LP-10

LP-GAS SERVICEMANS

HANDBOOK
 LP-GAS SERVICEMANS
HANDBOOK
The Emerson LP-Gas Servicemans Handbook serves
as a general reference of information on LP-Gas and for
the installation, operation and maintenance of LP-Gas
equipment. It provides key data and answers important
questions that are relevant to management and field
servicemen in the LP-Gas industry.

Users of this handbook should consult applicable

federal, state and local laws as well as pertinent industry
regulations, including National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) Pamphlets No. 54 and 58.

Emerson shall have no responsibility for any

misinterpretation of the information contained in this
handbook or any improper installation or repair work or
other deviation from the procedures recommended in
this handbook.

For additional copies of this handbook please contact

your local Sales Office or call 1-800-558-5853, or
1-972-548-3574.
 Table of Contents
PROPERTIES OF LP-GASES ................................................ 2
VAPOR PRESSURE OF LP-GASES ...................................... 4
DETERMINING TOTAL LOAD ................................................ 5
VAPORIZATION RATE ............................................................ 6
CYLINDER AND TANK MANIFOLDING.................................. 9
CONTAINER LOCATION AND INSTALLATION .................... 11
Container Preparation ..................................................... 15
PIPE AND TUBING SIZING .................................................. 18
Sizing between 1st Stage and 2nd Stage Regulators ..... 23
Sizing between 2nd Stage Regulator and Appliance ...... 26
2 psi and CSST Capacities ............................................. 28
LP-GAS REGULATOR INFORMATION
Regulator Selection ........................................................ 32
Two-Stage Regulation ..................................................... 35
Regulator Installation ...................................................... 36
Leak Testing Methods ..................................................... 39
Regulator Inspection ...................................................... 41
Troubleshooting Domestic Tank Fittings .......................... 43
LP-Gas Orifice Capacities ............................................... 45
Line Sizing Chart for Liquid Propane ............................... 46
CONVERSION FACTORS..................................................... 47
FLOW EQUIVALENT CONVERSIONS ................................. 49
TEMPERATURE CONVERSIONS ........................................ 49

1
PROPERTIES OF LP-GASES
Table 1. Approximate Properties of LP-Gases
propane butane
Formula
c 3H 8 C4H10
Initial Boiling Point, F -44 31
Specific Gravity of Liquid
0.504 0.582
(Water = 1.0) at 60F
Weight per Gallon of Liquid at
4.20 4.81
60F, LB
Specific Heat of Liquid,
0.630 0.549
BTU/LB at 60F
Cubic feet of Vapor per Gallon
36.38 31.26
at 60F
Cubic feet of Vapor per Pound
8.66 6.51
at 60F
Specific Gravity of Vapor
1.50 2.01
(Air = 1.0) at 60F
Ignition Temperature in Air, F 920 to 1120 900 to 1000
Maximum Flame Temperature
3595 3615
in Air, F
Cubic feet of Air Required to
23.68 31.02
Burn One Cubic Foot of Gas
Limits of Flammability in Air, %
of Vapor in Air-Gas Mix:
(a) Lower 2.15 1.55
(b) Upper 9.60 8.60
Latent Heat of Vaporization at
Boiling Point:
(a) BTU per Pound 184 167
(b) BTU per Gallon 773 808
Total Heating Values After
Vaporization:
(a) BTU per Cubic Foot 2488 3280
(b) BTU per Pound 21,548 21,221
(c) BTU per Gallon 91,502 102,032

2
PROPERTIES OF LP-GASES
Table 1. Approximate Properties of LP-Gases (Metric)
propane butane
Formula
c3H8 C4H10
Initial Boiling Point, C -42 -1
Specific Gravity of Liquid
0.504 0.582
(Water = 1.0) at 15.56C
Weight per Cubic Meter of
504 582
Liquid at 15.56C, kg
Specific Heat of Liquid, kJ/kg at
1.464 4.276
15.56C
Cubic Meter of Vapor per Liter
0.271 0.235
at 15.56C
Cubic Meter of Vapor per kg at
0.539 0.410
15.56C
Specific Gravity of Vapor
1.50 2.01
(Air = 1.0) at 15.56C
Ignition Temperature in Air, C 493 to 604 482 to 538
Maximum Flame Temperature
1980 1991
in Air, C
Cubic Meters of Air Required to
23.86 31.02
Burn 1 Cubic Meter of Gas
Limits of Flammability in Air, %
of Vapor in Air-Gas Mix:
(a) Lower 2.15 1.55
(b) Upper 9.60 8.60
Latent Heat of Vaporization at
Boiling Point:
(a) Kilojoule per Kilogram 428 388
(b) Kilojoule per Liter 216 226
Total Heating Values After
Vaporization:
(a) Kilojoule per Cubic Meter 92,430 121,280
(b) Kilojoule per Kilogram 49,920 49,140
(c) Kilojoule per Liter 25,140 28,100

3
VAPOR PRESSURE OF LP-GASES
Vapor pressure can be defined as the force exerted by a gas
or liquid attempting to escape from a container. This pressure
moves gas along the pipe or tubing to the appliance burner.
Outside temperature greatly affects container pressure. Lower
temperature means lower container pressure. Too low a
container pressure means that not enough gas is able to get to
the appliance.
The Table below shows vapor pressures for propane and butane
at various outside temperatures.

Table 2. Vapor Pressures

Approximate Vapor Pressure, psig / bar
temperature
Propane to Butane
F C 100% 80/20 60/40 50/50 40/60 20/80 100%
3.6 /
-40 -40 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
0.25
8/ 4.5 /
-30 -34.4 ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
0.55 0.31
13.5 / 9.2 / 4.9 / 1.9 /
-20 -28.9 ---- ---- ----
0.93 0.63 0.34 0.13
20 / 16 / 9/ 6/ 3.5 /
-10 -23.3 ---- ----
1.4 1.1 0.62 0.41 0.24
28 / 22 / 15 / 11 / 7.3 /
0 -17.8 ---- ----
1.9 1.5 1.0 0.76 0.50
37 / 29 / 20 / 17 / 13 / 3.4 /
10 -12.2 ----
2.6 2.0 1.4 1.2 0.90 0.23
47 / 36 28 / 23 / 18 / 7.4 /
20 -6.7 ----
3.2 / 2.5 1.9 1.6 1.2 0.51
58 / 45 / 35 / 29 / 24 / 13 /
30 -1.1 ----
4.0 3.1 2.4 2.0 1.7 0.9
72 / 58 / 44 / 37 / 32 / 18 / 3/
40 4.4
5.0 4.0 3.0 2.6 2.2 1.2 0.21
86 / 69 / 53 / 46 / 40 / 24 / 6.9 /
50 10
5.9 4.8 3.7 3.2 2.8 1.7 0.58
102 / 80 / 65 / 56 / 49 / 30 / 12 /
60 15.6
7.0 5.5 4.5 3.9 3.4 2.1 0.83
127 / 95 / 78 / 68 / 59 / 38 / 17 /
70 21.1
8.8 6.6 5.4 4.7 4.1 2.6 1.2
140 / 125 / 90 / 80 / 70 / 46 / 23 /
80 26.7
9.7 8.6 6.2 5.5 4.8 3.2 1.6
165 / 140 / 112 / 95 / 82 / 56 / 29 /
90 32.2
11.4 9.7 7.7 6.6 5.7 3.9 2.0
196 / 168 / 137 / 123 / 100 / 69 / 36 /
100 37.8
13.5 11.6 9.4 8.5 6.9 4.8 2.5
220 / 185 / 165 / 148 / 130 / 80 / 45 /
110 43.3
15.2 12.8 11.4 10.2 9.0 5.5 3.1

4
DETERMINING TOTAL LOAD
The best way to determine BTU input is from the appliance
nameplate or from the manufacturers catalog. Add the input
of all the appliances for the total load. If specific appliance
capacity information is not available, Table 3 below will be useful.
Remember to allow for appliance which may be installed at a
laterdate.
If the propane load in standard cubic feet per hour (SCFH) is
desired, divide the BTU/hr load by 2488 to get SCFH. Conversely,
the BTU/hr capacity can be obtained from SCFH by multiplying
the SCFH figure by 2488.
Figuring the total load accurately is most important because of the
size of the pipe and tubing, the tank (or the number of cylinders)
and the regulator will be based on the capacity of the system to
be served.

Table 3. Gas Required For Common Appliances

Approximate
appliance
input btu/hr
Warm Air Furnace
Single Family 100,000
Multifamily, per unit 60,000
Hydronic Boiler, Space Heating
Single Family 100,000
Multifamily, per unit 60,000
Hydronic Boiler, Space and Water Heating
Single Family 120,000
Multifamily, per unit 75,000
Range, Free Standing, Domestic 65,000
Built-In Oven or Broiler Unit, Domestic 25,000
Built-In top Unit, Domestic 40,000
Water Heater, Automatic Storage, 30 to 40 gal. Tank 35,000
Water Heater, Automatic Storage, 50 gal. Tank 50,000
Water Heater, Automatic Storage, Instantaneous
2 GPM 142,800
4 GPM 285,000
6 GPM 428,000
Water Heater, Domestic, Circulating or Side-Arm 35,000
Refrigerator 3000
Clothes Dryer, Type 1 (Domestic) 35,000
Gas Fireplace Direct Vent 40,000
Gas Log 80,000
Barbecue 40,000
Gas Light 2500
Incinerator, Domestic 35,000
Table Reprinted From Table 5.4.2.1, NFPA 54, 2002 ed.

