Propane and Propane Accessories

I sold my oxy-acetelyne torch to buy an oxycon-propane setup that’s popular among glass blowers, jewelers, and now among frame builders.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit our website.

An oxyhydrogen setup would actually be ideal for convenience as it would just use water for fuel, but hydrogen has its own issues like low BTU, hydrogen embrittlement, flame visibility, high power requirements, running premix in hoses, etc. That being said, there are commercial HHO brazing gas generators.

This is a summary of technical considerations for the purposes of equipment selection, and at this point in time not a guide on how to use or set up an oxycon-propane system. I don’t have experience with all of this equipment. Like most other things on this site, these are my personal notes from when I was shopping for a setup.

Oxygen Generator

An oxygen generator/concentrator is a medical device that filters oxygen from the air to produce ~90% pure oxygen. These are very expensive when new, and very cheap when used because they must be professional refurbished to be resold for medical purposes. There are numerous brands of oxygen concentrators. Any real medical device concentrator can be assumed to be of good quality as they are highly regulated. For the compact ones with flashy LCD screens on Amazon, caveat emptor.

Output capacity – Usually either 5 lpm (10.6 scfh) or 10 lpm (21.2 scfh). Oxygen purity tends to drop as flow increases. 10 lpm models tend to have much higher pressure. Some models like the Devilbiss 525 are reported to tolerate higher flow than listed, while other brands are very sensitive to excessive flow beyond 5l. 5l is adequate for framebuilding, but frame building is about the limit of a 5l concentrator.

Pressure – Usually 5 psi for a 5 lpm model. This is very low for an injector torch (Harris’ injector mixer among the models listed here), but usable. Some recommend forgoing a flashback arrestor to avoid pressure drop. I do not recommend this. I found with a high flow (regulator) flashback arrestor there was only a 0.5-1psi measured pressure drop on both my 5L (7 psi) and 10L (20 psi) machines under various conditions, although this may vary from arrestor to arrestor, even of the same make. At 7 psi it was still able to deliver over 4 lpm with a small 0.9mm single orifice tip (XXS TEN-0 equivalent) with equal pressure mixer. Some models like the Devilbiss have higher pressure at 8.5 psi. 10 lpm models will often have much higher pressures around 20 psi. Oxygen concentrators have internal pressure regulators that can be adjusted, and manuals will list a range of allowable pressures. These regulators aren’t great, but because there is no gradual pressure drop from tank pressure, they work okay and an external regulator is not required and they all have flow meters and flow valves. For a 20psi oxycon these aren’t really a substitute for an external regulator though.

Noise – Oxygen concentrators make noise because they have air compressors, spec sheets will usually give a db figure. It doesn’t really matter, but something to note.

Hours – All oxygen concetrators have an hour counter on them. They are meant to be able to be used 24/7 for years, so a unit with a few thousand hours on it will last many years to come as an oxygen supply for a torch.

Fittings – Some come with a threaded fitting which matches a “B” type oxygen fitting, identical to those on torch hoses. Some use a barb fitting. Most of these should have a cannula adapter which has a plastic barb to “B” type adapter. It’s possible to make a barb to “B” adapter with brass fittings if the plastic one isn’t trusted. Ones with “B” fittings will come with a “B” to barb adapter. While more people prefer the metal B fitting, one advantage of making a brass adapter is you can use a NPT T fitting which also lets you put a pressure valve on the output.

Humidifier shelf – All oxygen concentrators have a place to put a cup filled with water used as a humidifier for the oxygen. This only matters if you want to be able to put a 1lb propane canister on it so you have a portable oxy-propane setup. Designs like the Devilbiss don’t really facilitate this. Most others do. This is completely irrelevant if you will use a 20lb BBQ tank.

Portable/pulse – Do not buy a battery powered portable pulse type, they do not put out steady oxygen and only produce oxygen as needed with breathing. This is the wrong type.

Home fill – These systems let you full up a portable reusable oxygen tank meaning you aren’t limited by the machine’s pressure or output or size.

Below is a comparison of 3 common oxygen concentrators in my area. What is common in your area will largely depend on the distribution network where you live. There are many other variants which may be available, but these are the common ones here. I have personal experience with 2 of them.

Phillips EverfloDevilbiss 525DSDevilbiss 1025DSOutput Volume5 LPM (10.6 CFM)5 LPM (10.6 CFM)10 LPM (21.2 CFM)Output Pressure5-7 PSIG8-9 PSIG19-21 PSIG (8.5 aux)O2 Purity @ 5LPM 90-96%87-96%87-96%O2 Purity @ 10LPM ––87-92%Fitting3/16″ barb9/16-18 “B”9/16-18 “B”Size (LxWxH)9.5″x15″x23″12”x13.5”x24.5”12”x13.5”x24.5”Weight31 lbs36 lb42 lbNoise45 db54.5 db69 db1lb Tank ShelfYesNoNoNotesThe alarm is much more annoying and goes off if you try to go above 5 LPM due to “high flow” not low puritySame size as 525, but heavier and with more compressor noise Phillips EverFlo 5 LPM Devilbiss 525 5 LPM – Note that the stickers are gray and the bottom is black Devilbiss 1025 10 LPM – Note the stickers are dark blue and the bottom is gray

The EverFlo makes a good welding cart style and should still be able to run normal size framebuilding tips. It has a shelf for a 1lb propane tank, it has a smaller footprint, the top has a lot more nearly flat area to attach storage (you can easily attach a bin to hold your torch, tips, soapy water spray bottle, flux etc.). However, the alarm is very annoying and trying to get more than 5 LPM of flow will set off the audible high flow alarm. Otherwise it is fairly quiet, and the most noticeable noise is the solenoid valves hissing. If you plan on doing jewelry, the smaller one is better. The bottle shelf isn’t perfect, but but in a better location than most since it is in the rear and gives you access to the regulator key without it sticking out and it has plenty of clearance for gauges. It’s plenty adequate for the hobbyist when it’s going to spend more time being stored than used, and very easy to wheel everything out when you need it.

The 1025DS makes a good shop oxygen concentrator to be paired with a BBQ tank and tool/welding cart to hold your stuff that is stored where you’re going to use it. The compressor is much louder (db are not linear, every 10 db is about twice the perceived volume), although not unbearably loud, and propane flames are pretty loud when the torch is actually on. It has high enough pressure that pressure drop from a flashback arrestor should not be a concern. I feel the pressure is actually a bit high and could use a regulator, although pressure can be adjusted with the flow valve and there’s an aux port with 8.5 psig. The male B fitting makes it easier to attach a torch hose, but actually makes it harder to add in an external regulator or pressure gauge. You can kind of reroute the “B” fitting to just use a hose and stick a 1lb bottle 3/4 of the way on the shelf, but you’d have to fabricate a shelf and a way to strap the bottle in, as well as remove the “B” fitting and route with just a hose. Even then the regulator key sticks way out. There’s also just no place to mount stuff. It’s considerably worse at being a moveable brazing cart. It’s undoubtedly a more capable machine, but it’s also hard to say there are any advantages if you don’t plan on running an injector mixer or big tips.

Cheap option: Whatever 5L medical generator you can find on craigslist for $200 or under
Expensive option: Whatever 10L medical generator you can find

Propane Accessories

First thing is a regulator, which keeps the pressure relatively constant. I feel this is a part that’s important to spend a lot of money on. Fuel leaks are very bad. Regulators are going to be the only component that has moving parts that move on their own. Cheap ones have been known to malfunction and not regulate properly, sometimes resulting in ever increasing gas pressure and flow. Not to be excessively patriotic/jingoistic, but buy a nice MUSA one. You could in theory run a 1/2 psi BBQ one with injection mixer, but I won’t recommend it. There are increased risks with a regulator malfunction once you add pressurized oxygen into the mix. Propane is stored as a liquid, and tank pressure will vary mostly based on temperature (environmental temperature, and temperature drops from decompression), so single stage is fine for 95% of the propane in the tank. Contrary to popular belief, output pressure rises as tank pressure falls.

Fittings – The fittings will define physical compatibility with the rest of your equipment. BBQ tanks use CGA-510 threads, also common for acetylene. 540 fittings will not work. A “steak saver” can adapt CGA-510 for use with 1 lb camper stove propane bottles. Most regulators bodies have NPT fittings and gauge and are highly modular, so input, output, and gauges can be swapped out as needed, but NPT fittings should only be swapped as little as possible due to wear and deformation of threads. Most will have “B” (9/16″) output hose fittings, smaller HVAC port-a-torch regulators may have “A” hose fittings.

Single/dual Stage – Dual stage regulates better. Dual stage costs a lot more. You may have to adjust your flame every now and then with a single stage. Propane is stored as a liquid, so pressure is pretty steady and based on vapor pressure rather than the mass of fuel remaining.

Gauges – BBQ regulators often have no gauge. A decent regulator will have real gauges with pressure markings. For frame building a 15(30) psi low-pressure/output gauge is better, but propane regulators tend to come with ~60 psi gauges. 15 psi gauges are 30 psi gauges but with half the range. 15 psi models may have different springs to regulate lower pressures better, but my gut feeling is a lot of the time they don’t. Nice regulators will have 2 gauges, the other one is high-pressure/input. It doesn’t tell you a lot because propane is liquefied so unlike acetylene, you can’t tell how full your tank is from the pressure until you’re running on fumes (~last 5%). I still prefer it because it can be used for some leakage diagnostics and tells you when you’ve cracked open the fuel valve on the tank, or drained any remaining propane.

Acetylene – According to parts diagrams, some acetylene regulators are identical to propane ones. If you insist on using an acetylene regulator on propane, you must check the diaphragms and seals are the same parts as propane, as propane will degrade some kinds of rubber. Really, just but a propane regulator unless you’re trying to reuse an acetylene regulator you already own. If you do already have an acetylene regulator there’s a decent chance the internals are the same. Smith for example lists one regulator as LP or acetylene, but check before buying. Harris told me the 15 psi version of the 25GX would be better suited for this application. Don’t buy a random old acetylene regulator and use it with propane.

Harris and Smith are good brands, Victor and Uniweld are okay. Avoid no-name cheap imports, although there are many other reputable brands that make regulators for scientific and industrial purposes, and torch regulators are relatively undemanding applications. I hesitate to even recommend name-brand imports like Gentec. I’ve had issues with Gentec valves before and while easy to test on a torch, are much harder to test on a regulator. Harris, Smith and Victor will make you custom scientific or industrial regulators for lots of money, but Harris gets the bonus points for actually publishing pressure rise data (as low as 0.2psi rise for a decrease of 100 psi in the tank) and caring about the performance for their torch gas single stage regulators, although they have an import regulator for sets. Every other company will just tell you to get dual stage if you want steady pressure. Victor also publishes limited pressure rise data, but the best one is a medium-small regulator with 0.5psi/100psi and it can be as bad as 4.8psi/100psi. Victor’s high end regulators are optimized for low droop which is the decrease in pressure at high flow rates, but don’t really affect flame stability once adjusted. Uniweld makes rather utilitarian regulators, although Ameriflame (Uniweld’s lesser brand) seems to be cheaper imports rather than rebranded Uniweld like some other Uniweld products. Any reliable regulator is fine.

Rubber diaphragms tend to to have less pressure rise, but stainless are arguably more durable, but really only needed for very hot/cold gasses. Plastic knobs/keys that cup around the bonnet are better than T-keys because they held shield the hole from grit, it’s very minor though. Light and light-medium regulators tend to be built for economy and may not hold pressures as well. Heavy duty ones are built for flow and may sacrifice pressure stability for higher flow, and at the very least, may not get you any better performance than a good medium duty one. Bigger gauges are easier to read but also add bulk. A low pressure 15 psi (dial is 30 psi but with half of it red because over 15 psi is dangerous with acetylene, might also have a pressure relief valve at 15 psi) gauge will be about twice as easy to read as a 60 gauge one, and the high pressure gauge doesn’t matter. Smaller 15 psi 2″ gauges are more useful than larger 2-1/2″ 60 psi gauges.

It’s not really worth dealing with an old used regulator. Their reliability is questionable, and these things are assembled with no oil or grease, so if the surface is tarnished, there’s a decent chance the threads are corroded tight and it will be a pain to try to clean and rebuild. Doubly so for an oxygen regulator because you run into the issue of getting it clean enough for safe oxygen use. I have some older dual stage acetylene regulators which I can’t get open and I had to destroy parts to remove NPT fittings.

Cheap option: Reuse a quality single stage propane-compatible acetylene or buy a new quality propane regulator (Harris 25-GX propane), plus WE brand flashback arrestor, don’t cheap out
Expensive option: New low pressure dual stage propane specific regulator plus matching brand flashback arrestor

Harris 25GX for propane – Left gauge is the low pressure output, right is high pressure and connects to the tank. The fitting on the right side connects to a BBQ propane tank, the left side is a B size hose fitting. Clockwise increases pressure, counterclockwise decreases.

Flashback Arrestor – Different ones work different ways, but they often have a stainless steel sintered mesh which will diffuse a flame and have a check valve to prevent backflow. You need one on the fuel line somewhere. Regulator and torch arrestors are not identical. They flow in opposite directions. Regulator arrestors will tend to be larger and have higher flow, but that doesn’t matter much on the propane side. Torch mounted arrestors can prevent hoses from exploding but add weight to the torch and are more restrictive. Torch mounted check valves are much lighter and can offer some protection, but are not a substitute for arrestors. Regulator mounted ones protect the tanks if you can somehow cut the hose and force oxygen into a positive pressure fuel tube, but also don’t add to the weight of the torch. Don’t skimp here and decide you don’t need one. Western Enterprise ones tend to be more affordable than torch company branded ones without venturing into unknown China direct territory.

Western Enterprises FA-30 set – Made in USA, reliable, and affordable

Hoses

Hoses connect your gas supply to your torch.

Grade – You must use “Grade T” hoses because propane will degrade “Grade R” acetylene-only hoses over time. Some people say you can use a “Grade R” hose if you replace them or purge the propane from them. You don’t want to second guess yours hoses, constantly check for leaks, or forget to maintain them. Torch kits also come with cheaper “Grade R” hose, so skip the kits. “Grade T” is what you should use.

Diameter – 1/8″ is all you need for brazing. 1/8″ brazing hose is ridiculously expensive. Tinmantech sells some ultralight hose. Smith sells kevlar covered brazing hose. Jewelers have been know to use aquarium or lab tubing on little torches. Fittings can be obtained from knockoff little torches, but you’re playing with fire. 1/8″ makes a massive difference in feel. The difference is night and day. If you can afford it, you should buy it, it’s easier to learn on for the novice, and less fatiguing to use for the pro. 3/16″ is much stiffer, but much cheaper and much more durable. If you use 3/16″ it’s going to feel like you’re fighting the hose when doing delicate motions. 1/4″ even more so. These can be used if you just need to extend the hose with couplers, are prone to destroying equipment, or just can’t afford nice things.

Fittings – Fittings can be be “A” or “B” or one on each end. They need to match the parts they connect to. Tinmantech hoses are A size with B adapters for the regulator. They sell adapters, but adapters cost money and add bulk and the most compact ones meant for regulators are too big to fit torches. They will add a couple ounces to the torch. That is to say you really should get hoses with A fittings on the torch side. Save the B-B hoses as extensions.

Length – 12′ is good if you can wheel your setup closer to your frame. 25′ is good if you plan to keep it in a corner or next to a wall, but oxygen concentrators don’t like than and like to breathe. The Tinman tech ones are annoyingly 9′ long, which is long enough, but the extra 3′ would have been nice, especially since at least one brand of oxycon recommends open flame be kept at least 6.5′ away. No issue if extending it with a 3/16″ hose though.

Cheap option: 3/16″ Grade T hose
Expensive option: Smith Kevlar or Tinmantech hoses + couplers + 12′ Grade T hose

Torches

You would think torches are really important, but they aren’t really. You still need to buy a good one that doesn’t leak and have good valves, but torches of a certain quality are all about the same. What you don’t want is a heavy duty or even medium duty torch. It’s excess bulk that serves no purpose except to make life harder, even if they are cheaper. You can use what you already have, but don’t go buying one. The appropriate size is a light duty HVAC torch. They mostly have “A” fittings. People like to call them aircraft torches because aircraft used to be welded with them a long long time ago when they oxyfuel welded aircraft, but they don’t anymore, and most of these are sold for HVAC. Jewelers torches are also too small and compact. It might be a good idea to get some torch side check valves as well, if not full flashback arrestors. Note that there’s some false precision with the unit conversions and these are catalog, not real life, specs.

