, the valve is shaped like an elongated pipe fitting to
facilitate connection to the tank car shutoff valves.
Application Flexibility/Field Serviceability The Type N562
has a female coupling. Nipple lengths are field selectable based
on specific application requirements such as the size of the tank
dome opening. These field-installed nipples can be easily secured
and replaced.
Hardened Threads The 2-inch FNPT hardened stainless steel
threads on the nipple portion of the Type N562 hold up against
repeated replacement of field-installed nipples.
Table 2. Type N562 Emergency Shutoff Valves

type number
shutoff
valve connection
N562-16
2-inch FNPT
2-inch Male Acme
N562-18
2-inch FNPT
2-1/4-inch Male Acme
N562-26
2-inch FNPT
3-1/4-inch Male Acme
hose connection
Wrenching Hex To further ease attachment, a wrenching hex is

built into the body and nipple, preventing wear or damage when
connecting or disconnecting. A 1/4-inch FNPT opening in the hex
portion can be used to install a bleed valve.
No External Moving Parts All moving parts are inside the
Type N562 to help minimize damage from rough handling.
Should the quick-disconnect nipple be damaged, replacements are
widely available through air supply outlets.
Excess Flow Valve With a poppet design similar to Fisher brand
internal valve series, it is possible to incorporate an excess flow spring.
The spring has a closing flow of 200 GPM (757 l/min) propane at
13 psid (0,90 bar d).
Fuse Plug Thermal protection is furnished by a steel cased fuse
plug which melts if exposed to 212F (100C). When the plug melts,
pressure can escape from the piston chamber, closing the valve.
Dual Service Since the body and all internal parts are either
stainless steel or plated steel, the Type N562 can be used on LP-Gas
and Anhydrous ammonia (NH3) service.
Pneumatic Closure Accessories

Pneumatic controls and fittings are needed to remotely close
the Types N562 and N550/P327D. (Refer to the previous
pages). EmersonTM does not manufacture these items, but these
accessories are readily available from a number of sources. A
listing of pneumatic accessories that appear to be suitable follows.
EmersonTM has not extensively tested any of this equipment and
cannot guarantee these components will function satisfactorily
under all conditions.
239

N562ESV
G200 Series
back check
valves
Tank car
dome
N550ESV
Pneumatic
closure
Tank car
shutoff valves
Pneumatic
control
valve
Vapor
hose
Liquid hose
Unloading
riser
Pneumatic
tubing to
pressure
source
at remote
location
Figure 12. Installation Schematic of Type N562 and Related Equipment on Unloading Riser
Fisher Tank / Emerson

For: GCG, 817-332-4600
Control Valves
File name:
Fittings
2007 FISHER-EmergencyValve.eps
Placed file(s):
(using
the palm
The push-to-close button type

of your hand) of
Available in 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch threaded NPT sizes, tees and
Carol
Zuber-Mallison
pneumatic control valve appears to be the best
choice
as a remote
elbows are needed to connect tubing to the control valves.
closure valve. It is usually easy For
to page:
see if the valve is openLast
or updated: 09/28/2007
Poly-Flo Fittings Dayco Products, Inc., Dayton, OH
closed, and its also easy to closeUpdated
the valve
by: quickly in an emergency
Brass or plastic, compression type connectors.
situation. All valves are the three-way
type unless
noted. carol@zmgraphics.com
ZM GRAPHICS
214-906-4162
(c) 2007, ZM Graphics Usage: Unlimited within Emerson & Fisher
Model Number 01DPBA3-1R Numatics, Inc.,

Production notes:
Highland, Michigan
1/4-inch threaded NPT connections. Compact and reasonably priced,

seems to have good weatherproofing. Lapped metal seats (not affected
by contaminants).
Model Number PC52A Mead, Chicago, Illinois
1/8-inch threaded NPT connections. Very compact, but not too
well sealed against dirt. NOTE: Do not use Model Number PC52
because it is spring returned.
LF3000 Fittings Legris, Inc., Rochester, New York

Wide range of push-in tubing connectors.
Tubing
Plastic tubing (1/4-inch (6,35 mm) size) is the easiest to install and
is widely available. Black tubing is more resistant to sun light.
Both of the product types listed below are manufactured by Dayco
Products, Inc.
Type 44P Poly-Flo Black
Model Number 180002-112-0102 Mac Valves, Inc.,

Wixom, Michigan
Black polyethylene tubing that is flexible and has a low melting point.
1/4-inch threaded NPT connections. This is a 4-way valve, but port

number 2 could be plugged. Largest of the three valves.
Black nylon tubing, stiffer than Poly-Flo and more chemically

resistant with high melting point.
Model Number M3820602 Air Pal Lexair, Inc., Lexington, KY

1/4-inch threaded NPT connections. O-ring seals and no special
dirt seals.
240
Type 44-NF Nylo-Seal Black

poppet moves out of
flow stream
heavy-duty
internal parts
soft seat for

tight shutoff
Figure 13. Type G201 with Flow Indicator

Figure 14. Type G201 Sectional View
Types G200 and G201 Back Check Valves

G200 Series
Back Check Valves are specifically intended for
heavy-duty, in-line service at the bulk plants transfer area. (Refer
to installation drawing, Figure 15.) As with conventional back
check valves, the G200 Series permits flow in one direction only.
Flow moves the spring-loaded poppet to the open position as soon
as a pressure differential is created. When flow stops, the poppet
closes. The valves are suitable for LP-Gas or Anhydrous ammonia
(NH3) service.
Features
hose
connection
1 foot (0,3 m)
or more
type g200
heavy-duty
back
check valve
bulkhead
Rugged Construction Type G200s are built to stay on the job

with all internal parts of plated steel or stainless steel.
High-Flow Capacity With body construction similar to the
Snappy Joe Emergency Shutoff Valves, resistance to flow is very
low. For example, the 2-inch body size flows 350 GPM (1325 l/min)
propane at 10 psig (0,69 bar) differential pressure.
Soft Seat This construction gives tight shutoff so that piping can
be blown down for maintenance.
Flow Indicator The Type G201 has a built-in flow indicator
mechanism, which can be used to replace sight flow indicators.
fixed piping
Figure 15. Installation Schematic of Type G200
Type G200 Specifications:

Body Size 1-1/4, 2 and 3-inch FNPT
Body Ductile Iron
Internal Parts Plated Steel or Stainless Steel
Seat Disk Synthetic Rubber
Table 3. Types G200 and G201 Back Check Valves
Seat construction
Soft Seat
Container or inlet
connection
outlet
connection
propane flow capacity at

10 psig (0,69 bar) differential
pressure
type number
ductile iron
standard
flow indicator
1-1/4-inch FNPT
1-1/4-inch FNPT
190 GPM (719 l/min)
G200-10
G201-10
2-inch FNPT
2-inch FNPT
350 GPM (1325 l/min)
G200-16
G201-16
3-inch FNPT
3-inch FNPT
800 GPM (3028 l/min)
G200-24
G201-24
241

Figure 17. Type P650 Primary Cable Control
Figure 18. Type P340 Manual Latch
Figure 19. Type C427 with P639 Actuator
Type C427 Internal Valves
Included with each Type P650 primary control is a 20 foot (6 m) cable.

Type P134 fusible links, a return spring and mounting hardware. If
just the primary cable control is needed, order Type P651, which is
available without any of the other accessories.
Type C427 Internal Valves are used on tank installations. The

valve can be operated in a number of ways: (1) with a Type P650
or P651 primary cable control, (2) with a Type P340 latch/remote
release mechanism, or (3) with a Type P639 air actuator. Type
C427 valves can function as Emergency Shutoff Valves with any
of these operators or can supplement the ESVs for added safety
and control.
Features
Versatile Internal valves give primary shutoff and also act as a
back check valve or an excess flow valve. All critical shutoff parts
are located within the tank, and a spring return can be installed on
the valves operating lever.
PTFE Packing Spring loaded PTFE packing protects against
product leakage around the stub shaft. The entire bonnet-stub
shaft-cam assembly can be easily removed from the body by taking
out three bolts.
Primary Cable Control Type P650 or P651 primary cable
controls open and close a valve from a remote point, usually the rear
of the bobtail or transport. Pulling the handle of the primary control
opens the internal valve; pushing the handle closes the valve.
242
Latch/Release Type P340 release assemblies mount to the 2 and

3-inch threaded NPT sized Type C427 to give remote valve closure
and fuse link protection. A Type P163A cable release can provide
thermal actuation of the Type P340 from the bulkhead. (Refer to
installation drawing, Figure 20.)
Pneumatic Actuation Type P639 cylinders are available for
Type C427s, which permit remote opening and closing of several
valves in a complex installation.
Special Trim Standard disk material is Nitrile, but PTFE,
Kalrez and Viton fluoroelastomer are also available. Steel and
stainless construction are standard throughout with total stainless
construction available.
Type C427 Specifications:

Valve Sizes 2 and 3-inch (DN 50 and 80)
Body Ductile iron
Packing PTFE
Seat Disks Synthetic Rubber
Stub Shaft and Stem Stainless Steel

storage
cable to safe
location
5 feet (1,5 m)
thermal release
(Type p163A)
internal valve
with fuse latch
(type c427)
loading
area
20 feet (6 m)
Figure 20. E.S.V. Installation Schematic of Types C427 and P163A

2-inch npt
6.84
(174)
13.45
(342)
2.21
(56,1)
2.15
(54,6)
2.60
(66,0)
3.25 (82,6)
- 6na acme
3.75
(95,3)
type n562
2.80
(71,1)
3.25 hexagon
(82,6)
3.25 octagon
(82,6)
1/4-inch npt
inches
(mm)
Figure 21. Type N562 Dimensions
Table 4. C427 Series26 Internal Valves

type number
tank connection
outlet
connection
C427-16
2-inch MNPT
C427-24
3-inch MNPT
ul rated closing flow, gpm (l/min) propane

half coupling
full coupling
2-inch FNPT
100 (379)
150 (568)
250 (946)
60 (227)
90 (341)
130 (492)
3-inch FNPT
150 (568)
200 (757)
250 (946)
400 (1514)
500 (1893)
100 (379)
125 (473)
165 (625)
235 (889)
325 (1230)
accessories
Type P340 Latch/Release

Type P163A Cable Release
Type P650 Primary Control
Type P326-6 Cylinder Actuator
243

e
f
a
J
view a-a
------------------
Figure 22. Type N550 Dimensions
Table 5. Type N550 Dimensions

P
NPT
Inches (mm)
A
1-1/4-inch
5.9 (150)
9.6 (244)
3.4 (86)
10.4 (264)
2.0 (51)
3.6 (91)
5.1 (130)
3.2 (81)
5.5 (140)
2-inch
7.2 (183)
10.0 (254)
3.9 (99)
11.6 (295)
2.9 (74)
2.6 (66)
5.4 (137)
3.5 (89)
6.0 (152)
3-inch
9.2 (234)
10.6 (269)
4.5 (114)
12.9 (328)
3.5 (89)
1.2 (30)
5.7 (145)
4.2 (107)
6.5 (165)
244