5
vaporization rate
The rate of vaporization of a container is dependent upon the
temperature of the liquid and the amount of wetted surface are
of the container.
The temperature of the liquid is proportional to the outside air
temperature and the wetted surface area in the tank surface
are in contact with the liquid. Therefore, when the outside air
temperature is lower or the container has less liquid in it, the
vaporization rate of the container is a lower value.
To determine the proper size of ASME storage tanks or the
proper number of DOT cylinders for various loads, it is important
to consider the lowest winter temperature at the location.
Multiple cylinders or tanks may be manifolded to give the
required vaporization capacity. Withdrawal of gas from one or
two containers can lower the container pressure substantially due
to the refrigeration of the vaporization gas. Regulator capacity
is then reduced because of the lower inlet pressure. Where any
reasonably heavy gas load is expected, put sufficient cylinders on
each side of an automatic changeover system.

See pages 7 and 8 for more information.

6
Vaporization Rates for
Asme Storage Tanks
A number of assumptions were made in calculating the BTU
figures listed in the Table 4 below:
1) The tank is one-half full.
2) Relative humidity is 70%.
3) The tank is under intermittent loading.

Although none of these conditions may apply, Table 4 can still

serve as a good rule-of-thumb in estimating what a particular tank
size will be provided under various temperatures. Continuous
loading is not a very common occurrence on domestic
installations, but under continuous loading, the withdrawal rates
in Table 4 should be multiplied by 0.25.

Table 4. Maximum Intermittent Withdrawal Rate

(BTU/hr) Without Tank Frosting* If Lowest Outdoor
Temperature (Average For 24 Hours) Reaches...
tank size, gallons / l
temperature
150 / 568 250 / 946 500 / 1893 1000 / 3785

40F 4C 214,900 288,100 478,800 852,800

30F -1C 187,000 251,800 418,600 745,600

20F -7C 161,800 216,800 360,400 641,900

10F -12C 148,000 198,400 329,700 587,200

0F -18C 134,700 180,600 300,100 534,500

-10F -23C 132,400 177,400 294,800 525,400

-20F -29C 108,800 145,800 242,300 431,600

-30F -34C 107,100 143,500 238,600 425,000

*Tank frosting acts as an insulator, reducing the vaporization rate.

7
Vaporization Rates for
100 Lbs / 45 kg
DOT Cylinders
Rule of Thumb Guide
For continuous draws, where temperatures may reach 0F / -18C,
assume the vaporization rate of a 100 lbs / 45 kg cylinder to be
approximately 50,000 BTU/hr. Therefore the:
Number of cylinders per side = total load in BTU/hr / 50,000

Example:
If a total requirement of 20,000 BTU/hr is to be supplied from
100lbs / 45 kg DOT cylinders and winter temperatures may drop to
0F / -18C, then how many cylinders are needed per side?

Number of cylinders per side = 200,000 / 50,000 = 4

*When using a changeover regulator, 4 cylinders per side are

required. Table 5 shows the vaporization rates for various
temperatures and liquid levels in BTUH.

Table 5. Vaporization Rates In BTUH

For Various Temperatures And Liquid Levels
pounds of
propane in -20F / -29C 0F / -18C 20f / -6C 40f / 4C
cylinder

100 65,000 71,000 79,000 94,000

90 60,000 65,000 72,000 85,000

80 54,000 59,000 66,000 77,000

70 48,000 52,000 59,000 69,000

60 43,000 46,000 52,000 61,000

50 37,000 40,000 45,000 53,000

40 31,000 34,000 38,000 45,000

30 26,000 28,000 31,000 37,000

20 20,000 22,000 25,000 29,000

10 15,000 16,000 18,000 21,000

8
Cylinder and Tank Manifolding
It is often necessary to manifold cylinders or tanks to obtain the
required capacity needed for the installation. Multiple cylinder
hookups are most frequently used in commercial applications and
many residential jobs, even though tank manifolding is common
in certain areas.

On certain multi-cylinder or tank installations, an automatic

changeover regulator can be used. These regulators change from
the supply cylinder (when the gas is exhausted) to the reserve
cylinder automatically without having to shutdown the system
torefill.

A typical cylinder manifold using an automatic changeover

regulator can be installed in line with multiple cylinders
(See Figure 1).

COPPER PIGTAIL
SCH 80 1/2 in. PIPE MANIFOLD
AUTOMATIC CHANGEOVER REGULATOR

Figure 1. Cylinder Manifold with Automatic

Changeover Regulator

9
Cylinder and Tank
Manifolding (Continued)
When manifolding cylinders or tanks, do not use a regulator at each
container. When this is done, the required capacity for the particular
installation may not be obtained. It is impossible to set all of the
regulators at the same outlet pressure. The regulator delivering
the highest outlet pressure will backpressure the other regulators,
keeping them from operating. In effect, only one container would be
supplying gas in this sort of situation.
The answer on manifold installations is to run high pressure piping
from the containers into a common line, as shown in Figure2
below. Then, install a regulator that can handle the required
capacity. Two-stage regulation is the most effective system on
tank manifold installations.

1st STAGE
REGULATOR

2nd STAGE
REGULATOR

Figure 2. Schematic of a Tank Manifold Installation

10
CONTAINER LOCATION
AND INSTALLATION
Once the proper size of ASME storage tank or the proper number
of DOT cylinders has been determined, careful attention must be
given to the most convenient, yet safe, place for their location on
the customers property.
Containers should be placed in a location pleasing to the customer
that does not conflict with state and local regulations or NFPA
Pamphlet No. 58, Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum
Gases. Refer to this standard to determine the appropriate
placement of LP-Gas containers.
In general, storage tanks should be placed in an accessible
location for filing, supported by concrete blocks of appropriate
size and reinforcement and located away from vehicular traffic.
Cylinders should be placed with ease of replacement or refilling in
mind, secured on a firm base and protected from vehicular traffic,
animals and the elements.
For both ASME and DOT containers, the distance from any
building openings, external sources of ignition and intakes to
direct vented gas appliances or mechanical ventilation systems
are a critical consideration. See Figures 3, 4 and 5 on pages 12,
13 and 14.
Refer to NFPA No. 58 for the minimum distances that these
containers must be placed from the building or other objects.

11
12
Figure I.1(a), 2002 ed.
Figure 3. Cylinders, Reprinted from NFPA 58
Note 1: 5 ft / 1.5 m minimum from relief valve in any direction Note 2: If the cylinders are filled on site from a bulk truck, the
CONTAINER LOCATION (Continued)

away from any exterior source of ignition, openings filling connection and vent valve must be at least 10 ft /
into direct vent appliances or mechanical ventilation 3.0 m from any exterior source of ignition, openings into
air intakes. direct vent appliances or mechanical ventilation air intakes.
 NFPA 58 Figure I.1(b), 2002 ed.
Note 1: Regardless of its size, any ASME tank filled on site Note 2: The distance may be reduced to no less than 10 ft / 3.0 m
must be located so that the filling connection and fixed for a single container of 1200 gal / 4.5 m3 water capacity or
liquid level gauge are at least 10 ft / 3.0 m away from any less provided such container is at least 25 ft / 7.6 m from any
external source of ignition (i.e. open flame, window A/C, other LP-Gas container of more than 125-AF6126 gal / 0.5 m3
CONTAINER LOCATION (Continued)

compressor, etc.), intake to direct vented gas appliances watercapacity.

Figure 4. Above Ground ASME Containers, Reprinted from

or intake to a mechanical ventilation system.

13
14
NFPA 58 Figure I.1(c), 2002 ed.
Note 1: The relief valve, filling connection and liquid fixed Note 2: If the cylinder is filled on site from a bulk truck, the
maximum level gauge vent connection at the container filling connection and vent valve must be at least 10 ft /
CONTAINER LOCATION (Continued)

Figure 5. Below Ground ASME Containers, Reprinted from

must be at least 10 ft / 3.0 m from any exterior source 3.0 m from any exterior source of ignition, openings into
of ignition, openings into direct-vent appliances or direct-vent appliances or mechanical ventilation air intakes.
mechanical ventilation air intakes.
Container Preparation for
Removal of Water and
Air Contaminants
Both water and air are contaminants that can seriously hinder
the proper operation of the LP-Gas system and the connected
appliances if not effectively removed. The following procedures
will help increase system performance and decrease the number
of service calls.

Removing Water from Containers

Water in LP-Gas cylinders and tanks can contaminate the
gas, causing regulator freezeups and erratic appliance
performance. Neutralize any moisture in the container by
adding anhydrous methanol (99.85% pure) according to the
amount shown inTable 6.

