Options for trenching in a propane line and sizing

[jrsavoie]

I am thinking about running a propane line from the house to a shed about 100'.

Can I run it on the house regulator?

What size line?

What kind of line?

The line to the house from the tank was run in soft uncoated copper about 20 years ago. Is that normal?

 

[cvairwerks]

Line size needs to be matched to the load requirements. What are you going to feed with it?

 

[Lewisthepilgrim]

google line requirements. IMO copper pipe is a no no for gas and you are just asking for problems. IIRC 1'' iron pipe @ normal 11''wc for propane allows a maximum of around 350,000 BTU @ 100' distance. There are simple charts that will tell you what sizing you need. There is also that new yellow coated stuff...but to me its like flexible dryer vent

what appliances are you running off it ? you also need to think of maximum usage per hour based off your tank size. (if its too much your tank can freeze up, which lowers pressure and reduces output significantly)

 

[The Cobbler]

you would probably run it off of the first stage regulator and then need a second stage regulator at the shed. size would be determined by BTU's of shed heater. type , not sure of you can use hdpe or if you would use copper? your propane supplier would be able to answer all of that

 

[Jackfre]

Don't forget to add a tracer wire with the underground poly pipe. Copper is an approved material for gas. It varies by locality. I would not use it underground.

 

[Fasthotrod]

IMO copper pipe is a no no for gas and you are just asking for problems.

Copper tubing intended for water, yes... but there is a specification for copper tubing that is rated for Propane and is acceptable.

Look here for more info:

https://www.copper.org/applications/fuelgas/select/rg-specifying.html

Specifying Copper Tube

Table 1 identifies the different types of copper tube allowable for use in fuel gas distribution systems in the U.S.A., along with the identification and availability of each type. Types K and L copper tube (ASTM B 88) and ACR tube (ASTM B 280), up to and including 1-inch outside diameter, have been used in fuel gas systems for many years. Usually, Type L is used for interior distribution systems and Type K for any underground lines. Though not commonly used in the U.S.A., seamless copper tube Type GAS (ASTM B 837) is commonly used and required in Canada for gas distribution systems.

The dimensions of copper tube used for gas installations are shown in Table 2. Tube and fittings in fuel gas systems are usually identified by their outside diameter (O.D.) rather than their nominal sizes. Designers and installers should be specific with size designations in their references and when ordering.

Copper and copper alloy tube (except tin-lined copper tube) should not be used if the gas contains more than an average of 0.3 grains of hydrogen sulfide per 100 standard cubic feet (scf) of gas (0.7 mg/100 L).

Copper is an approved material for gas. It varies by locality. I would not use it underground.

Correct... the proper tubing is acceptable, provided the AHJ/Code Compliance people in your area say that it is acceptable.

We use PVC coated copper tubing all over the country for our propane fueled engine generators. Works great, lasts a long time.

 

[Lewisthepilgrim]

Copper tubing intended for water, yes... but there is a specification for copper tubing that is rated for Propane and is acceptable.

Look here for more info:

https://www.copper.org/applications/fuelgas/select/rg-specifying.html

Specifying Copper Tube

Table 1 identifies the different types of copper tube allowable for use in fuel gas distribution systems in the U.S.A., along with the identification and availability of each type. Types K and L copper tube (ASTM B 88) and ACR tube (ASTM B 280), up to and including 1-inch outside diameter, have been used in fuel gas systems for many years. Usually, Type L is used for interior distribution systems and Type K for any underground lines. Though not commonly used in the U.S.A., seamless copper tube Type GAS (ASTM B 837) is commonly used and required in Canada for gas distribution systems.

The dimensions of copper tube used for gas installations are shown in Table 2. Tube and fittings in fuel gas systems are usually identified by their outside diameter (O.D.) rather than their nominal sizes. Designers and installers should be specific with size designations in their references and when ordering.

Copper and copper alloy tube (except tin-lined copper tube) should not be used if the gas contains more than an average of 0.3 grains of hydrogen sulfide per 100 standard cubic feet (scf) of gas (0.7 mg/100 L).



Correct... the proper tubing is acceptable, provided the AHJ/Code Compliance people in your area say that it is acceptable.

We use PVC coated copper tubing all over the country for our propane fueled engine generators. Works great, lasts a long time.

any time I find a gas leak, its a house with copper lines....just sayin

 

[jrsavoie]

Line size needs to be matched to the load requirements. What are you going to feed with it?

Furnace or heater, possibly a water heater. 26x16 man cave, garden sheet,butcher shop.

 

[ishiboo]

any time I find a gas leak, its a house with copper lines....just sayin

Varies based on soil type. Around here, copper lasts nearly forever.

 

[ishiboo]

At 100' after the regulator I would go with yellow PE. Basically plastic pipe. You just need an inexpensive chamfer tool to work with it, the stub-outs to bring it above ground simply push on.

 

[fitter30]

https://www.google.com/url?q=https:...FjAAegQIBxAB&usg=AOvVaw2kYqdnc7hs_Efl--UvwDoW
Heres a link for pipe size and btu ratings. Run 10lb propane 1/2" L copper 365k btu for 100' see post#4: for regulators.

 

[jrsavoie]

Thanks. Any ideas on cost to run 100 foot plus fittings? I've seen tanks for $400. But hard to find

 

[coalminer16]

$2/foot trenched for me on my tank install. Splitting a 1000 gal tank for the house and shop. Requires 3 regulators. One to get down to 10 psi for the line. One at the house for 1/2 psi for that furnace which it is only used as backup heat and the last one I think was at 2 psi to run one 175k and another 245k btu shop heaters. Regulators were about 200 and line installed is another 200.

Trenching only needs to be 1 foot deep but I asked and he will do 2 feet just to be safe.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[Adk Mike]

Easier to go the 100 feet with first stage pressure. You can simply add a 2d regulator to the existing tank and go the distance high pressure. What you would have is 2 gas systems on one tank. I size propane every day for a living. 100 feet would be cheapest to go with poly gas line and a couple steel risers. 300 bucks should cover it if you have a ditch dug.