B mnpt
d
approximately
top of boss
or coupling
c
1/4-inch
(6,35
e mm)
c
octagon
a - fnpt
70
swing
inches
(mm)
Figure 24. Types G200 and G201 Dimensions
Figure 23. C427 Series Dimensions
Table 6. Type C427 Dimensions

E
Installation
Clearance
Diameter
2.40 (61)
4.05 (103)
10.00 (254)
2.60 (66)
4.57 (116)
13.38 (340)
8.07 (205)
9.00 (229)
type number
A FNPT
B MNPT
C427-16
C427-24
Inches (mm)
Table 7. Types G200 and G201 Dimensions

Body Size
Inches (mm)
A
1-1/4-inch
5.9 (150)
1-1/4 NPT
2.4 (61)
2.3 (58)
2.0 (51)
2-inch
7.2 (183)
2 NPT
3.3 (84)
3.3 (84)
2.9 (74)
3-inch
9.2 (234)
3 NPT
4.5 (114)
4.5 (114)
3.5 (89)
245

Properties of LP-Gases
Vapor Pressure of LP-Gases
Table 1. Approximate Properties Of LP-Gases

Formula
Initial Boiling Point, F
Specific Gravity of Liquid
(Water = 1.0) at 60F
propane
butane
c 3H 8
C4H10
-44
31
0,504
0,582
Weight per Gallon of Liquid at 60F, LB
4.20
4.81
Specific Heat of Liquid, BTU/LB at 60F
0.630
0.549
Cubic feet of Vapor per Gallon at 60F
36.38
31.26
Cubic feet of Vapor per Pond at 60F
8.66
6.51
Specific Gravity of Vapor (Air = 1.0) at 60F
1.50
2.01
920 to 1120
900 to 1000
Ignition Temperature in Air, F

Maximum Flame Temperature in Air, F
3,595
3,615
Cubic feet of Air Required to Burn

One Cubic Foot of Gas
23.68
31.02
Limits of Flammability in Ar, % of Vapor in

Air-Gas Mix:
(a) Lower
(b) Upper
2.15
9.60
1.55
8.60
Latent Heat of Vaporization at Boiling Point:

(a) BTU per Pound
(b) BTU per Gallon
184
773
167
808
2488
21 548
91 502
3280
21 221
102 032
Total Heating Values After Vaporization:

(a) BTU per Cubic Foot
(b) BTU per Pound
(c) BTU per Gallon
Table 1. Approximate Properties Of LP-Gases (Metric)

propane
butane
c 3H 8
C4H10
-42
-1
0,504
0,582
504
582
Specific Heat of Liquid, Kilojoule/Kilogram at 15.56C
1.464
4.276
Cubic Meter of Vapor per Liter at 15.56C
0.271
0.235
Cubic Meter of Vapor per Kilogram at 15.56C
0.539
0.410
Formula
Initial Boiling Point, C
Specific Gravity of Liquid
(Water = 1.0) at 15.56C
Weight per Cubic Meter of Liquid at 15.56C, kg
Specific Gravity of Vapor (Air = 1.0) at 15.56C
1.50
2.01
493 to 604
482 to 538
Maximum Flame Temperature in Air, C
1980
1991
Cubic Meters of Air Required to Burn

1 Cubic Meter of Gas
23.86
31.02
Limits of Flammability in Ar, % of Vapor in

Air-Gas Mix:
(a) Lower
(b) Upper
2.15
9.60
1.55
8.60
Latent Heat of Vaporization at Boiling Point:

(a) Kilojoule per Kilogram
(b) Kilojoule per Liter
428
216
388
226
92 430
49 920
25 140
121 280
49 140
28 100
Iginition Temperature in Air, C
Total Heating Values After Vaporization:

(a) Kilojoule per Cubic Meter
(b) Kilojoule per Kilogram
(c) Kilojoule per Liter
246
Vapor pressure can be defined as the force exerted be a gas or

liquid attempting to escape from a container. This pressure moves
gas along the pipe or tubing to the appliance burner.
Outside temperature greatly affects container pressure. Lower
temperature means lower container pressure. Too low a container
pressure means that not enough gas is able to get to the appliance.
The Table below shows vapor pressures for propane and butane at
various outside temperatures.
Table 2. Vapor Pressures
temperature
Approximate Vapor Pressure, PSIG (bar)

Propane to Butane
100%
80/20
60/40
50/50
40/60
20/80
100%
-40
-40
3.6
(0,25)
-30
-34,4
8
(0,55)
4.5
(0,31)
-20
-28,9
13.5
(0,93)
9.2
(0,63)
4.9
(0,34)
1.9
(0,13)
-10
-23,3
20
(1,4)
16
(1,1)
9
(0,62)
6
(0,41)
3.5
(0,24)
-17,8
28
(1,9)
22
(1,5)
15
(1,0)
11
(0,76)
7.3
(0,50)
10
-12,2
37
(2,6)
29
(2,0)
20
(1,4)
17
(1,2)
13
(0,90)
3.4
(0,23)
20
-6,7
47
(3,2)
36
(2,5)
28
(1,9)
23
(1,6)
18
(1,2)
7.4
(0,51)
30
-1,1
58
(4,0)
45
(3,1)
35
(2,4)
29
(2,0)
24
(1,7)
13
(0,9)
40
4,4
72
(5,0)
58
(4,0)
44
(3,0)
37
(2,6)
32
(2,2)
18
(1,2)
3
(0,21)
50
10
86
(5,9)
69
(4,8)
53
(3,7)
46
(3,2)
40
(2,8)
24
(1,7)
6.9
(0,58)
60
15,6
102
(7,0)
80
(5,5)
65
(4,5)
56
(3,9)
49
(3,4)
30
(2,1)
12
(0,83)
70
21,1
127
(8,8)
95
(6,6)
78
(5,4)
68
(4,7)
59
(4,1)
38
(2,6)
17
(1,2)
80
26,7
140
(9,7)
125
(8,6)
90
(6,2)
80
(5,5)
70
(4,8)
46
(3,2)
23
(1,6)
90
32,2
165
(11,4)
140
(9,7)
112
(7,7)
95
(6,6)
82
(5,7)
56
(3,9)
29
(2,0)
100
37,8
196
(13,5)
168
(11,6)
137
(9,4)
123
(8,5)
100
(6,9)
69
(4,8)
36
(2,5)
110
43,3
220
(15,2)
185
(12,8)
165
(11,4)
148
(10,2)
130
(9,0)
80
(5,5)
45
(3,1)

Determining Total Load
The best way to determine BTU input is from the appliance
nameplate or from the manufacturers catalog. Add the input of
all the appliances for the total load. If specific appliance capacity
information is not available, Table 3 below will be useful. Remember
to allow for appliance which may be installed at a later date.
If the propane load in standard cubic feet per hour (SCFH) is
desired, divide the BTU/hr load by 2488 to get SCFH. Conversely,
the BTU/hr capacity can be obtained from SCFH by multiplying
the SCFH figure by 2488.
Figuring the total load accurately is most important because of the size
of the pipe and tubing, the tank (or the number of cylinders), and the
regulator will be based on the capacity of the system to be served.
Table 3. Gas Required For Common Appliances
appliance
Approximate
input btu/hr
Warm Air Furnace

Single Family
Multifamily, per unit
100,000
60,000
Hydronic Boiler, Space Heating

Single Family
100,000
60,000
Hydronic Boiler, Space and Water Heating

Single Family
120,000
75,000
Range, Free Standing, Domestic

Built-In Oven or Broiler Unit, Domestic
Built-In top Unit, Domestic
65,000
25,000
40,000
Water Heater, Automatic Storage, 30 to 40 gal. Tank

Water Heater, Automatic Storage, 50 gal. Tank
Water Heater, Automatic Storage, Instantaneous
2 GPM
4 GPM
6 GPM
Water Heater, Domestic, Circulating or Side-Arm
35,000
50,000
Refrigerator
Clothes Dryer, Type 1 (Domestic)
Gas Fireplace Direct Vent
Gas Log
Barbecue
Gas Light
Incinerator, Domestic
Multiple cylinders or tanks may be manifolded to give the required

vaporization capacity. Withdrawal of gas from one or two containers can lower the container pressure substantially due to the
refrigeration of the vaporization gas. Regulator capacity is them
reduced because of the lower inlet pressure. Where any reasonably
heavy gas load is expected, put sufficient cylinders on each side of
an automatic changeover system.
Vaporization Rates for Asme Storage Tanks

A number of assumptions were made in calculating the BTU
figures listed in the Table 4 below:

1. The tank is one-half full.
2. Relative humidity is 70%.
3. The tank is under intermittent loading.
Although none of these conditions may apply, Table 4 can still

serve as a good rule-of-thumb in estimating what a particular tank
size will provide under various temperatures. Continuous loading
is not a very common occurrence on domestic installations, but
under continuous loading the withdrawal rates in Table 4 should be
multiplied by 0.25.
Table 4. Maximum Intermittent Withdrawal Rate
(BTU/hr) Without Tank Frosting* If Lowest Outdoor
Temperature (Average For 24 Hours) Reaches...
temperature
tank size, gallons (l)

150 (568)
250 (946)
500 (1893)
1000 (3785)
40F
4C
214,900
288,100
478,800
852,800
142,800
285,000
428,000
35,000
30F
-1C
187,000
251,800
418,600
745,600
20F
-7C
161,800
216,800
360,400
641,900
10F
-12C
148,000
198,400
329,700
587,200
3,000
35,000
40,000
80,000
40,000
2,500
35,000
0F
-18C
134,700
180,600
300,100
534,500
-10F
-23C
132,400
177,400
294,800
525,400
-20F
-29C
108,800
145,800
242,300
431,600
-30F
-34C
107,100
143,500
238,600
425,000
Table Reprinted From Table 5.4.2.1, NFPA 54, 2002 ed.
Vaporization Rates for 100 Pound (45 kg) DOT Cylinders

Vaporization Rate
Rule of Thumb Guide
The rate of vaporization of a container is dependent upon the

temperature of the liquid and the amount of wetted surface are of
the container.
For continuous draws, where temperatures may reach 0F (-18C),

assume the vaporization rate of a 100 pounds (45 kg) cylinder to be
approximately 50,000 BTU/hr. Therefore the:
The temperature of the liquid is proportional to the outside

air temperature and the wetted surface area is the tank surface
are in contact with the liquid. Therefore, when the outside air
temperature is lower or the container has less liquid in it, the
vaporization rate of the container is a lower value.
To determine the proper size of ASME storage tanks or the proper
number of DOT cylinders for carious loads, it is important to
consider the lowest winter temperature at the location.
Number of cylinders per side = total load in BTU/hr / 50,000

Example:
If a total requirement of 20,000 BTU/hr is to be supplied from
100 pound (45 kg) DOT cylinders and winter temperatures may
drop to 0F (-18C), then how many cylinders are needed per side?
Number of cylinders per side = 200,000 / 50,000 = 4
*When using a changeover regulator, 4 cylinders per side are
required. Table 5 shows the vaporization rates for various
temperatures and liquid levels in BTUH.
247