This will minimize freezeup problems for normal amounts of water

in a container. However, this water may still cause corrosion or
sediment problems. Large amounts of water should be drained
from the tank.

Table 6. Methanol Requirements For Water Removal

minimum amount of
container size
methanol required

100 lbs Cylinder 1/8 Pint (2 Fluid Ounces)

150 gallons Tank 1 Pint

250 gallons Tank 1 Quart

500 gallons Tank 2 Quarts

1000 gallons Tank 1 Gallon

Warning: Do not substitute other alcohols

in place of methanol.

15
Purging Air from Containers
Air in the LP-Gas can cause appliance pilot lights to be
extinguished easily. It can also lead to excessive container
pressure, making the safety relief valve open. Since nearly all
containers are shipped from the fabricator under air pressure, it
is extremely important to get rid of the air before the container is
put in service.

DOT Cylinders
First, open the cylinder or service valves for several minutes to
allow air to bleed to atmosphere. Then, pressure the cylinder
with LP-Gas vapor and again open the cylinder or service valve
(repeat this step at least two times).

ASME Storage Tanks

Depending on the type of valves in the tank, (see Figures 6a and
6b on page 17), purge the container as follows:

1) Bleed the air atmosphere by opening the multi-purpose valve

or the service valve for several minutes until air pressure is
exhausted. Close the valve.
2) If a pressure gauge has not been installed in the multi-purpose
valve side outlet, install a 0 to 300 psig / 0 to 20.7 bar gauge
(Fisher brand Type J506). On tank with service valves,
install a POL x 1/4 in. FNPT pipe coupling and 0 to 300psig/
0 to 20.7 bar gauge in the valve service valve outlet.
3) Attach the truck vapor equalizing hose to the
multi-purpose valves vapor equalizing valve to the separate
vapor-equalizing valve.
4) Slowly open the shutoff valve on the end of the hose so that the
truck excess flow check valve does not slam-shut.
5) C
 losely watch the pressure and when the gauge reaches
15psig / 1.0 bar, close the shutoff valve.

16
Purging Air from Containers
ASME Storage Tanks (Continued)
6) Open the vapor service valve on the multi-purpose valve
(or the separate service valve, after removing the adaptor).
Allow all pressure to be exhausted before closing the
multi-purpose valve or the service valve.
7) Repeat steps 4 through 6 at least three more times to make
certain air has been purged from the tank.

To truck
vapor
equalizing
valve
Shutoff
valve

Multi-purpose
valve

Pressure
Service valve
gauge
outlet

Figure 6a. Purging Method with Multi-Purpose Valve

To truck vapor
equalizing valve

Shutoff
valve
Pipe coupling

Vapor
equalizing Service Pressure
valve valve gauge

Note: Do not purge tanks in this way on the customers property.

Purge them in a safe place at the bulk plant site.

Figure 6b. Purging Method with Separate Valves

17
Pipe and Tubing Sizing
The proper selection of pipe and tubing sizes is essential for the
efficient operation of the LP-Gas appliance. General consideration
must be given to the maximum gas demand requirements of the
system and the allowable pressure loss from the point of delivery
to the inlet connection of the gas appliance.

Four different areas of sizing requirements must be addressed:

1) Sizing between First-Stage and Second-Stage Regulators
2) Sizing between Second-Stage Regulator and Appliance
3) Sizing between 2 psi / 0.14 bar Service and Line
Pressure Regulators
4) Sizing between Line Pressure Regulator and Appliance

The following directions and examples, as well as Tables 7A

through 8A starting on page 23, will assist in determining the
proper selection of pipe and tubing sizing for these different
areas. All data in the tables are calculated per NFPA Pamphlet
Nos. 54 and 58.

18
Pipe and Tubing Sizing
(Continued)
Directions for Sizing between First-Stage
and Second-Stage Regulators
(Based on NFPA 54 Hybrid Pressure Method)

1) 
Measure the required length of pipe or tubing from the
outlet of the first-stage regulator to the inlet of the second
stage regulator.

2) Determine the maximum gas demand requirements of the

system by adding the BTU/hr inputs from the nameplates of
all the appliances or by referring to Table 3 on page 5.

3) Select the pipe or tubing required from Tables 7A, 7B and

7C on pages 23 through 25.

Directions for Sizing between Second-Stage

Regulator and Appliance
(Based on NFPA 54 Longest Length Method)

1) Measure the length of pipe or tubing from the outlet of

the second-stage regulator to the most remote appliance.
(Note: This is the only length needed to size the
second-stage system).

2) For each outlet and section of pipe, determine the specific

gas demand requirements by adding the BTU/hr inputs from
the nameplates of each appliance or by referring to Table 3
on page 5.

3) 
Select the pipe or tubing required for each section from
Table 8A or 8B on pages 26 and 27.

19
PIPE AND TUBING SIZING
(Continued)
Determine the sizes of pipe or tubing required for this two-stage
LP-Gas installation.
Example:
A private home is to be supplied with a LP-Gas system serving a
central furnace, range and water heater. The gas demand and piping
lengths are shown on the sketch below.
1st Stage
Regulator

25

2nd Stage
Section 1 Section 2 Regulator
A
Water Heater 75 10 30
40,000 BTU/HR
12 10
C
B
Furnace
Range
120,000 BTU/HR
75,000 BTU/HR

Figure 7. LP-Gas System Serving a Central Furnace, Range

and Water Heater
For First-Stage:
1) Length of first-stage piping = 25 ft (round up to 30 foot for
use in Tables 7A, 7B and 7C).
2) Total gas demand = 40,000 + 120,000 = 235,000 BTU/HR
3) From Tables 7A, 7B and 7C, use 1/2 in. iron pipe; or 1/4 in.
TypeL or 3/8 in. ACR copper tubing or 1/2 in. plastic tubing
(assume a 10 psig / 0.7 bar first-stage regulator setting and a
1 psig pressure drop).
For Second-Stage:
1) Total second-stage piping length = 30 + 10 + 15 = 55 ft (round
up to 60 foot for use in Tables 8A and 8B).
2) Gas demand requirements and pipe selection from Tables 8A and
8B (assume a 11 in. w.c. setting and 1/2 in. w.c. pressure drop).
For outlet A, demand = 40,000 BTU/hr, use 1/2 in. iron pipe or
3/8 in. Type L or 5/8 in. ACR copper tubing.
For outlet B, demand = 75,000 BTU/hr, use 1/2 in. iron pipe or
1/2 in. Type L or 5/8 in. ACR copper tubing.
For outlet C, demand = 120,000 BTU/hr, use 3/4 in. iron pipe
or 5/8 in. Type L or 3/4 in. ACR copper tubing.
For section 1, demand = 40,000 + 75,000 = 115,000 BTU/hr,
use 3/4 in. iron pipe or 5/8 in. Type L or 3/4 in. ACR
coppertubing.
For section 2, demand = 40,000 + 75,000 + 120,000
= 235,000 BTU/hr, use 1 in. iron pipe.
20
PIPE AND TUBING SIZING
(Continued)
Directions for Sizing between 2 psi /
0.14 bar Service Regulator and Line
Pressure Regulator
1) Measure the length of CSST tubing from the outlet of the
2 psi / 0.14 bar service regulator to the inlet of the line
pressure regulator.
2) 
Determine the maximum gas demand requirements of the
system by adding the BTU/hr inputs from the nameplates of all
the appliances or by referring to Table 3 on page 5.
3) 
Use the correct footage column or next higher column in
Table 9A. Select CSST tubing size when capacity in column
exceeds gas demand.

Directions for Sizing between Line Pressure

Regulator and Appliance
1) Measure the length of CSST tubing from the outlet of the line
pressure regulator to each of the appliances.
2) For each outlet and selection of CSST tubing, determine the
specific gas demand requirements by adding the BTU/hr
inputs from the nameplates of each appliance or by referring
Table 3 on page 5.
3) Use the correct footage column or the next higher column in
Table 11. Select CSST tubing size when capacity in column
exceeds gas demand.
Example:
A typical single family home with four appliances is to be
supplied with a LP-Gas system. The piping is arranged in
parallel with a distribution manifold branching CSST runs
to the appliances. The supply pressure (downstream of the
service regulator) is 2 psig / 0.14 bar and the outlet pressure
of the line pressure regulator is set to 11 in. w.c. / 27 mbar.
(See next page).