Smith AW1A(AW1)* – (146mm, 170g, OD 17.5mm) It’s nickel plated and looks great. It’s top quality and made in USA. It’s expensive and uses proprietary mixers. It’s light, but the coupling sticks out past the valves, and the handle length below the valves in on the short side, barely longer than a jewelers torch. You effectively lose about 20mm of handle, which makes it relatively cramped, and it’s more tip heavy. Expect the hose fittings to end up in your palm. Check valves can help extend the handle. The cylindrical part of the handle under the valves is ~90mm. The handle is a little fatter than Victor type torches. Tips are chunkier too offsetting some of the weight reduction. You can turn the tips in the torch body while the torch is on because o-rings aren’t a taper fit like J-types, but you don’t really need to with light hoses. Tube-in-tube for high flow and a strong outer tube. They used to have lifetime warranties including wear and tear, but Miller got rid of that. AW1 is the old equivalent model, but also doesn’t have a lifetime warranty. Nickel plating means no coins smell on your hands. Even with these designations, the designs varied over time. It’s hard to justify the premium and incompatibility without the warranty and higher prices. My old torch was a Smith though (I regret selling it and would not have sold it knowing what I know now). To me, the valves feel very nice despite the relatively small knobs. They’re very attractive and just feel very well made and exclusive with that bright shining nickel plate instead of looking like a black tarnished bathroom fitting after 10 years. It’s like the Campy of torches, great quality, great fit and finish, bling, timeless, unique, exclusive, and not really any better in practical terms, even worse in some ways.

Special Features:
Lightweight
Nickel Plated
Must use Smith AW specific mixers
Can rotate tips with flame on
Valve knobs engraved
Female threaded body
Short Handle

Meco Midget* – (170g) It’s somewhere between a jewelers torch and an aircraft torch. Unlike most aircraft torches, it can’t take a cutting attachment, but you don’t need that for frame building and a little oxygen generator won’t be able to keep up. It uses its own tip system, but the tips are very good. It does not require a tip adapter, so it’s really closer to 110g for comparison’s sake. The shape is very different from the others though, it’s more rectangular than cylindrical. One interesting quirk is the long valve barrels allow for anti backlash springs, so I would expect the valve action to be very good. Some people like it, some people don’t. It’s fairly expensive though. It’s like a mini-velo, quirky and compact, some people love them and it’s perfect for them, some people hate them and it’s literally all just disadvantages with no redeeming features. Or maybe Huret, it’s just weird and different.

Special Features:
Featherweight
Antibacklash valve springs
Integral mixer and tip tube
Uses Meco or Paige tips without any additional adapters
Extra short and flat body

Victor/Turbotorch J28(J27 etc) – (152mm, 241g, dia 15.9mm) Most of the other torches in this list are modeled after Victor J series torches. It’s the “original” and 28 is the current production version. It’s a little heavier, but you’re not throwing your torch in the back of a truck, so extra strength isn’t needed. Tube-in-tube for high flow and a strong outer tube. The hook created by the offset fuel fitting feels like in hand with a finger resting in it. Victor advertises built in check valves and flashback arrestors on most torches, but the J28 does not have them. Victor used to be made in USA, but no longer. Unlike some companies, they didn’t keep the quality up either, despite charging a premium. They’re still good torches, but it’s hard to say they’re still top shelf and worth the top shelf price. If you have an older J torch, use it, otherwise, don’t buy Victor new. They are one of the biggest if not the biggest name in oxyacetylene torches, so if you happen to receive a second hand torch, there’s a decent chance it’s a Victor and there’s no shame in using a Victor, but Smith has commonly been seen as the more premium of the two and it’s just a quirk of marketing that Victor is now more expensive in addition to not being made in the USA. Most of the other torches below will be described in relative terms. The Shimano of the torch world, the standard setter, sturdy and reliable, or at least it used to be until quality started slipping, just like Shimano.

Special Features:
Ball bearing tipped valves
Contoured handle at hose fittings

Uniweld/Ameriflame 71* – (152mm, 181g) Victor J type torch. It’s a bit lighter with a larger handle and not as strong. I think it’s twin tube construction but it doesn’t impede flow. The design itself is derivative of older Purox W-200 torches, but has Victor tip compatibility. Still made in USA. Different vintages come with different knobs. Uniweld tends to be not top quality, the construction and fit and finish isn’t as nice as others, but it’s still good and tends to be a bit more affordable. They have aluminum valve knobs which have a tendency to rarely fall off the needles rendering the torch useless and possibly dangerous, but I’m pretty sure this happens when the torch is mishandled and not in normal use. It’s a bit less sturdy, so don’t abuse it, but you should understand the compromises between strength and weight as a framebuilder. Still better and cheaper than a “genuine” J28. Maybe something like SRAM without the high tech gadgetry. Nipping at Shimano’s heels and chasing Victor’s coattails, a bit cruder, but also a bit lighter. It doesn’t really fit. Maybe more like Suntour, smaller company, less marketing, less polish, but better in other ways, lighter and cheaper with solid performance.

Special Features:
Lightweight
Ball bearing tipped valves with large aluminum knobs
Slightly larger body diameter

Harris 15-5(15-4 etc.) – (146mm, 230g) 15-5 is the current version, there’s a Harris 15-4 etc. Some say it is supposed to be Victor J compatible but it doesn’t seem to be. Harris also used to make torches sold as Craftsman. The HV V-series variant may be Victor J compatible but as far as I can tell, it is only sold as part of a set. Harris seems to make torches in all sorts of random countries. Buy a Harris torch of unknown vintage and it was probably made in Europe somewhere. Buy another one and it was in a different European country. Buy another one and it was made in USA, because you might not have realized it from the European manufacture, but Harris is an American company. At one point they used to advertise “Made in Europe” for torches. Bizarre. Harris has a injector mixer which is good if you’re pairing it with city gas and not propane, and you also don’t have to walk the flame up alternating increasing oxy and propane, but you need high oxygen pressure. You can use it if you have one, but Harris torches are too expensive for no reason to buy new without any justification. That weird CNC component company that is inexplicably more expensive despite offering nothing and they don’t even look that good.

Special Features:
Color coded valves
Must use Harris specific mixers

Harris 50-10 – (203mm, 360g) Not a J type torch. It has “B” fittings and is called medium duty, but it just about aircraft size. It uses different mixers. It gets a mention here because it has a neat gas saver lever that turns off the gas except for a small pilot light. Notably heavier however. Only buy if you are loaded.

Special Features:
Relatively heavy
Color coded valves
Must use Harris specific mixers
Has shutoff lever
B hose fittings

SUA Ligth[sic] – (150mm, 246g) Victor J type torch. Less than half the cost of others but of lesser quality. Sold on Amazon for easy returns though. If not, return and try again. The fit and finish is decent, but it’s clearly not the equal of better torches. Valves are not the smoothest or most consistent, but there’s a packing nut to make sure it doesn’t leak. There’s about 1/4 turn worth of backlash, which is annoying given that it only takes 1/8 of a turn for full oxygen, however you can feel when the threads start engaging properly or you could always press down or pull when adjusting the valve. All torch valves have backlash, but the straight shaft packing and lower quality makes it readily apparent here. Inexplicably, the base is at a random angle compared to the valves, which the brand says is normal. The color coded dots are just sticker adhesive. The Victor style hook created by the offset fuel fitting feels like in hand with a finger resting in it. I think it’s functional, but you’ll notice the quality of better ones. One thing I actually quite like about it, although it looks crude, is how far the valves stick out. It lets you rest your fingers against the stem under the knob with little risk to touching the knob, giving a very roomy feel to the handle. The valves are very chunky, and the torch feels very solid. I don’t think it’s going to spontaneously fail, nor does it feel like it’s going to break. I think you might get upgradeitis, not like the valve action. If it weren’t for the random body angle and the bad valve action, I would actually recommend it since there are things I like about it. I would say save up a little and buy yourself a keeper. That no-name department store derailer that maybe works, maybe it doesn’t, maybe it’s practically the same as a Shimano Altus.

Special Features:
Extra long color coded valves
Contoured handle at hose fittings, but at an odd angle

Special Features:
Ball bearing tipped valves
Contoured handle at hose fittings

Gentec 140 – (152mm, 241g) Victor J type torch. Made in China, but okay quality. Not top shelf though. Not immune to issues but has a warranty at least. It’s the closest to being a J28 clone. The Victor style hook created by the offset fuel fitting feels like in hand with a finger resting in it. It is also sometimes sold bundled with screw on check valves which tends to be cheaper than buying them separately, but the body itself is the same. Like Microshift, makes some faithful Shimano clones, but also chooses to innovate from time to time.

Gentec 342T-F* – (168mm, 318g) It’s like the Harris 50-10 gas saver torch except with Victor J tip compatibility and a lot cheaper, but still more expensive than plain Victor J type torches. If the novelty of a built in gas saver intrigues you, this makes a lot more sense than a Harris 50-10. Slightly lighter than a 50-10 but still heavy.

Special Features:
Relatively heavy
Has shutoff lever
B hose fittings

Gentec Compact* – (112mm, 100g)It’s a hybrid of their jewelers torch but with Victor J tip compatibility and improved flow from J type mixers. It comes with 1/8 hoses and is very light and small. The tips for it are exceptionally light, but short and the biggest tip they advertise for it is a #2 equivalent, but you can fit J type bigger tips to it. I think the construction is twin tube and flow is compromised due to the small size and jewelers torch valves, but seems to have a max flow about 7 LPM at a pressure of about 7.5 PSIG. Max flow at 20 PSIG is over 10 LPM, so it’s not too small to be used with either size of concentrator, but on the small side. The valve knobs are color coded but small in diameter and packing tightness is unadjustable and threads are more exposed to grit, although the packing itself is well protected. The smaller valves do have an advantage though, it’s about 1/4 turn instead of 1/8 turn for max oxygen like on other torches. Seems similar to a Messer MINITHERM, although Gentec made a version of with with a different head as a little torch equivalent. Although the measurement is short, I only measured the body without the barbs, and the handle length below the valves not including the fittings is a hair longer than the Smith AW1 and a hair smaller in diameter. Basically it’s cramped, but as cramped as a Smith AW1A. Sold as a premium lightweight alternative to the Gentec 140 J type torch for HVAC. Barb fitting means less weight by an ounce give or take due to lack of real hose fittings, but also prevents the installation of check valves. Newer Gentec Small torches might share the design, but with a little torch adapter included, although Gentec won’t confirm this. Older Gentec Small torches do not share the double o-ring design and are only little torch tip compatible. The valve quality doesn’t seem great, it’s okay.

Special Features:
Featherlight
Chrome plated
Colorcoded valve knobs visible from any angle
Small valve knobs
Valves without adjustable packing
Short handle
Barb fittings with included 1/8″ hoses

Left to Right: Meco Midget, Gentec Compact, Smith AW1A, Uniweld 71, Victor J28, Gentec 140T, SUA Ligth, Harris 15-5 LengthWeightDiameterTip CompatibilityHose FittingFinishValve KnobWarrantyOriginApprox PriceSmith AW1A146mm*170g*17.5mmSmith AW/ATANickelEngraved Nickel plated5 yearUSA$160Meco Midget70/171mm*170g*N/A1/4-28ABrassBrassUSA/Mexico$250*Victor J-28152mm241g16mmVictor JABrassBrass5 yearMexico$185Uniweld 71152mm190g19mmVictor JABrassAluminum1 yearUSA$110Harris 15-5146mm230gB-15-3ABrassColor Coded Brass1 yearUSA$200SUA Ligth[sic]150mm246g17mmVictor JABrassColor Coded Brass30 dayChina?$45Gentec 140T152mm241gVictor JABrassBrass2 yearChina/Taiwan$90Gentec Compact112mm*100g17mmVictor J1/8″ Hose IncludedChromeColor Coded Aluminum not adjustable2 yearChina/Taiwan$170*

Torch handles really don’t affect performance much, and many of them are very similar. You could buy based on the above chart, but in the end you basically buy one that matches your personality or build philosophy and doesn’t leave you wanting to upgrade later. There is no perfect torch. For every single one of the above torches, I could tell you a reason it’s better and a reason it’s worse, and how it really doesn’t matter much.

Warranty details vary, and warranties are sometimes counted from date of manufacture.

To breakdown criteria:

Length is length, although, the compact torch and Meco are measured slightly differently. The AW1A’s layout puts the valve lower making the handle feel more cramped. Both the AW1A and compact torch are ~90mm below the valves, and ~15-20mm shorter than the alternatives, although the AW1A can be extended with check valves if you’re willing to grip those. If it weren’t for the short grip/valve placement on the AW1A, it would be my top pick despite the cost and proprietary tips. It doesn’t matter if using a pencil grip. Aircraft torches are already on the short side, so I feel in general, longer is better, none of them feel too long.

Weight is weight, although this doesn’t tell you anything about balance. Some weights are not directly comparable, for the Meco and compact torch. Generally the lighter the better, you can also feel differences in weight distribution. Generally, lighter is better, but I wouldn’t obsess too much over it. Hose weight has a big impact, and a light handle with screw on tips feels a little worse balanced.

Diameter is diameter. All of these are very similar in diameter, although I think the Harris is the largest. Diameter is personal preference, larger fills up the hand better and gives you more torque, smaller makes it easier to roll, but these differences are marginal given the spread of diameters. Within the range of aircraft torches, bigger diameter is better, none of them feel too big.

Tip compatibility determines what tips or what adapters you need. Victor J style tips are the most common. Smith and Harris tips tend to be heavier in both the mixer and tubes. The Smith tips let you turn the tip while the flame is on, and it the connection feels more solid because it isn’t sitting on o-rings. However, the external mixer threads are more vulnerable if swapping between tips. External threads on the torch will usually have a union nut on them and will be more likely to be protected, although the torch is more costly to replace if damaged. Smith’s tips end up have a big heavy mixer, and mess with the valve placement on the Smith handles. Victor’s and Harris probably have a more reliable seal when it comes to dealing with wear due to the taper, but probably a less reliable seal when not tightened properly and they seem to never fit super tight or firmly. If I had my choice in mixer interfaces on technical merits, it would be Purox style, which is stepped instead of tapered.

Hose fittings are usually the smaller A size paired with 1/8″ or 3/16″ hoses. They make it difficult to fit torch side flame arrestors which protect hoses from exploding, but also add weight and bulk. You don’t really want to run adapters because they add weight and bulk. The only exception for this is the compact torch with has barbs. That means check valves can not be added, but it also means the hoses are a bit lighter due to not needing threaded connectors. Check valves can be added to the AW1A helping to offset the short handle length. Victor J28 and the closer J types (Gentec 140T and SUA Ligth) have offset fittings so it creates a nice little finger hook on one side, and is flatter on the other side for improved ergonomics.

Finishes affect the look, but some people also have allergies to different metals. Brass is an alloy of copper so could affect people with copper allergies. Brass can also result in metallic old coin smell on your hands since many coins are also copper alloys. Brass will tarnish dull and brown over time, nickel and chrome might wear or peel over time exposing the brass underneath. If not allergic, I feel that plated is superior.

Valve knob styles vary in design. It’s nice to have one with clear indexing features so you can easily turn 1/8 of a turn or something, which the Meco and compact torch lack. Color coding is safer, followed by engraving. The packing on most valves can be tightened with a nut, adjusting how much friction there is on the valves and letting you tighten in case of leaks, the exception being the compact torch. Most modern valves have packing for a straight smooth valve stem, so making them tighter does not help with backlash and just increases friction. More precise threads result in less backlash, and finer threads result in less adjustment per radial unit of backlash. Some older torches, like over AW1s have threaded packing, which are more prone to wear, leaking and contamination, but also can reduce backlash when tightened and higher friction sensitivity to packing tightness.

