Pressurized tank questions

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sherwoodm

Member
Dec 12, 2013
2
Montpelier Vt
It has been about 5 years since I was given great advice on this forum. In 2008 I installed an open 700 gallon tank with heat exchanger along with an old Tarm MB55 boiler in a cramped room on the side of our garage. It has served us very well with only problems, evaporation and getting excess heat from the room into the house. I top the tank off about every two weeks and have a fan to circulate air into the house. Possibly I should leave well enough alone but am thinking about updating to pressurized propane tanks in our basement. I have three 250 gal propane tanks I would modify to make them vertical. My questions? The basement is 8 ft lower in elevation than the garage where the boiler would stay. Would that cause any issues. Also, could I separate the tanks, two side by side in one location and another by itself 20 ft away. We have a small house and tank placement is a problem. Thanks in advance for your help.
 
Why not put a top on the tank?

I run an 820 gallon unpressurized tank just like you but my top is sealed. It is vented to the atmosphere via a 3/4" pipe in the top that has a 1" copper cap just sitting on top. I have yet to see significant water loss...

Something else to keep in mind, lost steam is lost heat, I bet you are loosing a ton! Tighten everything up, insulate it and use the heat when you need it.

K
 
Why not put a top on the tank?

I run an 820 gallon unpressurized tank just like you but my top is sealed. It is vented to the atmosphere via a 3/4" pipe in the top that has a 1" copper cap just sitting on top. I have yet to see significant water loss...

Something else to keep in mind, lost steam is lost heat, I bet you are loosing a ton! Tighten everything up, insulate it and use the heat when you need it.

K
Hi possibly I better try to seal it better before I give up on it. It has a sheet metal top stuck down with RTV and machine screws with 4" of foam on top of that but the water sure evaporates. I believe at least 10 gal per wheel. Before I give up on it I will drain and clean the tank (in the spring) and see if I can get a better seal. Thanks much
 
Yeah, you need to just find a better way to seal that sucker.

I don't check mine but once a season and I've only had to add the a small amount if any.

K
 
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