Table 5. Vaporization Rates In BTUH
For Various Temperatures And Liquid Levels
pounds of
propane in
cylinder
-20F (-29C)
0F (-18C)
20f (-6C)
40f (4C)
100
65,000
71,000
79,000
94,000
90
60,000
65,000
72,000
85,000
80
54,000
59,000
66,000
77,000
70
48,000
52,000
59,000
69,000
60
43,000
46,000
52,000
61,000
50
37,000
40,0000
45,000
53,000
40
31,000
34,000
38,000
45,000
30
26,000
28,000
31,000
37,000
20
20,000
22,000
25,000
29,000
10
15,000
16,000
18,000
21,000
1ST STAGE
REGULATOR
Cylinder and Tank Manifolding

Often it is necessary to manifold cylinders or tanks to obtain the
required capacity needed for the installation. Multiple cylinder
hookups are most frequently used on commercial applications and
at many residential jobs, even though tank manifolding is common
in certain areas.
On certain multi-cylinder or tank installations, an automatic
changeover regulator can be used. These regulators change from the
supply cylinder (when the gas is exhausted) to the reserve cylinder
automatically without having to shutdown the system to refill.
A typical cylinder manifold using an automatic changeover
regulator can be installed in line with multiple cylinders (see
Figure 1 below).
2ND STAGE
REGULATOR
Figure 2. Schematic of a Tank Manifold Installation
The answer on manifold installations is to run high pressure piping

from the containers into a common line, as shown in Figure 2. Then,
install a regulator that can handle the required capacity. Two-stage
regulation is the most effective system on tank manifold installations.
Container Location and Installation

Once the proper size of ASME storage tank or the proper number
of DOT cylinders has been determined, careful attention must be
given to the most convenient, yet safe, place for their location on
the customers property.
copper pigtail
SCH 80 1/2-IN PIPE MANIFOLD
AUTOMATIC CHANGEOVER REGULATOR
Containers should be placed in a location pleasing to the customer

that does not conflict with state and local regulations or NFPA
Pamphlet No. 58, Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum
Gases. Refer to this standard to determine the appropriate
placement of LP-Gas containers.
In general, storage tanks should be placed in an accessible location
for filing, supported by concrete blocks of appropriate size and
reinforcement, and located away from vehicular traffic.
Figure 1. Cylinder Manifold with Automatic Changeover Regulator
When manifolding cylinders or tanks, do not use a regulator at

each container. When this is done, the required capacity for the
particular installation may not be obtained. It is impossible to set
all of the regulators at the same outlet pressure. The regulator
delivering the highest outlet pressure will backpressure the other
regulators, keeping them from operating. In effect, only one
container would be supplying gas in this sort of situation.
248
Cylinders should be placed with ease of replacement or refilling in

mind, secured on a firm base, and protected from vehicular traffic,
animals and the elements.
For both ASME and DOT containers, the distance from any
building openings, external sources of ignition, and intakes to
direct vented gas appliances or mechanical ventilation systems are
a critical consideration. See Figures 3, 4, and 5 on pages 249
and 250.
Refer to NFPA No. 58 for the minimum distances that these
containers must be placed from the building or other objects.

Container Location and Installation (continued)
Intake to direct
vent appliance
10-foot
minimum 2
3-foot
minimum
5-foot
minimum 1
Central
air conditioning
compressor
(source of ignition)
3-foot
minimum
Cylinders
not filled
on site
Crawl space openings,
windows, or exhaust fans
1 foot = 0.3048 meters
1.
5-ft. (1,5 m) minimum from relief valve in any direction

away from any exterior source of ignition, openings
into direct vent appliances, or mechanical ventilation
air intakes.
2.
Cylinders
filled on site
from bulk truck
Window
air conditioner
If the cylinders are filled on site from a bulk truck, the

filling connection and vent valve must be at least 10-ft.
(3,0 m) from any exterior source of ignition, openings into
direct vent appliances, or mechanical ventilation air intakes.
Figure 3. Cylinders, Reprinted from NFPA 58 Figure I.1(a), 2002 ed.
Intake to direct
vent appliance
Window
air conditioner
Central
air conditioning
compressor
10-foot
minimum 1
5-foot
minimum 1
10-foot
minimum 1
Crawl
space
openings,
windows, or
exhaust fans
10-foot
minimum 1
5-ft. min. 1
10-ft.
min. 1
25-foot
minimum 2
10-foot minimum 1
25-foot
minimum 2
Nearest line
of adjoining property
that may be built upon
1. Regardless of its size, any ASME tank filled on site must be

located so that the filling connection and fixed liquid
level gauge are at least 10 ft. (3 m) away from any external
source of ignition (i.e. open flame, window A/C, compressor,
ect.), intake to direct vented gas appliances or intake to a
mechanical ventilation system.
2.
The distance may be reduced to no less than 10 ft. (3 m)

for a single container of 1200 gal (4,5 m3) water capacity
or less provided such container is at least 25 ft (7,6 m)
from any other LP-Gas container of more than 125-AF6126 gal
(0,5 m3) water capacity.
Figure 4. Above Ground ASME Containers, Reprinted from NFPA 58 Figure I.1(b), 2002 ed.
249

Container Location and Installation (continued)
Central
air conditioning
compressor
Intake
to direct
vent
appliance
Crawl space
openings,
windows, or
exhaust fans
10-ft. min. 1
10-ft. min. 1
10-foot
minimum 1
10-foot
minimum 2
Window
air conditioner
2,000 gallon
WC or less
10-foot
minimum 2
Nearest line
of adjoining property
that may be built upon
1.
The relief valve, filling connection, and liquid fixed

maximum level gauge vent connection at the container must
be at least 10 ft. from any exterior source of ignition,
openings into direct-vent appliances, or mechanical
ventilation air intakes.
2.
If the cylinder is filled on site from a bulk truck,

the filling connection and vent valve must be at least
10-ft from any exterior source of ignition, openings
into direct-vent appliances, or mechanical ventilation
air intakes.
Figure 5. Below Ground ASME Containers, Reprinted from NFPA 58 Figure I.1(c), 2002 ed.
250

Container Preparation for Removal of Water and Air Contaminants
Both water and air are contaminants that can seriously hinder
the proper operation of the LP-Gas system and the connected
appliances if nor effectively removed. The following procedures
will help increase system performance and decrease the number of
service calls.
POL x 1/4-inch FNPT pipe coupling and 0 to 300 psig (0 to 20,7 bar)
gauge in the valve service valve outlet.
3. Attach the truck vapor equalizing hose to the multi-purpose
valves vapor equalizing valve to the separate vapor-equalizing valve.
4. Slowly open the shutoff valve on the end of the hose so that
the truck excess flow check valve does not slam shut.
5. Closely watch the pressure, and when the gauge reaches 15 psig
(1,0 bar), close the shutoff valve.
Removing Water from Containers

Water in LP-Gas cylinders and tanks can contaminate the gas,
causing regulator freezeups and erratic appliance performance.
Neutralize any moisture in the container by adding anhydrous
methanol (99.85% pure) according to the amount shown in
Table 6 below.
This will minimize freezeup problems for normal amounts of water
in a container. However, this water may still cause corrosion or
sediment problems. Large amounts of water should be drained
from the tank.
6. Open the vapor service valve on the multi-purpose valve (or

the separate service valve, after removing the adaptor). Allow
all pressure to be exhausted before closing the multi-purpose
valve or the service valve.
7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 at least three more times to make
certain air has been purged from the tank.
To truck vapor
equalizing valve
Shuttoff valve
Table 6. Methanol Requirements For Water Removal

container size
minimum amount of methanol required
100 lb. Cylinder
1/8 Pint (2 Fluid Ounces)
150 gal. Tank
1 Pint
250 gal. Tank
1 Quart
500 gal. Tank
2 Quarts
1,000 gal. Tank
1 Gallon
Multi-purpose
valve
Service valve
outlet
Pressure gauge
Figure 6a. Purging Method With Multi-Purpose Valve

To truck vapor
equalizing valve
Warning: Do not substitute other alcohol in place of methanol.
Purging Air from Containers

Air in the LP-Gas can cause appliance pilot lights to be
extinguished easily. It can also lead to excessive container
pressure, making the safety relief valve open. Since nearly all
containers are shipped from the fabricator under air pressure, it is
extremely important to get rid of the air before the container is put
in service.
DOT Cylinders
First, open the cylinder or service valves for several minutes to
allow air to bleed to atmosphere. Then, pressure the cylinder with
LP-Gas vapor and again open the cylinder or service valve (repeat
this step at least two times).
ASME Storage Tanks

Depending on the type of valves in the tank, (see Figures 6A and 6B),
purge the container as follows:
1. Bleed the air atmosphere by opening the multi-purpose valve
or the service valve for several minutes until air pressure us
exhausted. Close the valve.
2. If a pressure gauge has not been installed in the multi-purpse

valve side outlet, install a 0 to 300 psig (0 to 20,7 bar) gauge
(Fisher brand Type J506). On tank with service valves, install a
Shuttoff valve
Vapor equalizing
valve
Pipe coupling
Service valve
Pressure
gauge
Note: Do not purge tanks in this way on the customers property.

Purge them in a safe place at the bulk plant site.
Figure 6b. Purging Method With Separate Valves
Pipe and Tubing Sizing

The proper selection of pipe and tubing sizes is essential for the
efficient operation of the LP-Gas appliance. General consideration
must be given to the maximum gas demand requirements of the
system and the allowable pressure loss from the point of delivery to
the inlet connection of the gas appliance.
Four different areas of sizing requirements must be addressed:
1. Sizing between First-Stage and Second-Stage Regulators
2. Sizing between Second-Stage Regulator and Appliance
3. Sizing between 2-psi (0,14 bar) Service and Line
Pressure Regulators
4. Sizing between Line Pressure Regulator and Appliance
251

The following directions and examples, as well as Tables 7
through 10, will assist in determining the proper selection of pipe
and tubing sizing for these different areas. All data in the tables
are calculated per NFPA Pamphlet Nos. 54 and 58.
Example:
A Private home is to be supplied with a LP-Gas system serving
a central furnace, range and water heater. The gas demand and
piping lengths are shown on the sketch below.
Directions for Sizing between First-Stage and

Second-Stage Regulators
For First-Stage:
1. Length of first-stage piping = 25 feet (round up to 30 ft. for use
in Tables 7, 8, and 9).
(Based on NFPA 54 Hybrid Pressure Method)

1. Measure the required length of pipe or tubing from the
outlet of the first-stage regulator to the inlet of the second
stage regulator.
2. Total gas demand = 40,000 + 120,000 = 235,000 BTU/HR