Warranty policies vary, be sure to examine the warranty policy. Many start from date of manufacture, not date of purchase. Some companies will RMA/RGA with a prepaid label, some won’t, some will do an over the counter swap at your local distributor, some won’t. Smith used to have both a lifetime warranty and service plan, but I’m not sure Miller honors it anymore, even for lifetime marked torches.

I also have a preference for fluting on the Smith , followed by Uniweld. The angle and corners of each spline is less sharp, but they provide adequate grip. Victor, Gentec and SUA have grooves that feel like right angles with a pattern that’s like a square wave wrapped around the handle. It might provide more grip, but I don’t like the feel barehanded, especially pencil grip. The Uniweld splines are more like a skiptooth pattern, so the handle tends to feel lumpy and polygonal when rolling it in your fingers, again, especially with pencil grip. I tend to not like fine knurling like on the Harris either because the teeth tend to be sharp triangles and they trap oil and grime.

China is capable of making things just as good as things made in the USA, but my feeling is all the torches listed here not made in USA did so to cut costs and quality. I don’t feel any of the non-USA torches are just as good but less expensive, as might be true of other Chinese made products. Quality also varies between the US brands. An import torch may be of adequate quality however, so I wouldn’t let origin scare you from a torch, just realize that lower quality usually comes with lower price. They’re cheaper for a reason and you don’t really get more bang for your buck, although between all these options, you don’t always get what you pay for either.

The asterisks in the chart above merit some important notes. Smith AW1A torches have their valves about 20mm lower, so the handle length feels shorter and more cramped. The Gentec Compact torch is measured without the barbs, and the cylindrical part of the handle below the valves is essentially the same size as the Smith AW1A at around 90mm, which is maybe 20-25mm shorter than the handle of other torches. A Smith mixer also seems to weigh 10-20g more than the equivalent J type mixer, and even though it runs a skinnier 1/4″ tip tube, they often are no lighter than 5/16″ ones. Think oversize thinwall tubing. The Gentec Compact comes with 12′ of 1/8″ lightweight hose. The Meco comes with a 4″ tip tube included and the mixer is integral to the design, so the length of the handle is very short, and while expensive, is not as expensive as it might first appear.

If you pride yourself on fine craftsmanship and make refined and luxurious bicycles it’s the Smith or Meco. Yes Victor and Harris are more expensive than Smith, but no, they aren’t as nice as Smith. Smith is a genuine top shelf torch that also doesn’t make your hands smell funny if you handle it without gloves. As much as I like Smith torches, the proprietary mixers, the limited tip options, the lack of length etc. bother me. The quality is superb, it’s just not perfect and better in every way. Meco suffers from similar weirdness and incompatibility.

If you fancy yourself a no-nonsense builder that focuses on performance, versatility and/or function, it’s the Uniweld 71. I think the aluminum knobs are a bit of an eyesore, but brass is even heavier than steel. It would still be a top pick among J type torches even if they were all the same price and all made in USA. It’s not necessarily better that every torch in every way, but if there isn’t something specific you want from a different torch, this would be the one. It’s all around good even if it doesn’t exude the same sense of elegance and excellence that Smith does. There’s few things to dislike about it, and it’s good in directly comparable metrics like weight, length and diameter. Although there’s no shame in using a Victor if you already have one, especially an old made in US one.

If you’re cheap stingy hobby builder on a shoestring budget and aren’t selling MUSA and don’t buy MUSA, it’s the SUA. Try explaining to a customer paying premium custom bike money that you use cheap pretty okay equipment and they’ll wonder if they’re buying a cheap pretty okay bike. For that reason alone it’s a waste of money for a pro builder. The build quality isn’t really there. It feels sturdy enough, the fit and finish is actually nice enough with burs and flash ground down, you can adjust the valves so they don’t leak, and it seems like it would do the job, but the valves aren’t refined and the fact that the head and lower body are at a random angle relative to each other means you might find yourself wanting to upgrade in the future.

If you inherited a torch from somewhere, it’s probably a Victor and there’s nothing wrong with a Victor. They’re common and plentiful on the second hand market, although I would advise against second hand purchase in general. Despite it sounding like I have nothing good to say about Victors, older Victors are actually nice, and there’s no shame in owning a Victor, I just don’t feel they’re worth the cost of entry and other torches are at least as good in many ways. The little finger hook the hose fitting makes feels really nice in hand with the right grip, it’s something I miss on other torches. If I had to own a torch with that feature and cost wasn’t an issue, it would probably be a Victor. If I already owned a Victor I wouldn’t spend money on a Uniweld.

If you’re a maverick, it’s the featherlight Gentec Compact or the Meco, these are torches with their own pros and cons and not just the same as the others. It’s worth noting that the Meco includes the mixer and tip tube in the weight and price, and the Gentec Compact torch includes 1/8″ hoses to fit the barb fittings, but can’t fit check valves. Like the Smith, the Gentec is plated, so no smelly hands. These aren’t directly comparable in terms of price or features. They’re both small, but will also end up around 100g lighter than other setups at less than 200g without hoses.

If you’re buying from your local welding store to support local businesses or for warranty reasons, it’s one of the other brands.

No specific recommendations except that some torches are not good values. Asterisk means worth considering. Uniweld 71 is the Victor J style torch of choice, the others are not strictly Victor J type torches.

Tip Tubes & Mixers

Selection of propane specific tips tends to be bad and requires a mixer and adapter tube that works with threaded nozzles. This removes the ability for tool free tip changes (the big advantage of a modern double o-ring design) unless you buy lots of tip tubes.

There are two types of mixers, injector and equal pressure. Most normal acetylene torches and tips use equal pressure mixers. Alternative fuel mixers may be of the injector type. It has been stated that propane mixers have more oxygen holes because of the increased oxygen requirements, the problem with this being that oxygen is usually run through the center hole. Injection mixers rely on the venturi effect with high pressure oxygen to pull low pressure (0.25-2psi) fuel gas, common with “city gas” coming from pipes or piped in propane, or in ye olde velocipede times, low pressure carbide acetylene generators. Injectors have small orifices to speed up the oxygen and reduce pressure for the venturi effect, meaning that it will have less maximum oxygen flow for any given pressure level. In other words, if you want a big tip with a big flame and only a 5psi oxycon, an equal pressure mixer is more likely to allow sufficient flow than an injector.

Which style is better is debatable. There are people who assert that one is safer than the other. Some assert injector is safer because is requires oxygen to pull the fuel. Some assert equal pressure is safer because the high oxygen is more likely to cause backflow into the fuel lines. Injector mixers are supposed to be used with high oxygen pressure and low fuel pressure, although that never stopped anyone from treating it like an equal pressure mixer (effect lessened when fuel pressure is higher and the oxygen isn’t pulling the fuel). When used as an injector mixer, there is less alternating between fuel and oxygen adjustments to get the flame bigger because more oxygen will tend to pull more fuel along with it. Equal pressure is typically capable of more intensive applications, of which bicycle brazing is not. The big issue with using injectors is they usually expect high oxygen pressures our oxycons simply don’t have. If running 5psi, an injector mixer could become a bottleneck limiting the amount of oxygen delivered and therefore reducing the maximum flame size even if a bigger tip is used. Not all injector mixers are excessively restrictive though.

Smith designs in general seem to be based off of an injector design, but tuned differently. There’s an injector cone on the bottom which is meant to accelerate the oxygen through a small hole past a gap that fuel can get in. One old 60’s era smith tip and mixer I tested behaved like an injector without a nozzle, but had backpressure on the fuel side with the nozzle.

Mixers and tip tubes listed here are purely informational. Only adhering to manufacturer’s recommendations for propane is advised.

Smith AT61 – Injector style mixer. Only compatible with Smith AW1A and threaded for 1/4-32 at the end. Smith tips for this adapter are bad, so you will almost certainly be using this with a paige NK adapter and paige or meco tips. You may want to try turning down the pressure to 2 psi and see if the oxygen pulls the fuel. At one time it was advertised as working down to 0.25 psi of fuel pressure, but it’s hard to get a straight answer from them. It could very well be that the only reason AT61 was originally recommended for propane is because of low pressure piped in propane for buildings. I’m not sure if anyone is really keeping up with Smith technical stuff over there since Miller bought them.

Smith AT60 – Equal pressure(?) style mixer. Similar to mixers on AW tips. Way back when, Smith used the same mixer for propane as acetylene. Only compatible with Smith AW1A and threaded for 1/4-32 at the end. Similar to above. Smith tips for this adapter are bad, so you will almost certainly be using this with a paige NK adapter and paige or meco tips.

Victor UN-J – Equal pressure(?) style mixer. Compatible with Victor J type torches and threaded for 5/16-27 at the end. Victor says it can be used with acetylene or propane (or hydrogen or natural gas). Possibly has more fuel holes simply so it can have enough flow for the biggest tips. The Gentec one is about half the cost from the right vendor, but are basically the same.

Victor UNN-J – Injector(?) style mixer. Very hard to find and very expensive. Compatible with Victor J type torches and threaded for 5/16-27 at the end. Victor specifically says for use with low pressure natural gas 2 psi or under, although also lists it as multi-gas in some places and propane/natural gas specific in others.

Gentec 881W – Clone of Victor UN-J for half the price, but maybe doesn’t have the spiral mixer.

Harris B-15-3 – Equal pressure style mixer. Compatible with Harris 15 torches and threaded for 5/16-27 for the tip tube. Contrary to other sources, I did not find Harris 15-3 mixers compatible with Victor J type torches. You will have to find a compatible tip tube, and Harris ones require Harris tips, although Harris does have alternative fuel specific tips.

Harris B-15-3S – Injector style mixer. Compatible with Harris 15 torches and threaded for 1/4-32 (nonstandard) for the tip tube. Contrary to other sources, I did not find Harris 15-3 mixers compatible with Victor J type torches. You will have to find a compatible tip tube, and Harris ones require Harris tips, although Harris does have alternative fuel specific tips.

Harris B-15-3F – Injector style mixer. Compatible with Harris 15 torches and threaded for 1/4-32 (nonstandard) for the tip tube. Contrary to other sources, I did not find Harris 15-3 mixers compatible with Victor J type torches. You will have to find a compatible tip tube, and Harris ones require Harris tips, although Harris does have alternative fuel specific tips.

Welding City J – Equal pressure style mixer. These can be salvaged for mixers and only cost $10-11 shipped. Threading is 1/4-26(? — seems slightly coarser than 27 and slightly finer than 1mm) and J compatible, but tip tube is threadlocked. Quality is low, but adequate. Claimed to have a spiral mixer, but doesn’t. The fuel gas holes are inexplicably randomly spaced and not the same mixer to mixer. Unsure if all mixers have the same number of fuel holes, size 4 has 3.

Gentec CMP – Injector style mixer. These come on the compact torch tips. Threading is M6x1 and J compatible, but tip tube is threadlocked. They are extremely compact and light, but the oxygen hole is excessively small, and the size 6 only flows ~3.5 LPM at ~8 psi and ~6 LPM at ~20 psi. Size 7 may be a bit better, but these tips call for 25-30 psi of oxygen.

Additional note, there’s a lot of thread sizes for elbows. For 1/4″ tubes, 27tpi such as Victor and Victor clones like Uniweld, 28tpi such as Smith and 32tpi for Harris are commonly used. Welding City seems to measure 26 tpi or so? For 5/16 tubes, 27tpi is most common, but there’s also 22tpi, and some vintage Smith tips have 5/16 elbows. Metric elbow threadings seem to almost always be 1mm pitch however.

Cheap option: Gentec 881W
Expensive option: Try a compatible injector and EP mixer and see which one you like better then report back

Tip Nozzles

Oxy propane tips come in 3 varieties. Repurposed oxy-acetelyne tips which just have a single plain hole (Smith). These will not be discussed here because if you have the money for Smith you have the money for better tips, but it’s advised to size up a couple of sizes with propane vs acetylene. Uniweld recommends 1 size up. The second are ones with a counterbore (Victor/Gentec TEN tips). Harris 1390N tips also have a counterbore, but have limited compatibility due to threading. Some people modify oxy-acetelyne tips by making a shallow counterbore twice the diameter of the orifice. This helps keep the flame attached and helps prevent it from blowing out. Propane has a lower flame speed than acetylene so the flame has a tendency to want to just float away when maladjusted. These are equivalent in orifice size to ones without a counterbore. The third has a ring of smaller holes around the main orifice (Meco, Paige, Welder’s Warehouse, H01) which gives even better performance and a sharper flame. Orifice is smaller for the same amount of heat because of the extra flames from the sides.

Victor Gentec Paige Meco Welder’s Warehouse Harris H01-6 Victor Gentec PaigeMecoWelder’s Warehouse SmithHarrisH01-6H01-2H01-2 (Alt)LinkWebsite
EtsyWebsiteWebsiteThreading5/16-275/16-271/4-281/4-281/4-36(?)1/4-323/8-24*M8x1M6x1M6x1OriginMexico?China?China?(CIXI HC)Mexico/USA?Taiwan?USAUSAChinaChinaChinaBraze-on/Fillet (XXS)TEN-0 (35)TEN-0 (35)#2OX-1 (28?)#1 (28)2N(35?)#3 (28)#1 (28)Braze-on/Fillet (XS)TEN-1 (40)TEN-1 (40)#3 (35?)OX-2 (35?)#3 (35)2/3N(?)#1 (35)#5 (35)#3 (35)All-purpose (S)TEN-2 (46)TEN-2 (46)#4 (38?)3N(42?)#2 (39)#4 (39)All-purpose (M)#5 (42)OX-3 (42)#5 (43)4N(52?)#3 (43)#5 (43)All-purpose (L)TEN-3 (60)TEN-3 (60)OX-4 (53)#7 (55)5N(60?)#5 (51)BB/Crown (XL)TEN-4 (73)TEN-4 (73)MA-1/MA-2/MXOX-5 (63)NE153(86)7N(76?)Many Victor tips made in Mexico, uncertain if TEN tips made in Mexico
Many Gentec tips made in China, uncertain if TEN tips made in China
Paige lists CIXI HC of China as manufacturing partner on Etsy
Meco torch is “Made in USA, Assembled in Mexico” like some Victor products, uncertain where Tips made
Welder’s Warehouse region of manufacture and threading information is second hand, they will no longer disclose this info
H01 tips come from Aliexpress, it’s a safe assumption they’re made in China
H01-2 variant I received seems to have #4 as ~1mm, the brand you actually get is highly variable
There is some uncertainty if threads said to be 1/4-28 are actually 1/4-27

All-purpose means all-purpose. They can be used for the other tasks and a frame can be fully built with TEN-2 tip (or 3 or 4 for that matter). It is not uncommon to settle on one size for everything. The other tips are nice to have. The order of importance is small all-purpose, large all-purpose, large BB/crown, braze-on/fillet, then larger and/or smaller. The medium size is just to stagger the comparison between Paige and Meco. Within a set they should be thought of as all-purpose (S) and all-purpose (L). You may notice that the tip sizes don’t really line up. For Victor/Gentec that’s because they only have one flame (center hole approx 1 size up). For Paige it’s just because their tips are on the smaller size. You don’t need to fill a gap because it’s empty and you may find you don’t end up using intermediate sizes.

XXS is for very small braze-ons and rack fillets. XS is for small braze-ons and fillets. S/M is for everything, including braze-ons and fillets. M/L is also for everything, but hotter and larger. XL is for heavy fork crowns and BB shells that soak up a lot of heat. Individual preferences vary greatly, some may consider XL their all-purpose tip. You may also find you don’t need smaller tips if you are fast and have good heat control. Recommendations are based around getting the all-purpose sizes then expanding from there. Small all-purpose has the edge for fillets versus larger tips. Large tips heat things faster which has advantages and disadvantages. Some builders prefer larger, but usually not smaller than this. Orifice size is given in thou simply because that’s what most have them have been reported in.