21
PIPE AND TUBING SIZING
(Continued)
Determine the sizes of pipe or tubing required for this in-house
LP-Gas installation.
From 2 PSI Service Regulator to Line Regulator:
1) Length of section A tubing = 20 ft
2) Total gas demand = 80,000 + 36,000 + 28,000 + 52,000
= 196,000 BTU/hr
3) From Table 9A, use 25 column. Select 3/8 in. CSST for runA,
as it has capacity over 196,000 BTU/hr (262,000) (assume
a 2 psig / 0.14 bar second-stage regulator setting and 1 psig
pressure drop).
From Line Pressure Regulator to Each Appliance:
1) For line B, length = 10 ft; gas demand = 80,000 BTU
For line C, length = 10 ft; gas demand = 36,000 BTU
For line D, length = 30 ft; gas demand = 28,000 BTU
For line B, length = 35 ft; gas demand = 52,000 BTU
2) CSST Tubing selection from Table 11 (assume a
11 in. w.c. setting and 1/2 in. w.c. pressure drop):

E = 35 ft xxx
Manifold Range 52,000
Regulator BTU/HR

A = 20 ft D = 30 ft
xxxx R xxx
2 psi C = 10 ft
Service
Regulator Water
B = 10 ft
Heater
Furnace 36,000 BTU/HR Dryer
80,000 BTU/HR 28,000
BTU/HR

Figure 8. Single Family Home with a LP-Gas System

Single Family Home With LP-Gas Example

CSST
load, Select
Line length (ft) Capacity,
1000 BTU/HR CSST Size
1000 BTU/HR
B 10 80 129 1/2
C 10 36 50 3/8
D 30 28 28 3/8
E 35* 52 64 1/2
*Uses 40 column in Table 11.

22
 Table 7A. Pipe Sizing Between First-Stage (High Pressure Regulator)
And Second-Stage (Low Pressure Regulator)
maximum undiluted propane capacities based on 10 psig first stage setting and 1 psig pressure Drop. capacities are in 1000 BTU per hour.
Schedule 40 Pipe Size, In. (Actual Inside Diameter, In.)
Piping Length, 1/2 NPT 3/4 NPT 1 NPT 1-1/4 NPT 1-1/2 NPT 2 NPT 3 NPT 3-1/2 NPT 4 NPT
Ft (0.622 In.) (0.824 In.) (1.049 In.) (1.38 In.) (1.61 In.) (2.067 In.) (3.068 In.) (3.548 In.) (4.026 In.)
30 843 3854 7260 14,904 22,331 43,008 121,180 177,425 247,168
40 1577 3298 6213 12,756 19,113 36,809 103,714 151,853 211,544
50 1398 2923 5507 11,306 16,939 32,623 91,920 134,585 187,487
60 1267 2649 4989 10,244 15,348 29,559 83,286 121,943 169,877
70 1165 2437 4590 9424 14,120 27,194 76,622 112,186 156,285
80 1084 2267 4270 8767 13,136 25,299 71,282 104,368 145,393
90 1017 2127 4007 8226 12,325 23,737 66,882 97,925 136,417
100 961 2009 3785 7770 11,642 22,422 63,176 92,499 128,859
150 772 1613 3039 6240 9349 18,005 50,733 74,280 103,478
200 660 1381 2601 5340 8002 15,410 43,421 63,574 88,564
250 585 1224 2305 4733 7092 13,658 38,483 56,345 78,493
300 530 1109 2089 5289 6426 12,375 34,868 51,052 71,120
350 488 1020 1922 3945 5911 11,385 32,078 46,967 65,430
400 454 949 1788 3670 5499 10,591 29,843 43,694 60,870
450 426 890 1677 3444 5160 9938 28,000 40,997 57,112
500 402 841 1584 3253 4874 9387 26,449 38,725 53,948
600 364 762 1436 2948 4416 8505 23,965 35,088 48,880
700 335 701 1321 2712 4063 7825 22,047 32,280 44,969
800 312 652 1229 2523 3780 7279 20,511 30,031 41,835
900 293 612 1153 2367 3546 6830 19,245 28,177 39,253
1000 275 578 1089 2236 3350 6452 18,178 26,616 37,078
1500 222 464 875 1795 2690 5181 14,598 21,373 29,775
2000 190 397 748 1537 2302 4434 12,494 18,293 25,483
23

Data taken and reprinted from Table 15.1(a) in NFPA 58, 2004 ed. Always check www.nfpa.org for the latest updates.
Table 7B. Pipe Sizing Between First-Stage (High Pressure
Regulator) And Second-Stage (Low Pressure Regulator)
maximum undiluted propane capacities based on 10 psig first stage setting
and 1 psig pressure drop. capacities are in 1000 BTU per hour.

Type ACR (Refrigeration) Type L Tubing

Nominal 3/8 in. 1/2 in. 5/8 in. 3/4 in. 7/8 in. 3/8 in. 1/2 in. 5/8 in. 3/4 in. 7/8 in.

Outside (0.375) (0.500) (0.625) (0.750) (0.875) (0.500) (0.625) (0.750) (0.875) (1.000)

Inside 0.311 0.436 0.555 0.68 0.785 0.430 0.545 0.666 0.785 0.906

Length,
Ft

30 299 726 1367 2329 3394 309 700 1303 2205 3394

40 256 621 1170 1993 2904 265 599 1115 1887 2904

50 227 551 1037 1766 2574 235 531 988 1672 2574

60 206 499 939 1600 2332 213 481 896 1515 2332

70 189 459 864 1472 2146 196 443 824 1394 2146

80 176 427 804 1370 1996 182 412 767 1297 1996

90 165 401 754 1285 1873 171 386 719 1217 1873

100 156 378 713 1214 1769 161 365 679 1149 1769

150 125 304 572 975 1421 130 293 546 923 1421

200 107 260 490 834 1216 111 251 467 790 1216

250 95 230 434 739 1078 90 222 414 700 1078

300 86 209 393 670 976 89 201 375 634 976

350 79 192 362 616 898 82 185 345 584 898

400 74 179 337 573 836 76 172 321 543 836

450 69 168 316 538 784 71 162 301 509 784

500 65 158 298 508 741 68 153 284 481 741

600 59 144 270 460 671 61 138 258 436 671

700 54 132 249 424 617 56 127 237 401 617

800 51 123 231 394 574 52 118 221 373 574

900 48 115 217 370 539 49 111 207 350 539

1000 54 109 205 349 509 46 105 195 331 509

1500 36 87 165 281 409 37 84 157 266 409

2000 31 75 141 240 350 32 72 134 227 350

Data taken and reprinted from Table 15.1(h) and 15.1(k) in NFPA 58, 2007 ed. Always check
www.nfpa.org for the latest updates.

24
 Table 7C. Polyethylene Plastic Tube And Pipe Sizing Between
First-Stage And Second-Stage Regulators
maximum undiluted propane capacities based on 10 psig first stage setting and 1 psi pressure Drop. capacities are in 1000 BTU per hour.
Plastic Tubing Size (CTS) and Pipe Size (IPS) (Dimensions in Paranthesis are Inside Diameter)
Length of Pipe or 1/2 In. CTS SDR 1 In. CTS SDR 1/2 In. IPS SDR 3/4 In. IPS SDR 1 In. IPS SDR 1-1/4 In. IPS SDR 2 In. IPS SDR
Tubing, Ft 7.00 (0.445) 11.00 (0.927) 9.33 (0.660) 11.00 (0.860) 11.00 (1.077) 10.00 (1.328) 11.00 (1.943)
30 762 5225 2143 4292 7744 13,416 36,402
40 653 4472 1835 3673 6628 11,482 31,155
50 578 3964 1626 3256 5874 10,176 27,612
60 524 3591 1473 2950 5322 9220 25,019
70 482 3304 1355 2714 4896 8483 23,017
80 448 3074 1261 2525 4555 7891 21,413
90 421 2884 1183 2369 4274 7404 20,091
100 397 2724 1117 2238 4037 6994 18,978
125 352 2414 990 1983 3578 6199 16,820
150 319 2188 897 1797 3242 5616 15,240
175 294 2013 826 1653 2983 5167 14,020
200 273 1872 778 1539 2775 4807 13,043
225 256 1757 721 1443 2603 4510 12,238
250 242 1659 681 1363 2459 4260 11,560
275 230 1576 646 1294 2336 4046 10,979
300 219 1503 617 1235 2228 3860 10,474
350 202 1383 567 1136 2050 3551 9636
400 188 1287 528 1057 1907 3304 8965
450 176 1207 495 992 1789 3100 8411
500 166 1140 468 937 1690 2928 7945
600 151 1033 424 849 1531 2653 7199
700 139 951 390 781 1409 2441 6623
800 129 884 363 726 1311 2271 6761
900 121 830 340 682 1230 2131 5781
1000 114 784 322 644 1162 2012 5461
1500 92 629 258 517 933 1616 4385
2000 79 539 221 443 798 1383 3753
25

Data taken and reprinted from Table 15.1(p) and 15.1(n) in NFPA 58, 2007 ed. Always check www.nfpa.org for the latest updates.
26

Table 8A. Pipe Sizing Between Second-Stage (Low Pressure Regulator) And Appliance
maximum undiluted propane capacities based on 11 in. w.c. setting and 0.5 in. w.c. pressure drop. capacities are in 1000 BTU per hour.
Schedule 40 Pipe Size, In. (Actual Inside Diameter, In.)

