Subterranean tanks should be set back far enough from any road, street, driveway, or parking lot (at least 10 feet), so that vehicles passing through these locations do not collide with or run over the underground tank dome.
Are underground propane tanks prone to exploding?
Yes, a propane tank buried underground is full of combustible liquid that is under pressure. Propane tanks, on the other hand, are tough and durable containers due to the tight requirements that govern their manufacture. Exploding subsurface propane tanks are uncommon due to the built-in safety procedures.
If an underground propane tank is exposed to high temperatures, such as from a fire, the contents will heat up and expand. An explosion can occur if there are flames or a resource that can be ignited.
Is it possible to drive about with a propane tank?
- Always transport a cylinder in a secure, upright position while driving to avoid it falling, shifting, or rolling. Because traveling with a tank on its side is risky, it’s critical to keep the propane tank upright throughout transportation.
- Always drive directly to your destination and remove the cylinder from your car as soon as possible.
Is it safe to bury a propane tank?
Homes and communities benefit greatly from buried tanks. Propane tanks are intrinsically safe, whether stored underground or above ground. Propane is not damaging to soil or water in the unlikely event of a leak, and tank placement is governed by tight rules and codes.
What happens if a propane tank is struck by a vehicle?
When a propane tank is exposed to severe heat, such as during a fire, it will BLEVE. The liquid propane inside the tank is heated as the tank is being heated, causing it to expand. Allowing pressure to vent to the outside atmosphere, the safety relief valve will open. The propane tank may break if the pressure inside the tank rises over the point at which the safety relief valve can release it. The propane will ignite if there are flames or a source of ignition nearby, resulting in an explosion. It’s vital to understand that a BLEVE will only happen if the circumstances are ideal, such as being exposed to continuous flame impingement for an extended length of time. An explosion of a propane tank (BLEVE) is highly unlikely.
A tank that was involved in a grass fire is shown here. Around the tank, the fence caught fire and burned down. Despite the fact that the tank is no longer usable, it is a testimonial to the robustness of propane tanks as well as the manufacturing standards to which they are held. Many people assume that if a fire is present or nearby, an LP Gas tank will quickly explode. This propane gas tank is the exception rather than the rule.
How long will a propane tank be buried?
The propane tank is the heart of your propane-powered home, providing gas to your appliances and keeping your family warm and comfortable throughout the year.
But how well-versed are you in propane tanks? Here are some fundamentals to get you started.
The size and use of a propane tank, as well as how well it has been maintained for, determine how long it will last. A high-quality, well-maintained galvanized propane tank should last at least 30 years, with some aluminum and composite cylinders lasting even longer. Propane tanks built underground have a 20 to 30 year average life expectancy, depending on the soil type and how well the tank was installed.
Propane tanks are available in a variety of sizes; the right size for your Middle Tennessee or Southern Kentucky house is determined by the propane appliances you plan to use.
The following are some of the most common propane tank sizes, as well as some of the equipment that they typically power:
120 gallon For use with water heaters, space heaters, and pool heaters (holds 100 gallons of propane)
250 gallon For use with generators, pool heaters, and a variety of other equipment (holds 200 gallons of propane)
500 gallon For use with central heating and pool heaters (holds 400 gallons of propane)
1000 gallon Ideal for large households and businesses (holds 850 gallons of propane)
Federal, state, and municipal legislation and regulations govern the location of propane tanks, which must be followed at all times. Here are a few of the most significant:
- A portion of an underground tank of this size must be at least 10 feet from a building or property line.
Do you have any further concerns concerning propane tanks? To learn more, contact an expert at Advance Propane today!
How far should I bury my propane line?
For the protection of the line and connections on both ends, the yard line is subject to depth regulations. Depending on motor traffic, depths range from 12 to 18 inches underground. The reason for this requirement is simple: the earth, dirt, sand, or whatever is covering the line must provide appropriate protection against damage to the subterranean gas line. The weight of a car can quickly crimp or destroy a copper line running beneath a dirt drive that is only a few inches underground. Similarly, stumbling over a line running over the ground’s surface might cause significant injury. Inadvertent movement of the gas service line can result in leaks forming at the line’s connections on both ends. The gas line must be buried at a safe and needed depth for these reasons. Illegal installations include propane gas pipes that run along the top of the ground (as seen above).
Is it possible for small propane tanks to explode?
Because LP gas is stored under pressure in a liquid form, even a minor leak can result in a large gas explosion and fire.
What is the weight of a 250 gallon propane tank?
The length of a normal 250-gallon propane tank is 92 inches (7 feet and 8 inches). It measures 30 inches in diameter.
If you wish to install a 250-gallon tank, you’ll need to set aside roughly the following amount of space:
- 8 feet in length For pipe, you’ll need a few more inches, thus 8′ is advised rather than 7’8.
You can put it in your garage (above ground) or dig or reserve a spot for a propane tank underground (below-ground installation).
The weight of the 250-gallon tank is another piece of information you might find valuable. You’ll need to be able to manage it, as these tanks are quite heavy.
A 250-gallon propane tank, for example, weighs 483 pounds when empty and 1,333 lbs when filled. At 77K, 1 gallon of propane weights 4.11 pounds, as you can see in a more comprehensive rendition.
Installing it empty (with almost 500 pounds of weight) and then filling it up is the best approach.
This chart contains all of the sizes, dimensions, and weights of 100, 250, 500, and 1000 gallon propane tanks.
Overall Cost
The actual tank will cost the same whether you choose an above-ground or underground installation. An subterranean tank, on the other hand, will be more expensive up front due to the additional costs of:
- Excavation: This requires contractors to check that your foundation is solid, that the tank is at least one foot below ground, that it is securely installed, and that it is backfilled properly for safety.
- Additional labor: The building of an underground tank necessitates the use of more people and equipment, increasing labor expenses.
- Sacrificial anodes are an additional expenditure to the homeowner that are placed around the propane tank to assure long-term corrosion protection.
The additional costs of installing an underground propane tank might easily treble the cost of installing an above-ground propane tank.
In addition, underground tanks can be more expensive to maintain. Anti-corrosion coating is required for subterranean propane tanks to defend against underground factors that could damage the outer material. The coating must be inspected and tested on a regular basis to guarantee that it is functioning properly. It will also need to be replaced if the anti-corrosion coating has been weakened. The homeowner will incur increased costs as a result of these maintenance actions.
Installation Process
Before beginning excavation, just as with an above-ground tank, make sure you have all of the necessary permissions, arrangements, and safety checks in place. The procedure of installing an underground propane tank will take between 2-3 hours once excavation has begun.
You may need to contact your septic provider to dig the hole for the underground propane tank if your home has one. It’s possible that the propane delivery equipment will run over the septic tank if there isn’t enough cooperation, resulting in significant damage.
To show what the installation process for an underground tank looks like, watch this video:
Safety of the Tank
Underground tanks are often safer than above-ground tanks. One reason is because these tanks are more able to maintain their temperature in adverse conditions, particularly in the freezing cold.
In the event of a leak, underground tanks are also safer. Propane is a green fuel, therefore if a leak occurs, it will not harm the surrounding water or soil. Unlike an above-ground tank, there is no risk of the fuel escaping into the atmosphere and igniting a fire.
As a result, depending on the weather, an underground tank is a better option. The exception to this rule is in flood-prone locations, when above-ground tanks are recommended.