Propane Bottle Location

[Frank Vernet]

To All At Sea Mess Specialists:

Most of us have upgraded the original alcohol stove to today's standard propane fueled galley stove. Where have you CD33 owners located the propane bottle(s) -- keeping in mind that propane presents unique safety issues at this heavier than air gas will collect in low areas (e.g. bilge areas)?

My Sirius came with a box located on the weather deck between the spar and the V-berth hatch. It holds 2 6lb aluminum bottles stored horizontally. The run from the storage box to the stove is approx. 25' due to the twists and turns and vertical drop into the cabin. I am interested in freeing up that space in front of the spar as well as reducing the run of the propane line.

Any suggestions for this potential winter project will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

ps. Can't get the pic URL work to load, so here's the link for a picture of it:

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/vernetf/vwp? ... ckside.jpg

Frank Vernet
Sirius
CD33 #84



[img]http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/vernetf/vwp? ... ckside.jpg[/img]

[Matthew Atkinson]

To All At Sea Mess Specialists:

Most of us have upgraded the original alcohol stove to today's standard propane fueled galley stove. Where have you CD33 owners located the propane bottle(s) -- keeping in mind that propane presents unique safety issues at this heavier than air gas will collect in low areas (e.g. bilge areas)?

My Sirius came with a box located on the weather deck between the spar and the V-berth hatch. It holds 2 6lb aluminum bottles stored horizontally. The run from the storage box to the stove is approx. 25' due to the twists and turns and vertical drop into the cabin. I am interested in freeing up that space in front of the spar as well as reducing the run of the propane line.

Any suggestions for this potential winter project will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

ps. Can't get the pic URL work to load, so here's the link for a picture of it:

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/vernetf/vwp? ... ckside.jpg

Frank Vernet
Sirius
CD33 #84

I've got a CD30, not the same, but I did want to warn you about your configuration. I also use two 6lb aluminum bottles and store them horizontally. Apparently this will not do for the OPD requirements (overfill protection device). These requirements are happening state by state, but I wouldn't buy into a system just because it is still legal (to fill the tanks) in your jurisdiction.

I have not been able to determine the ABYC or any other regulatory agency's position on this, but many are horrified that I use the bottles in a horizontal position, because the liquid is in the valve. After being told I was nuts I finally understood why the pressure gauge freezes and breaks, though, I am told, the regulator is designed to withstand the liquid propane, so that there is no danger. In any event, you can be sure that I shut the tank down when not in use, which means jumping up and down the companionway like a jack-in-the-box - better than being blown out of it.

Anyway, since I have to replace my tanks anyway (not opd, and apparently prohibitive to refit them) I am thinking of going with a designed horizontal 10lb, though I would rather have the two 6lbs, for obvious reasons. Of course I have to reconfigure my locker (located on my aft cockpit seat), so I am not thrilled about the whole thing.

Anybody else out there understand the rules here, can you safely use a vertical design tank on its side, and if so, can such a tank work with OPDs?

So much for my advice. Matthew



matkinson54@hotmail.com

[Boyd]

Hi Mathew...


You should definately not use a vertical tank in the horrizontal position. Its never safe. There is a tube in the top of the tank which is supposed to pick up only the propane vapor. If the tank is mounted on the side then the pick up tube allows liquid propane to enter the system. The burner on your stove is only designed to handle propane vapor not liquid. When the liquid enters the burner the flame will usually go out and then the liquid propane comes out. The liquid propane will immediately vaporize. If an ignition source is present then.... Bang and bye Mathew.

The same is true for a horrizontal tank. The pickup tube is a J shape and will pick up vapors from the top of the tank when it is in the horrizontal position.

Use the correct tank in the correct postion. Unless you want to leave the planet under undesirable circumstance. I suggest you set your tanks in the correct orientation immediately.

Boyd
s/v Tern
CD 30 MkII
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

To All At Sea Mess Specialists:

Most of us have upgraded the original alcohol stove to today's standard propane fueled galley stove. Where have you CD33 owners located the propane bottle(s) -- keeping in mind that propane presents unique safety issues at this heavier than air gas will collect in low areas (e.g. bilge areas)?

My Sirius came with a box located on the weather deck between the spar and the V-berth hatch. It holds 2 6lb aluminum bottles stored horizontally. The run from the storage box to the stove is approx. 25' due to the twists and turns and vertical drop into the cabin. I am interested in freeing up that space in front of the spar as well as reducing the run of the propane line.

Any suggestions for this potential winter project will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

ps. Can't get the pic URL work to load, so here's the link for a picture of it:

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/vernetf/vwp? ... ckside.jpg

Frank Vernet
Sirius
CD33 #84

I've got a CD30, not the same, but I did want to warn you about your configuration. I also use two 6lb aluminum bottles and store them horizontally. Apparently this will not do for the OPD requirements (overfill protection device). These requirements are happening state by state, but I wouldn't buy into a system just because it is still legal (to fill the tanks) in your jurisdiction.

I have not been able to determine the ABYC or any other regulatory agency's position on this, but many are horrified that I use the bottles in a horizontal position, because the liquid is in the valve. After being told I was nuts I finally understood why the pressure gauge freezes and breaks, though, I am told, the regulator is designed to withstand the liquid propane, so that there is no danger. In any event, you can be sure that I shut the tank down when not in use, which means jumping up and down the companionway like a jack-in-the-box - better than being blown out of it.

Anyway, since I have to replace my tanks anyway (not opd, and apparently prohibitive to refit them) I am thinking of going with a designed horizontal 10lb, though I would rather have the two 6lbs, for obvious reasons. Of course I have to reconfigure my locker (located on my aft cockpit seat), so I am not thrilled about the whole thing.

