Household propane reducer - key criteria for the right choice
As is known, liquefied hydrocarbon gas (propane-butane) is stored in cylinders or gas tanks under a pressure of several bar. To reach the operating parameters of consumers (30-50 mbar), a special device is used in autonomous gas supply systems for private facilities - a household propane reducer . If we draw an analogy with an electrical network, this device acts as a stabilizer, that is, it reduces the pressure to the required value and automatically maintains it at the same level.
Gasification of a gardening partnership where to start
If the entire gardening partnership is to be gasified, then at a general meeting of plot owners it is necessary to make a decision by a majority vote on laying a gas pipeline, indicating the amount of the target contribution. It is possible that two groups will form within SNT: representatives of the first want to gasify their homes immediately and are financially ready for this, while the second, for various reasons, refuse to connect their cottages to the gas network.
In the event that not all members of the SNT are going to participate in construction, a new legal entity should be established. In accordance with paragraph 2 of Art. 4 of the Federal Law “On gardening, gardening and dacha non-profit associations of citizens” dated April 15, 1998 FZ-66, public property acquired or created by a partnership at the expense of targeted contributions is the joint property of its members. This means that all gardeners, even those who did not take part in the construction of the gas system, will have equal rights to it. If in the future it is planned to connect new participants to the object and make a profit, it is advisable to organize a consumer cooperative. And when an independent non-profit organization is created only for the construction of a gas pipeline, it is worth establishing a non-profit partnership.
The owner of the gas pipeline will be a non-profit partnership or consumer cooperative. He will be assigned the following responsibilities:
- maintain security zones of gas supply system facilities in a fire-safe condition;
- carry out the planned work, cut down trees (shrubs) in protected zones and outside them in the manner established by the forestry legislation of the Russian Federation;
- establish an emergency rescue service or involve specialized organizations under contract terms;
- develop plans for localizing potential accidents, disasters, and eliminating their consequences;
- organize engineering systems for monitoring and preventing accidents, as well as warning, communication and protection systems;
- create reserves of material, technical and other means;
- prepare gas supply system workers for actions to localize potential accidents and eliminate their consequences;
- carry out an executive survey of the gas distribution network with the establishment of the boundaries of its security zones, include the obtained data in survey documents and transfer them to organizations maintaining the state land cadastre;
- approve the boundaries of security zones of the gas distribution network and the imposition of restrictions on the land plots included in them in the executive authorities of the constituent entity of the Russian Federation;
- register encumbrances in the Unified State Register for real estate and transactions with it.
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If you are the happy owner of a cozy country house far from a polluted city and want to recreate the best environment for cooking various dishes there, the only solution may be a gas stove for a summer house under a cylinder. The variety of such appliances is impressive in its scale, so anyone can choose something suitable for themselves - from a compact stove with a single burner to a large multifunctional item with four burners.
Single burner gas stove
Design and principle of operation of the gas reducer.
Any propane reducer contains the following components:
- valve;
- working chamber;
- locking spring;
- compression spring;
- membrane
The throughput of this device depends on the degree of opening of the valve, which is influenced on one side by a membrane and a pressure spring, and on the other by gas and a shut-off spring. The higher the propane pressure in the cylinder and the lower the flow rate of gas-using equipment, the closer the valve is located to the seat. Conversely, as the pressure in the chamber drops and the flow rate increases, the valve opens more. The operating parameters of a household propane reducer are determined by the stiffness of the springs and the elasticity of the membrane. Some models are additionally equipped with a valve, the shaft of which is connected to a pressure spring, which allows you to manually regulate the gas supply within a certain range.
Operating principle of the device:
Modern propane reducers are sometimes additionally equipped with a safety mechanism that is triggered if the inlet pressure of propane-butane is exceeded. In order to increase the level of safety, such reducers are usually installed on gas tanks and group cylinder installations used for gasification of one or several houses. You can learn more about how autonomous heating is implemented in private households from the article: Autonomous heating with propane butane.
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How to choose a household propane reducer
The choice of a device for supplying a propane-butane mixture to gas-using equipment is based on two key parameters:
Sample passport for a gas stove
The operating mode of most household propane appliances is 30 mbar, 37 mbar or 50 mbar. Based on this indicator, the appropriate gearbox is selected. If its output pressure differs from the operating parameter of a gas stove, boiler or, for example, a grill, this may lead to improper operation of the equipment and even create an explosive situation.
The characteristics of the propane reducer can be seen on it - 3 kg/h and 29mbar
30 mbar, 1.5 kg/h (kg/h)
For stable and safe operation of the gas consumer, it is also important that its consumption does not exceed the performance of the gas reducer. In this case, the upper level of gearbox consumption is not standardized. That is, for a boiler with a power of 24 kW with a mass flow of 2 - 2.5 kg/h, it is permissible to install a gearbox with a capacity of 3 kg/h and higher - the automatic boiler or stove will still not allow “extra” gas to pass through.
0.45 m3 (for propane - butane)
1000 Pa - 1 kPa - 10 mbar
30 mbar - 0.03 bar
Some owners of autonomous gas supply systems make the mistake of purchasing industrial gearboxes instead of household ones, considering them more reliable. Firstly, such devices are an order of magnitude more expensive, and secondly, they are designed to work with more powerful gas equipment, so they are not always compatible with household appliances.
You should also pay attention to the type of thread of the device. Gearboxes designed to work with non-flammable gases are equipped with a right-hand thread, and with flammable gases they have a left-hand thread and a mark on the nut.
Rules for installation and operation of a gas reducer
To connect a propane reducer to gas-using equipment, two methods are used: using a herringbone fitting or using a threaded connection. The first option is considered the simplest and is often used to connect the cylinder to a gas stove. The second method is more reliable and aesthetic, in addition, it allows you to connect one propane tank to several consumers at once.
