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Inspecting HVAC Systems Topics include heating, venting, and air conditioning inspections.

 
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  #16  
Old 1/22/06, 6:18 PM
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Brian E. Kelly Brian E. Kelly is offline
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Default Re: Another question for Y'all

NATURAL GAS VS. PROPANE

Most people are going to know which gas to use. However, for those that do not have either gas, here is the choice.

Natural gas is more commonly found in new construction and in more developed areas. If you already have natural gas running to your home or building, it is probably more cost effective to have a gas line professional run a line to your fireplace or room where the gas fireplace, logs, stove or heater will be used. Natural gas yields about 1000 BTUs per cubic foot.

LP ( also called propane) is effective for those that do not have ready access to natural gas, in rural localities, if there is a desire for the appliance to be semi-portable, or if some sort of central propane supply tank is available. Propane tanks should always be stored outdoors in a way to avoid extremely high temperatures. Propane is sold by the pound (or gallon) and delivers 21,560 BTUs per pound (or 91,500 BTUs per gallon.) It yields about 2,500 BTUs per cubic foot (vaporized).

NOTE: We often have people ask about converting a unit from one gas to another. The hoses, lines, control valves, and orifices on burners for each gas are quite different in size. Some gas log manufacturers offer conversion kits for some items. However, vent free appliances cannot be converted. Propane is roughly 3.5 times heavier than natural gas therefore its regulators, gas jet orifices and even its control valves are often different versus and the same piece of equipment using natural gas.

NEVER ATTEMPT TO ATTACH A PROPANE GAS SOURCE TO ANY NATURAL GAS APPLIANCE. THIS WILL RESULT IN FLAMES 2-4 TIMES HIGHER THAN IS CORRECT AND COULD BE A VERY DANGEROUS, LIFE-THREATENING FIRE HAZARD.

Attaching natural gas to a propane appliance is of little good. The pilot light probably won't even light.


http://www.firechim.citymax.com/arti...4175/15881.htm

Last edited by bkelly2; 1/22/06 at 6:21 PM..
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  #17  
Old 1/22/06, 6:32 PM
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Default Re: Another question for Y'all

Ok. How about this... Other than from being knocked over, do you know why larger propane tanks are horizontal?
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  #18  
Old 1/22/06, 6:34 PM
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Default Re: Another question for Y'all

Joe, what! no LEL and UEL?
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  #19  
Old 1/22/06, 8:15 PM
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Default Re: Another question for Y'all

Thats some good info Brian, Thanks
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  #20  
Old 1/22/06, 8:27 PM
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Default Re: Another question for Y'all

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  #21  
Old 1/22/06, 11:31 PM
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Default Re: Another question for Y'all

nice info Joe. I copied it for my knowlage.
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  #22  
Old 1/22/06, 11:35 PM
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Default Re: Another question for Y'all

Quote:
Originally Posted by phinsperger
Ok. How about this... Other than from being knocked over, do you know why larger propane tanks are horizontal?
is it 'cuz condensation will consentrate to the bottom to much on a large tank if it were vertical, or maybe 'cuz it would be to tall in back of a truck??
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  #23  
Old 1/23/06, 6:37 AM
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Default Re: Another question for Y'all

In really cold temperatures the liquid propane has a harder time turning into a gaseous state so the horizontal tank gives a greater surface area at the top of the LP for this to happen. That way the furnace (or other propane applianices) won't use up the propane gas faster than it can convert from LP.

In really really cold areas they install warming jackets around the tanks also for this reason.
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  #24  
Old 1/23/06, 9:32 PM
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Default Re: Another question for Y'all

good info Paul, thanx.
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