Piping Length, 1/2 in. NPT 3/4 NPT 1 NPT 1-1/4 NPT 1-1/2 NPT 2 NPT 3 NPT 3-1/2 NPT 4 NPT
Ft (0.622 In.) (0.824 In.) (1.049 In.) (1.38 In.) (1.61 In.) (2.067 In.) (3.068 In.) (3.548 In.) (4.026 In.)

10 291 608 1146 2352 3523 6789 19,130 28,008 39,018

20 200 418 788 1617 2423 4666 13,148 19,250 26,817

30 161 336 632 1299 1946 3747 10,558 15,458 21,535

40 137 287 541 1111 1665 3207 9036 13,230 18,431

50 122 255 480 985 1476 2842 8009 11,726 16,335

60 110 231 435 892 1337 2575 7256 10,625 14,801

80 94 198 372 764 1144 2204 6211 9093 12,668

100 84 175 330 677 1014 1954 5504 8059 11,227

125 74 155 292 600 899 1731 4878 7143 9950

150 67 141 265 544 815 1569 4420 6472 9016

200 58 120 227 465 697 1343 3783 5539 7716

250 51 107 201 412 618 1190 3353 4909 6839

300 46 97 182 373 560 1078 3038 4448 6196

350 43 89 167 344 515 992 2795 4092 5701

400 40 83 156 320 479 923 2600 3807 5303

Data taken and reprinted from Table 15.1(c) in NFPA 58, 2007 ed. Always check www.nfpa.org for the latest updates.
 Table 8B. Tube Sizing Between Second-Stage And Appliance
maximum undiluted propane capacities based on 11 in. w.c. setting and 0.5 in. w.c. pressure drop. capacities are in 1,000 BTU per hour.
Type ACR (Refrigeration) Type L Tubing
Nominal 3/8 In. 1/2 In. 5/8 In. 3/4 In. 7/8 In. 3/8 In. 1/2 In. 5/8 In. 3/4 In. 7/8 In.
Outside 0.375 0.500 0.625 0.750 0.875 0.375 0.500 0.625 0.750 0.875
Inside 0.311 0.436 0.555 0.68 0.785 0.315 0.430 0.545 0.666 0.785
Length, Ft
10 47 115 216 368 536 49 110 206 348 535
20 32 79 148 253 368 34 76 141 239 368
30 26 63 119 203 296 27 61 113 192 296
40 22 54 102 174 253 23 52 97 164 253
50 20 48 90 154 224 20 46 86 146 224
60 18 43 82 139 203 19 42 78 132 203
80 15 37 70 119 174 16 36 67 113 174
100 14 33 62 106 154 14 32 59 100 154
125 12 29 55 94 137 12 28 52 89 137
150 11 26 50 85 124 11 26 48 80 124
200 9 23 43 73 106 10 22 41 69 106
250 8 20 38 64 94 9 19 36 61 94
300 8 18 34 58 85 8 18 33 55 85
350 7 17 32 54 78 7 16 30 51 78
400 6 16 29 50 73 7 15 28 47 73
Data taken and reprinted from Table 15.1(l) and 15.1(j) in NFPA 58, 2007 ed. Always check www.nfpa.org for the latest updates.
27
28

Table 9A. Maximum Capacity Of csst*

In thousands of BTU/hour of undiluted propane at a pressure of 2 psi
CSST and a pressure drop of 1 psi (based on a 1.5 specific gravity gas).
EHD** Flow Tubing Length, Ft
Tube
Designation
Size
10 25 30 40 50 75 80 100 150 200 250 300 400 500

3/8 in. 13 426 262 238 203 181 147 140 124 101 86 77 69 60 53

---- 15 558 347 316 271 243 196 189 169 137 118 105 96 82 72

1/2 in. 18 927 591 540 469 420 344 333 298 245 213 191 173 151 135

---- 19 1106 701 640 554 496 406 393 350 287 248 222 203 175 158

3/4 in. 23 1735 1120 1027 896 806 663 643 578 477 415 373 343 298 268

---- 25 2168 1384 1266 1100 986 809 768 703 575 501 448 411 355 319

---- 30 4097 2560 2331 2012 1794 1457 1410 1256 1021 880 785 716 616 550

1 in. 31 4720 2954 2692 2323 2072 1685 1629 1454 1182 1019 910 829 716 638

1-1/4 in. 37 7128 4564 4176 3631 3258 2675 2601 2325 1908 1658 1487 1363 1163 1027

1-1/2 in. 46 15,174 9549 8708 7529 6726 5480 5303 4738 3860 3337 2981 2719 2351 2101

2 in. 62 34,203 21,680 19,801 17,159 15,357 12,551 12,154 10,877 8890 7705 6895 6296 5457 4883

Table does not include effect of pressure drop across the line regulator. Where regulator loss exceeds 1/2 psi (based on 13 in. w.c. outlet pressure), do not use this table. Consult with
regulator manufacturer for pressure drops and capacity factors. Pressure drops across a regulator may vary with flow rate. CAUTION: Capacities shown in table may exceed maximum
capacity for a selected regulator. Consult with regulator or tubing manufacturer for guidance.
*Table includes losses for four 90-degree bends and two end fittings. Tubing runs with larger numbers of bend and/or fittings shall be increased by an equivalent length of tubing to the
following equation: L = 1.3n where L is the additional length (ft) of tubing and N is the number of additional fittings and/or bends.
**EDH - Equivalent Hydraulic Diameter - A measure of the relative hydraulic efficiency between different tubing sizes. The greater the value of EHD, the greater the gas capacity of
thetubing.
Data taken and reprinted from Table 15.1(m) in NFPA 58, 2007 ed. Always check www.nfpa.org for the latest updates.
 Table 9B. Pipe Sizing Between 2 PSI Regulator And Appliance Regulator
maximum undiluted propane capacities based on 2 psi setting and 1 psi pressure drop. capacities are in 1000 BTU per hour.

Schedule 40 Pipe Size, In. (Actual Inside Diameter, In.)

Piping Length, 1/2 in. NPT 3/4 NPT 1 NPT 1-1/4 NPT 1-1/2 NPT 2 NPT 3 NPT 3-1/2 NPT 4 NPT
Ft (0.622 In.) (0.824 In.) (1.049 In.) (1.38 In.) (1.61 In.) (2.067 In.) (3.068 In.) (3.548 In.) (4.026 In.)

10 2687 5619 10,585 21,731 32,560 62,708 176,687 258,696 360,385

20 1847 3862 7275 14,936 22,378 43,099 121,436 177,800 247,690

30 1483 3101 5842 11,994 17,971 34,610 97,517 142,780 198,904

40 1269 2654 5000 10,265 15,381 29,621 83,462 122,201 170,236

50 1125 2352 4431 9098 13,632 26,253 73,971 108,305 150,877

60 1019 2131 4015 8243 12,351 23,787 67,023 98,132 136,706

70 938 1961 3694 7584 11,363 21,884 61,660 90,280 125,767

80 872 1824 3436 7055 10,571 20,359 57,363 83,988 117,002

90 819 1712 3224 6620 9918 19,102 53,822 78,803 109,779

100 773 1617 3046 6253 9369 18,043 50,840 74,437 103,697

150 621 1298 2446 5021 7524 14,490 40,826 59,776 83,272

200 531 1111 2093 4298 6439 12,401 34,942 51,160 71,270

Data taken and reprinted from Table 15.1(b) in NFPA 58, 2007 ed. Always check www.nfpa.org for the latest updates.
29
 Table 10. Tube Sizing Between Second-Stage And Appliance
30

maximum undiluted propane capacities based on 2 psi setting and 1 psi pressure drop. capacities are in 1000 BTU PER HOUR.
Type ACR (Refrigeration) Type K Tubing

Nominal 3/8 in. 1/2 in. 5/8 in. 3/4 in. 7/8 in. 3/8 in. 1/2 in. 5/8 in. 3/4 in. 7/8 in.
Outside 0.375 0.500 0.625 0.750 0.875 0.375 0.500 0.625 0.750 0.875
Inside 0.311 0.436 0.555 0.68 0.785 0.315 0.430 0.545 0.666 0.785
Length,
Ft
10 434 1053 1982 3377 4922 449 1015 1890 3198 4922
20 298 723 1362 2321 3383 308 698 1299 2198 3383
30 239 581 1094 1864 2716 248 560 1043 1765 2716
40 205 497 936 1595 2325 212 479 893 1511 2325
50 182 441 830 1414 2061 188 425 791 1339 2061
60 165 399 752 1281 1867 170 385 717 1213 1867
80 141 342 644 1096 1598 146 330 614 1038 1598
100 125 303 570 972 1416 129 292 544 920 1416
125 111 268 506 861 1255 114 259 482 816 1255
150 100 243 458 780 1137 104 235 437 739 1137
200 86 208 392 668 973 89 201 374 632 973
250 76 184 347 592 863 79 178 331 560 863
300 69 167 315 536 782 71 161 300 508 782
350 63 154 290 493 719 66 148 276 467 719
400 59 143 269 459 669 61 138 257 435 669
Data calculated from Formula in NFPA 54, 2002 ed.
 Table 11. Maximum Capacity Of csst*
In thousands of BTU/hr of undiluted propane at a pressure of 11 in. w.c. and a pressure drop of 0.5 in. w.c.
(based on a 1.5 specific gravity gas).
CSST
EHD** Flow
Tube
Designation Tubing Length, Ft
Size
5 10 15 20 25 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 150 200 250 300