Anybody else out there understand the rules here, can you safely use a vertical design tank on its side, and if so, can such a tank work with OPDs?

So much for my advice. Matthew

Boyd@wbta.cc

[Dennis Ward]

To All At Sea Mess Specialists:

Most of us have upgraded the original alcohol stove to today's standard propane fueled galley stove. Where have you CD33 owners located the propane bottle(s) -- keeping in mind that propane presents unique safety issues at this heavier than air gas will collect in low areas (e.g. bilge areas)?

My Sirius came with a box located on the weather deck between the spar and the V-berth hatch. It holds 2 6lb aluminum bottles stored horizontally. The run from the storage box to the stove is approx. 25' due to the twists and turns and vertical drop into the cabin. I am interested in freeing up that space in front of the spar as well as reducing the run of the propane line.

Any suggestions for this potential winter project will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

ps. Can't get the pic URL work to load, so here's the link for a picture of it:

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/vernetf/vwp? ... ckside.jpg

Frank Vernet
Sirius
CD33 #84

Frank,
I installed a vertical 10 lb(I think) tank under the aft deck between the vents. There is just enough room for a vapor proof box large enough for a tank, regulator, shutoff valve,and two smaller portable bottles (BBQ etc). The bottom aft side of the box rests on the transom and is vented overboard at this point. I fabricated my box out of 1/4 inch plywood covered with West epoxy and built a teak hatch hinged on the aft side for access. I do not have any of the measurments or specifications at home but could get them in a few weeks if you need them. I recommend you take your own and you will be surprised as to just how much room you have to work with. The run to the galley stove from that location is easy.

Dennis Ward
CD33 #41 WindWard Grace
Little Rock AR



dward34@aristotle.net

[Catherine Monaghan]

..: To All At Sea Mess Specialists:

Most of us have upgraded the original alcohol stove to today's standard propane fueled galley stove. Where have you CD33 owners located the propane bottle(s) -- keeping in mind that propane presents unique safety issues at this heavier than air gas will collect in low areas (e.g. bilge areas)?

My Sirius came with a box located on the weather deck between the spar and the V-berth hatch. It holds 2 6lb aluminum bottles stored horizontally. The run from the storage box to the stove is approx. 25' due to the twists and turns and vertical drop into the cabin. I am interested in freeing up that space in front of the spar as well as reducing the run of the propane line.

Any suggestions for this potential winter project will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

ps. Can't get the pic URL work to load, so here's the link for a picture of it:

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/vernetf/vwp? ... ckside.jpg

Frank Vernet
Sirius
CD33 #84

[img]http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/41d56c02 ... 9AL9otfrRb[/img]
catherine_monaghanNOSPAM@merck.com

[Matthew Atkinson]

Gottcha, I've been nervous like a cat, and apparently should be. I never cook, for example, unless I can sit and watch it - thus canned food on passages.

I am converting to the 10 gallon horizontal tank, which, I shall keep in its designed horizontal position.

Thanks again, Matthew

Hi Mathew...


You should definately not use a vertical tank in the horrizontal position. Its never safe. There is a tube in the top of the tank which is supposed to pick up only the propane vapor. If the tank is mounted on the side then the pick up tube allows liquid propane to enter the system. The burner on your stove is only designed to handle propane vapor not liquid. When the liquid enters the burner the flame will usually go out and then the liquid propane comes out. The liquid propane will immediately vaporize. If an ignition source is present then.... Bang and bye Mathew.

The same is true for a horrizontal tank. The pickup tube is a J shape and will pick up vapors from the top of the tank when it is in the horrizontal position.

Use the correct tank in the correct postion. Unless you want to leave the planet under undesirable circumstance. I suggest you set your tanks in the correct orientation immediately.

Boyd
s/v Tern
CD 30 MkII
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

To All At Sea Mess Specialists:

Most of us have upgraded the original alcohol stove to today's standard propane fueled galley stove. Where have you CD33 owners located the propane bottle(s) -- keeping in mind that propane presents unique safety issues at this heavier than air gas will collect in low areas (e.g. bilge areas)?

My Sirius came with a box located on the weather deck between the spar and the V-berth hatch. It holds 2 6lb aluminum bottles stored horizontally. The run from the storage box to the stove is approx. 25' due to the twists and turns and vertical drop into the cabin. I am interested in freeing up that space in front of the spar as well as reducing the run of the propane line.

Any suggestions for this potential winter project will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

ps. Can't get the pic URL work to load, so here's the link for a picture of it:

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/vernetf/vwp? ... ckside.jpg

Frank Vernet
Sirius
CD33 #84

I've got a CD30, not the same, but I did want to warn you about your configuration. I also use two 6lb aluminum bottles and store them horizontally. Apparently this will not do for the OPD requirements (overfill protection device). These requirements are happening state by state, but I wouldn't buy into a system just because it is still legal (to fill the tanks) in your jurisdiction.

I have not been able to determine the ABYC or any other regulatory agency's position on this, but many are horrified that I use the bottles in a horizontal position, because the liquid is in the valve. After being told I was nuts I finally understood why the pressure gauge freezes and breaks, though, I am told, the regulator is designed to withstand the liquid propane, so that there is no danger. In any event, you can be sure that I shut the tank down when not in use, which means jumping up and down the companionway like a jack-in-the-box - better than being blown out of it.

Anyway, since I have to replace my tanks anyway (not opd, and apparently prohibitive to refit them) I am thinking of going with a designed horizontal 10lb, though I would rather have the two 6lbs, for obvious reasons. Of course I have to reconfigure my locker (located on my aft cockpit seat), so I am not thrilled about the whole thing.

Anybody else out there understand the rules here, can you safely use a vertical design tank on its side, and if so, can such a tank work with OPDs?

So much for my advice. Matthew

matkinson54@hotmail.com