Connection via fitting
Whatever option is chosen, during the process of connecting the gas reducer and starting the system, you must adhere to the following instructions:
- Make sure there are no cracks or depressions on the housing, check the integrity of the pressure gauge (if equipped).
- Connect the device to the cylinder (gas holder). For better tightness of the threaded connection, you should additionally use flax or FUM tape.
- Connect the gas line to the outlet pipe of the reducer. When using a herringbone fitting, secure the pipe at the mounting location with a clamp.
- Slowly open the cylinder valve, then turn the tap on the gas consumer.
It is worth noting that the device is intended for use in temperate climates, so its use is permissible at temperatures from -15 to 45 degrees Celsius.
An example of connecting a propane reducer in a group cylinder installation
A high-quality household propane stabilizer can last for more than one year without major repairs. Only rubber materials that lose their elasticity over time are subject to periodic replacement. You should also inspect the bypass valve 1-2 times a year and, if necessary, clean it. The degree of clogging of the gas reducer directly depends on the purity of the propane-butane mixture used. For example, here you can familiarize yourself with the standard forms of delivery of this high-purity mixture in accordance with GOST. If you use high-quality gas, the service life of shut-off and control valves and gas-using equipment will significantly increase, and the likelihood of sudden failures of the autonomous gas supply system will be minimized.
Bellows hose for gas, advantages:
- The gas hose is manufactured in accordance with technical specifications and satisfies GOST regulations;
- The only one approved for use by government services;
- Component PVC coating provides the product with reliable protection. Polymers are highly resistant to aggressive environments and mechanical shocks.
- The gas supply line often remains undamaged, subjected to significant and sometimes critical loads;
- Manufacturers set a long service life for the product, more than 25 years;
- PVC protects against electrical influences of 1000 V or more.
- There are no regulations regarding restrictions during operation.
How to convert a gas stove to bottled gas
In general, setting up a gas stove for bottled gas is not difficult; to properly adapt the stove you just need to change the gas supply nozzles to the burners. This can be easily done with your own hands without hiring specialists.
Gas is supplied to the burner using a special hole in the nozzle, which is an integral part of any gas stove. The hole can be of different diameters, depending on the pressure in the gas supply system. Of course, the pressure in the central gas lines is noticeably higher than in a conventional gas cylinder, and accordingly the diameter of the hole in the nozzle should be smaller.
Often, complete with a gas stove, the manufacturer also includes a set of jets designed for different types of gas mixtures - natural gas, propane-butane, etc. But if they weren’t there or the stove was bought a long time ago, it’s okay, you can buy the necessary jets in the store.
Choosing a jet for bottled gas
Jets (other names: nozzles, injectors, nozzles, etc.) for gas stoves are not in short supply; they can be bought at specialized retail outlets - markets, shops. In appearance, the nozzle is similar to a regular bolt with a thread applied, but unlike the latter, it has a hole in the center through which the gas actually passes. As we said earlier, the hole can be of different diameters, and usually its value is stamped on the end of the product.
Before buying a jet, you should determine what diameter is needed. This is an important point, since incorrectly selected jets will not allow the stove to work normally, or even make it impossible.
It is not difficult to understand that the stove is working correctly after replacing the jets:
the flame should burn without hissing, without yellow impurities and red tongues;
When lighting the burner, no popping noises are allowed, and the flame should not suddenly go out.
The required diameter of the nozzle hole is indicated in the instructions for the gas stove; if the instructions are lost, then information about your stove and its manual can be easily found on the Internet.
We categorically do not recommend changing the diameter of the nozzle hole yourself by caulking or drilling - new nozzles are not expensive, and “reworking” at home can have a detrimental effect on the operation of the stove.
What tools are needed?
To configure a gas stove for bottled gas and then connect it to a gas container, you will need the following tools:
first of all, new jets;
7 mm wrenches, wrenches or open-end wrenches;
a new flexible hose, 1.5 meters or more in length. Serves to connect the stove to a gas cylinder;
seal and gas reducer with outlet pressure 30 mBar.
General useful information
Placement
If you plan to store gas at sub-zero temperatures, please note that you should only buy a propane-butane mixture that is marked “winter”, otherwise it will not be used up all. Another advantage of installing a cylinder on the street is that there are no gas leaks in the living space (if this suddenly happens).
By the way, installation in unventilated rooms, as well as below ground level (for example, in a cellar/basement) is not permissible. The fact is that propane is heavier than air, and therefore, in the event of a leak, it will begin to accumulate, and at a ratio of 2.35 to 9.55% to air, propane can even form an explosive mixture. Also, the distance from the kitchen stove to the gas cylinder must be at least 1 meter, and also at least 1 meter from heating appliances.
Installation diagram
To connect the stove to gas in a country house and a permanent building, different schemes are used. So, how to connect a gas cylinder to a stove in a residential building? In this case, it would be rational to have a supply in the form of several cylinders, which will be stored in a separate cabinet. The latter must be installed on a concrete foundation, the height of the base of which will be 25-30 cm above ground level. The distance from the wall of the building to the cabinet should be 50 cm, and from the slab to the pipe passing through the wall at least 20 cm. It is also worth considering that you cannot install a cabinet with cylinders from the side of the facade of the house and the transport passage.
How to supply a summer kitchen with gas
To correctly connect a gas stove to a cylinder at the dacha, use the following diagram:
- The stove should be installed no closer than 75 mm from the wall - this distance is required so that the hose connected to the fitting does not bend.
- The cylinder should be installed at a distance of at least 1 meter, and the hose that will be used for connection must be at least 150 cm in size.
- To securely fix it in a vertical position, you should fasten the hose with a clamp that will be mounted into the wall.