Paige and Meco tips are threaded 1/4-28 according to some sources, or maybe 1/4-27 which is standard on many mixer tubes. 1/4-28 seems to be used on Smith 1/4 mixers though, so it wouldn’t be unusual either way. A loose 1/4-28 thread will fit 1/4-27, although a tight one will bind. Paige sells an adapter for the Smith AT61 and for the Victor UN-J/Gentec 881W. A paige #5 can be drilled out instead of MA-1. Paige MA tips are rosebuds so good for even heating, not good for precise pinpoint heating. The MA-1 is really for small jewelers torches, so it’s just a matter of preference about how much of a gap you want between #5 and your XL tip. Paige #5 is closer to OX-3, and a Paige #3 is about OX-2 tip manufacturers don’t agree on size increments. No reason to go beyond XL with a concentrator because XL is already big, and 5L concentrators don’t supply enough oxygen to make full use of tips larger than XL so your flame size will be limited by oxygen more than tip size. Paige will do substitutions in their sets when ordering direct but not on Etsy. Save on shipping and buy Meco OX and ultralight hoses from tinmantech at the same time. Performance of Paige and Meco are similar.

H01-6 tips are dirt cheap (~$5-10 for 5), but M8x1mm, the crudest by far and kind of heavy. They do seem like a genuine improvement over acetylene tips though which are fussy to light, keep lit, and adjust. I’m not sure if its equivalent to 1 or 2 sizes down though (chart assumes 1), the side holes are relatively large and the tips are relatively free flowing. Meco and Paige might be buy once cry once. The H01-6 tips on the other hand could be buy twice, but don’t cry the first time because they’re cheap and work decently, don’t cry the second time because you’re ready to commit to expensive once you’ve figured out what tip sizes you like. I won’t pretend they’re a premium product, but they really seem okay for being even cheaper than most single orifice style tips. Orifice size ranges from 0.9-1.3mm in increments of 0.1mm. There are also larger and smaller tips with different threading.

If you want to take advantage of tool-less quick changes, SUA and welding city both sell J style acetylene tips with mixers for $10-15 each that could in theory be counter bored. They tend to be low quality and lack the spiral mixer of the Victor counterparts, even if advertised as having a spiral mixer, and the fuel holes are drilled randomly spaced, but they work and can be leak tested. If you thread the tips, you could also mount Meco or Paige tips on them so you have tool-less quick changes. Other J tips are nothing to write home about. It’s also possible to bore out a cheap mixer and thread for M8x1 for the M8x1 elbow and H01-6 tips for anyone not afraid of light fabrication, which should be anyone building a frame. The threaded end of a H01-6 torch could also be brazed onto a cheap elbow. Obviously such modifications are at your own risk and should be leak tested, but on the plus side, there’s no moving parts.

Cheap option: Gentec 883TEN 2/3 tips or adapt H01-2 tips
Expensive option: Paige 2-5 + Meco 4/5 tips + MA-2/MX.

On the low end, a cheaper setup could be had for under $500 depending on your choice of parts and deals you can get. A more expensive set up could run well over $1000.

Cutting Attachments

If you’re wondering if a cutting attachment would be useful because they look cool, the plain simple answer is no. Oxy cutting is overkill for anything bike related, and it requires 99.5% pure oxygen, with significant performance hits as purity drops, to the point where oxy cutting is ineffective at the concentration an oxycon produces. It’s not useful, and it won’t work, it’s just going to end up as junk taking up space in a drawer, don’t do it.

Set-up and usage

This is explicitly not instructions nor a guide on how to set up an oxycon propane system. This just a list of considerations when setting up your own oxycon system.

Random Unorganized Thoughts on Propane

Propane needs a ratio of ~4:1 oxygen to propane, different sources will give a slightly different figure but this is a good enough ballpark, and it’s based off of 99.5% pure, not the 90-95% of oxycons. As stated before, a 5 LPM oxygen concentrator is rated for 10.6 CFH, which can be rounded down to 10 because the oxygen generator doesn’t produce pure oxygen and might be struggling at max flow anyways. That means a neutral flame is ~2.5 CFH to the 10 CFH of oxygen. Propane has ~2,500 BTU per CF, so that means ~6,250 BTU/hr. A 10 LPM model is obviously double that.

A 10 CF acetelyne tank has a safe withdrawal rate of 1.43 CFH (1/7 capacity), resulting on only ~2,100 BTU/H. A 40 CF tank has 4 times that capacity and BTU/H. A 75 CF tank if used with a 5L will hit both withdrawl and oxygen flow limits at around ~15,000 BTU/H. Acetelyne has more than half the BTUs but requires about a quarter of the oxygen, so a 5L concentrator goes a long way with acetelyne.

1 lb of LPG is equivalent to 8.45 CFH. That means 1 lb of propane is good for over 3 hours of “full blast” (10 CFH oxygen equivalent) propane (2.5 CFH). Note that “full blast” isn’t really full blast, but a big neutral flame using 5lpm. You can end up with more fuel usage by using more oxygen or more fuel. 20 lbs is good for 60+ hours. It should be noted that you use propane when lighting, adjusting, and there’s some minor loss in the hoses, etc, this figure is not brazing time, but propane usage time. Ideally those use less than full blast propane though. Even a setup using 1 lb canisters can be useful for framebuilding as long as you monitor usage and you can make a very portable and compact welding-cart/port-a-torch type setup that doesn’t take up much room or can be easily transported.

On the other hand, even at the equivalent 6,250 BTU/hr a 40 CF acetylene tank will last less than 10 hours and a 75 CF tank 17 and a half hours. That is to say a 20lb (contents, not including the container itself, filled is ~40 lbs) BBQ tank will last as long as a 250 CF acetylene tank that weighs over 100lbs, and a 1lb camping stove tank lasts longer than a plumber’s oxy-acetelyne rig pushed past the 1/7 rule.

It’s often recommended that you size 2 sizes up from acetylene when using. There’s a simple reason for this. 2 sizes up is normally approximately twice the fuel consumption. When used with propane, the equivalent size tip usually uses 3-4 times less propane and a lot more oxygen. Considering that acetylene has more than half the BTU/CF of propane, you end up needing a tip with twice the flow, or two sizes up.

We can also estimate the maximum size acetylene tip usable with a 5L concentrator. Knowing our CFH limit is ~2.5 and the same tip uses 3-4 times less fuel when used with propane, a tip that uses 8-10 CFH of acetylene is the upper limit, and perhaps pushing it a bit too far to run strictly on 5 LPM. This is equivalent to a Victor 3 or 4, so that extra capacity from something like a Devilbiss or a 10 LPM is useful. This corresponds approximately to the XL row in the table above. It also means you shouldn’t worry to much about trying to get bigger tips than the XL row. Don’t worry about missing out though, UN-J TEN tips only go up to 5.

Propane is stored as a liquid, so a pressure gauge on the tank is not useful in telling how full it is. Propane tanks with a fuel level gauge use a float gauge like found in a car, which sort of works like the float in a toilet cistern. A pressure gauge on the tank, or the high pressure gauge, will show the vapor pressure (the pressure that gas transitions to/from liquid) which is temperature dependent (usually at over 100 psi, can be much lower if you live somewhere cold), so it works as a fancy thermometer as long as there’s liquid in the tank (on a regulator it’s still useful as a visual indicator of what’s going on, if the fuel valve is open or closed, leak testing, etc). Basically, if the pressure gets too high, some of the gas turns into liquid until it reaches this pressure, if the pressure gets too low, the liquid will boil and turn into a gas. The temperature might change, propane tanks get frosty if withdrawal rate is too high (how refrigerators work), but otherwise pressure is pretty stable, so a single stage regulator will work pretty well. Pressure at the same temperature will start dipping once there is no more liquid and only compressed gas in the tank. If your pressure is significantly lower than when you started and the tank temperature is the same, it may be time to refill/replace. Fuel level can be measured on a scale, a 20 lb tank has 20 lbs of propane, a 1lb tank has 1lb. If your tank is that much lighter than when full, you’re out of gas, but this is a pain. I saw a 20lb Flame King with fuel level gauge at Costco for less than $50 empty if your refill place does fills and not swaps. There’s basically no cost savings to going with a smaller tank.

Question is, how frequently does the high pressure gauge on the regulator need to be checked? Lets say tank temperature is around 55 F, meaning the top of the gas range is about 100 psi (gauges read a bar low because they’re relative to the atmosphere, so ~85 psi on the gauge), and you need about 10 psi (on a gauge, on the high end, non-injector, injector needs less than 2psi) to braze. My rough calculations estimate about 20 minutes for a 20 lb tank and only about 1 minute for a 1 lb tank. Check between every couple brazes or every time you turn the torch off with a BBQ tank and you’re good to go. With a 1 lb tank, you should probably use a stop watch (start before turning on the torch gas valve, stop after turning off torch gas valve), weigh after 3 hours (an empty Coleman 1 lb tank should weigh a bit less than 1 lb), calculate how many hours you have left, use the stopwatch again for calculated “full blast” hours, and so on, until you get tired of doing this and replace the tank. Even though a 1 lb tank has plenty of gas to do many brazes, you don’t want to run out of gas mid braze. Unfortunately you can’t really just keep the tank on a scale because of the hoses hanging off of it. 1 lb tanks are pretty bad for the environment, and they cost the government a lot of money to safely, non-explosively, dispose of. You’re supposed to just drain unused propane into the air (or burn it) to reduce explosion risk instead of refilling. If you used it down to minimum brazing pressure, you’ve used maybe 99% of the fuel, if you use it until there’s no more liquid you’ve used maybe 97%. A 20 lb tank is much preferred because of cost, reduced wastage, bigger margin of safety, etc. 1 lb canisters are usable however for low initial cost, portability, and convenience. If you only need portability, there are refillable (refilling disposable ones can be highly illegal) 1 lb tanks. They are less efficient in terms of cost to your pocketbook (by a factor 2-5), cost to the environment, cost to the taxpayer and cost in production efficiency, but some people can’t store a 20 lb tank and it is really hard to carry a 20 lb tank by bike. It’s a bit harder to find a place that will refill reusable smaller tanks, some will charge the same as a 20 lb tank, and tanks have a limited lifespan before they must be recertified. The flame king 3 lb and 5lb tanks with float gauges seem like decent options for portability.

Using the flow valve on the oxycon isn’t a great idea except to cap max pressure. Some people like to set the torch oxy valve wide open and use the oxycon flow valve to set the max flow. If you do this, the pressure in the hoses drops to whatever pressure is required to obtain whatever flow with your tip. It’s generally considered bad to have low hose pressure and a source of flashbacks. If you have a high pressure (20psi) oxycon, it could benefit from an external adjustable regulator because the high pressure will make the valve touchy and the flow valve won’t really have an effect except capping flow. If you keep the flow valve static, then the torch valve will stop adjusting once the max flow from the flow valve is reached. If the torch valve is kept static, vise versa. Once a valve stops being the most constrictive thing, it more or less stops doing anything. In practice, it’s more or less a min function for the two valves.

It’s not clear to me if equal pressure or injector is safer. Experimentally, EP will have backflow with no fuel pressure, injector has suction, so it may be better in cases when fuel pressure might drop, and probably safer if at risk of running out of propane. Experimentally, a tip blockage will cause fuel line backflow in either, but injectors have much more pressure relative to the fuel line whereas if both had equal source pressure, there should be very little backflow. Harris shows them jamming an injector propane cutting torch into the steel without issue though, even though this will cause popping with acetylene equal pressure cutting torches. They say that when there is tip blockage, oxygen flow will also be reduced, but I don’t want to experiment something that might blow up in my face.

1/4-27 is mentioned alongside 1/4-28 in a lot of places on this page. 1/4-27 is not a typo. It is a special brass thread most frequently used on gas fittings. It is very close to 1/4-28, a standard fine threading, and a loose fit thread will sort of fit. Victor 1/4″ elbows are 1/4-27. It has been said that Smith uses 1/4-28 on the mixer side of AT61 and AT60 for compatibility with other brands, and an older Smith mixer seems to be 1/4-28. It’s also not clear if Meco and Meco compatibles are truly 1/4-28, or actually 1/4-27 assumed to actually be 1/4-28.

Although I don’t have tips on usage, and this is not a recommendation, there are some thoughts on operation. The valve on the oxycon should be turned up to the flow where the machine doesn’t complain. Nominally 5 LPM, maybe a bit more in practice. This means when the torch oxy valve is wide open, it won’t flow any more than the oxycon can handle. Although oxygen is usually used to adjust for a neutral flame, fuel can to. Even the small 0.9mm (XS) multiport tip can flow 5 LPM with the right pressure settings and will produce a flame with 5 LPM of oxygen.

There’s a few options to use the H01-6 tips on a torch:

• WeldingCity mixer (~$10, modified), “high grade torch” tip tube (~$10), H01-6 propane tips (~$10, stock) – This requires a M8x1mm plug tap and a drill press or a lathe
• UN-J/881W mixer (~$30, stock), “high grade torch” tip tube (~$10, modified), H01-6 propane tips (~$10) – This requires a lathe and the ability to external thread 5/16-27 on the tip tube, but option for people already invested in a UN-J
• UN-J/881W tip tube (~$30, modified), H01-6 propane tips (~$10) – This requires a lathe with a large swing capacity, a sleeve to hold the tip tube by the short end of the elbow, and the ability to external thread M8x1 on the tip tube
• WeldingCity tip (~$10, modified), H01-6 torch (~$15, destroyed), H01-6 propane tips (~$10) – This requires a drill press to bore out the cut off threaded fitting from the H01-6 to 1/4 and other tips to braze to the cut off WeldingCity elbow

A WeldingCity tip also makes a good basis for the smaller H01-2 tips by either brazing on the fitting or threading the tip. Instructions are not included here and I am not responsible for your safety. If it is not immediately obvious to you how to perform these modifications correctly, it is beyond your capacity to fabricate and test for safety and you probably aren’t handy enough to build frames without proper instruction. The only notes I will put here is that brazing brass to copper is not the same as brazing copper to copper, and AT61 and AT60 take 1/4″ (either 27tpi or 28tpi, unknown) elbows and WeldingCity tips make good sources of pre-bent thick wall 1/4″ tubing.

H01-6 propane tips are always the cheapest upgrade from acetylene tips by a wide margin. Making your own M8x1 tip tube and mixer is $5-10 cheaper than buying stock 5/16″-27 one, minus the cost of other tools required to make it. A set of 5 (which are closely spaced and effectively cover the span covered by 3 nozzles) nozzles cost less than even a single nozzle of any other brand. Supplementing it with smaller H01-2 tips and tip tube is even cheaper. The only thing comparably inexpensive is low end acetylene tips, which perform worse with propane. If you already have 5/16 tip tubes, they can be modified to take H01-6 tips. It is your choice whether or not you want to permanently modify the included tip tube or make a second modified one, but you will require the means to machine one of the ends appropriately. After trying them, I’m not eager to go spend the money on more expensive tips, which I’m sure are better, but the H01-6 tips solve a lot of problems of plain single orifice tips. I dislike that they weigh 20 grams on the very end of the tip however. Another set by a different manufacturer was only 15g each and 12 side slots instead of 8 but the threads had to be tapped more deeply with a plug tap. What you get seems to be luck of the draw. The set of H01-2s I have were 10g each and #4 was ~1mm so may have been 0.7-1.1mm versus 0.9-1.3mm for H01-6, . I maybe try to make an elbow with a short tip section because gravity makes it feel floppy.

H01-6 tips look different from other multi-orifice tips so you might wonder if they’re designed “right”. It’s pretty clear that they’ve used some of the same tooling as cutting tips to make these, and the basic ring of fire design is little different from the preheat orifices on a propane cutting tip. The difference is there’s a center jet for premix instead of pure oxygen and the premix is fed from a single source. At the very least, the design isn’t completely arbitrary. Then you might be wondering if they’re made well, and the answer is not really, but they’re made well enough to use. Many of the tips with propane features are suspected to be imported, although with varying quality.

If you’re wondering why not just use a H01-6 torch, it’s because they’re very low quality. The valves are awful, if you touch them at all the flow changes, they are injector torches and their injectors seem tuned for high oxygen pressure. It’s not even worth trying out of curiousity because of safety and they have barbed hose ends which means you will need to destroy a set of perfectly good T grade twin hose to attach to it, the barbs are huge so you need to attach large heavy 5/16 hoses and you can’t use lightweight hoses with it.