3/8 in. 13 72 50 39 34 30 28 23 20 19 17 15 15 14 11 9 8 8

---- 15 99 69 55 49 42 39 33 30 26 25 23 22 20 15 14 12 11

1/2 in. 18 181 129 104 91 82 74 64 58 53 49 45 44 41 31 28 25 23

---- 19 211 150 121 106 94 87 74 66 60 57 52 50 47 36 33 30 26

3/4 in. 23 355 254 208 183 164 151 131 118 107 99 94 90 85 66 60 53 50

---- 25 426 303 248 216 192 177 153 137 126 117 109 102 98 75 69 61 57

---- 30 744 521 422 365 325 297 256 227 207 191 178 169 159 123 112 99 90

1 in. 31 863 605 490 425 379 344 297 265 241 222 208 197 186 143 129 117 107

1-1/4 in. 37 1415 971 775 661 583 528 449 397 359 330 307 286 270 217 183 163 147

1-1/2 in. 46 2830 1993 1623 1404 1254 1143 988 884 805 745 656 656 621 506 438 390 357

2 in. 62 6547 4638 3791 3285 2940 2684 2327 2082 1902 1761 1554 1554 1475 1205 1045 934 854

*Table includes losses for four 90 bends and two end fittings. Tubing runs with larger numbers of bend and/or fittings shall be increased by an equivalent length of tubing to the following
equation: L = 1.3n where L is the additional length (ft) of tubing and N is the number of additional fittings and/or bends.
**EDH - Equivalent Hydraulic Diameter - A measure of the relative hydraulic efficiency between different tubing sizes. The greater the value of EHD, the greater the gas capacity of
thetubing.
Data taken and reprinted from Table 15.1(n) in NFPA 58, 2007 ed. Always check www.nfpa.org for the latest updates.
31
Selecting the Regulator
Regulator performance curves show the capacity of a regulator at
different inlet pressures, given the factory setting for outlet pressure.

Figure 9 shows a performance curve for a Fisher brand

Second-Stage Regulator. Gas flow rate is plotted horizontally
and regulator outlet pressure vertically. The curved line
represents an inlet pressure of 10 psig / 0.69 bar. For the
appliance to operate efficiently, the regulator outlet pressure
must not fall below 9 in. w.c. / 22 mbar.

Emerson rates this particular regulator at the point the 10 psig /

0.69 bar inlet curve crosses the 9 in. w.c. / 22 mbar horizontal line.
Thus, the literature would rate this regulator at 1,375,000 BTU/hr or
more if the inlet pressure stays above 10 psig / 0.69 bar.

What you must know to select a regulator:

1. Appliance Load
2. Pipe Size
3. Inlet Pressure
4. Outlet Pressure
5. Gas Used (Propane/Butane)
6. Select From Manufacturer Catalog

32
 13
10 psig / 0.69 bar

12

11

10

Outlet Pressure
CU FT/HR 100 200 300 400 500 600
BTU/HR 250,000 500,000 750,000 1,000,000 1,250,000 1,500,000

Inches of Water Column

Propane Flow Rate

Figure 9. Typical Capacity Curve

33
regulator selection
RECOMMENDED
TYPE OF REGULATOR
CAPACITY, BTU/HR FISHER
OR SERVICE
REGULATOR
First-Stage(1)
1,100,000 R122H
(Reduces tank pressure
2,400,000 R622H
to 10 psig or less)
Second-Stage(2) 650,000 R222
(Reduces first stage 875,000 to 1,400,000 R622
outlet pressure to 920,000 R642
14 in. w.c. or less) 1,000,000 R652
Integral Two-Stage(1)
(Combines a high 450,000 R232
pressure and a 850,000 R632
2nd stage regulator)
High Pressure(3)
5,250,000 64
(Reduces tank pressure
1,200,000 67C
to a lower pressure in
3,862,564 1301F
excess of 1 psig)

2 psi(2) Service
1,680,000 R622E
(Reduces 1st stage
1,500,000 R652E
pressure to 2 psig)

1. Based on 30 psig inlet pressure and 20% droop.

2. Based on 10 psig inlet pressure and 20% droop
3. Based on inlet pressure 20 psig greater than outlet pressure with 20% droop.

Note: The capacity BTU/hr column should be used for

reference purposes only. The capacity will vary depending on
the pipe size orifice size and outlet pressure setting.

34
Two-Stage Regulation
Advantages of Two-Stage Regulation
Uniform Appliance Pressure - Two-staging lets the first-stage
regulator supply a nearly constant inlet pressure to the
second-stage regulator at the house. This means the second-stage
regulator has an easier time of maintaining appliance pressure at
11 in. w.c. / 27 mbar, thus improving the system efficiency.

Lower Installation Costs - Smaller pipe or tubing can be used

between the first and second-stage regulators due to the higher
pressure, thus reducing installation and piping material costs.

Freezeups - Two-stage systems reduce problems due to regulator

freezeups caused by excessive water in gas. Larger orifices make
it more difficult for ice to form and block the passage area. The
expansion of gas at two different orifices in a two-stage system
greatly reduces the refrigeration effect that causes freezups.
See Fisher Bulletins LP-18 and LP-24 for more detailed
information on freezing regulators.

Flexibility of Installation - A high pressure regulator can feed a

number of low pressure regulators, thus enabling the addition of
appliances in the future to the same pressure line without affecting
their individual performances.

Fewer Trouble Calls - With two-stage regulation, you can expect

fewer trouble calls due to pilot outage or burner adjustment. This
means higher appliance efficiency, lower service costs and better
customer relations.

35
REGULATOR INSTALLATION
First-Stage
Second-Stage Regulator
Regulator usually
11 in. w.c. / 27 mbar
10 psig / 0.69 bar

Figure 10. Two-Stage Regulation, One at Tank and One at

Building, Reduce Pressure Down to
Burner Pressure (11 in. w.c. / 27 mbar)

A two-stage regulator system or an integral two-stage regulator

shall be required on all fixed piping systems that serve appliance
systems at 11 in. w.c. / 27 mbar. This includes R.V., manufactured
housing and food service installations (exceptions: small portable
appliances and outdoor cooking appliances with input ratings of
100,000 BTU/hr or less, certain gas distribution systems utilizing
multiple second-stage regulators and systems that provide an
equivalent level of overpressure protection).

This standard along with changes in UL 144 requiring increased

regulator relief valve capacity or an overprotection shutoff
device, results in the maximum pressure downstream of the
second-stage regulator being limited to 2 psig / 0.14 bar even
with a regulator seat failure.

See Fisher Bulletin LP-15 for more detailed information on

registration operation, installation and maintenance.

UL is a mark owned by Underwriters Laboratories.

36
Regulator Vents
Regulators should be installed in accordance with NFPA 58 and
any other applicable regulations, as well as the manufacturers
instructions. The following guidelines shall be followed:
Outdoor Installations - A regulator installed outdoors without a
protective hood must have its vent pointed vertically down, as
shown in the drawing.

Vent Pointed Down

Figure 11. Vent Pointing Vertically Down

The regulator should be at least 18 in. / 457 mm above the

ground. Do not install the regulator where there can be excessive
water accumulation or ice formation, such as directly beneath a
downspout, gutter or roof line. All vent openings must be at least
three horizontal feet in any building opening and not less than
fivefeet in any direction from any source of ignition, openings into
direct vent appliances or mechanical ventilation intakes.

Horizontally mounted regulators, such as on single cylinder

installations, must be installed underneath a protective cover.
On ASME tank installations with the regulator installed under the
tank dome, the regulator vent should slope slightly down enough
to allow any condensation to drain from the spring case. The
regulator vent should be positioned far enough back from the
tank dome slot so that it is protected from the weather. The hood
should be kept closed.

Regulators without drip lip vents must be installed under a

protective cover.

37
Regulator Vents (Continued)
Indoor Installations - In a fixed pipe system, regulators installed
indoors require a vent line to the outside air. A screened vent
assembly (Fisher brand Y602 Series or equivalent) must be
used at the end of the vent line. The vent assembly position and
location precautions are the same as for regulator vents. The vent
line must be the same size as the regulator vent and adequately
supported. See Figure 12.