Types of gas tanks
In order to deliver gas to the place of use, several standard tank sizes are used. For frequent use, it will be easier to buy a large cylinder, while for use in the country, you can choose a smaller container. Such a cylinder will be convenient to transport and it will be easier to find a place for it in tight spaces. The cylinders have a number of characteristics:
Volume (liters) | Weight of container when unfilled (kg) | Full container weight | Amount of gas in m3 | Acceptable refueling limits (liters) |
5 | 4 | 6 | 0.95 | 4.25 |
12 | 5.5 | 11 | 2.6 | 10.1 |
27 | 14 | 26 | 5.39 | 13 |
50 | 22 | 43.2 | 10 | 42.5 |
Please note that the volume of gas (propane) poured will be less than the volume of the container itself. This is due to the safety of the cylinder, since gas filled in the winter will begin to expand in a warm room and can even rupture the cylinder if it contains more gas than required by regulations
We change the jets and connect the stove to the cylinder
Before starting work, the stove should be disconnected from the gas (if it is connected). Next, remove the burners; some stove models require removal of the top cover. After that, use a hex wrench to unscrew the old jet, and taking into account the size of the burner, immediately screw in a new one, and so on with all the burners.
The jets in the oven are changed in the same way as the burners - we remove the surfaces covering the burners, remove the burners and change the jets. For a more competent change, it is better to use the instructions for your stove.
Disabling the old stove
The first thing to do is turn off the gas supply by turning off the tap while on vacation. Then check the supply shutoff by turning on the burner. Simultaneously with the replacement of the slab, the ceiling valve can be replaced.
- Open the window, prepare a wet rag, sealing thread or tape.
- Remove the old faucet and plug the pipe with a wet rag.
- Clean the threads and wrap thread or tape around them.
- Remove the rag and screw the new faucet onto the thread.
- Check sealing with soapy water.
How to check the reliability of the connection: apply soap or shaving foam to the joint. If there is a leak, it will begin to bubble.
Connecting the plate to the cylinder
For this operation, you need to screw a fitting onto the gas stove pipe, and put a previously stored flexible gas hose on it and secure it with a worm-type clamp.
We attach the second end of the hose to the reducer and also tighten it with a clamp, and connect the reducer directly to the liquefied gas cylinder using paronite gaskets. Fastening is carried out using an open-end wrench; we place the gearbox in a horizontal position - this is important!
If everything is done correctly, there should be no gas leaks, but it is better to check this personally. To do this, use the simplest method - applying a soap solution to the joints. If there is a leak, it can be easily seen by the inflating soap bubbles. In this case, it is necessary to change the gaskets, tighten the clamps, and if there is damage to the hose, replace it.
Connecting equipment
Connecting a gas hob to a cylinder is carried out in several stages:
- installation of a cylinder;
- connection to the stove;
- connection to the cylinder;
- examination.
Choosing a location for the cylinder
The gas cylinder can be located:
- on the street in a special metal box;
- in the house, directly in the kitchen or in a separate room.
Outdoor installation increases the level of safety when using gas. However, please note that:
- the cylinder can only be placed on a flat and dry surface (pallet, slats, etc.);
- when the temperature drops to 0°C, the pressure in the system may decrease.
To use a gas cylinder in cold weather, it is recommended to insulate the equipment. For insulation, you can use any material that allows you to retain heat or a specialized self-regulating cable.
Location of a gas cylinder near the house
When placing a gas cylinder with your own hands inside the house, you must consider the following rules:
- the distance from it to the tile should be no more than 1 m;
- installation inside a house with more than 2 floors is prohibited;
- the cylinder must not be placed in the basement;
- distance to heating equipment – more than 1 m.
The process of connecting to a gas stove
Next you need to connect the hose to the gas stove. The connection diagram is as follows:
- A hose is connected to the outlet pipe of the stove. A rubber gasket is installed at the connection point. If there is no gasket, the connection must be sealed with sealant;
- the hose is secured using a fastening clamp.
Connecting a hose to a gas stove
If the size of the hose and the outlet pipe of the tile do not match, then different adapters are used. The installation of adapters must be carried out with a sealing compound.
Connection to the cylinder
The next step is to attach the hose to the gas cylinder.
If the cylinder is located on the street, then the connection through the wall is carried out using a special metal sleeve.
Exiting the gas hose to the street
Next, the reducer is connected to the cylinder and the hose is attached using a fastening clamp, as well as the installation of additional equipment. All connections must be sealed.
Connecting the plate to the cylinder
Leak test
Before putting the system into operation, it is necessary to check its tightness according to the following scheme:
- a soap solution is prepared;
- Apply the solution to the joints with a sponge (rag);
- If soap bubbles appear within a few seconds, the seal of the connection is broken.
Violation of the tightness of the connection
How to connect the stove to a gas cylinder, watch the video.
After completing all the work, you can turn on the gas stove and check the pressure in the system. If the gas burns bluish or slightly greenish, then the pressure is normal. When other colors are formed, the pressure is adjusted using the reducer.
How to choose a reducer for a gas cylinder?
Why do you need a reducer for a gas cylinder? The easiest way to answer the question is by comparing a household reducer for a gas cylinder with a mains voltage regulator. For a thrifty owner, the use of an electrical stabilizer has long become the norm. A gas reducer for a cylinder is used for exactly the same purpose - to stabilize the pressure coming from the gas cylinder to our household appliances.
Reducing gas pressure to operating parameters that ensure stable operation of the equipment - this is the main task performed by a cylinder pressure reducing device. The characteristics of the inlet pressure are important for household appliances where the energy source is blue fuel.
It would seem that after we have found out why a cylinder reducer for propane and butane is needed, we can finish the article, say goodbye to the readers, and submit the work for publication. However, not everything is so simple, and it turns out that the gas reducer operates according to completely two different operating principles and is divided into two types of devices.