H01-2 M6x1 0.5-0.9mm 5pcs set – $4
H01-6 M8x1 0.9-1.3mm 5pcs set – $5
H01-6 Torch (for tip tube) – $12
“High Grade” GLOOR clone torch (for 3x tip tubes) – $27
“High Grade” Tip tubes 2pcs – $14 + S&H
“High Grade” Tip tube 1pc – $5 + S&H

I haven’t found any authoritative sources of tip design, but the issue with propane seems to be the relatively low flame speed. This is why a propane flame detaches from the tip relatively easily, the flame burns back slower than the premix and can only keep up where the premix has slowed down. I suppose it’s meant to be like having the flame characteristic an even bigger tip at a given CFH level, but having a high velocity high pressure smaller hole further back to prevent flashback and push the inner cone further in the center. This is a reason why it is extremely dangerous to use acetylene with propane tips. Acetylene can have flashbacks and sustained backfire more easily with propane tips because the flame speed is much higher. Some people claim the counterbore on propane tips helps slow down gas velocity, which I guess would make a wider shorter cone (the inner cone should be the border between unburnt premix and the flame). I’m not sure if that’s all there is to it. It’s important to remember that the inner cone isn’t a magic extra strong flame except with acetylene because an acetylene flame is a 2 stage chemical reaction. Supposedly this is what lets you weld with acetylene. I’m not sure if those hottest part of the flame drawings are useful with oxy propane, it might just be that the highest BTU part of the flame is the big part. I would guess that side ports allow for smaller low velocity flames that are harder to put out, and help burn the cone from the side, allowing for higher center jet velocities without it pushing the flame out and causing it to detach and extinguish like on acetylene tips. Given that I don’t plan on really making tips, there’s a limit to how much I want to investigate this, and a limit to how useful it is to the things I want to do.

I would caution against buying used torch equipment unless you like vintage tools. Most of the torch equipment I have bought that was “tested” or “good working condition” had leaks or other significant problems. These terms should not be reassuring unless they tell you specifically it was leak tested or flame tested. Even then, you need to test it yourself, and don’t count on the description being accurate. I have actually had better luck with equipment that was merely “used” condition, or looked fine but was sold as “for parts or repair” by a cautious seller. Used equipment sold with those terms seems to correlate more strongly with whether or not someone is honest versus a used car salesman rather than the actual condition of the equipment.

Gas-savers are interesting, but the pilot light uses propane, and propane is cheap relative to the cost of a gas saver. The cost of a gas saver will run several tanks of propane, and oxygen is essentially free with an oxycon.

I believe the flow meters on oxycons tend to be of the compensated type, with the valve end connecting to the outlet and not the inlet.

Source: Victor Catalog

Oxycon flow meters only have the center tube and not the outer return tube. From what I can tell, the valve is on the outlet end, making them compensated. Such flow meters are calibrated for specific inlet pressures, to be provided by a regulator, which oxycons have internally between their oxygen reservoir and the flow meter. This means that any flow restriction (read valve) downstream of the flow meter (including the integral one) essentially has the same effect on flow. However, pressure will be lower after the flow restriction, so if you use the valve on the oxygen concentrator, hose pressure will be reduced (empirically verified). Low hose pressure can be a safety issue in regards to flashbacks and such.

There are of course safety issues with handling a torch, they’re hot and they set things on fire. Torches should never be lit with cigarette lighters because the butane catching on fire is a risk. Flint strikers are usually considered safest and recommended by torch companies. Piezo (electric) igniters are recommended by the companies that make them for convenience rather than safety. Leaking gas is of course also dangerous. Propane is flammable in air, and high oxygen makes things that you normally wouldn’t consider flammable very flammable, which is why some say you shouldn’t use soapy water to test for oxygen leaks.

One of the big concerns with setup is mixed gasses in the wrong place. Oxygen isn’t flammable. Propane is flammable in air, but it needs oxygen to burn. What makes oxyfuel dangerous is that these gasses are mixed which can cause backfires, flashbacks, etc. One way of making torches safer is to use a surface mix torch, which doesn’t mix gasses, but releases the gasses in the atmosphere close to each other to mix just outside of the torch. There is very little risk of backfire or flashback, but they generally have a low velocity broad flame, like a rosebud. Premix torches mix the gasses in the mixer, which means there is a combustible gas mix inside the torch. Gas velocity must be high enough to keep the flame front (the boundary of the inner cone) out of the torch. This tends to be less of a concern with propane because propane has a lower flame velocity than acetylene, which is why it tends to float off plain bore tips (gas velocity higher than flame velocity, pushing the flame front away) and why flame holding features are used on propane tips. This is also why using propane tips with acetylene is dangerous. Starvation can cause the flame front to retreat back into the nozzle and into the torch. Although the mixer is the designated place for mixing gasses, it’s not the only place gasses can mix. Backflow will happen when it’s easier for one gas to exit through the input of the other gas rather than the tip, which is most common when there is a tip obstruction, but starvation from other sources can also contribute. This results in mixed gas where it doesn’t belong, and in the case of a flashback, ignition of these mixed gasses where they don’t belong. A flashback arrestor (which usually includes a check valve) will stop a flashback (although propane is less prone to flashback) by diffusing the flame. These can work in a few different methods, the most common uses a sintered stainless filter, ye olden days one bubbled gasses through water. A check valve helps prevent the backflow of gasses and help prevent mixed gasses from occurring where they don’t belong, but doesn’t stop a flashback itself. It’s generally considered safer to have arrestors and check valves as close to the tip as possible. Low pressure can cause low flow/velocity issues, so higher pressure is often recommended as safer. Equal pressure is also sometimes stated to be safer because gas flows from high pressure areas to low pressure areas. In the case of a restricted tip, there will be backpressure in the mixing chamber, allowing the higher pressure gas to overcome the lower pressure gas.

A Smith AW1A or Uniweld 71 setup should weigh about 9-10 ounces, plus check valves and hoses. A J28/clone should weigh 11-12 ounces. A Meco Midget is estimated to weigh around 6-6.5 oz. A Gentec Compact with a stock (short and small injector) tip can weigh less than 5 ounces, and can be tuned to weigh less than 5.5 ounces with H01-2 tips with mixers modified to use the compact union nut and less than 6 ounces for H01-6. For reference, the Smith Little torch (jewelry torch) weighs 1.5 ounces. Note: Being a cyclist, I am being a weight weenie. Any of the HVAC torches is a big improvement over industrial cutting torches, and the heft doesn’t feel bad. That being said, half the weight is very noticeable in a side by side comparison.

Converting a tip like the Welding City tips to take M6x1 or 1/4-28 nozzles is annoying because they are bent. It is definitely easier to fabricate from a tube on a lathe, but the tube stock isn’t much cheaper and it requires lots of special tools. It’s still possible, there are ways to hold it on a lathe, but it’s a pain. Also not everyone has a lathe. The tapered end will accept a tap easily, and it can be threaded to have sufficient length. Tapping M6 is harder because it will be threading and reducing the diameter. You need about 10mm of threads of which 8mm should be fully formed. My preference is to thread all the way down to the bend because I don’t like the tip extra sticking out after the bend. The tip should be cut to length leaving over 10mm from the end of the threads. You then put a nut on the threads, then a washer. Leave less than 1/4 of a thread exposed and turn the die on it, holding the nut and tube in place, stripping the threads. Back off the nut 1/4 turn, and keep stripping the threads with the die. You don’t want the threads on the die to bite, just enough that the conical part is doing most of the work. This isn’t kind to the die, but this works for getting it to a relatively smooth minor diameter without trying to get it in a lathe. Do this until there’s ~2mm of smooth stripped threads at the tip, leaving ~8mm of threads and ~2mm of reduced diameter tube. You need the reduced tube diameter so the face seal is round, and so the threads don’t jam on partially formed female threads in the nozzle. Take the sacrificial nut and hold it at the end with only a little tip exposed and use it as a guide to file the end flat. Take a nozzle with good threads and repeatedly tighten firmly (neither over-tightening nor merely snugging) and loosen it. It should tighten a bit more each time. This will form the tip to have a slight taper that will mate well with the nozzles. There will be a noticeable chamfer form if you do it right. Do it until it forms a leakproof seal just snuggling it up. If you get lucky and get a 0.7-1.1mm H01-2 set, you can have a propane nozzle and tip tube set for $15-20. 1/10 of the cost of buying a nice tip tube, adapter, and nozzles. As a bonus, you can get the threads much closer to the bend than threading prior to bending like the factory ones are and lose the weight, length and expense of a thread adapter.

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6.1.2 Nonapplication

1. Refrigerated containers
2. Installation of systems used in the highway transportation of LP-Gas

This chapter does not apply to the following:

6.1.3* Additional Features

For any purpose or application addressed within the scope of this chapter, if the requirements of the chapter are met, any or all additional features or components of equipment not prohibited by the chapter shall be permitted to be used.

6.2.1

LP-Gas containers shall be located outside of buildings unless they are specifically allowed to be located inside of buildings.

6.4.1.2

3 through 114 m3) water capacity.

When the provisions of 6.30.3 through 6.30.5 are met, the minimum distance from an ASME container to a building shall be reduced by one-half for ASME containers of 2001 gal through 30,000 gal (7.6 mthrough 114 m

6.4.2.1

3 through 114 m3)

Minimum distances for underground or mounded ASME containers of 2001 gal through 30,000 gal (7.6 mthrough 114 m water capacity , incorporating all the provisions of Section 6.30 , shall be reduced to 10 ft (3 m).

6.4.2.2

Distances for all underground and mounded ASME containers shall be measured from the container surface.

6.4.2.3

No part of an underground or mounded ASME container shall be less than 10 ft (3 m) from a building or line of adjoining property that can be built upon.

6.4.3.1

The minimum separation distances specified in Table 6.4.1.1 between containers and buildings of noncombustible construction devoted exclusively to gas manufacturing and distribution operations shall be reduced to 10 ft (3 m).

6.4.3.2

3) or more and the installation is comprised of individual 3), the minimum distance shall comply with

1. The aggregate capacity shall be used rather than the capacity per container.
2. If more than one such installation is made, each installation shall be separated from any other installation by at least 25 ft (7.6 m).
3. The minimum distances between containers shall not be applied to installations covered by 6.4.3.2.

If the aggregate water capacity of a multicontainer installation is 501 gal (1.9 m) or more and the installation is comprised of individual containers , each with a water capacity of less than 125 gal (0.5 m), the minimum distance shall comply with Table 6.4.1.1 and 6.4.3.2(A) through 6.4.3.2(C).

6.4.4.1

Cylinders shall not be located and installed underneath any building unless the space is open to the atmosphere for 50 percent of its perimeter or more.

6.4.4.3*

Table 6.4.4.3 Separation Distance Between Container Pressure Relief Valve and Building Openings Container Type Exchange or Filled on Site at Point of Use Distance Horizontally from Relief Valve Discharge to Opening Below Discharge Discharge from Relief Valve, Vent Discharge, and Filling Connection to Exterior Source of Ignition, Openings into Direct-Vent Appliances, and Mechanical Ventilation Air Intakes ft m ft m Cylinder Exchange 3 0.9 5 1.5 Cylinder Filled on Site at the point of use 3 0.9 10 3.0 ASME Filled on Site at the point of use 5 1.5 10 3.0

The distance measured horizontally from the point of discharge of a container pressure relief valve to any building opening below the level of such discharge shall be in accordance with Table 6.4.4.3.

6.4.4.5

3) or more shall be provided in multicontainer installations to facilitate working with cranes or hoists.

Access at the ends or sides of individual underground containers having a water capacity of 125 gal (0.5 m) or more shall be provided in multicontainer installations to facilitate working with cranes or hoists.

6.5.1.1

3) are located in heavily populated or congested areas, the siting provisions of

Where storage containers having an aggregate water capacity of more than 4000 gal (15.2 m) are located in heavily populated or congested areas, the siting provisions of 6.4.1.1 and Table 6.4.1.1 shall be permitted to be modified as indicated by the fire safety analysis described in 6.29.3

6.5.1.2

3) or more and installed for use in a single location shall be limited to the number of Table 6.5.1.2 Maximum Number of Containers in a Group and Their Separation Distances Fire Protection Provided by Maximum Number of Containers in One Group Minimum Separation Between Groups ft m Hose streams only (see 6.5.1.2 and 6.29.3.1) 6 50 15 Fixed monitor nozzles per 6.29.6.3 6 25 7.6 Fixed water spray per 6.29.6.1 9 25 7.6 Insulation per 6.29.5.1 9 25 7.6

Aboveground multicontainer installations comprised of ASME containers having an individual water capacity of 12,000 gal (45 m) or more and installed for use in a single location shall be limited to the number of containers in one group, with each group separated from the next group in accordance with the degree of fire protection provided in Table 6.5.1.2.

6.5.1.3

Where the provisions of 6.30.3 and 6.30.4 are met, the minimum separation distance between groups of ASME containers protected by hose stream only shall be one-half the distances required in Table 6.5.1.2

6.5.2.2

Underground or mounded containers shall be located outside of any buildings.

6.5.2.3

Buildings shall not be constructed over any underground or mounded containers

6.5.2.4

The sides of adjacent containers shall be separated in accordance with Table 6.4.1.1 but shall not be separated by less than 3 ft (1 m).

6.5.2.5

Where containers are installed parallel with ends in line, the number of containers in one group shall not be limited.

6.5.2.6

Where more than one row of containers is installed, the adjacent ends of the containers in each row shall be separated by not less than 10 ft (3 m).

6.5.3.2

Containers shall not be stacked one above the other.

6.5.3.3*

Combustible materials shall not accumulate or be stored within 10 ft (3 m) of a container

6.5.3.4*

The area under containers shall be graded or shall have dikes or curbs installed so that the flow or accumulation of flammable liquids with flash points below 200°F (93.4°C) is prevented.

6.5.3.5*

LP-Gas containers shall be located at least 10 ft (3 m) from the centerline of the wall of diked areas containing Class I flammable or Class II combustible liquids.

6.5.3.6

The minimum horizontal separation between aboveground LP-Gas containers and aboveground tanks containing liquids having flash points below 200°F (93.4°C) shall be 20 ft (6 m).

6.5.3.7

3) or less 3) or less capacity.

The requirements of 6.5.3.6 shall not apply where LP-Gas containers of 125 gal (0.5 m) or less water capacity are installed adjacent to fuel oil supply tanks of 660 gal (2.5 m) or less capacity.

6.5.3.8

No horizontal separation shall be required between aboveground LP-Gas containers and underground tanks containing flammable or combustible liquids installed in accordance with NFPA 30.

6.5.3.9*

The minimum separation between LP-Gas containers and oxygen or gaseous hydrogen containers shall be in accordance with NFPA 55.

6.5.3.10

Where protective structures having a minimum fire resistance rating of 2 hours interrupt the line of sight between uninsulated portions of the oxygen or hydrogen containers and the LP-Gas containers , no minimum distance shall apply.

6.5.3.11

The minimum separation between LP-Gas containers and liquefied hydrogen containers shall be in accordance with NFPA 55.

6.5.3.12

Where LP-Gas cylinders are to be stored or used in the same area with other compressed gases, the cylinders shall be marked to identify their content in accordance with CGA C-7, Guide to the Preparation of Precautionary Labeling and Marking of Compressed Gas Containers

6.5.3.13

An aboveground LP-Gas container and any of its parts shall not be located within 6 ft (1.8 m) of a vertical plane beneath overhead electric power lines that are over 600 volts, nominal.

6.5.4.1

Structures such as fire walls, fences, earth or concrete barriers, and other similar structures shall not be permitted around or over installed nonrefrigerated containers unless specifically allowed.

6.5.4.2

Structures partially enclosing containers shall be permitted if designed in accordance with a sound fire protection analysis.

6.5.4.3

Structures used to prevent flammable or combustible liquid accumulation or flow shall be permitted in accordance with 6.5.3.4

6.5.4.4

Structures between LP-Gas containers and gaseous hydrogen containers shall be permitted in accordance with 6.5.3.10

6.5.4.5

Structures such as fences shall be permitted in accordance with 6.21.4

6.6.2.3

Interconnection of skid tanks and portable storage tanks shall be in accordance with 6.7.3.2

6.6.3.2

The surface on which the containers are placed shall be level.

