can i box in a propane tank?

[escavader]

Im moving my oil barrel,next to the house,beside the propane tank,and i want to hide,the hidious looking things, and protect them from the snow coming off the roof.Iwas going to build one building around them both,with access doors .Can i close in the propane tank ,or do i have to vent it?It wont be an airtight building,but id like to keep out some of the cold so i dont have to burn k-1 which is getting pricey.
ALAN

 

[SnowRidge]

Propane tanks are boxed in on boats all the time. The only thing that is done is a weep hole at the lowest point in the enclosure. The hole lets water and propane vapors (heavier than air) escape.

Seems to me that doing the same thing on land would be reasonable enough. That doesn't mean that some authority doesn't have a rule against it. That's your choice. Me, I got rid of the propane. I hate the stuff, but that's just me.

 

[Skerby]

i personallly would, as long as i'd have enough air flow to prevent a build up from a small leak which would obviously create an explosive condition. can you install a steel screen or vent somewhere?

 

[escavader]

i personallly would, as long as i'd have enough air flow to prevent a build up from a small leak which would obviously create an explosive condition. can you install a steel screen or vent somewhere?

Iguess i could put an interior divider between the propane tank and oil tank,then i could vent it.Any rule of thumb for the size of the vent? It just feeds our kitchen stove only.
ALAN

 

[CurlyDave]

I sure wouldn't box in a propane tank.

One explosion could ruin your whole day.

It is easy to build a visual screen which allows plenty of air flow. Think boards mounted at an angle, like louvers.

Be safe and build a separate enclosure for your oil tank, you can make that one as air-tight as your want.

 

[SnowRidge]

Iguess i could put an interior divider between the propane tank and oil tank,then i could vent it.Any rule of thumb for the size of the vent? It just feeds our kitchen stove only.
ALAN

My boat's propane enclosure had two 3/4" inch holes sloped downward. One on each end of the enclosure at the lowest point.

For a land enclosure, I would probably go bigger, with insect screened vents in the bottom. Soffit vents would probably do nicely.

 

[Egon]

Curly's ideas should be explored further.

But best be checking with the local codes and also the insurers as their standards may vary.

 

[WayneB]

I agree with Curly and Egon, maybe call your local propane dealer and see what they recommend.

Gosh, you can even get a tank that you can put underground around here if one desires it.

 

[SnowRidge]

You guys are worried about the wrong thing.

There is no danger in a properly bottom vented outdoor propane enclosure. Propane is heavier than air. Any leak will be safely dissipated to the ground. The real danger is in having propane inside the house, especially if there is a basement. If there is a leak in the line inside the dwelling, the lowest point in the house will eventually fill with propane. Flip on the basement light switch or have an oil burner ignite and boom.

If the propane tank is far enough away, the enclosure probably won't even be damaged when the house goes up.

 

[dmccarty]

If the propane tank is far enough away, the enclosure probably won't even be damaged when the house goes up.

That cracked me up. Glad I was done eating lunch.

Later,
Dan

 

[Iowachild]

Here is my set up in use since September 2004. The vented structure holds two 40 lbs. cylinders.

 

[escavader]

MIKE ,
That sure looks a heck of a lot better than looking at the tanks.Thats just what i want to do ,enclose the oil tank and propane ,because they are such eye sores.
My propane company forbid me from painting my tank.Ialways painted it the same color as the house so it blended in.They said i could build a structure around it,but i didnt get details. Iwant to be safe so i think ill stick with you guys advice somewhat,and seperate the oil tank section from the propane and vent the propane part.Ill call the propane outfit too,to confirm this is ok
Thanks for the help guys good advice

ALAN

 

[PILOON]

Why not create a 'shed' using 4' x 8' lattice material, usually available from lumber yards.
Build a structure from 2 x 4's and tack on the lattice material and add a roof to drain water away from your house.

As previously stated propane is heavier than air plus with the lattice you would have virtually 50% ventilation.

I 'shedded' my oil tank in that way and feel completely safe with the setup.

 

[RobertN]

I have done this before. You can get creative with the lattice. You can also plant vining/creping plants that will cover the lattice in a season or two.

Why not create a 'shed' using 4' x 8' lattice material, usually available from lumber yards.
Build a structure from 2 x 4's and tack on the lattice material and add a roof to drain water away from your house.

As previously stated propane is heavier than air plus with the lattice you would have virtually 50% ventilation.

I 'shedded' my oil tank in that way and feel completely safe with the setup.