Decor
The design of a gas stove for a cylinder is nominal - there is no need to visit any authorities, the requirements are easy to fulfill. The first was announced - the distance to the cylinder is at least 0.5 meters. Second: there must be at least 2 meters to the main lines - water supply, sewerage, metal heating pipes. That's all.
There are two options for official registration:
- When you fill up a new cylinder at a municipal gas station (not for cars, but specifically for refueling household gas cylinders), the station employee will fill out the paperwork for you. You will need to provide the address (at least approximately) and explain where the stove is located and where the cylinder is located. Here you have to be careful, at least say that it is worth it according to the rules. Yes, the cylinder must be purchased at one of the Gorgaz stores and you will need the registration number of the car on which this cylinder will be transported.
Refill dispensers for gas cylinders
For many, a gas stove for a summer house under a cylinder has been standing for years even without such “design”. But in this case, you will refill the cylinder yourself, without using the services of municipal gas stations or exchange machines. Also, if it is necessary to repair or maintain the stove, or reconfigure it, you will need to somehow resolve the issue of design (usually there are no problems) or use the services privately.
How does a cylinder reducer work:
1 Direct gearbox
An ordinary simple gas pressure reducing device consists of two chambers with an area of high and low pressure, separated by a rubber membrane. In addition, the “reducer” is equipped with an inlet and outlet fitting. Modern devices are designed in such a way that the bellows connection is screwed directly into the gearbox. Increasingly, you can find a gas reducer with a third fitting intended for mounting the monomer.
After gas is supplied through the hose and then through the fitting, it enters the chamber. The created gas pressure tends to open the valve. On the reverse side, a shut-off spring presses on the valve, returning it back to a special seat, popularly called a “saddle.” Returning to its place, the valve prevents the uncontrolled flow of high-pressure gas from the cylinder.
Membrane
The second acting force inside the gearbox is a rubber membrane that divides the device into high and low pressure areas. The membrane acts as an “assistant” to high pressure and, in turn, tends to lift the valve from the seat, opening the passage. Thus, the membrane is between two opposing forces. One surface is pressed by a pressure spring (not to be confused with the return spring of the valve), which wants to open the valve, on the other hand, the gas that has already passed into the low pressure zone presses on it.
The compression spring has manual adjustment of the pressure applied to the valve. We advise you to buy a gas reducer with a seat for a pressure gauge, this way it will be easier for you to adjust the spring pressure to the desired output pressure values.
As the gas leaves the reducer to the source of consumption, the pressure in the working space chamber decreases, allowing the pressure spring to straighten. She then begins to push the valve out of the seat, again allowing the device to be filled with gas. Accordingly, the pressure creeps up, pressing on the membrane and reducing the size of the pressure spring. The valve moves back into the seat, narrowing the gap, reducing the gas filling of the reducer. The process is then repeated until the pressure equalizes to the set value.
It should be recognized that gearboxes for direct type gas cylinders, due to their complex design, are not in high demand; reverse type gearboxes are much more widespread; by the way, they are considered devices with a high degree of safety.
2 Reverse gearbox
The operation of the device consists of the opposite action described above. Liquefied blue fuel is supplied to a chamber where high pressure is created. The bottled gas accumulates and prevents the valve from opening. To ensure gas flow into the household appliance, you need to turn the regulator in the direction of the right-hand thread.
On the back of the regulator handle there is a long screw, which, when screwed, presses on the pressure spring. As it contracts, it begins to bend the elastic membrane to the upper position. Thus, the transfer disk, through the rod, exerts pressure on the return spring. The valve begins to move and begins to open slightly, increasing the gap. Blue fuel rushes into the gap and fills the working chamber with low pressure.
In the working chamber, in the gas hose and in the cylinder, the pressure begins to increase. Under the influence of pressure, the membrane is straightened, assisted in this by a constantly compressed spring. As a result of mechanical interactions, the transfer disk lowers, weakening the return spring, which tends to return the valve to its seat. By closing the gap, the flow of gas from the cylinder into the working chamber is naturally limited. Then, with a decrease in pressure in the bellows liner, the reverse process starts.
In a word, as a result of checks and balances, the swing can be balanced and the gas reducer automatically maintains balanced pressure, without sudden jumps and drops.
Heating a country house with bottled gas
To create a high-quality heating system for a private home, gas boilers are usually used. Compared to alternative heating appliances, they are the most cost-effective and easy to use. But what about those who do not have the opportunity to connect a private home to a centralized gas pipeline? From this article you will learn whether it is possible to heat a house with gas from cylinders and how to properly set up safe heating with gas cylinders.
- What is more profitable - to use a convector or a cylinder?
- Proper storage is the key to safety
- Advantages of gas cylinder heating
- Disadvantages of heating with liquefied gas
Types of gas reducers
From the school course, the concept of non-flammable – inert gas – comes to mind. This broad group includes nitrogen, argon, helium, neon, etc. they do not support combustion and do not burn. It is widely used as a shielding gas during welding. On the other hand, there are flammable gases (butane, hydrogen, methane, propane, propylene, etc.), which either liquefy or compress and then move their cylinders. So, in order to prevent confusion, engineers, even at the production stage, suggested cutting versatile threads.
Connection step by step
The procedure and diagram for connecting a gas stove to a cylinder is as follows.
- Install the ball valve. Usually it is attached approximately in the middle of the hose, since when placing it in front of the entrance to the slab, the equipment will need to be extended a significant distance from the wall. The process itself is as follows: you need to cut the hose in half and connect both parts to the tap, clamping them with clamps.
- Connect the plate and hose. To do this, it is usually provided with a union nut with a sealing gasket for tightness, the condition of which must first be inspected. After screwing on the nut, you need to tighten it with a wrench. To avoid stripping the thread, do not overtighten it.
- Screw the second end of the hose onto the gearbox and secure with a metal clamp. It is tightened tightly, but carefully so as not to overtighten or damage it.