6.6.3.3

Combustible materials shall not accumulate or be stored within 10 ft of a container

6.6.3.4

Flexibility shall be provided in the connecting piping in accordance with 6.11.6

6.6.3.5

1. The height of the outside bottom of the container does not exceed 5 ft (1.5 m) above the ground.
2. The approval of the authority having jurisdiction is obtained.

Where portable storage containers are installed at isolated locations with the bottoms of the skids or runners above the ground, either fire-resistive supports shall be provided or non—fire-resistive supports shall be permitted when all the following conditions are met:

6.7.1.1*

Liquid shall be transferred into containers , including containers mounted on vehicles, only outdoors or in structures specially designed for such purpose.

6.7.1.2

The transfer of liquid into containers mounted on vehicles shall not take place within a building but shall be permitted to take place under a weather shelter or canopy. (See 6.27.3.3 .)

6.7.1.3

Structures housing transfer operations or converted for such use after December 31, 1972, shall comply with Chapter 10

6.7.1.4

The transfer of liquid into containers on the roofs of structures shall be permitted , provided that the installation conforms to the requirements specified in 6.8.7 and 6.22.11

6.7.1.5

The transfer hose shall not be routed in or through any buildings except those specified in 6.7.1.3

6.7.3.2

If LP-Gas is vented to the atmosphere under the conditions stipulated in 7.3.1 (5), the distances in Table 6.7.2.1 shall be doubled.

6.8.1.2

LP-Gas containers or systems that are installed within 10 ft (3 m) of public vehicular thoroughfares shall be provided with a means of vehicular barrier protection

6.8.1.3

Field welding on containers shall be limited to nonpressure parts such as saddle plates, wear plates, or brackets installed by the container manufacturer.

6.8.1.4*

Aboveground containers shall be painted.

6.8.1.5

Containers shall be installed so that all container operating appurtenances are accessible.

6.8.1.6

Where necessary to prevent flotation due to possible high flood waters around aboveground or mounded containers , or high water table for those underground and partially underground, containers shall be securely anchored.

6.8.2.1

Cylinders shall be installed only aboveground and shall be set upon a firm foundation or otherwise be firmly secured. (See 6.8.2.2 .)

6.8.2.2

The cylinder shall not be in contact with the soil.

6.8.2.3

Flexibility shall be provided in the connecting piping. (See 6.8.2.4 .)

6.8.3.3

1. Horizontal ASME containers with attached supports and designed for permanent installation in stationary service shall be installed in accordance with Table 6.8.3.3(A).
2. Steel supports shall be protected against fire exposure with a material having a fire resistance rating of at least 2 hours if the height limits specified in Table 6.8.3.3(A) are exceeded.
3. The test to determine the fire resistance rating shall be ASTM E119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials.
4. 3) or less, on foundations in their installed condition, shall meet the following conditions:

   Horizontal ASME containers of 4000 gal (15.2 m) or less, on foundations in their installed condition, shall meet the following conditions:

   1. Structurally support the containers when subject to deteriorating environmental effects including, but not limited to, ambient temperature of —40°F to 150°F (—40°C to 66°C) or local conditions if outside this range, ultraviolet rays, radiant heat from fires, and moisture
   2. Be of either noncombustible or self-extinguishing material (per the definition in NFPA 99, 3.3.149)

Table 6.8.3.3(A) Installation of Permanently Installed Horizontal ASME Containers with Attached Supports Container Size Attached Support Height of Container Bottom gal m3 ≥4000 ≥15.2 Non-fireproofed steel on flat-topped concrete foundations 6 in. (150 mm) maximum above concrete foundations ≤4000 ≤15.2 Non-fireproofed steel on masonry or concrete foundations more than 12 in. (300 mm) above the ground 2 in. to 12 in. (51 mm to 300 mm) above concrete foundation ≤4000 ≤15.2 Non-fireproofed steel on paved surfaces or concrete pads within 4 in. (100 mm) of the ground 24 in. (610 mm) maximum above paved surface or top of concrete pads ≤4000 ≤15.2 Foundations or supports for horizontal LP-Gas containers per 6.8.3.3(B) 24 in. (610 mm) maximum above paved surface

Support of horizontal ASME containers shall comply with 6.8.3.3(A) through 6.8.3.3(D).

6.8.3.5

The part of an ASME container in contact with saddles, foundations, or masonry shall be coated or protected to minimize corrosion.

6.8.3.6

1. A stake or other marking shall be installed higher than the snow depth based on the ground snow load.
2. The container shall be installed to prevent its movement resulting from snow accumulation.

In locations where the snow depth, based on the ground snow load , is more than the height of aboveground containers , excluding the dome cover, both of the following requirements shall apply:

6.8.3.6.2

3, 30 lb/ft3 shall be used in Equation

Where the calculation in Equation 6.8.3.6.1 b results in a value greater than 30 lb/ft, 30 lb/ftshall be used in Equation 6.8.3.6.1 a.

6.8.3.7

1. The surface on which the vehicle is parked shall be level and, if not paved, shall be able to support heavy vehicular traffic and shall be clear of dry grass, weeds, and other combustible material within 10 ft (3 m) of the container.
2. Flexibility shall be provided in the connecting piping in accordance with 6.11.6.

If the container is mounted on or is part of a vehicle in accordance with 5.2.7.2 , the unit shall be located in accordance with 6.4.1.1

6.8.4.2

3)

Vertical ASME containers of 125 gal (0.5 m water capacity or less shall not be in contact with the soil.

6.8.4.3

3)

Vertical ASME containers of over 125 gal (0.5 m water capacity designed for permanent installation in stationary aboveground service shall be installed on reinforced concrete or steel structural supports on reinforced concrete foundations that are designed to meet the loading provisions established in 5.2.4.3

6.8.4.5

Steel supports shall be protected against fire exposure with a material that has a fire resistance rating of at least 2 hours, except that continuous steel skirts that have only one opening that is 18 in. (460 mm) or less in diameter shall have fire protection applied to the outside of the skirts.

6.8.4.7

Vertical ASME containers of different dimensions shall not be manifolded together.

6.8.5.1

Single containers constructed as portable storage containers for temporary stationary service in accordance with 5.2.7.4 shall be placed on concrete pads , paved surfaces, or firm earth for such temporary service (not more than 12 months at a given location).

6.8.5.2

The surface on which the containers are placed shall be level and, if not paved, shall be clear of dry grass, weeds, and other combustible material within 10 ft (3 m) of the container

6.8.5.3

Flexibility shall be provided in the connecting piping in accordance with 6.11.6

6.8.5.4

1. The height of the outside bottom of the container does not exceed 5 ft (1.5 m) above the ground.
2. The approval of the authority having jurisdiction is obtained.

Where portable storage containers are installed at isolated locations with the bottoms of the skids or runners above the ground, either fire-resistive supports shall be provided or non—fire-resistive supports shall be permitted when all the following conditions are met:

6.8.6.2

1. The portion of the container below the surface of the ground, and for a vertical distance of at least 3 in. (75 mm) above that surface, shall comply with the corrosion protection requirements of 6.8.6.1(1) through (J).
2. The aboveground portion of the container shall be painted to comply with 6.8.1.4.
3. Containers shall be set level and shall be surrounded by earth or sand firmly tamped in place.
4. Backfill shall be free of rocks and abrasives.
5. Spacing provisions shall be as specified for aboveground containers in 6.4.1.1 and Table 6.4.1.1.
6. The container shall be located so as not to be subject to vehicular damage or shall be protected against such damage.

Partially underground, unmounded ASME containers shall be installed in accordance with 6.8.6.2(A) through 6.8.6.2(F).

6.8.6.3

1. * Mounding material shall be earth, sand, or other noncombustible, noncorrosive materials and shall provide a minimum thickness of cover for the container of at least 1 ft (0.3 m).
2. A protective cover shall be provided on top of mounding materials subject to erosion.
3. Container valves and appurtenances shall be accessible for operation or repair, without disturbing mounding material.
4. Where containers are mounded and the bottom of the container is 30 in. (0.76 m) or more above the surrounding grade, access to bottom connections shall be provided by an opening or tunnel with a 4 ft (1.2 m) minimum diameter and a 3 ft (0.9 m) minimum clear area.
5. Bottom connections that extend beyond the mound shall be part of the ASME container or shall be installed in compliance with the ASME Code and shall be designed for the forces that can act on the connections.
6. Mounded containers shall comply with the corrosion protection requirements of 6.8.6.1(I) and 6.8.6.1(J).

Mounded containers shall be installed in accordance with 6.8.6.3(A) through 6.8.6.3(F).

6.9.2.1

Pressure relief devices shall be installed so that the relief device is in direct communication with the vapor space of the container

6.9.2.4

Rain caps or other means shall be provided to minimize the possibility of the entrance of water or other extraneous matter into the relief device or any discharge piping. Provision shall be made for drainage where the accumulation of water is anticipated.

6.9.2.6

1. Protection of the container against flame impingement resulting from ignited product escaping from the drain opening
2. Direction of the pressure relief valve drain opening so that an adjacent container, piping, or equipment is not subjected to flame impingement

The design of the pressure relief valve drain opening shall provide the following:

6.9.2.10

Shutoff valves shall not be installed at the outlet of a pressure relief device or at the outlet of the discharge piping where discharge piping is installed.

6.9.2.11

3) or less

The pressure relief valve discharge piping from underground containers of 2000 gal (7.6 m) or less water capacity shall extend beyond the manhole or housing or shall discharge into the manhole or housing, where the manhole or housing is equipped with ventilated louvers or their equivalent, in accordance with 5.9.8.4

6.9.2.14

1. Piping shall be supported and protected against physical damage.
2. Piping from aboveground containers shall be sized to provide the rate of flow specified in Table 5.9.2.6.
3. Piping from underground containers shall be sized to provide the rate of flow specified in 5.9.2.8.
4. Piping shall be metallic and have a melting point over 1500°F (816°C).
5. Discharge piping shall be so designed that excessive force applied to the discharge piping results in breakage on the discharge side of the valve, rather than on the inlet side, without impairing the function of the valve.
6. Return bends and restrictive pipe or tubing fittings shall not be used.

Where installed, the discharge piping shall comply with 6.9.2.14(A) through 6.9.2.14(F).

6.10.1.4

1. This protection shall be permitted to be integral with the regulator.
2. Regulators used for portable industrial applications shall be exempt from the requirements of 6.10.1.4.

All regulators for outdoor installations shall be designed, installed, or protected so their operation will not be affected by the elements (freezing rain, sleet, snow, ice, mud, or debris).

6.10.1.5

The point of discharge from the required pressure relief device on regulated equipment installed outside of buildings or occupiable structures in fixed piping systems shall be located not less than 3 ft (1 m) horizontally away from any building or occupiable structure opening below the level of discharge, and not beneath or inside any building or occupiable structure unless this space is not enclosed for more than 50 percent of its perimeter.

6.10.1.6

The point of discharge shall also be located not less than 5 ft (1.5 m) in any direction from any source of ignition, openings into direct-vent (sealed combustion system) appliances, or mechanical ventilation air intakes.

6.10.1.7

1. The discharge shall be directly vented with supported piping to the outside air.
2. The vent line shall be at least the same nominal pipe size as the regulator vent connection pipe size.
3. Where there is more than one regulator at a location, either each regulator shall have a separate vent to the outside or the vent lines shall be manifolded in accordance with accepted engineering practices to minimize back pressure in the event of high vent discharge.
4. The material of the vent line shall comply with 5.10.3.
5. The discharge outlet shall be located not less than 3 ft (1 m) horizontally away from any building opening below the level of such discharge.
6. The discharge outlet shall also be located not less than 5 ft (1.5 m) in any direction from any source of ignition, openings into direct-vent appliances, or mechanical ventilation air intakes.
7. The discharge outlet shall be designed, installed, or protected from blockage so it will not be affected by the elements (freezing rain, sleet, snow, ice, mud, or debris) or insects.

The discharge from the required pressure relief device of a second-stage regulator , other than a line pressure regulator , installed inside of buildings in fixed piping systems shall comply with the following:

6.10.1.9

The requirement in 6.10.1.7 shall not apply to vaporizers

6.10.1.10

Single-stage regulators shall be permitted to be used only on portable appliances and outdoor cooking appliances with input ratings of 100,000 Btu/hr (29 kW) maximum.

6.10.1.11

Line pressure regulators shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 54.

6.10.2.2

The requirement for two-stage regulation shall include fixed piping systems for appliances on recreational vehicles, mobile home installations, manufactured home installations, catering vehicles, and food service vehicle installations.

6.10.2.4

Single-stage regulators shall be permitted on small portable appliances and outdoor cooking appliances with input ratings of 100,000 Btu/hr (29 kW) or less.

6.10.2.6

High-pressure regulators with an overpressure protection device and a rated capacity of more than 500,000 Btu/hr (147 kW) shall be permitted to be used in two-stage systems where the second-stage regulator incorporates an integral or separate overpressure protection device.

6.10.2.8

Systems consisting of listed components that provide an equivalent level of overpressure protection shall be exempt from the requirements of 6.10.2.6 and 6.10.2.7

6.11.1.3

Liquid piping systems in buildings or structures feeding a vaporizer other than those covered by 6.11.1.1 (D) shall comply with the material requirements of Chapters 5 and 6

6.11.2.1

LP-Gas vapor piping systems downstream of the first-stage pressure regulator shall be sized so that all appliances operate within their manufacturer's specifications.

6.11.2.2

LP-Gas vapor piping systems shall be sized and installed to provide a supply of gas to meet the maximum demand of all gas utilization equipment using Table 16.1(a) through Table 16.1(p) , engineering methods, or sizing tables included in a piping system manufacturer's installation instructions.

6.11.3.1*

All metallic LP-Gas piping shall be installed in accordance with ASME B31.3, Process Piping, for normal fluid service, or in accordance with Section 6.11

6.11.3.2

All welding and brazing of metallic piping shall be in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX.

6.11.3.3

1. Piping used at pressures higher than container pressure, such as on the discharge side of liquid transfer pumps, shall be designed for a pressure rating of at least 350 psig (2.4 MPag).
2. Vapor LP-Gas piping with operating pressures in excess of 125 psig (0.9 MPag) and liquid piping not covered by 6.11.3.3(A) shall be designed for a working pressure of at least 250 psig (1.7 MPag).
3. Vapor LP-Gas piping subject to pressures of not more than 125 psig (0.9 MPag) shall be designed for a pressure rating of at least 125 psig (0.9 MPag).

Metallic piping shall comply with 6.11.3.3(A) through 6.11.3.3(C).

6.11.3.5

1. Metallic threaded, welded, press-connected, and brazed pipe joints shall be in accordance with Table 6.11.3.5(A).
2. Fittings and flanges shall be designed for a pressure rating equal to or greater than the required working pressure of the service for which they are used.
3. Brazed joints shall be made with a brazing material having a melting point exceeding 1000°F (538°C).
4. Press-connected joints shall comply with ANSI/CSA 6.32(LC4), Press-Connect Metallic Fittings for Use in Fuel Gas Distribution Systems,
5. Gaskets used to retain LP-Gas in flanged connections in piping shall be resistant to the action of LP-Gas.
6. Gaskets shall be made of metal or material confined in metal having a melting point over 1500°F (816°C) or shall be protected against fire exposure.
7. When a flange is opened, the gasket shall be replaced.
8. Aluminum O-rings and spiral-wound metal gaskets shall be permitted to be used.
9. Nonmetallic gaskets used in insulating fittings shall be permitted to be used.

Table 6.11.3.5(A) Types of Metallic Pipe Joints in LP-Gas Service Service Schedule 40 Schedule 80 Liquid Welded or brazed Threaded, welded, or brazed Vapor, ≤125 psig (≤0.9 MPag) Threaded, welded, press-connected, or brazed Threaded, welded, or brazed Vapor, ≥125 psig (≥0.9 MPag) Welded or brazed Threaded, welded, or brazed

Metallic pipe joints shall be permitted to be threaded, flanged, welded, press-connected, or brazed using pipe and fittings that comply with 5.11.3 5.11.4 , and 6.11.3.5(A) through 6.11.3.5(H).

