Plumbing/welding a 1000gal. propane tank, dip tubes?

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cbb

Member
Apr 21, 2012
34
Nw. Maine
Gentlemen;

Recently I was given a 1000 gal. propane tank. I have mag drilled 4 holes on top for 1 1/4" couplings and welded the couplings. One on each end and 2 towards the middle.
Can I keep all my fittings on top? Dip tubes?The only fitting on the bottom of the tank is the 1 1/4" outlet.
I am all setup to finish the welding this coming week.
 
My only quick input - minimize the welding and make use of existing fittings as much as possible. I only have 2 fittings on the bottom of mine, one 1-1/4 for water flow in & out, and one 3/4 for a drain (that could have been 1/2). Some say diptubes can mess up stratification - e.g. by the time return flow makes it through the tube to the bottom, it's hot. I don't know if that is a big concern. If you can't use the bottom one or if it would be a big pain to use, I'd likely try the tubes.
 
I was not sure if I would be better off with the dip tubes or just weld in 1 or 2 more couplings on the bottom. It would be easy right now. I have it on blocks and can flip it over by hand.
 
I was not sure if I would be better off with the dip tubes or just weld in 1 or 2 more couplings on the bottom. It would be easy right now. I have it on blocks and can flip it over by hand.

How big a boiler are you using? It's much easier to move big heat with bigger plumbing. I have a 60kw and used 1.5 plumbing from boiler to tanks.. and then 1.125 from tanks to loads.

JP
 
How big a boiler are you using? It's much easier to move big heat with bigger plumbing. I have a 60kw and used 1.5 plumbing from boiler to tanks.. and then 1.125 from tanks to loads.

JP
I agree at least 1-1/2" connections 1 at every end top and bottom. With a reducing Tee the 1-1/2" can serve as both a connection and the drain port. I stood mine on end and the lower connection has 3 pumps manifolded onto it. My solar drainback, return to wood boiler and HX to the DHW plate HX. I like a 3/4" mid and top for sensor wells that are not in the fluid stream.
 
I will be using an Effecta 35kw. The fittings etc. that came with it are 1 1/4".

I was curious about the guys using a single 1000 gal. tank if the plumbing is any different than the 2 stacked 500's.
 
Mine (stacked 330's), aside from the connection between tanks, just has two ports for flow, one at bottom and one at top. Depending on heat load draw, flow is either going in the bottom & out the top (with heat load draw), or out the bottom & in the top (no heat load draw & boiler heating storage). I don't really see why more would be needed, although it might add convenience in some case? Aside from those though I also have a small port at the bottom (for draining/filling) and top (for air venting) of each tank.
 
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