- Install the reducer horizontally and connect it to the cylinder with a union nut. You should first check the presence and integrity of the sealing gasket. This will ensure a tight connection.
The assembly work has been completed, you can begin testing and putting the equipment into operation.
Reducer for gas cylinder
Since we are choosing a reducer for a gas cylinder, we consider it necessary to touch upon the topic of the container itself. The technological process and widespread introduction of new innovative materials are bearing fruit. You can increasingly find new composite cylinders on the market, replacing the old generation. Modern models, unlike outdated predecessors, have less weight and offer a greater level of safety. The latest manufacturing technologies undergo multi-level testing; at testing sites, the composite cylinder is subjected to an explosion, but even after such tests you will not find small fragments.
Composite cylinders are not subject to internal corrosion, are lightweight and comfortable. However, they do not know how to supply gas evenly on their own. A filled cylinder, of course, produces more powerful pressure than a half-empty one. A gas regulator will come to the rescue; its task is to regulate the pressure at the outlet of the composite cylinder and maintain it at the required level throughout the entire period of use.
Gas pressure reducers that have passed European certification show good collaboration with composite cylinders. Let's highlight one of these devices: the household gas reducer A300i-A310i IGT. The positive aspects include the following characteristics of the product:
- the presence of a nut that can be tightened by hand;
- service life of the control membrane increased to 10 years;
- the design ensures maximum sealing of the connecting elements;
- the gas hose on a fitting without a thread is clamped with a clamp.
Despite the fact that the importance of the device in creating conditions for the safe operation of a stove or other device is difficult to overestimate, household reducers for gas cylinders are usually sold at an acceptable cost. Despite the fact that the price rarely exceeds 300-400 rubles, these devices can protect not only your home, but also your life from dangerous situations.
Choosing a gas pressure reducing device is not a complicated process, but you should know and take into account such details as:
- The name of the gas passing through the device;
- Characteristics of the cylinder;
- Dimensions, type of flexible gas supply;
- Required flow and outlet pressure;
- Connection method.
What is needed for installation and connection
- gas stove for a summer house under a cylinder (configured for the use of liquefied gas);
- gas cylinder;
- gearbox;
Gas stove for a summer house under a cylinder: connection rules when placing the cylinder indoors and outside
It’s already clear how to choose a gas stove; now we’ll figure out the rest of the components. Nothing complicated, but there are some peculiarities.
Cylinder material and size
First, let's talk about the material from which the liquefied gas cylinder is made. Until recently, there weren’t even such conversations. The gas cylinder was exclusively made of metal, and made of metal of decent thickness. Now there are also composite gas cylinders (also called Eurocylinders) and they are approved for use by gas services. If possible, it is better to buy just these. Why are they better? Here is a list of their advantages:
- 2 times lighter.
- They have a fusible insert that prevents explosion in case of overheating/fire.
- Allowed for transportation in regular cars.
- Do not accumulate static voltage.
Cylinders for liquefied household gas can also be composite (polymer)
The polymer cylinder has few disadvantages. The first is that it costs two to three times more than a metal one, but it is much easier to carry/transport. The second is that, with equal volume and dimensions, it is larger than its metal counterpart.
Now about the size of gas cylinders. The larger the volume of the gas cylinder, the longer the period between refills. But, on the other hand, larger volume cylinders have larger dimensions and weight, and are more difficult to carry/transport. In addition, it is easier to find a place for installation under a small cylinder.
In general, the choice is yours. Moreover, with the advent of composites, they appeared in different sizes - high and narrow, low and wide.
Gearbox
Why do you need a reducer on a gas cylinder? It performs several functions at once:
- Stabilizes the pressure at the outlet of the cylinder.
- The gas in the cylinder is under high pressure; for a stove it should be lower. This is what the gearbox does.
- When there is little gas left in the cylinder - 5-10% - the pressure reducer increases.
Types of reducers for propane gas cylinders
So the reducer on the gas cylinder helps improve safety and stabilizes the operation of the stove. It is better not to connect the stove without it. In this case, the more you open the tap on the stove, the more powerful the gas flow will come out. In addition to the fact that this is uneconomical, it can create a situation where the balloon starts to jump. In general, it is better not to operate it without a gearbox.
Please note that different types of reducers are used for metal and composite cylinders. Therefore, when purchasing, check the type of cylinder and its volume. And most importantly, to work with a liquefied gas cylinder you need a propane reducer.
Beware of gearboxes made in China....
If we talk about manufacturers, it is better to take Russian or European products. It's better to avoid the Chinese ones. Even those that have passed certification are made of very thin metal and quickly fail (begin to etch). In addition, many cannot withstand the size of the fittings. When connecting, this becomes a problem, since the hose is not put on tightly, and you have to somehow seal the connection.
Hose for gas stove
You can buy it in city gas stores or in construction stores/markets. But be sure to specify that you need it to connect a gas stove. It is correctly called a “gas hose”. The internal diameter should be 16 mm, the external diameter depends on the type of hose, and there should be an inscription on the surface (in yellow) stating that the hose is gas.
There are such gas hoses:
- Rubber reinforced. This is not just rubber; strong threads run inside it, reinforcing the walls. Affordable (a little more than $1 per 1 meter), with good characteristics. The service life is about 5-10 years, then micro (and non-micro) cracks may appear through which gas will leak.
Hoses for connecting cylinders to a gas stove look like this
To connect the cylinder to a gas stove, you need a hose about a meter long - to fulfill the condition about the distance between the cylinder and the stove of 0.5 meters and leave some room for freedom of movement.
On one side, a union nut with a gasket should be installed on the hose. We connect this end to the outlet from the gas stove. If you just buy a piece of hose, you can install the corresponding gas adapter yourself by tightening the fastening with a metal clamp (don’t forget about the thick silicone gasket for sealing). On the other hand, the hose is connected to the reducer - it is pulled onto the fitting, then tightened with a clamp (do not forget to put the clamp on the hose and then connect it to the fitting).