6.11.3.6

Metallic tubing joints shall be flared or brazed using tubing and fittings in accordance with 5.11.3 and 5.11.4

6.11.3.7

Piping in systems shall be run as directly as is practical from one point to another, with as few fittings as practical.

6.11.3.8

Where condensation of vapor can occur, piping shall be sloped back to the container or means shall be provided for revaporizing the condensate.

6.11.3.10

Aboveground piping shall be supported and protected against physical damage by vehicles.

6.11.3.11

The portion of aboveground piping in contact with a support or a corrosion-causing substance shall be protected against corrosion.

6.11.3.12

1. The minimum cover shall be increased to 18 in. (460 mm) if external damage to the pipe or tubing from external forces is likely to result.
2. If a minimum 12 in. (300 mm) of cover cannot be maintained, the piping shall be installed in conduit or shall be bridged (shielded).

Buried metallic pipe and tubing shall be installed underground with a minimum 12 in. (300 mm) of cover.

6.11.3.13

Where underground piping is beneath driveways, roads, or streets, possible damage by vehicles shall be taken into account.

6.11.3.14

1. Piping and tubing of 1 in. (25 mm) nominal diameter or smaller shall be protected in accordance with 6.19.1 or 6.19.2.
2. Piping and tubing larger than 1 in. (25 mm) nominal diameter and installed above ground shall be protected in accordance with 6.19.1.
3. Steel piping installed underground shall have a cathodic protection system in accordance with 6.19.2(C) unless technical justification is approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

Metallic piping shall be protected against corrosion in accordance with 6.11.3.14(A) through 6.11.3.14(C).

6.11.3.15

LP-Gas piping systems shall not be used as a grounding electrode.

6.11.3.16

Underground metallic piping, tubing, or both that convey LP-Gas from a gas storage container shall be provided with dielectric fittings installed above ground and outdoors at the building to electrically isolate it from the aboveground portion of the fixed piping system that enters a building.

6.11.4.1

Polyethylene and polyamide pipe, tubing, and fittings shall be installed outdoors underground only.

6.11.4.2

1. With a minimum of 12 in. (300 mm) of cover
2. With a minimum of 18 in. (460 mm) of cover if external damage to the pipe or tubing is likely to result
3. With piping installed in conduit or bridged (shielded) if a minimum of 12 in. (300 mm) of cover cannot be provided

Polyethylene and polyamide pipe and tubing shall be buried as follows:

6.11.4.3

1. The horizontal portion of risers shall be buried at least 12 in. (300 mm) below grade, and the casing material used for the risers shall be protected against corrosion in accordance with Section 6.19.
2. Either the aboveground portion of the riser casing shall be provided with a plastic sleeve inside the riser casing, or the pipe or tubing shall be centered in the riser casing.
3. Factory-assembled risers shall be sealed and leak tested by the manufacturer.

Assembled anodeless risers shall be used to terminate underground polyamide and polyethylene fixed piping systems above ground.

6.11.4.4

1. Field-assembled risers shall comply with the following:

   1. They shall be design certified.
   2. They shall be sealed and pressure tested by the installer.
   3. They shall be assembled and installed in accordance with the riser manufacturer's instructions.

2. The casing of the riser shall be constructed of one of the following materials:

   1. ASTM A53/A53M, Standard Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and Seamless, Schedule 40 steel pipe
   2. ASTM A513, Standard Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Carbon and Alloy Steel Mechanical Tubing, mechanical steel tubing with a minimum wall thickness of 0.073 in. (1.9 mm)
   3. Flexible metal tubing with a minimum crush strength of 1000 lb (453.6 kg) and a tensile strength of 300 lb (136 kg), including the transition connection as tested by the manufacturer

Field-assembled risers shall be supplied only in kit form with all necessary hardware for installation.

6.11.4.5*

Polyamide and polyethylene piping shall be designed to sustain and minimize the thrust forces caused by contraction or expansion of the piping or by anticipated external or internal loading.

6.11.4.6

1. One end of the tracer wire shall be brought above ground at a building wall or riser.
2. The tracer wire or tape shall not be in direct contact with the polyamide or polyethylene pipe.

An electrically continuous corrosion-resistant tracer wire (minimum AWG 14) or tape shall be buried with the polyamide or polyethylene pipe to facilitate locating the pipe.

6.11.4.7

1. Gastight metal pipe and fittings that are protected from corrosion
2. An anodeless riser

Polyamide and polyethylene piping that is installed in a vault, the dome of an underground container , or any other belowground enclosure shall be completely encased in one of the following:

6.11.4.8

Polyamide and polyethylene piping shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.

6.11.4.9

1. The polyamide or polyethylene pipe or tubing shall be protected from being damaged during the insertion process.
2. The leading end of the polyamide or polyethylene pipe or tubing being inserted shall also be closed prior to insertion.

Where polyamide or polyethylene pipe or tubing is inserted into an existing steel pipe, it shall comply with 6.11.4.9(A) and 6.11.4.9(B).

6.11.4.10

Polyamide and polyethylene pipe that is not encased shall have a minimum wall thickness of 0.090 in. (2.3 mm).

6.11.4.11

Polyamide or polyethylene pipe with an outside diameter of 0.875 in. (22.2 mm) or less shall be permitted to have a minimum wall thickness of 0.062 in. (1.6 mm).

6.11.4.12

Each imperfection or damaged piece of polyamide or polyethylene pipe shall be replaced by fusion or mechanical fittings.

6.11.4.13

Repair clamps shall not be used to cover damaged or leaking sections.

6.11.5.1

1. Valves shall protect the pipe from excessive torsional or shearing loads when the valve is operated.
2. Valve boxes shall be installed so as to minimize transmitting external loads to the valve or pipe.

Valves in polyamide and polyethylene piping shall comply with following:

6.11.5.2

Valves shall be recommended for LP-Gas service by the manufacturer.

6.11.5.3

Valves shall be manufactured from thermoplastic materials fabricated from materials listed in ASTM D2513. Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings, that have been shown to be resistant to the action of LP-Gas, or from metals protected to minimize corrosion in accordance with Section 6.19

6.11.6.1

Flexible connectors shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

6.11.6.2

Hose shall be prohibited between the first-stage and second-stage regulator except during temporary use.

6.12.1

1. Actuators and pressure supply line components shall be compatible with LP-Gas vapor.
2. Supply line piping materials shall be limited to a maximum of 3/8 in. (9.0 mm) outside diameter.
3. * Supply pressure shall be controlled to prevent condensation of the LP-Gas vapor.
4. The LP-Gas supply maximum flow rate to the system shall not exceed that from a No. 54 drill orifice.

Where LP-Gas vapor is used as a pressure source for activating the remote shutoff mechanisms of internal valves and emergency shutoff valves , the following shall apply:

6.12.2

Where compressed air is used as a pressure source for activating internal valves and emergency shutoff valves , the air shall be clean and kept at a moisture level that will not prevent the system from operating.

6.13.3.1

Automatic shutdown of internal valves in liquid service shall be provided using thermal (fire) actuation.

6.13.3.2

The thermal sensing element of the internal valve shall be within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the internal valve

6.13.3.3

Temperature-sensitive elements of internal valves shall not be painted or have any ornamental finishes applied after manufacture.

6.13.4.1

1. Not less than 25 ft (7.6 m) or more than 100 ft (30 m) from the liquid transfer point
2. Not less than 25 ft (7.6 m) from the internal valves that are being controlled
3. Along a path of egress from the liquid transfer point

At least one remote shutdown station for internal valves in liquid service shall be installed in accordance with the following:

6.13.4.2

This requirement shall be retroactive to all internal valves required by the code within 3 years of adoption of this edition.

6.13.5

Emergency remote shutdown stations shall be identified by a sign, visible from the point of transfer , incorporating the words "Propane — Container Liquid Valve Emergency Shutoff in block letters of not less than 2 in. (51 mm) in height on a background of contrasting color to the letters.

6.14.1

3) utilizing a liquid transfer line that is 11/2 in. (39 mm) or larger, and a pressure equalizing vapor line that is 11/4 in. (32 mm) or larger, shall be equipped with

On new installations and on existing installations, stationary container storage systems with an aggregate water capacity of more than 4000 gal (15.2 m) utilizing a liquid transfer line that is 1in. (39 mm) or larger, and a pressure equalizing vapor line that is 1in. (32 mm) or larger, shall be equipped with emergency shutoff valves

6.14.2

An emergency shutoff valve shall be installed in the transfer lines of the fixed piping transfer system within 20 ft (6 m) of lineal pipe from the nearest end of the hose or swivel-type piping connections.

6.14.3

When the flow is only into the container , a backflow check valve shall be permitted to be used in lieu of an emergency shutoff valve if installed in the piping transfer system downstream of the hose or swivel-type piping connections.

6.14.4

The backflow check valve shall have a metal-to-metal seat or a primary resilient seat with metal backup, not hinged with combustible material, and shall be designed for this specific application.

6.14.5

Where there are two or more liquid or vapor lines with hoses or swivel-type piping connected of the sizes designated, an emergency shutoff valve or a backflow check valve , where allowed, shall be installed in each leg of the piping.

6.14.6

Emergency shutoff valves shall be installed so that the temperature-sensitive element in the valve , or a supplemental temperature-sensitive element that operates at a maximum temperature of 250°F (121°C) that is connected to actuate the valve , is not more than 5 ft (1.5 m) from the nearest end of the hose or swivel-type piping connected to the line in which the valve is installed.

6.14.7

Temperature-sensitive elements of emergency shutoff valves shall not be painted, nor shall they have any ornamental finishes applied after manufacture.

6.14.8*

The emergency shutoff valves or backflow check valves shall be installed in the fixed piping so that any break resulting from a pull will occur on the hose or swivel-type piping side of the connection while retaining intact the valves and piping on the plant side of the connection.

6.14.9

Where emergency shutoff valves are required to be installed in accordance with 6.14.2 , a means shall be incorporated to actuate the emergency shutoff valves in the event of a break of the fixed piping resulting from a pull on the hose.

6.14.11

Backflow check valves installed in lieu of emergency shutoff valves shall be checked annually for proper operation, and the results of the test shall be documented.

6.14.12.1

Each emergency shutoff valve shall have at least one clearly identified and easily accessible manually operated remote emergency shutoff device.

6.14.12.2

The shutoff device shall be located not less than 25 ft (7.6 m) or more than 100 ft (30 m) in the path of egress from the emergency shutoff valve

6.15 Hydrostatic Relief Valve Installation

A hydrostatic relief valve or a device providing pressure-relieving protection shall be installed in each section of piping and hose in which liquid LP-Gas can be isolated between shutoff valves , so as to relieve the pressure that could develop from the trapped liquid to a safe atmosphere or product-retaining section.

6.15.1

Shutoff valves that could isolate the hydrostatic relief valves or devices from the piping or hose shall not be installed.

6.15.2

It shall be permitted to install a three-way isolation valve rated for at least 500 psi working pressure connected to two hydrostatic relief valves

6.16.1.1

After installation or modification, piping systems (including hose) shall be proven free of leaks at not less than the normal operating pressure.

6.16.1.2

LP-Gas shall be permitted to be used as the test medium.

6.16.2.1

Where new branches are installed, only the newly installed branch(es) shall be required to be tested at not less than the normal operating pressure.

6.16.2.2

Connections between the new piping and the existing piping shall be tested with a noncorrosive leak-detecting fluid or approved leak-detecting methods.

6.16.3

Piping within the scope of NFPA 54 shall be pressure tested in accordance with that code.

6.16.4

Tests shall not be made with a flame.

6.17.2*

Immediately after the gas is turned on into a new system or into a system that has been initially restored after an interruption of service, the piping system shall be checked for leakage.

6.17.3

Piping within the scope of NFPA 54 shall be checked for leakage in accordance with that code.

6.17.4*

Gas systems within the scope of 49 CFR 192 or those outside the scope of NFPA 54 shall be exempt from the requirements of this section.

6.17.5

Where leakage is indicated, the gas supply shall be shut off until the necessary repairs have been made.

6.18.1*

2), piping,

In areas where the ground snow load is equal to or exceeds 100 psf (488 kgf/m), piping, regulators , meters, and other equipment installed in the piping system shall be protected from the forces of accumulated snow.

6.19.1

All materials and equipment installed above ground shall be of corrosion-resistant material or shall be coated or protected to minimize exterior corrosion.

6.19.2

1. Materials and equipment shall be made of corrosion-resistant material that are suitable for the environment in which they will be installed.
2. Materials and equipment shall be manufactured with a corrosion-resistant coating or have a coating applied prior to being placed into service.
3. Materials and equipment shall have a cathodic protection system installed and maintained in accordance with 6.19.3.

Except for underground and mounded containers (see 6.8.6 ), all materials and equipment that are buried or mounded shall comply with one of the requirements in 6.19.2(A) through 6.19.2(C).

6.19.3

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Where installed, cathodic protection systems shall comply with 6.19.3.1 through 6.19.3.3

6.19.3.1*

1. Producing a voltage of —0.85 volt or more negative, with reference to a saturated copper—copper sulfate half cell
2. Producing a voltage of —0.78 volt or more negative, with reference to a saturated KC1 calomel half cell
3. Producing a voltage of —0.80 volt or more negative, with reference to a silver—silver chloride half cell
4. Any other method described in Appendix D of 49 CFR 192

Cathodic protection systems installed in accordance with this code shall be monitored by testing, the results shall be documented, and confirming tests shall be described by one of the following:

6.19.3.2*

1. Upon installation of the cathodic protection system, unless prohibited by climatic conditions, in which case testing shall be done within 180 days after the installation of the system.
2. For continued verification of the effectiveness of the system, 12 to 18 months after the initial test.
3. Upon successful verification testing and in consideration of previous test results, periodic follow-up testing shall be performed at intervals not to exceed 36 months.
4. Systems failing a test shall be repaired as soon as practical unless climatic conditions prohibit this action, in which case the repair shall be made not more than 180 days thereafter. The testing schedule shall be restarted as required in 6.19.3.2(1) and 6.19.3.2(2), and the results shall comply with 6.19.3.2.
5. Documentation of the results of the two most recent tests shall be retained.

Sacrificial anodes shall be tested in accordance with the following schedule.

6.19.3.3*

1. All sources of impressed current shall be inspected and tested at intervals not exceeding 2 months.
2. All impressed current cathodic protection installations shall be inspected and tested annually.

Where an impressed current cathodic protection system is installed, it shall be inspected and tested in accordance with the schedule described in 6.19.3.3(A) and 6.19.3.3(B).

6.19.4

Corrosion protection of all other materials shall be in accordance with accepted engineering practice.

6.20.2.1

Pumps shall be installed in accordance with the pump manufacturers' installation instructions.

6.20.2.2

1. By piping design
2. By the use of flexible metallic connectors that do not exceed 36 in. (1 m) in overall length
3. By other means

Installation shall be made so that the pump casing is not subjected to excessive strains transmitted to it by the suction and discharge piping, which shall be accomplished as follows:

6.20.2.3

1. The bypass valve or recirculating device to limit the normal operating discharge pressure shall discharge either into a storage container or into the pump inlet.

2. If the bypass valve or recirculating device is equipped with a shutoff valve , a secondary device shall be required and designed to do one of the following:

   1. Operate at not more than 400 psig (2.8 MPag)
   2. Operate at a pressure of 50 psig (345 kPag) above the operating pressure where the design pressure exceeds 350 psig (2.4 MPag)
3. Engines used to drive portable pumps shall be equipped with exhaust system spark arresters and shielded ignition systems.
4. The secondary device shall be incorporated, if not integral with the pump, in the pump piping and shall be designed or installed so that it cannot be rendered inoperative and shall discharge either into a storage container or into the pump inlet.
5. A pump operating control or disconnect switch shall be located near the pump, and remote control points shall be provided for other plant operations such as container filling, loading or unloading of cargo tank vehicles and railroad tank cars, or operation of the dispenser.

Positive displacement pumps shall incorporate a bypass valve or recirculating device to limit the normal operating discharge pressure.

6.20.3.1

Compressors shall be installed in accordance with the compressor manufacturers' installation instructions.