3. From Tables 7, 8, and 9, use 1/2-inch iron pipe; or 1/4-inch
Type L or 3/8-inch ACR copper tubing or 1/2-inch plastic tubing
(assume a 10 psig (0,7 bar) first-stage regulator setting and a
1 psig pressure drop).
2. Determine the maximum gas demand requirements of the

system by adding the BTU/HR inputs from the nameplates
of all the appliances or by referring to Table 3 on page 248.
For Second-Stage:
3. Select the pipe or tubing required from Tables 7, 8, and 9

on pages 254 though 256.
1. Total second-stage piping length = 30 + 10 + 15 = 55 feet

(round up to 60 ft. for use in Tables 10 and 11).
Directions for Sizing between Second-Stage Regulator and

Appliance
2. Gas demand requirements and pipe selection from Tables 10

and 11 (assume a 11-inch w.c. setting and 1/2-inch w.c.
pressure drop).
(Based on NFPA 54 Longest Length Method)

1. Measure the length of pipe or tubing from the outlet of the
second-stage regulator to the most remote appliance.

(Note: This is the only length needed to size the
second-stage system).
For outlet A, demand = 40,000 BTU/hr, use 1/2-inch iron pipe or

3/8-inch Type L or 5/8-inch ACR copper tubing.
For outlet B, demand = 75,000 BTU/hr, use 1/2-inch iron pipe or
2. For each outlet and section of pipe, determine the specific

gas demand requirements by adding the BTU/HR inputs
from the nameplates of each appliance or by referring to
Table 3 on page 248.
For outlet C, demand = 120,000 BTU/hr, use 3/4-inch iron pipe or

3. Select the pipe or tubing required for each section from

Table 10 or 11 on page 257.
For section 1, demand = 40,000 + 75,000 = 115,000 BTU/hr,

use 3/4-inch iron pipe or 5/8-inch Type L or 3/4-inch ACR
copper tubing.
Determine the sizes or pipe or tubing required for this two-stage

LP-Gas Installation.
For section 2, demand = 40,000 + 75,000 + 120,000= 235,000

BTU/hr, use 1-inch iron pipe.
Directions for Sizing between 2-psi (0,14 bar) Service

Regulator and Line Pressure Regulator
1st Stage
Regulator
1. Measure the length of CSST tubing from the outlet of the 2-psi
(0,14 bar) service regulator to the inlet of the line pressure regulator.
25
2nd Stage
Regulator
A
Water Heater
40,000 BTU/HR
75
10
30
Section 2
Section 1
12
B
Range
75,000 BTU/HR
10
C
Furnace
120,000 BTU/HR
Figure 7. LP-Gas System Serving a Central Furnace, Range and Water Heater
252
2. Determine the maximum gas demand requirements of the

system be adding the BTU/hr inputs from the nameplates of
all the appliances or by referring to Table 3 on page 248.
3. Use the correct footage column, or next higher column in
Table 12. Select CSST tubing size when capacity in column
exceeds gas demand.

From 2 PSI Service Regulator to Line Regulator:
Directions for Sizing between Line Pressure Regulator

and Appliance
1. Length of section A tubing = 20 feet
1. Measure the length of CSST tubing from the outlet of the line
pressure regulator to each of the appliances.
2. For each outlet and selection of CSST tubing, determine the
specific gas demand requirements by adding the BTU/hr
inputs from the nameplates of each appliance or by referring to
Table 3 on page 249.
2. Total gas demand = 80,000 + 36,000 + 28,000 + 52,000 =
196,000 BTU/hr
3. From Table 12, use 25 column. Select 3/8-inch CSST for run
A, as it has capacity over 196,000 BTU/hr (262,000) (assume
a 2 psig (0,14 bar) second-stage regulator setting and 1 psig
pressure drop).
From Line Pressure Regulator to Each Appliance:
Example:
A typical single family home with four appliances is to be supplied
with a LP-Gas system. The piping is arranged in parallel with a
distribution manifold branching CSST runs to the appliances. The
supply pressure (downstream of the service regulator) is 2 psig
(0,14 bar) and the outlet pressure of the line pressure regulator is
set to 11-inches w.c. (27 mbar). Determine the sizes of pipe or
tubing required for this in-house LP-Gas installation.
1. For line B, length = 10 feet; gas demand = 80,000 BTU

For line C, length = 10 feet; gas demand = 36,000 BTU
For line D, length = 30 feet; gas demand = 28,000 BTU
For line B, length = 35 feet; gas demand = 52,000 BTU
2. CSST Tubing selection from Table 15 (assume a 11-inch w.c.
setting and 1/2-inch w.c. pressure drop):

Table 7. Pipe Sizing Between First-Stage (High Pressure Regulator) And

Second-Stage (Low Pressure Regulator)
maximum undiluted propane capacities based on 10 psig first stage setting and 1 psig pressure Drop. capacities in 1000 BTU/hr
Schedule 40 Pipe Size, Inches (Actual Inside Diameter, Inches)
Piping Length,
Feet
1/2 NPT
(0.622-inches)
3/4 NPT
(0.824-inches)
1 NPT
(1.049-inches)
1-1/4 NPT
(1.38-inches)
1-1/2 NPT
(1.61-inches)
2 NPT
(2.067-inches)
3 NPT
(3.068-inches)
3-1/2 NPT
(3.548-inches)
4 NPT
(4.026-inches)
30
1834
3854
7260
14904
22331
43008
121180
177425
247168
40
1577
3298
6213
12756
19113
36809
103714
151853
211544
50
1398
2923
5507
11306
16939
32623
91920
134585
187487
60
1267
2649
4989
10244
15348
29559
83286
121943
169877
70
1165
2437
4590
9424
14120
27194
76622
112186
156285
80
1084
2267
4270
8767
13136
25299
71282
104368
145393
90
1017
2127
4007
8226
12325
23737
66882
97925
136417
100
961
2009
3785
7770
11642
22422
63176
92499
128859
150
772
1613
3039
6240
9349
18005
50733
74280
103478
200
660
1381
2601
5340
8002
15410
43421
63574
88564
250
585
1224
2305
4733
7092
13658
38483
56345
78493
300
530
1109
2089
5289
6426
12375
34868
51052
71120
350
488
1020
1922
3945
5911
11385
32078
46967
65430
400
454
949
1788
3670
5499
10591
29843
43694
60870
450
426
890
1677
3444
5160
9938
28000
40997
57112
500
402
841
1584
3253
4874
9387
26449
38725
53948
600
364
762
1436
2948
4416
8505
23965
35088
48880
700
335
701
1321
2712
4063
7825
22047
32280
44969
800
312
652
1229
2523
3780
7279
20511
30031
41835
900
293
612
1153
2367
3546
6830
19245
28177
39253
1000
275
578
1089
2236
3350
6452
18178
26616
37078
1500
222
464
875
1795
2690
5181
14598
21373
29775
2000
190
397
748
1537
2302
4434
12494
18293
25483
Data taken and reprinted from Table 15.1(a) in NFPA 58, 2004 ed. Always check www.nfpa.org for the latest updates.
253

E = 35 ft.
xxx
Range 52,000 BTU/HR
Single Family Home With LP-Gas Example
Manifold
Regulator
2 PSI Service
Regulator
A = 20 ft.
xxxx
D = 30 ft.
xxx
R
C = 10 ft.
B = 10 ft.
Water Heater
36,000 BTU/HR
Furnace
80,000 BTU/HR
Dryer
28,000 BTU/HR
Line
length (ft.)
load,
1000 BTU/HR
CSST
Capacity,
1000 BTU/HR
Select
CSST Size
10
80
129
1/2
10
36
50
3/8
30
28
28
3/8
35*
52
64
1/2
*Uses 40 column in Table 15.
Figure 8. Single Family Home With a LP-Gas System
Table 8. Pipe Sizing Between First-Stage (High Pressure Regulator) And Second-Stage (Low Pressure Regulator)
maximum undiluted propane capacities based on 10 psig first stage setting and 1 psig pressure drop. capacities in 1000 BTU/hr
Type
ACR (Refrigeration)
Type L Tubing
Nominal
3/8-inch
1/2-inch
5/8-inch
3/4-inch
7/8-inch
1/4-inch
3/8-inch
1/2-inch
5/8-inch
3/4-inch
Outside
(0.375)
(0.500)
(0.625)
(0.750)
(0.875)
(0.375)
(0.500)
(0.625)
(0.750)
(0.875)
Inside
0.311
0.436
0.555
0.68
0.785
0.315
0.430
0.545
0.666
0.785
30
299
726
1367
2329
3394
309
700
1303
2205
3394
40
256
621
1170
1993
2904
265
599
1115
1887
2904
50
227
551
1037
1766
2574
235
531
988
1672
2574
60
206
499
939
1600
2332
213
481
896
1515
2332
70
189
459
864
1472
2146
196
443
824
1394
2146
80
176
427
804
1370
1996
182
412
767
1297
1996
Length,
Feet
90
165
401
754
1285
1873
171
386
719
1217
1873
100
156
378
713
1214
1769
161
365
679
1149
1769
150
125
304
572
975
1421
130
293
546
923
1421
200
107
260
490
834
1216
111
251
467
790
1216
250
95
230
434
739
1078
90
222
414
700
1078
300
86
209
393
670
976
89
201
375
634
976
350
79
192
362
616
898
82
185
345
584
898
400
74
179
337
573
836
76
172
321
543
836
450
69
168
316
538
784
71
162
301
509
784
500
65
158
298
508
741
68
153
284
481
741
600
59
144
270
460
671
61
138
258
436
671
700
54
132
249
424
617
56
127
237
401
617
800
51
123
231
394
574
52
118
221
373
574
900
48
115
217
370
539
49
111
207
350
539
1000
54
109
205
349
509
46
105
195
331
509
1500
36
87
165
281
409
37
84
157
266
409
2000
31
75
141
240
350
32
72
134
227
350
Data taken and reprinted from Table 15.1(h) and 15.1(k) in NFPA 58, 2004 ed. Always check www.nfpa.org for the latest updates.
254

Table 9. Polyethylene Plastic Tube And Pipe Sizing Between First-Stage And Second-Stage Regulators
maximum undiluted propane capacities based on 10 psig first stage setting and 1 psi pressure Drop. capacities in 1000 BTU/hr
Plastic Tubing Size (CTS) and Pipe Size (IPS) (Dimensions in Paranthesis are Inside Diameter)
Length of Pipe or
Tubing, Feet
1/2-inch CTS SDR