Vent Assembly
To Appliance

Vent Line

Basement

vent opening must be

at least 3 ft / 0.91 m
From horizontally from any
First-Stage building opening below it.
Regulator

Figure 12. Indoor Installation

Underground Tanks - A vent tube is required on these installations
to prevent water from entering the regulators spring case. The
vent tube connects to the regulators spring case. The vent tube
connects to the regulator vent and terminates above any possible
water level, see Figure 13. Be sure that the ground slopes away
from the tank dome as illustrated.
GRADE GROUND DOWNWARD AND End of regulator vent
SLOPING AWAY FROM HOUSING tube located at top
DOME. THIS PREVENTS WATER inside dome cover
COLLECTING AND RUNNING INTO OR
STANDING AROUND HOUSING DOME.
2 in. / 51 mm
Minimum

Regulator bonnet closure

cap must be tight.
WATER MARK LEFT IN HOUSING DOME AT LEVEL ABOVE
REGULATOR VENT or END OF VENT TUBE REQUIRES
REPLACEMENT OF REGULATOR,
THEN CORRECT INSTALLATION.

Figure 13. Underground Tank

38
Leak Testing Methods
There are two primary methods for testing leaks in installations:

Low Pressure Method

1) Inspect all connections and appliance valves to be sure they
are tight or closed. This includes pilot valves.
2) Connect a low pressure gauge (Fisher brand Type50P-2
or equivalent) to the burner orifice and open the valve.
3) Open the service valve at the tank to pressure the system.
Close the service valve tightly.
4) The low pressure gauge should read at least 11 in. w.c. /
27 mbar. Slowly bleed off pressure by opening burner valve
on the appliance to vent enough gas to reduce the pressure
to exactly 9 in. w.c. / 22 mbar.
5) If the pressure remains at 9 in. w.c. / 22 mbar for 3 minute you
can assume the system is leak tight. If the pressure drops,
refer to the leak detection procedures below.
6) After the leak is repaired, repeat steps 3, 4 and 5.

High Pressure Method

1) Inspect all connections and appliance valves to be sure they
are tight or closed. This includes pilot valves.
2) Connect a test block (Fisher brand Type J600 or equivalent in
the service valve outlet at the tank, between the valves outlet
and the first regulator in the system).
3) Open the service valve at the tank to pressure the system.
Close the service valve tightly.
4) Open an appliance valve until the test blocks pressure gauge
drops to 10 psig / 0.69 bar.
5) The system should stand for 3 minutes without an increase
or decrease in the 10 psig / 0.69 bar reading. If pressure
drops, refer to the leak detection procedure section. If
pressure increases, then the service valve is leaking.
6) After any leaks are repaired, repeat steps 2, 3 and 4.

39
LEAK TESTING METHODS
Leak Detection and Correction Procedures
1) 
Use a bubble leak detection solution, to mechanical leak
detector, (never a match or an open flame) when checking
for leaks.

2) Apply the solution over every pipe or tubing joint and observe
carefully to see if the bubbles expand, indicating a leak
is present. A large leak can blow the solution away before
bubble have a chance to form.

3) To correct a leak on flaring tubing, first try to tighten the

connection. If this does not work, reflare.

4) On threaded piping, try tightening or redoping first. If the leak

continues, take the connection apart and inspect the threads.
Cut new thread if necessary.

5) If steps 3 and 4 fail to correct the problem, look for sandholes
in the pipe or fittings and check for splits in the tubing. Replace
whatever material is defective.

Note: Leaks caused by equipment such as gas cocks,

appliances, valves, act., will require repair of the faulty part or
replacement of the entire device.

40
 Regulator Inspection
The following items should be checked at each gas delivery and at
regularly scheduled testing and maintenance program intervals.
The customer should be instructed to turn off the tank service
valve if gas can be smelled, pilot lights fail to stay on or any other
abnormal situation takes place.

Improper Installation
The regulator vent must be pointed down or under a protective
cover. Regulators without drip lip vents (Figure 14) must be under
a protective cover. Proper installation also minimizes weather related
vent blockage and internal corrosion.

drip lip

Figure 14. Drip Lip

Vent Blockage

Make sure the regulator vent, vent assembly or vent tube is not
blocked with mud, insect nests, ice, snow, paint, etc. The screen
should be clean and properly installed.

Internal and External Corrosion

Replace any regulator that has had water in the spring case or
shows evidence of external or internal corrosion. Regulators
that have been flooded or that have been installed horizontally,
which minimizes moisture drainage, or on underground tanks or in
coastal areas are more susceptible to internal corrosion.

To inspect for internal corrosion:

1) Remove the regulators closing cap and look down into the
spring case (a flashlight may be needed).
2) On some regulators it may be necessary to shut down the
system and remove the adjusting screw and main spring to
adequately see any internal corrosion.

41
REGULATOR INSPECTION
Internal and External Corrosion (Continued)
3) Look for visible corrosion or water marks on the relief valve
area and chimney (shaded area in the picture below).
4) Replace the regulator if corrosion is present.

Shaded area indicates

spot to examine for
internal corrosion.

Figure 15. Corrosion Area

Regulator Age
Locate and replace old regulators. R600, R122H, R232, R222
and HSRL Series regulators have a recommended replacement
life of 20 years. All other regulators have a recommended
replacement life of 15 years. Replace regulators that are over
the recommended replacement life or that have experienced
conditions (corrosion, underground systems, flooding, etc.) that
would shorten their service life. Older regulators are more likely to
fail because of worn or corroded parts. Replace with a two-stage
regulator system.
Regulator disk wear (especially on older regulators) or foreign
material (dirt, pipe scale, etc.) lodged between the regulator disk
and orifice can cause higher than normal outlet pressure to the
appliances at lock up or extremely low flows. A pressure test of
the system will be required to verify the outlet pressure under
these conditions. Replace the regulator if pressure is high. Check
the system for foreign material and clean out or replace pigtails
as needed.

Always reset the system after replacing a regulator. See

Fisher Bulletin LP-32 and the instruction manual for more
detailed information on inspecting LP-Gas regulators.

42
Troubleshooting Domestic
Tank Fittings
A periodic inspection and maintenance program is recommended
for domestic tank fittings. The following briefly discusses ways
to avoid and correct potential safety problems with the most
common domestic fittings.
A more complete examination of this subject can be found in
NPGA Safety Bulletin 306.

Filler Valves
Always use a filling hose adaptor on the end of the hose end valve
during the filling process. After filling the tank, do not disconnect
the ACME coupling from the filler valve until the fill valve is closed
and all pressure between the hose end valve and the fill valve has
been bled off. If pressure discharge continues, the filler valve may
have malfunctioned. Do not remove the fill hose as the internal
parts may be blown out. If light tapping does not close the fill
valve, disconnect the filling hose adaptor from the hose end
valve, leaving the filling hose adaptor on the fill valve. The tank
will probably have to be emptied to replace the fill valve.
Some fill valve designs allow the seat disk to be replaced
while the tank is pressurized. On these designs, make sure the
lower back check is still functioning by forcing open the upper
back check with an adaptor. Take care to dislodge only the
upper back check and not both back checks. If there is little
leakage with the upper back check open, then the lower back
check is in place and the disk can be replaced by following the
manufacturersinstructions.

Relief Valves
Do not stand over a relief valve when tank pressure is high. A
relief valves purpose is to relieve excessive tank pressure which
can be caused by overfilling, improper purging of air from the
container, overheating of the tank, improper paint color or high
vapor pressure, to list just a few reasons. Check the tank pressure
gauge if the relief valve is leaking.

43
TROUBLESHOOTING DOMESTIC
TANK FITTINGS
Relief Valves (Continued)
On a 250 psi / 17.2 bar design pressure tank for example, if the
relief valve is discharging between the 240 to 260 psig / 16.5 to
17.9 bar range, the relief valve is working properly as long as
itreseats.
A relief valve that discharges substantially below 240 psig /
16.5bar or that does not reseat when the tank pressure is
lowered, will have to be replaced. Do not attempt to force the
valve closed. Lower the tank pressure by withdrawing gas or
cooling the outside of the tank.
Always keep a rain cap on the relief valve to help keep out dirt,
debris and moisture.
Relief valves, like other pieces of equipment, will not last forever.
Emerson recommends that a Fisher brand relief valves not
be used for over 15 years. Earlier replacement may be required
because of severe service conditions or applicable federal, state
or local codes.

Liquid Withdrawal Valves

A damaged seat or missing internal parts may allow an excessive
amount of liquid discharge when the closing cap is loosened.
These valves have a bleed hole in the closing cap to vent liquid
before the cap is completely unscrewed. If a significant amount
of the liquid continues to vent from beneath the cap after 30
seconds, do not remove the cap. Should only vapor be leaking
from under the cap, the connection to the withdrawal valve can
usually be made.
There is the possibility of liquid spray while opening the
withdrawal valve with an angle valve-special adaptor. For this
reason, protective clothing should be worn and extreme care
taken throughout the entire process.

Service Valves
Show the customer this valve and tell him to shut it off if gas is
escaping into the house or any other abnormal situation takes
place. Check the stem seal and shutoff seats periodically for
leakage and replace them if necessary (empty the tank first).