Read also: How to sharpen a saw chain on a machine
Gas reducers for gas cylinder, price and types
Let's try to choose a reducer for gas cylinders, from those popular types that are in greatest demand among consumers. Let’s take a look at the gas appliance market and find out what the price for a gas reducer for a cylinder was at the end of 2017.
Household gas reducer RDSG for propane stabilization
The leading position in the market, and among consumers in the country, is occupied by the RDSG-1-1.2 “Frog” device with a threaded fastening. The RDSG-2 Baltika gearbox equipped with a threadless connection is not inferior in popularity. Both leaders represent the simplest design. As a result, they can offer the lowest possible cost. Specifications: — inlet pressure from 0.7 to 15.7 Bar; — the output pressure lies in the adjustment range from 30 to 32 mBar; — device weight 310 g; — permissible operation in the range from -30 to +45 ±3 °C; — gas throughput characteristic — 1.2 m3/hour. You can buy a gearbox RDSG 2-1.2 Baltika or RDSG 1-1.2 Frog for up to 350 rubles.
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Specifics
As already noted, gearboxes can be domestic and industrial. Also universal models.
Consumer versions may not be customizable.
These are simple models. They are used in everyday life and outdoors. RDSG products are installed together with household gas cylinders. They have a very simple design. Due to this, gas can only be used in household stoves. These products are inexpensive and very reliable. There is also a Frog type gearbox, there is the RDSG-1 model. They should only be used in cylinders with a volume of 12 - 50 liters.
The class of universal, customizable gearboxes has a more complex design and greater potential. This is an excellent option for domestic use and for work in the home workshop. The products are attached to the cylinders using a threaded method and are fixed securely.
They have a pressure gauge and an adjustment screw that allows you to vary the functional pressure within the range of 0 - 0.3 MPa. Their highest throughput potential is 5 m 3 /hour.
The category of professional models is created from the best wear-resistant materials. They have the highest build quality and settings: 0.4 - 1.6 MPa.
Some modifications have two pressure gauges. They reflect input and functional pressure.
Often, many summer residents and hikers ask questions such as: is a reducer needed for a gas burner? And is a gearbox needed for a gas stove in the country? Stable and safe operation of any gas appliances and in any conditions is always necessary. Even if there is no urgent need for gearboxes, it won’t hurt to be on the safe side. It remains to decide which gearbox is needed for the gas stove.
Since the stove and burner are propane based, a propane reducer is needed. You need to select these products by studying them and comparing their characteristics. The key ones are:
- Purpose of the device.
- Higher inlet pressure.
- Functional pressure.
- Higher gas consumption.
- Attachment method.
- Planned operational life.
- Price.
For example, if you plan to connect a desktop portable stove only on weekends, the gas consumption according to your calculations is 5 liters per month, then you need a 5 liter capacity and a Baltika RDSG-2 reducer.
For a static stove with an oven, a capacity of 27 or 50 liters is required. A suitable gearbox is the Frog RDSG-2.
Questions often arise here - what does a Frog gas reducer actually do? Why is it named like that? What is its purpose?
Why do you need a frog gas reducer? Its functions, like those of other gas reducers, are pressure stabilization, safety, etc.
Why frog? This device is direct. In it, gas flows through a fitting. The valve opens and is pressed against the seat by a spring. High pressure gas does not penetrate into the chamber. The diaphragm displaces the valve from this seat. The pressure gradually decreases to the operating values of the device to which the reducer is mounted.
The spring straightens. The valve is detached from the seat and does not interfere with gas flow. As the pressure increases, the spring presses the valve again, gas does not flow. This principle is reminiscent of frog jumping. And the device is similar in shape to it.
If it is necessary to connect a composite container to a thermal umbrella, it is better to use imported products with a KLF connector
The professional model BPO 5-3 Krass is optimally suited for gas welding in a home workshop. It guarantees a flow rate of a maximum of 5 m 3 per hour and allows you to adjust the operating pressure to 0.4 MPa. And for this task it has a flywheel and a pressure gauge. Thanks to the latter, it is possible to scrupulously assign pressure to the needs of gas welding equipment.
Medium or low gas pressure. Which is better for the home?
In this article I want to talk about the difference in gas supply to a private home with medium and low pressure gas.
More and more often, cottage buildings in our country are gasified with a network of medium pressure gas pipelines (about 0.1-0.3 MPa, as a rule), rather than low pressure (150-300 mm per station). On the one hand, this is additional equipment (pressure regulator), and the gas pressure is higher, but on the other hand, considering how powerful gas boilers people install at home these days, medium pressure is the only way to supply gas in sufficient quantities to the end user.
When gasifying with low pressure, the pressure at the final device (for example, at the descent to the boiler), as it moves away from the gas distribution center (gas control point - a kind of local gas distribution center, in simple terms) will decrease. For example: if in winter the maximum possible pressure (low) at the outlet of the hydraulic fracturing unit is 300 mm. V. Art. (but again, this is the maximum permissible, as a rule, it is set in exceptional cases, in very problem areas), then with a gradual distance from the hydraulic fracturing, the user will have lower and lower pressure during the heating period, and according to our standards, even less than 120 is allowed mm. V. Art. Until severe frosts begin, there is usually enough pressure in the gas pipe for everyone. But as soon as the frost hits and everyone turns on their gas boilers at full power, the owners of cottages on the outskirts, at the most remote points from the gas distribution center (distribution center) - the gas pressure drops and drops. And when the pressure drops below the 120 mm bar. V. Art. Such happy owners of boilers, especially powerful ones, begin to have the following problems: the boiler either begins to go out periodically (not so bad, usually boilers with automatic ignition these days), or they get an error that there is no gas and do not turn on until the error is cleared.