7.00 (0.445)
1-inch CTS SDR

11.00 (0.927)
1/2-inch IPS SDR

9.33 (0.660)
3/4-inch IPS SDR

11.00 (0.860)
1-inch IPS SDR

11.00 (1.077)
1-1/4-inch IPS SDR

10.00 (1.328)
2-inch IPS SDR

11.00 (1.943)
30
762
5225
2143
4292
7744
13416
36402
40
653
4472
1835
3673
6628
11482
31155
50
578
3964
1626
3256
5874
10176
27612
60
524
3591
1473
2950
5322
9220
25019
70
482
3304
1355
2714
4896
8483
23017
80
448
3074
1261
2525
4555
7891
21413
90
421
2884
1183
2369
4274
7404
20091
100
397
2724
1117
2238
4037
6994
18978
125
352
2414
990
1983
3578
6199
16820
150
319
2188
897
1797
3242
5616
15240
175
294
2013
826
1653
2983
5167
14020
200
273
1872
778
1539
2775
4807
13043
225
256
1757
721
1443
2603
4510
12238
250
242
1659
681
1363
2459
4260
11560
275
230
1576
646
1294
2336
4046
10979
300
219
1503
617
1235
2228
3860
10474
350
202
1383
567
1136
2050
3551
9636
400
188
1287
528
1057
1907
3304
8965
450
176
1207
495
992
1789
3100
8411
500
166
1140
468
937
1690
2928
7945
600
151
1033
424
849
1531
2653
7199
700
139
951
390
781
1409
2441
6623
800
129
884
363
726
1311
2271
6761
900
121
830
340
682
1230
2131
5781
1000
114
784
322
644
1162
2012
5461
1500
92
629
258
517
933
1616
4385
2000
79
539
221
443
798
1383
3753
Data taken and reprinted from Table 15.1(p) and 15.1(n) in NFPA 58, 2001 ed. Always check www.nfpa.org for the latest updates.
255

Table 10. Pipe Sizing Between Second-Stage (Low Pressure Regulator) And Appliance
maximum undiluted propane capacities based on 11-inches w.c. setting and 0.5-inch w.c. pressure drop. capacities in 1000 BTU/hr
Schedule 40 Pipe Size, inches (Actual Inside Diameter, Inches)
Piping Length,
Feet
1/2-inch NPT
(0.622-inch)
3/4 NPT
(0.824-inches)
1 NPT
(1.049-inches)
1-1/4 NPT
(1.38-inches)
1-1/2 NPT
(1.61-inches)
2 NPT
(2.067-inches)
3 NPT
(3.068-inches)
3-1/2 NPT
(3.548-inches)
4 NPT
(4.026-inches)
10
291
608
1146
2352
3523
6789
19130
28008
39018
20
200
418
788
1617
2423
4666
13148
19250
26817
30
161
336
632
1299
1946
3747
10558
15458
21535
40
137
287
541
1111
1665
3207
9036
13230
18431
50
122
255
480
985
1476
2842
8009
11726
16335
60
110
231
435
892
1337
2575
7256
10625
14801
80
94
198
372
764
1144
2204
6211
9093
12668
100
84
175
330
677
1014
1954
5504
8059
11227
125
74
155
292
600
899
1731
4878
7143
9950
150
67
141
265
544
815
1569
4420
6472
9016
200
58
120
227
465
697
1343
3783
5539
7716
250
51
107
201
412
618
1190
3353
4909
6839
300
46
97
182
373
560
1078
3038
4448
6196
350
43
89
167
344
515
992
2795
4092
5701
400
40
83
156
320
479
923
2600
3807
5305
Data taken and reprinted from Table 15.1(c) in NFPA 58, 2004 ed. Always check www.nfpa.org for the latest updates.
Table 11. Tube Sizing Between Second-Stage And Appliance

maximum undiluted propane capacities based on 11-inches w.c. setting and 0.5-inch w.c. pressure drop. capacities in 1000 BTU/hr
Type
ACR (Refrigeration)
Type L Tubing
Nominal
3/8-inch
1/2-inch
5/8-inch
3/4-inch
7/8-inch
3/8-inch
1/2-inch
5/8-inch
3/4-inch
7/8-inch
Outside
0.375
0.500
0.625
0.750
0.875
0.375
0.500
0.625
0.750
0.875
Inside
0.311
0.436
0.555
0.68
0.785
0.315
0.430
0.545
0.666
0.785
10
47
115
216
368
536
49
110
206
348
535
20
32
79
148
253
368
34
76
141
239
368
30
26
63
119
203
296
27
61
113
192
296
40
22
54
102
174
253
23
52
97
164
253
50
20
48
90
154
224
20
46
86
146
224
60
18
43
82
139
203
19
42
78
132
203
80
15
37
70
119
174
16
36
67
113
174
100
14
33
62
106
154
14
32
59
100
154
125
12
29
55
94
137
12
28
52
89
137
150
11
26
50
85
124
11
26
48
80
124
200
23
43
73
106
10
22
41
69
106
250
20
38
64
94
19
36
61
94
300
18
34
58
85
18
33
55
85
350
17
32
54
78
16
30
51
78
400
16
29
50
73
15
28
47
73
Length,
Feet
Data taken and reprinted from Table 15.1(l) and 15.1(j) in NFPA 58, 2004 ed. Always check www.nfpa.org for the latest updates.
256

Table 12. Maximum Capacity Of csst*
In thousands of BTU/hour of undiluted propane at a pressure of 2 psi
and a pressure drop of 1 psi (based on a 1.5 specific gravity gas)
CSST Tube
Size
EHD** Flow
Designation
10
25
30
40
50
75
80
100
150
200
250
300
400
500
3/8-inch
13
426
262
238
203
181
147
140
124
101
86
77
69
60
53
15
558
347
316
271
243
196
189
169
137
118
105
96
82
72
1/2-inch
18
927
591
540
469
420
344
333
298
245
213
191
173
151
135
Tubing Length, Feet
19
1106
701
640
554
496
406
393
350
287
248
222
203
175
158
3/4-inch
23
1735
1120
1027
896
806
663
643
578
477
415
373
343
298
268
25
2168
1384
1266
1100
986
809
768
703
575
501
448
411
355
319
550
30
4097
2560
2331
2012
1794
1457
1410
1256
1021
880
785
716
616
1-inch
31
4720
2954
2692
2323
2072
1685
1629
1454
1182
1019
910
829
716
638
1-1/4-inch
37
7128
4564
4176
3631
3258
2675
2601
2325
1908
1658
1487
1363
1163
1027
1-1/2-inch
46
15174
9549
8708
7529
6726
5480
5303
4738
3860
3337
2981
2719
2351
2101
2-inch
62
34203
21680
19801
17159
15357
12551
12154
10877
8890
7705
6895
6296
5457
4883
Table does not include effect of pressure drop across the line regulator. Where regulator loss exceeds 1/2 psi (based on 13-inch w.c. outlet pressure), do not use this table. Consult
with regulator manufacturer for pressure drops and capacity factors. Pressure drops across a regulator may vary with flow rate. CAUTION: Capacities shown in table may exceed
maximum capacity for a selected regulator. Consult with regulator or tubing manufacturer for guidance.
* Table includes losses for four 90-degree bends and two end fittings. Tubing runs with larger numbers of bend and/or fittings shall be increased by an equivalent length of tubing to the
following equation: L = 1.3n where L is the additional length (ft) of tubing and N is the number of additional fittings and/or bends.
** EDH - Equivalent Hydraulic Diameter - A measure of the relative hydraulic efficiency between different tubing sizes. The greater the value of EHD, the greater the gas capacity of
the tubing.
Data taken and reprinted from Table 15.1(m) in NFPA 58, 2004 ed. Always check www.nfpa.org for the latest updates.
Table 13. Pipe Sizing Between 2 PSI Regulator And Appliance Regulator
maximum undiluted propane capacities based on 2 psi setting and 1 psi pressure drop. capacities in 1000 BTU/hr
Schedule 40 Pipe Size, inches (Actual Inside Diameter, Inches)
Piping Length,
Feet
1/2-inch NPT
(0.622-inch)
3/4 NPT
(0.824-inches)
1 NPT
(1.049-inches)
1-1/4 NPT
(1.38-inches)
1-1/2 NPT
(1.61-inches)
2 NPT
(2.067-inches)
3 NPT
(3.068-inches)
3-1/2 NPT
(3.548-inches)
4 NPT
(4.026-inches)
10
2687
5619
10585
21731
32560
62708
176687
258696
360385
20
1847
3862
7275
14936
22378
43099
121436
177800
247690
30
1483
3101
5842
11994
17971
34610
97517
142780
198904
40
1269
2654
5000
10265
15381
29621
83462
122201
170236
50
1125
2352
4431
9098
13632
26253
73971
108305
150877
60
1019
2131
4015
8243
12351
23787
67023
98132
136706
70
938
1961
3694
7584
11363
21884
61660
90280
125767
80
872
1824
3436
7055
10571
20359
57363
83988
117002
90
819
1712
3224
6620
9918
19102
53822
78803
109779
100
773
1617
3046
6253
9369
18043
50840
74437
103697
150
621
1298
2446
5021
7524
14490
40826
59776
83272
200
531
1111
2093
4298
6439
12401
34942
51160
71270
Data taken and reprinted from Table 15.1(b) in NFPA 58, 2004 ed. Always check www.nfpa.org for the latest updates.
257

Table 14. Tube Sizing Between Second-Stage And Appliance
maximum undiluted propane capacities based on 2 psi setting and 1 psi pressure drop. capacities in 1000 BTU/hr
Type
ACR (Refrigeration)
Type L Tubing
Nominal
3/8-inch
1/2-inch
5/8-inch
3/4-inch
7/8-inch
3/8-inch
1/2-inch
5/8-inch
3/4-inch
7/8-inch
Outside
0.375
0.500
0.625
0.750
0.875
0.375
0.500
0.625
0.750
0.875
Inside
0.311
0.436
0.555
0.68
0.785
0.315
0.430
0.545
0.666
0.785
10
852
1730
3030
4300
4922
451
1020
1900
3215
4948
20
585
1190
2080
2950
3383
310
701
1306
2210
3401
30
470
956
1670
2370
2716
249
563
1049
1774
2731
40
402
818
1430
2030
2325
213
482
898
1519
2337
50
356
725
1270
1800
2061
189
427
795
1346
2071
60
323
657
1150
1630
1867
171
387
721
1219
1877
80
276
562
983
1390
1598
157
356
663
1122
1727
100
245
498
871
1240
1416
137
311
579
979
1507
125
217
442
772
1100
1255
130
294
547
925
1424
150
197
400
700
992
1137
104
236
439
743
1143
200
168
343
599
849
973
89
202
376
636
979
250
149
304
531
753
863
79
179
333
563
867
300
135
275
481
682
782
72
162
302
511
786
350
124
253
442
628
719
66
149
278
470
723
400
116
235
411
584
669
61
139
258
437
673
Length,
Feet
Data taken and reprinted from Table 6.3 (g) in NFPA 54, 2006 ed. Always check www.nfpa.org for the latest updates.
Table 15. Maximum Capacity Of csst*

