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Pipe and Tubing Sizing

This Chapter contains information on:

• Schedule 80 & Schedule 40 Piping Tables
• Copper Tubing Tables
• Polyethylene Plastic Pipe and Tube Tables
• Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST)
• Liquid Propane Pipe and Tube Tables

1. Pipe and tubing size is determined by the load in BTU and the distance the pipe or tubing has to carry the load.  Using a two regulator system, the first stage regulator is set at a high of 10 Lb. Pressure Per Square Inch Gas (PSIG).
2. Liquid pipe sizing is determined by the gallons required and distance it has to be moved to the appliance.  All low pressure second stage regulators are figured using 11' water column operating pressure.
3. Schedule 80 Pipe, Schedule 40 Pipe, Copper Tubing, Plastic Pipe, Plastic Tubing and Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) charts are giving maximum BTU delivered for foot of application.
4. Liquid Propane charts are used in the same manner revealing Liquid Propane Flow in Gallon per Hour (GPH) delivered in specified line lengths.
5. Always consider drawing a site map for tank setting and line burial along with notification of installation to all authorities of jurisdiction.  RE: Pamphlet 58, 1-4.1, page 58-76.
6. Always read notes at bottom of charts for total explanation.   Example: Note: Maximum undiluted propane capacity listed are based on 10 psi first stage setting and 1psi pressure drop.  Capacities in 1000 Btu/hr.  Pamphlet 58, Table 11-8, pages 58-76.
7. Additional diameter of piping is required whenever elbows, screwed elbows and valves are added.  An angle or elbow placed in the system would represent a restriction.  This must be compensated for by figuring additional length of line.

Installation Planning requires you to start with a drawing of the location and equipment.  Line Sizing Chart for LP-Gas Vapor requires you to total the entire BTU load being used between First and Second Stage Regulator.  Refer to the charts above.

Two Stage Installation Recommendation

After July 1, 1997 all new tank settings are required to be equipped with a two regulator system. It consist of a First Stage Regulator (high pressure) located at the storage location and a Second Stage Regulator (low pressure) located at the structure. A similar system can be achieved by utilizing an integral single two stage regulator that lowers the Propane pressure and deliver 11" water column pressure at the tank. The later is not recommended, because of the larger pipe size required when distances are involved and possibly not being able to deliver the required 11" water column at the appliance, if all were activated at the same time for maximum load.

Add 10 feet to distance-tank to house- for necessary pipe to go around tank, into and out of the ground.

The tank should be located where access will be easy with 100 feet of hose on Bobtail, when snow and mud is present. Always perform a system leak check, operating pressure and lock-up test after installation. Refer to Chapter 6 for Leak Testing procedures.

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