When supplying subscribers with medium pressure gas, natural gas compressed to 0.1-0.3 MPa is supplied through a pipe to the house, again, the further from the hydraulic fracturing station, the lower the pressure, BUT! This gas pressure is only up to the personal pressure regulator installed at the inlet. Then the regulator reduces the pressure to low (approximately 200 mm Hg) and your boiler operates successfully without suffering from a lack of gas pressure. But this has its drawbacks. In Belarus, for the population, according to technical conditions, 2 types of regulators are included in the project: One regulator is GDGD 2.0, which is produced by Belgaztekhnika (the official description of it can be seen here) and the other regulator is ALSI FE-10 produced (its description can be seen here ). Their price is about 80 US dollars. Currently, as far as I know, they do not provide specifications for the installation of other regulators on the territory of the Republic of Belarus. So we have to choose the lesser of two evils (in the sense of regulators). But the advantages and disadvantages of each of these two regulators are in the following articles. But if there is a choice between what pressure gas pipeline to connect to the house, the choice in my opinion is obvious.
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Preparing for installation
Before installing the gas panel, remove it from the packaging and check for mechanical damage. If everything is in order, you can proceed with the installation. But first, check the necessary documentation. To install a gas stove in your home, you need the following documents:
- passport of the owner of the house or apartment;
- certificate of registered residents;
- state certificate registration;
- certificate of registration of a residential property, certificate of ownership;
- subscriber's book (if available);
- receipts;
- meter passport;
- gas equipment maintenance contract;
- registration certificate for the premises.
Diagram of gas pipes in an apartment building
The set of documents must be submitted to the city gas service, which will prepare and issue a new subscriber book, a contract for the provision of gas to a house or apartment. All items in the form must be filled out, after which instructions on the operation of gas appliances are provided. At the end of these procedures, an agreement is concluded with the gas service, which gives permission to install the device. Then you can proceed directly to the installation procedure.
Necessary tool
To independently dismantle the old and install a new slab, you do not need any special tools. Here is a list of what you will need:
- adjustable wrenches;
- screwdriver;
- sealant;
- gas hose;
- gas winding.
To ensure the tightness of the hose connected to the pipe, it is important to choose a high-quality seal. Loctite or Fum Tape are best suited.
Removing old tiles
Before installing a new stove, you must disconnect and dismantle the old one.
First, it is important to turn off the tap. Its complete closure can be checked by turning on the burner
It is better to replace the old petal-shaped faucet with a ball-shaped one - it is more reliable in everyday use.
To ensure that the handle of the new faucet does not interfere with screwing, it should be removed. Next, you should prepare a sealant and a damp cloth. The latter will be useful for closing the hole after removing the old tap. Before work, be sure to open a window or window.
Gas stove diagram
When the preparation is completed, you need to unscrew the old tap and close the pipe with a damp cloth. Then you should clean the thread after removing the tap and apply a sealant. Next, you should act quickly but carefully. You need to get a rag (don’t be afraid of gas escaping, that’s what the window is opened for) and screw a new tap onto the thread with the seal.
It is definitely worth checking the quality of the connection and seal. This can be done using soap foam. Apply it to the joint; if soap bubbles appear, unscrew the tap and check the density of the sealant. If there are no bubbles, the job is done well. If you do not plan to connect the stove in the near future, you need to install a limiter on the tap.
Stove location and installation
Before installing the stove, you should screw the adjusting feet to it and then place it in the place where it will stand. You must act according to the instructions for installing the gas stove and leave the required distance from the wall.
Layout of a gas stove and other devices in the kitchen
The stove must be installed strictly horizontally and stand firmly on all four legs. This can be achieved using a building level and tightening the adjustable legs. You can also use special gaskets.
How to choose a hose
When installing it yourself, you can choose a rubber hose to connect the gas stove. This hose is flexible and is the most convenient for everyday use: it is possible to freely move the stove, if necessary, over a distance of up to five meters.
Thanks to the flexibility of the material, you don’t have to worry about accidental movement of the slab, since the hose will act as a shock absorber that will prevent severe damage that could lead to gas leakage.
The hose for use with a gas stove is available with a yellow mark up to five meters. This length is quite enough. You should not use products from unknown companies. It’s better to spend money once on a certified product that is guaranteed to last for more than one year.
It is also worth paying attention to the outlet of the hose to the stove and the thread, since they vary
Bellows hose
If you follow the regulatory documents, then according to the rules the hose must be bellows. This means that it must stretch in length and also have a protective coating.
Security zones
If complexes or buildings are being erected that are not involved in any way in the activities of the gas filling station system, compliance with the security zone is certainly taken into account, the length of which depends on the type of protected structure. Its dimensions:
- outside – 2 m on each side, even in cramped conditions;
- from underground - 3 m from the delimiting gas pipeline;
- CNG filling stations and gas filling stations are limited to a closed circle with a radius of at least ten meters from the established boundaries of the complex of capital construction projects.
Standard distances are the standard distance from the gas pipeline to communications. Water mains, power lines, roads and railway tracks must be located at a certain distance, which is regulated by a reference table. The minimum horizontal clear distances are taken into account (they depend on the pressure of the gas pipeline) and other existing requirements - electrochemical protection, climatic features, the presence of electrical installation regulations and high-voltage lines, etc.
The distance from buildings and structures to the gas pipeline must strictly comply with the standards. Distance standards are regulated by the pressure of the supplied gas and the type of gas pipeline constructed. For overhead low pressure, only a security zone is required due to existing operating rules. If necessary, it should be reconstructed.
Nuances
An additional application requires maintaining distances from boiler rooms, as fire-hazardous structures for industrial purposes. Two pipes - only 4 meters away from a residential building. Windows and roofing require at least 0.2 meters, and to the door - 50 cm.