CSST
Tube
Size
EHD** Flow
Designation
In thousands of BTU/hr of undiluted propane at a pressure of 11-Inches w.c. and a pressure drop of 0.5-inch w.c.
(based on a 1.5 specific gravity gas)
Tubing Length, Feet
5
10
15
20
25
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
150
200
250
300
3/8-inch
13
72
50
39
34
30
28
23
20
19
17
15
15
14
11
15
99
69
55
49
42
39
33
30
26
25
23
22
20
15
14
12
11
1/2-inch
18
181
129
104
91
82
74
64
58
53
49
45
44
41
31
28
25
23
19
211
150
121
106
94
87
74
66
60
57
52
50
47
36
33
30
26
3/4-inch
23
355
254
208
183
164
151
131
118
107
99
94
90
85
66
60
53
50
25
426
303
248
216
192
177
153
137
126
117
109
102
98
75
69
61
57
30
744
521
422
365
325
297
256
227
207
191
178
169
159
123
112
99
90
1-inch
31
863
605
490
425
379
344
297
265
241
222
208
197
186
143
129
117
107
1-1/4-inch
37
1415
971
775
661
583
528
449
397
359
330
307
286
270
217
183
163
147
1-1/2-inch
46
2830
1993
1623
1404
1254
1143
988
884
805
745
656
656
621
506
438
390
357
2-inch
62
6547
4638
3791
3285
2940
2684
2327
2082
1902
1761
1554
1554
1475
1205
1045
934
854
* Table includes losses for four 90 bends and two end fittings. Tubing runs with larger numbers of bend and/or fittings shall be increased by an equivalent length of tubing to the following
equation: L = 1.3n where L is the additional length (ft) of tubing and N is the number of additional fittings and/or bends.
** EDH - Equivalent Hydraulic Diameter - A measure of the relative hydraulic efficiency between different tubing sizes. The greater the value of EHD, the greater the gas capacity of
the tubing.
Data taken and reprinted from Table 15.1(n) in NFPA 58, 2004 ed. Always check www.nfpa.org for the latest updates.
258

Selecting the Regulator
Outlet Pressure
Inches of Water Column
Regulator performance curves show the capacity of a regulator at

different inlet pressures, given the factory setting for outlet pressure.
10 PSIG (0,69 bar)
Flexibility of Installation: A high pressure regulator can feed a

number of low pressure regulators, thus enabling the addition of
appliances in the future to the same pressure line without affecting
there individual performances.
Fewer Trouble Calls: With two-stage regulation, you can expect
fewer trouble calls due to pilot outage or burner adjustment. This
means higher appliance efficiency, lower service costs and better
customer relations.
Frist-Stage Regulator
Propane Flow Rate
Figure 9. Typical Capacity Curve
11-inches w.c.
Second-Stage Regulator
Figure 9 shows a performance curve for a Fisher brand Second-Stage

Regulator. Gas flow rate is plotted horizontally and regulator outlet
pressure vertically. The curved line represents an inlet pressure of
10 psig (0,69 bar). For the appliance to operate efficiently, the
regulator outlet pressure must not fall below 9-inch w.c. (22 mbar).
EmersonTM rates this particular regulator at the point the 10 psig
inlet curve crosses the 9-inch w.c. (22 mbar) horizontal line. Thus,
the literature would rate this regulator at 1,375,000 BTU/hr or
more if the inlet pressure stays above 10 psig (0,69 bar).
What you must know to select a regulator:
1. Appliance Load
2. Pipe Size
3. Inlet Pressure
4. Outlet Pressure
5. Gas Used (Propane/Butane)
6. Select From Manufacturer Catalog
Two-Stage Regulation
Advantages of Two-Stage Regulation
Uniform Appliance Pressure: Two-staging lets the first-stage
regulator supply a nearly constant inlet pressure to the second-stage
regulator at the house. This means the second-stage regulator has
an easier time of maintaining appliance pressure at 11-inch w.c.
(27 mbar), thus improving the system efficiency.
Lower Installation Costs: Smaller pipe or tubing can be used
between the first and second-stage regulators due to the higher
pressure, thus reducing installation and piping material costs.
Freezeups: Two-stage systems reduce problems due to regulator
freezeups caused by excessive water in gas. Larger orifices make
it more difficult for ice to form and block the passage area. The
expansion of gas at two different orifices in a two-stage system
greatly reduces the refrigeration effect that causes freezups. See
Fisher Bulletins LP-18 and LP-24 for more detailed information on
freezing regulators.
Usually 10 PSIG
Figure 10. Two-Stage Regulation, One at Tank and One at Building, Reduce
Pressure Down to Burner Pressure (11-inches w.c.)
Regulator Installation
A two-stage regulator system or an integral two-stage regulator
shall be required on all fixed piping systems that serve appliance
systems at 11-inch w.c. (27 mbar). This includes R.V.,
manufactured housing and food service installations (exceptions:
small portable appliances and outdoor cooking appliances with
input ratings of 100,000 BTU/hr or less, certain gas distribution
systems utilizing multiple second-stage regulators and systems that
provide an equivalent level of overpressure protection).
This standard along with changes in UL 144 requiring increased
regulator relief valve capacity or an overprotection shutoff device,
results in the maximum pressure downstream of the second-stage
regulator being limited to 2 psig (0,14 bar) even with a regulator
seat failure.
See LP-15 section (page 202) for more detailed information on
registration operation, installation, and maintenance.
Regulator Vents
Regulators should be installed in accordance with NFPA 58 and
any other applicable regulations, as well as the manufacturers
instructions. The following guidelines shall be followed:
Outdoor Installations: A regulator installed outdoors without a
protective hood must have its vent pointed vertically down, as
shown in the drawing.
259

Moderately crown
surface around
dome. This prevents
water collecting
and running into
dome or standing
around the dome
End of regulator vent

tube located at top
inside dome cover
Water mark in dome

at level above
vent or end of
vent tube requires
replacement
of regulator
and correcting
installation
2-inches (50,8 mm)
Minimum
Vent Pointed Down
Regulator bonnet
closure cap must
be tight
Figure 11. Vent Pointing Vertically Down
The regulator should be at least 18-inch (457 mm) above the

ground. Do not install the regulator where there can be excessive
water accumulation or ice formation, such as directly beneath a
downspout, gutter or roof line. All vent openings must be at least
three horizontal feet in any building opening and not less than five
feet in any direction from any source of ignition, openings into
direct vent appliances or mechanical ventilation intakes.
Horizontally mounted regulators, such as on single cylinder
installations, must be installed underneath a protective cover. On
ASME tank installations with the regulator installed under the
tank dome, the regulator vent should slope slightly down enough
To Appliance
Vent Assembly
Figure 13. Underground Tank
Regulators without drip lip vents must be installed under a

protective cover.
Indoor Installations: In a fixed pipe system, regulators installed
indoors require a vent line to the outside air. A screened vent
assembly (Fisher brand Y602 Series or equivalent) must be used
at the end of the vent line. The vent assembly position and location
precautions are the same as for regulator vents. The vent line must
be the same size as the regulator vent and adequately supported.
See Figure 12.
Underground Tanks: A vent tube is required on these installations
to prevent water from entering the regulators spring case. The
vent tube connects to the regulators spring case. The vent tube
connects to the regulator vent and terminates above any possible
water level, see Figure 13. Be sure that the ground slopes away
from the tank dome as illustrated.
Leak Testing Methods

There are two primary methods for testing leaks in installations:
Vent Line
Discharge opening must

be at least 3 feet from
any opening below it
Basement
From First-Stage
Regulator
Figure 12. Indoor Installation
to allow any condensation to drain from the spring case. The

regulator vent should be positioned far enough back from the tank
dome slot so that it is protected from the weather. The hood should
be kept closed.
260
Low Pressure Method

1. Inspect all connections and appliance valves to be sure they
are tight or closed. This includes pilot valves.
2. Connect a low pressure gauge (Fisher brand Type 50P-2 or
equivalent) to the burner orifice and open the valve.
3. Open the service valve at the tank to pressure the system.
Close the service valve tightly.
4. The low pressure gauge should read at least 11-inch w.c. (27 mbar)
Slowly bleed off pressure by opening burner valve on the
appliance to vent enough gas to reduce the pressure to exactly
9-inch w.c. (22 mbar).
5. If the pressure remains at 9-inch w.c. (22 mbar) for 3 minutes,
you can assume the system is leak tight. If the pressure
drops, refer to the leak detection procedures below.
6. After the leak is repaired, repeat steps 3, 4, and 5.

High Pressure Method
1. Inspect all connections and appliance valves to be sure they
are tight or closed. This includes pilot valves.
2. Connect a test block (Fisher brand Type J600 or equivalent in
the service valve outlet at the tank, between the valves outlet
and the first regulator in the system).
3. Open the service valve at the tank to pressure the system.
Close the service valve tightly.
4. Open an appliance valve until the test blocks pressure gauge
drops to 10 psig (0,69 bar).
5. The system should stand for 3 minutes without an increase or
decrease in the 10 psig (0,69 bar) reading. If pressure drops,
refer to the leak detection procedure section. If pressure
increases, then the service valve is leaking.
6. After any leaks are repaired, repeat steps 2, 3, and 4.
Leak Detection and Correction Procedures

1. Use a bubble leak detection solution, to mechanical leak
detector, (never a match or an open flame) when checking
for leaks.
2. Apply the solution over every pipe or tubing joint and observe
carefully to see if the bubbles expand, indicating a leak is
present. A large leak can blow the solution away before
bubble have a chance to form.
3. To correct a leak on flaring tubing, first try to tighten the
connection. If this doesnt work, reflare.
4. On threaded piping, try tightening or redoping first. If the leak
continues, take the connection apart and inspect the threads.
Cut new thread if necessary.
drip lip
Vent Blockage
Figure 14. Drip Lip
Make sure the regulator vent, vent assembly, or vent tube is not
blocked with mud, insect nests, ice, snow, paint, etc. The screen
should be clean and properly installed.
Internal and External Corrosion

Replace any regulator that has had water in the spring case to
shows evidence of external or internal corrosion. Regulators that
have been flooded or that have been installed horizontally that
have been flooded or that have been installed horizontally which
minimizes moisture drainage, or on underground tanks, or in
coastal areas are more susceptible to internal corrosion.
To inspect for internal corrosion:
1. Remove the regulators closing cap and look down into the
spring case (a flashlight may be needed).
2. On some regulators it may be necessary to shut down the
system and remove the adjusting screw and main spring to
adequately see any internal corrosion.
3. Look for visible corrosion or water marks on the relief valve
area and chimney (shaded area in the picture below).
5. If step 3 and 4 fail to correct the problem, look for sandholes

in the pipe or fittings and check for splits in the tubing.
Replace whatever material is defective.
Shaded area indicates

spot to examine for
internal corrosion.
Note: Leaks caused by equipment such as gas cocks, appliances,

valves, act., will require repair of the faulty part or replacement
of the entire device.
Regulator Inspection
The following items should be checked at each gas delivery and at
regularly scheduled testing and maintenance program intervals.
The customer should be instructed to turn off the tank service
valve if gas can be smelled, pilot lights fail to stay on, or any other
abnormal situation takes place.
Improper Installation
The regulator vent must be pointed down or under a protective
cover. Regulators without drip lip vents (Figure 14) must be
under a protective cover. Proper installation also minimizes
weather related vent blockage and internal corrosion.
Figure 15. Corrosion Area
4. Replace the regulator if corrosion is present.

