Small Scale Propane

[bigtiller]

Thanks. This is incredibly helpful, really gets to the question I'm asking. So a bigger tank does give better performance.

Cooktop is 50K BTU -- five burners, one 16K, three 10K, one 4K.

The vaporization chart shows btu's for 1 hour with a continuous withdrawal.
An intermittent withdrawal could operate a larger load.

 

[jaxs]

That's a handy chart Tiller. One can use it to size tank and appliance for emergency back-up based on expected low temp. If back-up is critical such as room heater for the elderly,I urge people to have professionals set it up. As ambient temperature fall's below 30F and/or gas consumption increase's,the possibility of complete system shutdown is a reality. The risk can be dramaticly reduced by experienced installers. U-Tube and forums ARE NOT substitutes for classroom and field training.

 

[Jstpssng]

I think I know the answer, but would it be completely illegal for me to put a 20 lb tank in the basement?

In the event of a fire there is a vent which releases propane to keep the tank from exploding. According to somebody who just had that happen, it's like having a big propane torch shooting flame.
Do you really want that in your basement?

 

[3Ts]

If you really need lots of vaporization and it's cold outside, there are heaters specifically for increasing the vaporization rate. You'd definitely want a pro to install that.

 

[5030]

I have a half dozen "20 lb. tanks to use for portable shop heater, grill, etc. BUT - they're never filled with more than 18 pounds unless I get them filled at the propane dealer. Even then, they brag that they fill them to 19 pounds. Seems that 20 pound number is pie-in-the-sky number.

Our main tank for the house is a 250 gallon tank, but the propane company won't come out unless they its down to below 25 percent, and then only fill it to 80 percent. That puts the max at around 150 gallons. We'll run through about 200 gallons per year here in mid-Georgia.

You are small potatoes. I have 2 500 gallon bottles (propane tanks are actually called bottles) for the house ans 2 more for the shop and I empty all 4 every winter.

 

[Jstpssng]

^^^^^
Also, they only fill to 80% to allow for expansion if the weather gets warmer.

 

[Diggin It]

In the event of a fire there is a vent which releases propane to keep the tank from exploding. According to somebody who just had that happen, it's like having a big propane torch shooting flame.
Do you really want that in your basement?

Maybe it's just me, but if there was a fire in the house hot enough to cause that, well .....

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I'm using two 100lb tanks with an auto switch over regulator on our cottage. It is used for a gas range/oven, 199,000BTU tankless water heater, and a full size gas dryer. We've been living there full time for the past 3 weeks. The first tank is still around 1/2 full. This is the first time using all of the appliances 'full time' on this system, so not sure how long both tanks will last. I'm anticipating about 2 months. I'm going to get a third tank and have that in rotation so I can take 2 tanks to be filled each time.

 

[lennyzx11]

This looks like a good idea. But I would buy a third tank as back up. That way when I ignore the red flag and run both tanks empty I could still finish Thanksgiving dinner. On my grill I have two tanks. When I empty one I take it off the grill and set it by the garage door as a constant reminder I need to get it filled. You mentioned putting them under a deck and I think it would be easy to miss the flag popping up.

Doug in SW IA

I used the two tank setup on my RV for years. I quit putting it on automatic switch and when tank one ran out, I got off my but and had to manually switch it. I tried to go ahead and take the empty tank out then and leave it by the door so it would stare accusingly at me until I got it refilled.

 

[dragoneggs]

True. Finding a new supplier before you buy any tank would be key...or just going electric like someone else said.

Cast iron cooks alot nicer over gas than my current electric stove. When we go stove shopping it will be propane and our first propane appliance in our house. If i didnt enjoy cooking with cast iron i wouldnt own a gas stove.

Going a little off topic but I would never go back to electric for cooking. Way more control of the heat with gas.

I have a half dozen "20 lb. tanks to use for portable shop heater, grill, etc. BUT - they're never filled with more than 18 pounds unless I get them filled at the propane dealer. Even then, they brag that they fill them to 19 pounds. Seems that 20 pound number is pie-in-the-sky number.

Our main tank for the house is a 250 gallon tank, but the propane company won't come out unless they its down to below 25 percent, and then only fill it to 80 percent. That puts the max at around 150 gallons. We'll run through about 200 gallons per year here in mid-Georgia.

Pretty much my set up as well. Used to lease 500gal tank but realized I could pay off and own a 250gal tank rather quickly and then shop for best gas prices. When I had the leased tank, nobody but the leaser would fill it. Lost count of how many 20lb tanks I have but I would guess six as well. I used to run my BBQ off of them but got tired of running out of gas while BBQing. Tee'd off my house line and never run out. The portable tanks power my deck and garage heaters and mini fire pit.

Do sort of wish I would have purchased a 500gal tank but we only use it for our range, aux fireplace heat, and BBQ. If it was my primary heat source, 250gal would not be big enough as I would have to get it filled during the winter (high price season).