44
 Table 12. LP-Gas Orifice Capacities LP-Gases
(Btu/hr at Sea Level)
orifice or orifice or
propane butane propane butane
drill size drill size
0.008 519 589 51 36,531 41,414
0.009 656 744 50 39,842 45,168
0.01 812 921 49 43,361 49,157
0.011 981 1112 48 46,983 53,263
0.012 1169 1326 47 50,088 56,783
80 1480 1678 46 53,296 60,420
79 1708 1936 45 54,641 61,944
78 2080 2358 44 602,229 68,280
77 2629 2980 43 64,369 72,973
76 3249 3684 42 71,095 80,599
75 2581 4059 41 74,924 84,940
74 4119 4669 40 78,029 88,459
73 4678 5303 39 80,513 91,215
72 5081 5760 38 83,721 94,912
71 5495 6230 37 87,860 99,605
70 6375 7227 36 92,207 104,532
69 6934 7860 35 98,312 111,454
68 7813 8858 34 100,175 113,566
67 8320 9433 33 103,797 117,672
66 8848 10,031 32 109,385 124,007
65 9955 11,286 31 117,043 132,689
64 10,535 11,943 30 134,119 152,046
63 11,125 12,612 29 150,366 170,466
62 11,735 13,304 28 160,301 181,728
61 12,367 14,020 27 168,580 191,114
60 13,008 14,747 26 175,617 199,092
59 13,660 15,846 25 181,619 205,896
58 14,333 16,249 24 187,828 212,935
57 15,026 17,035 23 192,796 218,567
56 17,572 19,921 22 200,350 227,131
55 21,939 24,872 21 205,525 232,997
54 24,630 27,922 20 210,699 238,863
53 28,769 32,615 19 223,945 253,880
52 32,805 37,190 18 233,466 264,673
Reprinted from Table F.2 in NFPA 54, 2002 ed. Always check www.nfpa.org for the latest updates.

Propane butane
BTU per cubic foot 2516 3280
Specific Gravity 1.52 2.01
Pressure at Orifice, in. w.c. 11 11
Orifice Coefficient 0.9 0.9

45
46
Table 13. Line Sizing Chart For Liquid Propane In GPM
based on 1 psig pressure drop. propane at 60F. Based on schedule 40/80 steel/iron pipe
1/2 In. 3/4 In. 1 In. 1-1/4 In. 1-1/2 In. 2 In. 2-1/2 In. 3 In. 4 In.
Piping
Length,
Ft 40 80 40 80 40 80 40 80 40 80 40 80 40 80 40 80 40 80

10 7.1 5.0 15.0 11.3 28.3 22.2 58 47.6 87 73 169 143 269 229 475 410 967 846

15 5.8 4.1 12.2 9.2 23.0 18.1 47.5 38.8 71 59 137 116 219 187 387 334 789 690

20 5.0 3.5 10.5 8.0 19.9 15.6 41.0 33.5 62 51 119 100 189 161 335 289 682 597

30 4.1 2.9 8.5 6.5 16.2 12.7 33.4 27.3 50.1 41.6 97 82 154 131 283 235 556 486

40 3.5 2.5 7.4 5.6 14.0 11.0 28.8 23.5 43.3 35.9 84 71 133 114 236 203 481 421

50 3.1 2.2 6.6 5.0 12.5 9.8 25.7 21.0 36.3 32.1 75 63 119 101 211 182 429 376

60 2.8 2.0 6.0 4.5 11.3 8.9 23.4 19.1 35.2 29.2 68 57 109 92 192 166 391 343

70 2.6 1.8 5.5 4.2 10.5 8.2 21.6 17.7 32.5 27.0 63 53 100 85 177 153 362 317

80 2.4 1.7 5.2 3.9 9.8 7.7 20.2 16.5 30.4 25.2 59 49.6 94 80 166 143 338 296

90 2.3 1.6 4.8 3.7 9.2 7.2 19.0 15.5 28.6 23.7 55 46.7 88 75 156 135 319 279

100 2.2 1.5 4.6 3.5 8.7 6.8 18.0 14.7 27.1 22.5 52 44.2 84 71 148 128 302 264

150 1.8 1.2 3.7 2.8 7.1 5.5 14.6 11.9 22.0 18.2 42.5 35.9 68 58 120 104 246 215

200 1.5 1.1 3.2 2.4 6.1 4.8 12.6 10.3 18.9 15.7 36.7 31.0 59 49.9 104 89 212 185

300 1.2 0.9 2.6 1.9 4.9 3.8 10.2 8.3 15.3 12.7 29.7 25.1 47.5 40.4 84 73 172 151

400 1.0 0.7 2.2 1.7 4.2 3.8 8.8 7.1 13.2 10.9 25.6 21.6 40.9 34.8 73 66 149 130
CONVERSION FACTORS
Multiply By To Obtain
LENGTH and AREA
Millimeters 0.0394 Inches
Meters 3.2808 Feet
Sq. Centimeters 0.1550 Sq. Inches
Sq. Meters 10.764 Sq. Feet
VOLUME and MASS
Cubic Meters 35.315 Cubic Feet
Liters 0.0353 Cubic Feet
Gallons 0.1337 Cubic Feet
Cubic cm. 0.061 Cubic Inches
Liters 2.114 Pints (US)
Liters 0.2642 Gallons (US)
Kilograms 2.2046 Pounds
Tonnes 1.1024 Tons (US)
PRESSURE and FLOW RATE
Millibars 0.4018 Inches w.c.
Ounces/sq. in. 1.733 Inches w.c.
Inches w.c. 0.0361 Pounds/sq. in.
Bars 14.50 Pounds/sq. in.
Kilopascals 0.1450 Pounds/sq. in.
Kilograms/sq. cm. 14.222 Pounds/sq. in.
Pounds/sq. in. 0.068 Atmospheres
Liters/hr. 0.0353 Cubic Feet/hr.
Cubic Meters/hr. 4.403 Gallons/min.
MISCELLANEOUS
Kilojoules 0.9478 BTU
Calories, kg 3.968 BTU
Watts 3.414 BTU/HR
BTU 0.00001 Therms
Megajoules 0.00948 Therms

47
CONVERSION FACTORS
Multiply By To Obtain
LENGTH and AREA
Inches 25.4 Millimeters
Feet 0.3048 Meters
Sq. Inches 6.4516 Sq. Centimeters
Sq. Feet 0.0929 Sq. Meters
VOLUME and MASS
Cubic Feet 0.0283 Cubic Meters
Cubic Feet 28.316 Liters
Cubic Feet 7.481 Gallons
Cubic Inches 16.387 Cubic cm.
Pints (US) 0.473 Liters
Gallons (US) 3.785 Liters
Pounds 0.4535 Kilograms
Tons (US) 0.9071 Tonnes
PRESSURE and FLOW RATE
Inches w.c. 2.488 Millibars
Inches w.c. 0.577 Ounces/sq. in.
Pounds/sq. in. 27.71 Inches w.c.
Pounds/sq. in. 0.0689 Bars
Pounds/sq. in. 6.895 Kilopascals
Pounds/sq. in. 0.0703 Kilograms/sq. cm.
Atmospheres 14.696 Pounds/sq. in.
Cubic Feet/hr. 28.316 Liters/hr.
Gallons/min. 0.2271 Cubic Meters/hr.
MISCELLANEOUS
BTU 1.055 Kilojoules
BTU 0.252 Calories, kg
BTU/HR 0.293 Watts
Therms 100,000 BTU
Therms 105.5 Megajoules

48
FLOW EQUIVALENTS AND
TEMPERATURE CONVERSION
Table 14. Flow Equivalents
To convert flow capacities of one kind of gas to flow capacities of
a different kind of gas
MULTIPLY
BY:
If you have a flow capacity Propane: 0.63
(CFH, etc.) in NATURAL GAS Butane: 0.55
and want to know equivalent Air: 0.77
flow capacity of
If you have BUTANE and want Propane: 1.15
to know equivalent flow Natural Gas: 1.83
capacity of Air: 1.42
If you have AIR and want to Propane: 0.81
know equivalent flow Butane: 0.71
capacity of Natural Gas: 1.29
If you have PROPANE and Butane: 0.87
want to know equivalent flow Natural Gas: 1.59
capacity of Air: 1.23

Table 15. Temperature Conversion

F C F C F C

-40 -40 30 -1.1 90 32.2

-30 -34.4 32 0 100 37.8

-20 -28.9 40 4.4 110 43.3

-10 -23.3 50 10.0 120 48.9

0 -17.8 60 15.6 130 54.4

10 -12.2 70 21.1 140 60.0

20 -6.7 80 26.7 150 65.6

 Servicemans Handbook
LP-10
REGIS

ISO 9001
EM
ST
TE

ED
SY

MEMBER
R

QU ITY
AL R NPGA
National PROPANE GAS Association

The contents of this publication are presented for QUALITY

REGISTERED informational
SYSTEM purposes
only, while every effort has been made to ensure their accuracy, they are not
to be construed as warranties or guarantees, express or implied, regarding
the products or services described herein or their use or applicability. We
reserve the right to modify or improve the designs or specifications of such
products at any time without notice.

LPG Equipment

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Regulator Technologies, Inc.

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