Propane questions

[arizona98tj]

I currently have a 200 gallon propane tank. It supplies my kitchen range and my furnace, although the furnace isn't used because of the wood stove.
I am thinking about getting a propane conversion kit for my 9KW gasoline powered generator. The conversion kit comes with a regulator that is plumbed to the carb. The company's video showed the generator connected to a 20# propane bottle when they ran the generator for the demo.

My first question....the pic below is the top of my propane tank. I assume this is some type of regulator to drop tank pressure to a lower pressure?

This next photo shows what is connected to the other end of the copper line when it gets to my house. The corrugated line going into the house and feeds both the range and furnace as I mentioned.

Assuming I can use the same copper line coming from the tank, how would one connect the regulator for the generator? A "Tee" on the input of the above item and a hose going to the gen's regulator?
I don't have a problem having one of the guys from the co-op come out to do this but would like to understand what he would be doing prior to discussing this with them on the phone. I can build a custom wiring harness for a vehicle tranny computer swap or build a 40' loafing shed but haven't done any gas work.

Thanks

 

[jaxs]

Being that you are in Mn. and judging by size of line from tank to house,odds are regulator on tank is sending gas at a pressure less than tank pressure to house regulator where pressure is farther reduced to that required by appliances. Were you in Texas where temps rarly get below 20f and stay more than 24 hours,the regulator on tank would reduce pressure to that required by appliances and send to house via a larger line. To reduce pressure at tank to that required by appliances would require a much larger (think expensive) line during long periods Mn. Winter temperature. If your conversion kit come's with a regulator capable of operating at 20 lb tank pressure as in demonstration, tee off BEFORE house regulator. The conversion regulator will work fine when connected AFTER house regulator but could starve appliances when all are in operation in cold weather. If things ran off water,the tank regulator would drop 100 psi tank pressure to 20 psi and send it to house regulator via 1/2" pipe where house regulator dropped 20psi to 8 psi then send to appliances via 1" pipe. An engine MUST be fed 0 psi via large line or regulator internal to carburetor to allow engine vacuum pull gas as needed. Your conversion kit regulator reduces whatever pressure it's fed to 0 psi.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

It's ounces of pressure in the house.

 

[jaxs]

It's ounces of pressure in the house.

How do you believe that will help op with where to tap into gas supply? If op desire's testing pressures he can buy or borrow manometers for precise measurements but since appliances tolerate such a wide margin of pressure without ill effect, don't you think precision instruments are needless overkill?

 

[Moxie 15]

My only advice is to call your propane supplier, tell them what you want to do and let them come out to do it. Any cost incurred will be less than the cost of repairs caused by an error in design and build on your part.

 

[Egon]

The propane supplier can figure out the volumes and line size required. The installation will also have to meet their specifications before they will fill your tank.

Note: the generator may need a special kit to use propane. More to it than just switching the fuel lines.

 

[Oaktree]

What Moxie said. Plenty of ways things could go "boom" if you don't know what you're doing, and insurance won't likely cover damage if they determine someone unlicensed did the work. For that matter, your propane supplier may not fill the tank either.

 

[LouNY]

If the propane carburation kit you are looking at was feed directly from a 20 pound propane bottle,
simple get a tee for your propane tank and install it before the first regulator and run a feed to the kit.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

If your propane supplier is anything like ours, they will glady come out and run the line for you, with an appropriate end to attach the genset's regulator.

What they charge me for something like this is so inexpensive, it doesn't warrant my time just to go gather what supplies are needed. Check with your supplier first. They know what and how to do it right. They have all the materials / supplies needed to do it.

 

[duramaxsky]

Is the generator bigger than you need now? You will only get about 80% out of if with propane. So if it doesn't have extra capacity you will find it be too small.