Because installing a propane tank can be tricky in some cases. Several factors must be taken into account for the placement to be safe and efficient. Consider positioning, distance from buildings or accessibility. And besides installing an above-ground gas tank, you can also opt for an underground gas tank. This blog answers all questions about installing a gas tank!
You do not usually need a permit to have a gas tank installed. However, the placement and use of the gas tank must be reported to the local competent authority. A permit is required if the tank is larger than 13,000 liters and/or there are more than two tanks at one address. Furthermore, you must have a permit if liquid propane is extracted from one or more propane tanks and/or if there is the use of an evaporator connected to (one of) the tank(s).
Proper positioning of the propane gas tank at your home is essential to ensure safety.
It is important that the ground on which the tank is placed is flat and firm. Due to the sea climate in the Netherlands, wind speeds sometimes reach 100 kilometers per hour. Gas tanks must of course be able to withstand these exceptional weather conditions. Therefore, to ensure safety in the environment, gas tanks must be mounted on solid and flat surfaces.
In addition to the substrate, the environment is also important. If a propane gas tank is exposed to excessive heat for an extended period of time, the temperature can rise significantly. And if the temperature rises, so does the pressure in the gas tank. This can lead to dangerous situations. The advice is therefore to place a gas tank at a sufficient distance from flammable objects.
Distance from buildings is also something to consider. There are several laws and regulations for ensuring the safety of you and those around you. In the event of a gas leak, small mistakes can have major consequences. Depending on the size of the tank and the frequency of filling determines the minimum distance from other buildings. To ensure that your propane gas tank complies with all laws and regulations, it is advisable to hire a specialist for this.
While filling the propane gas tank, the propane gas supplier must be able to fill the tank easily and efficiently. Any maintenance or repairs must also be able to be performed without obstacles. Therefore, it is important that the tank be easily accessible. To determine this, it is a good idea to consult with your propane gas supplier or the seller/renter of your propane tank. After all, they must perform the maintenance or repair work.
Of course, the tank must not be in the way of pedestrians, cyclists or through traffic. Furthermore, it is mandatory to place a propane tank at a sufficient distance from a through road. The dangers of cars having to swerve, for whatever reason, and ending up against a propane tank we don't need to explain to anyone.
Protection on or around your propane tank is by no means always required but is sometimes advisable. Consider, for example, fencing or collision protection. In the example of a swerve car, a fence will stop the car early. This way, your gas tank is always safe.
A propane tank must be periodically maintained and inspected according to the NPR2578 guideline. This is the responsibility of the owner of the gas tank. This means that it can be the responsibility of both the supplier (when you rent the gas tank) and yourself (when you bought the gas tank). This applies to both maintenance and (re)inspection. You can find the requirements for these inspections on the website of the national government
If you are considering having an underground gas tank installed, there are some important things to consider. First, you should check whether placing the tank in the desired location is possible and whether permits are required. In addition, you need to make sure that the hole is sized and properly filled with sand in order for the tank to be level.
The piping must also comply with legal requirements and the pipes must be buried deep enough to protect against frost. In addition, you must take into account that the piping is suitable for propane gas; and that the gas extraction pipe must have a jacket pipe as mechanical shielding. Finally, it is important to have the installation inspected and receive a certificate of approval.
When installing both an above-ground and underground gas tank, it is wise to seek advice from a professional supplier. A mistake can have major consequences. OK GAS specializes in this and, as a propane gas supplier, takes care of the entire process from A to Z. This way you can be sure that your gas tank will be placed in the right way. Request a quote directly.