261

Regulator Age
Locate and replace old regulators. Replace regulators that are over
15 years of age or that have experienced conditions (corrosion,
underground systems, flooding, etc.) that would shorten their
service life. Older regulators are more likely to fail because of
worn or corroded parts. Replace with a two-stage regulator system.
Table 16. LP-Gas Orifice Capacities LP-Gases

(Btu/hr at Sea Level)
orifice
or
drill size
propane
butane
orifice
or
drill size
propane
butane
0.008
519
589
51
36531
41414
0.009
656
744
50
39842
45168
0.01
812
921
49
43361
49157
0.011
981
1112
48
46983
53263
0.012
1169
1326
47
50088
56783
80
1480
1678
46
53296
60420
79
1708
1936
45
54641
61944
78
2080
2358
44
602229
68280
77
2629
2980
43
64369
72973
76
3249
3684
42
71095
80599
75
2581
4059
41
74924
84940
74
4119
4669
40
78029
88459
73
4678
5303
39
80513
91215
72
5081
5760
38
83721
94912
71
5495
6230
37
87860
99605
70
6375
7227
36
92207
104532
69
6934
7860
35
98312
111454
68
7813
8858
34
100175
113566
67
8320
9433
33
103797
117672
66
8848
10031
32
109385
124007
65
9955
11286
31
117043
132689
64
10535
11943
30
134119
152046
Always use a filling hose adaptor on the end of the hose end valve
during the filling process. After filling the tank, do not disconnect
the Acme coupling from the filler valve until the fill valve is closed
and all pressure between the hose end valve and the fill valve has
been bled off. If pressure discharge continues, the filler valve may
have malfunctioned. Do not remove the fill hose as the internal
parts may be blown out. If light tapping does not close the fill
valve, disconnect the filling hose adaptor from the hose end valve,
leaving the filling hose adaptor on the fill valve. The tank will
probably have to be emptied to replace the fill valve.
63
11125
12612
29
150366
170466
62
11735
13304
28
160301
181728
61
12367
14020
27
168580
191114
60
13008
14747
26
175617
199092
59
13660
15846
25
181619
205896
58
14333
16249
24
187828
212935
57
15026
17035
23
192796
218567
56
17572
19921
22
200350
227131
55
21939
24872
21
205525
232997
Some fill valve designs allow the seat disk to be replaced while the
tank is pressurized. On these designs, make sure the lower back
check is still functioning by forcing open the upper back check
with an adaptor. Take care to dislodge only the upper back check
and not both back checks. If there is little leakage with the upper
back check open, then the lower back check is in place and the disk
can be replaced by following the manufacturers instructions.
54
24630
27922
20
210699
238863
53
28769
32615
19
223945
253880
52
32805
37190
18
233466
264673
Regulator disk wear (especially on older regulators) or foreign

material (dirt, pipe scale, etc.) lodged between the regulator disk
and orifice can cause higher than normal outlet pressure to the
appliances at lock up or extremely low flows. A pressure test
of the system will be required to verify the outlet pressure under
these conditions. Replace the regulator if pressure is high. Check
the system for foreign material and clean out or replace pigtails as
needed.
Always reset the system after replacing a regulator. See LP-32
section (page 212) and the instruction manual for more detailed
information on inspecting LP-Gas regulators.
Troubleshooting Domestic Tank Fittings

A periodic inspection and maintenance program is recommended
for domestic tank fittings. The following briefly discusses ways to
avoid and correct potential safety problems with the most common
domestic fittings.
A more complete examination of this subject can be found in
NPGA Safety Bulletin 306.
Filler Valves
Relief Valves
Do not stand over a relief valve when tank pressure is high. A
relief valves purpose is to relieve excessive tank pressure which
can be caused by overfilling, improper purging of air from the
container, overheating of the tank, improper paint color, or high
vapor pressure, to list just a few reasons. Check the tank pressure
gauge if the relief valve is leaking. On a 250 psi (17,2 bar) design
pressure tank fro example, if the relief valve is discharging
262
Reprinted from Table F.2 in NFPA 54, 2002 ed. Always check www.nfpa.org for the
latest updates.
Propane
butane
BTU per cubic foot
2516
3280
Specific Gravity
1.52
2.01
Pressure at Orifice, Inches w.c.
11
11
Orifice Coefficient
0.9
0.9

between the 240 to 260 psig (16,5 to 17,9 bar) range, the relief
valve is working properly as long as it reseats.
amount of liquid discharge when the closing cap is loosened.

These valves have a bleed hole in the closing cap to vent liquid
before the cap is completely unscrewed. If a significant amount of
the liquid continues to vent from beneath the cap after 30 seconds,
do not remove the cap. Should only vapor be leaking from under
the cap, the connection to the withdrawal valve can usually be
made.
A relief valve that discharges substantially below 240 psig (16,5

bar) or that does not reseat when the tank pressure is lowered, will
have to be replaced. Do not attempt to force the valve closed.
Lower the tank pressure by withdrawing gas or cooling the outside
of the tank.
There is the possibility of liquid spray while opening the

withdrawal valve with an angle valve-special adaptor. For this
reason, protective clothing should be worn and extreme care taken
throughout the entire process.
Always keep a rain cap on the relief valve to help keep out dirt,
debris and moisture.
Relief valves, like other pieces of equipment, will not last forever.
EmersonTM recommends that a Fisher brand relief valves not
be used for over 15 years. Earlier replacement may be required
because of severe service conditions or applicable federal, state, or
local codes.
Service Valves
Show the customer this valve and tell him to shut it off if gas is
escaping into the house or any other abnormal situation takes place.
Check the stem seal and shut off seats periodically for leakage and
replace them if necessary (empty the tank first).
Liquid Withdrawal Valves

A damaged seat or missing internal parts may allow an excessive
Table 17. Line Sizing Chart For Liquid Propane In GPM

based on 1 psig pressure drop. propane at 60F. Based on schedule 40/80 steel/iron pipe
1/2-inch
3/4-inch
1-inch
1-1/4-inch
Piping
Length,
Feet
40
80
40
80
40
80
10
7.1
5.0
15.0
11.3
28.3
15
5.8
4.1
12.2
9.2
23.0
20
5.0
3.5
10.5
8.0
30
4.1
2.9
8.5
6.5
40
3.5
2.5
7.4
50
3.1
2.2
60
2.8
70
1-1/2-inch
2-inch
2-1/2-inch
3-inch
4-inch
40
80
40
80
40
80
40
80
40
80
40
80
22.2
58
47.6
87
73
169
143
269
229
475
410
967
846
18.1
47.5
38.8
71
59
137
116
219
187
387
334
789
690
19.9
15.6
41.0
33.5
62
51
119
100
189
161
335
289
682
597
16.2
12.7
33.4
27.3
50.1
41.6
97
82
154
131
283
235
556
486
5.6
14.0
11.0
28.8
23.5
43.3
35.9
84
71
133
114
236
203
481
421
6.6
5.0
12.5
9.8
25.7
21.0
36.3
32.1
75
63
119
101
211
182
429
376
2.0
6.0
4.5
11.3
8.9
23.4
19.1
35.2
29.2
68
57
109
92
192
166
391
343
2.6
1.8
5.5
4.2
10.5
8.2
21.6
17.7
32.5
27.0
63
53
100
85
177
153
362
317
80
2.4
1.7
5.2
3.9
9.8
7.7
20.2
16.5
30.4
25.2
59
49.6
94
80
166
143
338
296
90
2.3
1.6
4.8
3.7
9.2
7.2
19.0
15.5
28.6
23.7
55
46.7
88
75
156
135
319
279
100
2.2
1.5
4.6
3.5
8.7
6.8
18.0
14.7
27.1
22.5
52
44.2
84
71
148
128
302
264
150
1.8
1.2
3.7
2.8
7.1
5.5
14.6
11.9
22.0
18.2
42.5
35.9
68
58
120
104
246
215
200
1.5
1.1
3.2
2.4
6.1
4.8
12.6
10.3
18.9
15.7
36.7
31.0
59
49.9
104
89
212
185
300
1.2
0.9
2.6
1.9
4.9
3.8
10.2
8.3
15.3
12.7
29.7
25.1
47.5
40.4
84
73
172
151
400
1.0
0.7
2.2
1.7
4.2
3.8
8.8
7.1
13.2
10.9
25.6
21.6
40.9
34.8
73
66
149
130
263

Flood Damaged Regulators and Valves
Introduction
To prevent serious accidents and personal injuries, any Fisher
brand equipment covered by floodwaters should be replaced.
Periodic flooding of regulators and tank valves can create a
potentially hazardous condition in an LP-Gas system both during
the flood and long after the floodwaters have receded. An accident
could result if the product should eventually fail either during the
flood or at some length of time after the floodwaters have receded.
Regulators
Floodwaters that cover regulators can result in potential hazards
such as:
1. Increased pressure caused by the height of the water adding
additional force to the topside of the regulator diaphragm
and thus raising the outlet pressure. This can occur when the
regulator is covered and the appliances are not flooded and
thus still operational. This can also occur after floodwaters
have receded and if the regulator is installed so that water
inside the spring case can not drain out.
2. Dirt and debris settling into the spring case and restricting
diaphragm movement or preventing the relief valve from
opening if needed.
3. Diaphragm deterioration and internal part corrosion can result
in regulator failure months or years after the flood.
Internal damage will not be noticeable by looking at the
exterior of the regulator. The regulators outside appearance
may not give any indication of the internal damage. Therefore
it is safest to replace the regulator.
Tank and Cylinder Valves

Any valve on a tank or cylinder, such as relief valves,
service valves, fill valves, bleed valves, and combination valves can
be contaminated by the dirt and sediment that may settle into working
parts, get trapped under ACME caps and rain caps on relief valves.
264
If this debris hardens it can prevent relief valves from

opening. If the dirt is forced into tanks during the use of a tank
valve, it may prevent the tank valve from closing, i.e. filler valves
and relief valves. The dirt may even eventually be carried into the
vapor system through the regulators and into appliance controls.
Tank and cylinder valves should be carefully inspected and debris
removed. If there are questions as to the continued safe use
of the valves, they should be replaced.
Customer Propane Gas Lines

When replacing regulators, the propane gas lines should be
thoroughly cleaned and blown out to ensure that water and
contaminants do not enter the regulator and appliance controls.
Bulk Plant Equipment

Bulk plant equipment should be checked to ensure that cable
controls to internal valves and emergency shutoff valves are still
operational and not corroded or filled with sediment. Valves should
be cleaned and checked for proper operation. Gland packing on
internal valves and globe and angle valves should be checked for
leakage or damage caused by water and sediment.
Relief valves, hydrostatic relief valves, bypass valves, and other
product that can collect water should be cleaned, inspected and
replaced as necessary.
Unused inventory should be assessed for water damage and
disposed of as necessary so as not to replace flooded field product
with flooded new and unused product from a dealers warehouse.
Additional information can be obtained from the National Propane
Gas Association Propane Operational Reference Notebook, Bulletin
#000402 Suggested Procedure for Distributors in Flooded Areas.