Distancing from warehouses can be regulated by the enterprise, but it should not be less than in SNiP 2.07.01-89 and SP 42.13330.2011. The same applies to laying at the bottom of the slope, which can be regulated by builders and the Russian Railways administration (sometimes the distance from the gas pipeline to the railway tracks is reduced, but less than the norm is not allowed, especially near the embankment).
LPG tanks are taken into account separately. There are several types of them. For example, according to their orientation in space, they are divided into vertical and horizontal, depending on their location - underground and above-ground LPG tanks, single-wall and double-wall LPG tanks - according to the degree of endurance of the structure. The volume, location and type of complex regulate the distances. The standard GPC has a maximum pressure value.
Regarding tank installations, the standards of SP 62.13330.2011 are taken into account, but in each specific case the minimum distance is taken into account depending on the characteristics of a particular gas tank. Underground ones are deepened by 0.6 m, and the light distance between them is 0.7 m. A gas flow metering point is a prerequisite when using such installations; mixing stations, if necessary, are installed at 10 meters
A gas flow metering point is a prerequisite when using such installations; mixing stations, if necessary, are installed 10 meters away
Underground ones go 0.6 m deep, and the light distance between them is 0.7 m. A gas flow metering point is a prerequisite when using such installations; mixing stations, if necessary, are installed at 10 meters.
The design of buildings of any kind should be carried out near a gas pipeline only with the knowledge of regulatory and supervisory organizations, which calculate the norm depending on the type of structure and the supplied pressure of valuable chemical raw materials and fuel.
About color and information on the case
In Europe and the USA, only 4 colors are used for color marking of gas containers; the classification is not related to the contents themselves, but to their danger; The gas may be flammable, poisonous, corrosive, or oxidizing. In Russia, a more detailed classification has been adopted, and many more colors are used for marking. Not only the color of the cylinder is standardized, but also the color of the inscription.
Source 1zoom.me
In everyday life, containers with propane are used, and their color is always red. In the upper part of the case information is applied that allows one to draw a conclusion about the suitability of the product for further use. The following entries must be present:
- Factory number.
- Date of manufacture and date of the next certification of the product (carried out twice a year).
- Manufacturing characteristics: actual volume (in l), empty cylinder weight (in kg).
- Operating pressure. The unit of measurement is megapascals (1 MPa is approximately equal to 10 atmospheres).
- Test pressure (used during certification), in MPa.
- Weight when completely filled with gas.
Source stroy-podskazka.ru
How is the gas supply system organized?
Its hierarchy is determined by the classes of elements of the gas transmission network associated with the pressure of the pumped natural gas.
Principles of gas pipeline network design
The first level gas pipelines include gas communications in which the pressure of natural gas is high or medium. To eliminate dead-end sections, gas pipelines are backed up - duplicating individual segments or ringing. The creation of a dead-end network is allowed only in small settlements.
Natural gas under high pressure passes through several successive stages where its pressure is reduced. The process of reducing pressure at gas control points occurs intermittently, at the outlet of them the pressure is constant. In urban areas, gas communications with medium and high pressure levels form a hydraulically connected common network.
The use of hydraulic fracturing makes it possible to supply consumers with gas of different pressures, even if they are located on the same street - gas pipelines of unequal pressures are placed in parallel.
Second-level gas pipelines provide low-pressure gas fuel supply to the majority of consumers. Such networks are mixed, with a predominance of dead-end segments. Only the main pipelines are subject to ringing.
A low-pressure gas pipeline should not cross large man-made (highways, railway tracks) or natural (lakes, rivers, ravines) barriers. Installation of such communications in industrial areas is not allowed.
Gas networks supplying fuel at low pressure cannot form a hydraulically connected system for a large population center. They are designed exclusively as local complexes fed by several hydraulic fracturing units.
In turn, connected to medium pressure networks, which in turn, by analogy, are connected to high pressure mains. The third level of network gas pipelines is used at consuming facilities - on the territories of enterprises, in residential and public buildings.
The pressure requirement for such networks is determined by their purpose and the performance characteristics of gas-using devices (installations). Redundancy (partial duplication) on gas communications of the third level is usually not performed.
Requirements for pipe selection
Pipelines made of HDPE, steel, copper and polypropylene are used to transport gas. The technical conditions for their production are specified in the relevant GOSTs. The most used materials for domestic gas pipelines are water and gas pipes. Designed for internal and external networks with compression up to 1.6 MPa, nominal bore 8 mm. It is possible to use metal-plastic products made of polyethylene brand PE-RT.
Underground gas pipelines may be made of polyethylene materials with a frame made of metal mesh and synthetic fibers, metal-plastic products.
The material of pipes and connecting parts is selected taking into account gas pressure, outside air temperature at the installation sites, the presence of groundwater and vibrations.
Variety by purpose
Gas cylinders according to their intended purpose can be divided into the following categories:
- Household. This type of cylinder will help you cook dinner, start a generator, and warm up your house.
- Automotive. They are used together with gas-cylinder equipment; they can be cylindrical or toroidal.
Source svarkagid.com
- Tourist. Tourist gas equipment is compact in size and is used to operate a gas stove, heater, and barbecue maker.
- Industrial. They are used for storing different types of gas, used in construction and repair work, in the chemical and metallurgical industries.
- Medical. They are needed in medical institutions and are included in the equipment of rescuers and firefighters. This also includes oxygen cylinders for diving.
Periodic inspection and service work
The instructions for gas equipment require that the verifications specified in the passport be carried out regularly, even if welding and other work is carried out periodically.
Once a quarter the gearbox is purged - safety valve test . Equipment requires service once every six months. The membrane is checked and replaced every 5 years. Every day, before work, you should check the tightness of all connections. Apply soapy water to all joints.