Two-Stage Systems Give More Uniform Regulation, Better
Relief Protection, and Reduced Trouble Calls
Introduction
The LIQUIFIED PETROLEUM GAS CODE, NFPA 58 requires
that A two-stage regulator system, an integral two-stage regulator,
or a 2 psi (0,14 bar) regulator system shall be required on all fixed
piping systems that serve 0.5 psig (34 mbar) appliance systems
[normally operated at 11-inch w.c. (27 mbar) capacity pressure].
Two-Stage systems are required on new piping installations or if
a single stage piping system is changed, then it must be upgraded
to a two-stage system. Single stage regulators can now only be
installed on small portable appliances and on outdoor cooking
appliances with input ratings of 100,000 btu/hr or less.
A two-stage regulator system provides a higher level of performance
than a single stage regulator system. Single stage regulators in
domestic and on nearly all commercial/industrial installations do
have their limitations.
The Two-Stage Advantage

With a two-stage system, a first stage regulator supplies a nearly
constant inlet pressure (approximately 10 psig (0,69 bar)) to a
second stage regulator. This means the second stage unit does not
have to compensate for widely varying inlet pressures, conceivably
as high as 200 psig (13,8 bar) in the summer and as low as 10 psig
(0,69 bar) in the winter, but can provide nearly constant pressure,
typically within +/- 1/4 inch w.c., to the appliance under varying
load conditions. A single stage regulators outlet pressure will
deviate more from 11 inches w.c. because of the widely varying tank
inlet pressure. A more common pressure fluctuation due to inlet
pressure change would +/- 1 inch w.c.
If the piping distance between the tank and the house is less than
30 feet (9 m), an integral regulator is probably sufficient for most
loads without having to use a large pipe or tubing size. However,
if the distance between the tank and house is greater than 30 feet
(9 m), a smaller pipe or tubing can be used between the first and
second stage regulators due to the higher intermediate pressure,
and thus the potential to save on piping costs.
disk. However, only a large capacity relief valve in a second stage

regulator can limit downstream pressure to 2-psig (0,14 bar) to the
appliance if there is a mechanical failure in the regulator. Such
performance is accomplished because the first stage is presumed
to be operational and still providing 10 psi (0,69 bar) to the second
stage regulator. Thus the second stage relief valve doesnt have to
be sized for the full 250-psi (17,2 bar) tank pressure.
For large Commercial/Industrial systems, most of the regulators
used for first and second stage service do not have internal
relief valves and if they do, they typically only provide minimal
relief protection. Therefore, for large commercial and industrial
applications, external relief valves or other means of overpressure
protection will have to be installed between the first and second
stage regulators and also downstream of the second stage regulator
to provide the 2 psig (0,14 bar) overpressure protection required
by NFPA 58.
Regulator Freeze Ups Minimized

A two-stage regulator system provides gives better resistance to
internal regulator freeze-ups (ice build-up just before the orifice)
from water in the gas because:
A larger orifice can be used in the second stage regulator;
Pressure reduction occurs at both the first and second stage
regulators, creating less cooling and more heat transfer into
each regulator;
Most second stage regulators are mounted on the side of the wall
with the inlet piping coming up out of the ground. This orientation
allows any condensed moisture to drain away from the orifice, the
coolest part of the regulator during pressure reduction.
With minimal pressure drop at the second stage orifice and moisture
draining away from the larger second stage orifice, it becomes more
difficult for water to freeze in the second stage regulator.
Better Overpressure Protection in an Emergency
Fewer Trouble Calls
The internal relief valve on a single or second stage regulator can

provide adequate over pressure protection for a regulator that may
not lockup because of a worn disk or debris stuck on to the valve
You can expect fewer customer trouble calls due to regulator

freeze-ups, pilot outages, and erratic appliance performance with a
two-stage system.
265

Make these Checks when a Bobtail or Transport Pumping
System Doesnt Work
tank pressure
Bypass valve
Bypass line
PUMP discharge
pressure
discharge
line
fisher
internal valve
pumprunning
Valve outlet
pressure
Introduction
A truck thats unable to pump-off its load needs prompt attention,
and the correct troubleshooting procedures can save a lot of time
and money.
The internal valve sometimes gets the blame for the problem when
actually the valve is being operated incorrectly or some other
component in the system is at fault. Removing a properly working
interval valve is obviously a waste of time.
In order to check out a pumping system, pressure gauges should
be installed at the tank, the internal valve outlet, and the pump
discharge line, see the schematic drawing.
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
The schematic shows a truck pumping system operating properly.

When the internal valve opens, the tank and valve outlet pressure
are at about the same pressure (there may be a slight difference
in the gauge readings). Starting the pump increases the pump
discharge pressure while the tank and valve outlet pressure stay
within a few psig of each other.
Refer to the table when deviations from normal pressures take
place. For more information on Fisher brand internal valve
operation, contact us or see your local Distributor in your area.
REMARKS
Tank and valve outlet pressure

remain the same, pump
discharge pressure drops
Pump or
bypass valve
Bypass valve could be stuck in open position or there could be a pump

problem. Close the manual bypass line in order to check. As long as
valve outlet pressure stays nearly the same as tank pressure, the internal
valve is all right.
Valve outlet pressure

drops suddenly
Closure of internal
valve or blockage of
internal valve inlet
Stop pump and attempt to re-equalize valve. If problem persists, check

operating lever travel (lever should move to a stop in the fully open position).
Attempt pumping back through the valve (if possible) to clear out obstructions
inside the tank.
Pump discharge pressure

increases but product does
not transfer
Downstream piping
Downstream piping is clogged or a valve is closed somewhere in the

downstream piping system.
Tank and valve outlet pressure

slowly drop, pumping rate slows
Vapor return line
Vapor return line too small, boiling product causes the pumping rate
to decrease.
266

Correct LP-Gas Regulator Installation Can Improve Safety,
Give Longer Life
Second stage regulators should always be

installed with the vent pointing down. This
reduces the possibility of freezing rain or
sleet plugging the vent. It also makes it
more difficult for foreign material (pipe
scale, dirt) to enter the regulator.
On single cylinder or domestic tank

installations, it is frequently impossible to
point the regulators vent vertically down.
Here an encasement or hood will be needed to
protect the vent from the elements. Be sure the
tank hood completely covers the vent.
On single cylinder or domestic tank

installations, it is frequently impossible to
point the regulators vent vertically down.
Here an encasement or hood will be needed to
protect the vent from the elements. Be sure the
tank hood completely covers the vent.
Introduction
Extending Service Life
When making new installations or updating old ones, the

regulators vent is an important consideration. It affects both the
safety and the service life of the installation.
Condensation can build up inside the regulators spring case. After

several yearsit doesnt take place overnightthe condensation
may corrode the internal parts of the regulator, causing a sudden
regulator failure.
Keeping Vents Unplugged

The vent has to remain open in order for the regulator to work
properly. Freezing rain is the most common source of vent
blockage. If the vent does become plugged, it could allow: (1)
High pressure gas to register at the appliance, or (2) The appliance
pilot lights to be extinguished. Either instance could result in an
explosion and fire.
Nearly all domestic single stage and second stage regulators
produced today have drip lip style vents. These units resist
plugging by freezing rain when installed with their vent pointing
vertically down. On installations where its impossible to point the
vent vertically down, a hood or encasement should be used.
Corrosion problems are another reason for pointing the vent

vertically down wherever possible. In this way, any condensation
that forms can drain out the vent instead of accumulating inside
the regulator.
Free Regulator Literature

Safe, trouble-free installations begin with a correctly installed
regulator, whether the unit is a Fisher brand or another brand.
Realizing the importance of the regulator to any LP-Gas system,
A variety of free literature about regulators. Besides installation
information, the literature covers operation, inspection, and
maintenance. Please contact your local Distributor for details.
267
The need for training is more critical than

ever to achieving and maintaining costeffective operations. Engineers, technicians,
and purchasing agents must be familiar with
various aspects of technology. Emerson Process
Management offers courses and other training
programs to provide the knowledge and skills
to apply, operate, maintain, LP-Gas pressure
regulators, valves, and systems to meet customer
operating needs. Through a mixture of theoretical
and practical applications, training program
participants learn the fundamentals of, and
advancements in, pressure control and regulator
operations and maintenance. Emerson works
hard to ensure customers know how to get the
best from their entire process and operation.
For more information about Emerson Process
Management pressure regulator training
programs, contact the regulator divisions LP-Gas
Sales and Marketing Group.
Emerson Process Management
LP-Gas Sales and Marketing Group
1-800-558-5856
(469) 293-4201
LPGas.Training@emersonprocess.com
268

D450166T012 06 Education Training Section LR

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

D450166T012 06 Education Training Section LR

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Education and Training

Safety, efficiency, and accuracy are required characteristics for an LP-Gas

Education and Training

LP-19 Keeping Fisher Brand Internal Valves Working (continued)

LP-24 Plain Fact about Freezing Regulators

LP-18 Tests Show How Drip Lips Can Prevent Regulator

LP-32 Inspecting LP-Gas Regulators: What to Look for

LP-26 Safety Practices for Domestic Tank Fittings

LP-27 How Cold Weather Affects Tank Capacity

LP-19 Keeping Fisher Brand Internal Valves Working

LP-29 Complying with NFPA 58 Transfer Area and Bulk Plant

LP-37 Transfer Area Valving

Education and Training

Type C427 Internal Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242

LP-10 LP-Gas Servicemans Handbook

Filler Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

Flood Damaged Regulators and Valves

Properties of LP-Gases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246

The LP-10 Servicemans handbook is available in a

Education and Training

air moves in & out as

Figure 1. Parts of a LP-Gas Regulator

A little attention to the proper installation and maintenance of the

Someone once said the way to receive undivided attention is to make

Propane Flow Rate

Figure 2. Typical Relief Curve

Education and Training

relief valve seat

Figure 3. Internal Relief Valve being Opened by Excessive Gas Pressure

Check the vent periodically to see that it is not clogged. If it has

vent pointed down

Figure 4. Typical Outdoor Installation with Vent Pointing Downward

Regulators on buried container installations should be installed with

The two most important components of a regulator as far as proper

Remember, all regulator installations should be made in accordance

Education and Training

from first stage

Excessive appliance pressure means irritating customer service

What To Do About Chips

Other Regulator Problems

It was mentioned that the orifice nose must be carefully formed

While those chips are a rough adversary, it still takes a fairly

Education and Training

A Regulator The Attention It Deserves

Education and Training

how many more times the weight

It looks like the ability of propane vapor to carry water increases

Lets look at actual operating conditions. Take a cylinder of gas,

Education and Training

atmosphere 35F (1,7C)

57 psi (3,9 bar),

There are a number of things you can do to prevent this kind of

Figure 1. System Operating Normally

1. Use methyl alcohol if you suspect water (one pint to

3. Consider two stages of regulation, i.e., a first stage regulator

atmosphere 35F (1,7C)

54 psi (3,7 bar),

Figure 2. Freezing Temperature Results In Ice At The Orifice

Education and Training

Regulating Agencies Step In

Testing Freeze Resistance

Education and Training

Figure 2. Ice Completely Covered the Regulator Used in the

Figure 3. Looking Up into the Vent of the Same Regulator as shown in