6.20.3.2

Installation shall be made so that the compressor housing is not subjected to excessive stresses transmitted to it by the suction and discharge piping. Where used to provide flexibility in the piping system, flexible metallic connectors or metallic-protected flexible hose connectors shall not exceed 36 in. (1 m) in overall total length.

6.20.3.3

Engines used to drive portable compressors shall be equipped with exhaust system spark arresters and shielded ignition systems.

6.20.3.4

Where the compressor is not equipped with an integral means to prevent the LP-Gas liquid from entering the suction, a liquid trap shall be installed in the suction piping as close to the compressor as practical.

6.20.3.5

Portable compressors used with temporary connections shall be excluded from the requirement in 6.20.3.4 unless used to unload railroad tank cars.

6.20.4 Installation of Strainers

Strainers shall be installed so that the strainer element can be removed without removing equipment or piping.

6.20.5.1

Liquid or vapor meters shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturers' installation instructions.

6.20.5.2

Liquid meters shall be installed so that the meter housing is not subject to excessive strains from the connecting piping.

6.20.5.3

If not provided in the piping design, the use of flexible connectors not exceeding 36 in. (1 m) shall be permitted

6.20.5.4

Vapor meters shall be installed so as to minimize the possibility of physical damage.

6.21.2.2

Buildings used exclusively for housing pumps or vapor compressors shall be located in accordance with 6.7.2.2 , considering the building as one that houses a point of transfer

6.21.2.3

1. The track of the railroad siding or the roadway surface at the transfer points shall be relatively level.
2. Clearances from buildings, structures, or stationary containers shall be provided for the siding or roadway approaches to the unloading or loading points to prevent the railroad tank car or cargo tank vehicle from contacting buildings, structures, or stationary containers.
3. Barriers shall be provided at the ends of railroad sidings.

Liquid transfer facilities at rail sidings shall comply with 6.21.2.3(A) through 6.21.2.3(C).

6.21.2.4

1. Compressors used for liquid transfer normally shall withdraw vapor from the vapor space of the container being filled and discharge into the vapor space of the container from which the withdrawal is being made.
2. An operating control or disconnect switch shall be located nearby.
3. Remote shutoff controls shall be provided as necessary in other liquid transfer systems.

Pumps and compressors shall comply with 6.21.2.4(A) through 6.21.2.4(C).

6.21.2.5*

Bulk plant and industrial plant liquid inlet piping shall be designed to prevent debris from impeding the action of valves and other components of the piping system. This requirement shall be effective for existing installations on July 1, 2011.

6.21.2.7

1/2 in. (12 mm) internal diameter shall not be used for making connections to individual

Transfer hose larger thanin. (12 mm) internal diameter shall not be used for making connections to individual containers being filled indoors.

6.21.2.8

If gas is to be discharged from containers inside a building, the provisions of 7.3.2.1 shall apply.

6.21.4.1

1. Security awareness training
2. Limitation of unauthorized access to plant areas that include container appurtenances, pumping equipment, loading and unloading facilities, and container filling facilities

The following security measures shall be provided to minimize the possibility of entry by unauthorized persons:

6.21.4.2

1. The enclosure shall have at least two means of emergency egress, unless all the following conditions are met:

   1. The fenced or otherwise enclosed area is not over 100 ft2 (9 m2).
   2. The point of transfer is within 3 ft (1 m) of the gate.
   3. Containers are not filled within the enclosure.
2. The two means of emergency egress, where required, shall be at least 25 ft (7.6 m) apart or as remotely located as is practical.
3. Clearance of at least 3 ft (1 m) shall be provided to allow emergency access to the required means of egress.
4. Fencing shall not be required where devices are provided that can be locked in place and prevent unauthorized operation of valves, equipment, and appurtenances.

Areas that include features required in 6.21.4.1 (2) shall be enclosed with a minimum 6 ft (1.8 m) high industrial type fence, chain-link fence, or equivalent protection.

6.21.4.3

Where guard service is provided, it shall be extended to the LP-Gas installation, and the requirements of Section 4.4 shall apply to guard personnel.

6.21.5 Lighting

If operations are normally conducted during other than daylight hours, lighting shall be provided to illuminate storage containers containers being loaded, control valves , and other equipment.

6.22.1.1

1. Cylinders inside of buildings or on the roofs or exterior balconies of buildings
2. Systems in which the liquid is piped from outside containers into buildings or onto the roof

Section 6.22 shall apply to the installation of the following LP-Gas systems in buildings or structures:

6.22.1.2

1. The use of cylinders indoors shall be only for the purposes specified in 6.22.4 through 6.22.10.
2. The use of cylinders indoors shall be limited to those conditions where operational requirements make the indoor use of cylinders necessary and location outside is impractical.
3. The use of cylinders on roofs shall be limited to those conditions where operational requirements make the use of cylinders necessary and location other than on roofs of buildings or structures is impractical.
4. Liquid LP-Gas shall be piped into buildings or structures only for the purposes specified in 6.11.1.1(D).

The phrase cylinders in use shall mean connected for use.

6.22.1.3

Storage of cylinders awaiting use shall be in accordance with Chapter 8

6.22.1.4

Transportation of cylinders within a building shall be in accordance with 6.22.3.6

6.22.1.5

1. Liquid transfer systems shall be in accordance with Chapter 7.
2. Engine fuel systems used inside buildings shall be in accordance with Chapter 11.
3. LP-Gas transport or cargo tank vehicles stored, serviced, or repaired in buildings shall be in accordance with Chapter 9.

The following provisions shall be required in addition to those specified in Sections 6.2 and 6.4:

6.22.2.2

Manifolds and fittings connecting cylinders to pressure regulator inlets shall be designed for at least 250 psig (1.7 MPag ) service pressure.

6.22.2.3

Piping shall comply with Section 5.11 and shall have a pressure rating of 250 psig (1.7 MPag ).

6.22.2.4

Liquid piping and vapor piping at pressures above 125 psig (0.9 MPag ) shall be installed in accordance with 6.11.3

6.22.2.5

1. Hose used at pressures above 5 psig (34 kPag) shall be designed for a pressure of at least 350 psig (2.4 MPag).
2. Hose used at a pressure of 5 psig (34 kPag) or less and used in agricultural buildings not normally occupied by the public shall be designed for the operating pressure of the hose.
3. Hose shall comply with 5.11.6.
4. Hose shall be installed in accordance with 6.23.4.
5. Hose shall be as short as practical, without kinking or straining the hose or causing it to be close enough to a burner to be damaged by heat.
6. Hoses greater than 10 ft (3 m) in length shall be protected from damage.

Hose, hose connections, and flexible connectors shall comply with the following:

6.22.2.6*

1. Portable heaters shall be equipped with an approved automatic device to shut off the flow of gas to the main burner and to the pilot, if used, in the event of flame extinguishment or combustion failure.
2. Portable heaters shall be self-supporting unless designed for cylinder mounting.
3. Portable heaters shall not be installed utilizing cylinder valves, connectors, regulators, manifolds, piping, or tubing as structural supports.
4. Portable heaters having an input of more than 50,000 Btu/hr (53 MJ/hr) shall be equipped with either a pilot that must be lighted and proved before the main burner can be turned on or an approved electric ignition system.

Portable heaters, including salamanders, shall comply with the following:

6.22.2.7

1. Tar kettle burners, hand torches, or melting pots
2. Portable heaters with less than 7500 Btu/hr (8 MJ/hr) input if used with cylinders having a maximum water capacity of 2.7 lb (1.2 kg) and filled with not more than 16.8 oz (0.522 kg) of LP-Gas

The provisions of 6.22.2.6 shall not be applicable to the following:

6.22.3.1

Cylinders having water capacities greater than 2.7 lb (1.2 kg) and connected for use shall stand on a firm and substantially level surface, and, if necessary, they shall be secured in an upright position.

6.22.3.2

1. Abnormally high temperatures (such as might result from exposure to convection and radiation from heating equipment or installation in confined spaces)
2. Physical damage
3. Tampering by unauthorized persons

Cylinders , regulating equipment, manifolds, pipe, tubing, and hose shall be located to minimize exposure to the following:

6.22.3.3

Heat-producing equipment shall be installed with clearance to combustibles in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.

6.22.3.4

Heat-producing equipment shall be located and used to minimize the possibility of the ignition of combustibles.

6.22.3.5

Where located on a floor, roof, or balcony, cylinders shall be secured to prevent falling over the edge.

6.22.3.6

1. Valve outlets on cylinders having water capacities greater than 2.7 lb (1.2 kg) shall be tightly plugged, capped, or sealed with a listed quick-closing coupling or a listed quick-connect coupling.
2. Only emergency stairways not normally used by the public shall be used, and precautions shall be taken to prevent the cylinder from falling down the stairs.
3. Freight or passenger elevators shall be permitted to be used when occupied only by those engaged in moving the cylinder.

Transportation (movement) of cylinders having water capacities greater than 2.7 lb (1.2 kg) within a building shall be restricted to movement directly associated with the uses covered by Section 6.22

6.22.4.1

Where cylinders are used and transported in buildings or structures under construction or undergoing major renovation and such buildings are not occupied by the public, the requirements of 6.22.4.2 through 6.22.4.10 shall apply.

6.22.4.2

The use and transportation of cylinders in the unoccupied portions of buildings or structures under construction or undergoing major renovation that are partially occupied by the public shall be approved by the authority having jurisdiction

6.22.4.4

Heaters used for temporary heating shall be located at least 6 ft (1.8 m) from any cylinder . (See 6.22.4.5 for an exception to this requirement.)

6.22.4.5

Integral heater- cylinder units specifically designed for the attachment of the heater to the cylinder , or to a supporting standard attached to the cylinder , and designed and installed to prevent direct or radiant heat application to the cylinder shall be exempt from the spacing requirement of 6.22.4.4

6.22.4.6

Blower-type and radiant-type units shall not be directed toward any cylinder within 20 ft (6.1 m).

6.22.4.7

If two or more heater- cylinder units of either the integral or nonintegral type are located in an unpartitioned area on the same floor, the cylinder (s) of each such unit shall be separated from the cylinder (s) of any other such unit by at least 20 ft (6.1 m).

6.22.4.8

If heaters are connected to cylinders manifolded together for use in an unpartitioned area on the same floor, the total water capacity of cylinders manifolded together serving any one heater shall not be greater than 735 lb (333 kg) [nominal 300 lb (136 kg) propane capacity]. If there is more than one such manifold, it shall be separated from any other by at least 20 ft (6.1 m).

6.22.4.9

1. Heaters shall not be installed on the same floors with manifolded cylinders.
2. The total water capacity of the cylinders connected to any one manifold shall not be greater than 2450 lb (1111 kg) [nominal 1000 lb (454 kg) propane capacity].
3. Manifolds of more than 735 lb (333 kg) water capacity [nominal 300 lb (136 kg) propane capacity], if located in the same unpartitioned area, shall be separated from each other by at least 50 ft (15 m).

Where cylinders are manifolded together for connection to a heater(s) on another floor, the following shall apply:

6.22.4.10

Where compliance with the provisions of 6.22.4.6 through 6.22.4.9 is impractical, alternate installation provisions shall be allowed with the approval of the authority having jurisdiction

6.22.5.1

1. The maximum water capacity of individual cylinders shall be 50 lb (23 kg) [nominal 20 lb (9.1 kg) propane capacity], and the number of cylinders in the building shall not exceed the number of workers assigned to the use of the propane.
2. Cylinders having a water capacity greater than 2.7 lb (1.2 kg) shall not be left unattended.

Cylinders used and transported for repair or minor renovation in buildings frequented by the public during the hours the public normally occupies the building shall comply with the following:

6.22.5.2

During the hours the building is not open to the public, cylinders used and transported within the building for repair or minor renovation and with a water capacity greater than 2.7 lb (1.2 kg) shall not be left unattended.

6.22.6.1

1. If cylinders are manifolded together, the total water capacity of the connected cylinders shall be not more than 735 lb (333 kg) [nominal 300 lb (136 kg) propane capacity]. If there is more than one such manifold in a room, it shall be separated from any other by at least 20 ft (6.1 m).
2. The amount of LP-Gas in cylinders for research and experimental use in the building shall be limited to the smallest practical quantity.

Cylinders used in buildings housing industrial occupancies for processing, research, or experimental purposes shall comply with 6.22.6.1(A) and 6.22.6.1(B).

6.22.6.2

The use of cylinders to supply fuel for temporary heating in buildings housing industrial occupancies with essentially noncombustible contents shall comply with the requirements in 6.22.4 for cylinders in buildings under construction.

6.22.6.3

The use of cylinders to supply fuel for temporary heating shall be permitted only where portable equipment for space heating is essential and a permanent heating installation is not practical.

6.22.7.1

The use of cylinders in classrooms shall be prohibited unless they are used temporarily for classroom demonstrations in accordance with 6.22.9.1

6.22.7.2

1. The maximum water capacity of individual cylinders used shall be 50 lb (23 kg) [nominal 20 lb (9.1 kg) propane capacity] if used in educational occupancies and 12 lb (5.4 kg) [nominal 5 lb (2 kg) propane capacity] if used in institutional occupancies.
2. If more than one such cylinder is located in the same room, the cylinders shall be separated by at least 20 ft (6.1 m).
3. Cylinders not connected for use shall be stored in accordance with Chapter 8.
4. Cylinders shall not be stored in a laboratory room.

Where cylinders are used in buildings housing educational and institutional laboratory occupancies for research and experimental purposes, the following shall apply:

6.22.8.1

1. The permanent heating system is temporarily out of service.
2. Heat is necessary to prevent damage to the buildings or contents.
3. The cylinders and heaters comply with, and are used and transported in accordance with, 6.22.2 through 6.22.4.
4. The temporary heating equipment is not left unattended.
5. Air for combustion and ventilation is provided in accordance with NFPA 54.

Cylinders shall not be used in buildings for temporary emergency heating purposes except when all of the following conditions are met:

6.22.8.2

When a public emergency has been declared and gas, fuel, or electrical service has been interrupted, portable listed LP-Gas commercial food service appliances meeting the requirements of 6.22.9.4 shall be permitted to be temporarily used inside affected buildings.

6.22.8.3

The portable appliances used shall be discontinued and removed from the building at the time the permanently installed appliances are placed back in operation.

6.22.9.1

1. The maximum water capacity of a cylinder shall be 12 lb (5.4 kg) [nominal 5 lb (2 kg) propane capacity].
2. If more than one such cylinder is located in a room, the cylinders shall be separated by at least 20 ft (6.1 m).

Cylinders used temporarily inside buildings for public exhibitions or demonstrations, including use in classroom demonstrations, shall be in accordance with the following:

6.22.9.2

1. The maximum water capacity of individual cylinders shall be 245 lb (111 kg) [nominal 100 lb (45 kg) propane capacity], but not more than 20 lb (9.1 kg) of propane shall be placed in a single cylinder.
2. If more than one such cylinder is located in the same room, the cylinders shall be separated by at least 20 ft (6.1 m).
3. The training location shall be acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
4. Cylinders shall be promptly removed from the building when the training class has terminated.

Cylinders used temporarily in buildings for training purposes related to the installation and use of LP-Gas systems shall be in accordance with the following:

6.22.9.3*

1. Cylinders used in buildings shall comply with UL 147A, Standard for Nonrefillable (Disposable) Type Fuel Gas Cylinder Assemblies.
2. Cylinders shall have a maximum water capacity of 2.7 lb (1.2 kg).

Cylinders used in buildings as part of approved self-contained torch assemblies or similar appliances shall be in accordance with the following:

6.22.9.4

1. Cylinders and appliances shall be listed.
2. Commercial food service appliances shall not have more than two 10 oz (296 ml) nonrefillable butane gas cylinders, each having a maximum capacity of 1.08 lb (0.490 kg).
3. Cylinders shall comply with UL 147B, Standard for Nonrefillable (Disposable) Type Metal Container Assemblies for Butane.
4. Cylinders shall be connected directly to the appliance and shall not be manifolded.
5. Cylinders shall be an integral part of the listed, approved, commercial food service device and shall be connected without the use of a rubber hose.
6. Storage of cylinders shall be in accordance with 8.3.1.

Cylinders used with commercial food service appliances shall be used inside restaurants and in attended commercial food catering operations in accordance with the following:

6.22.10.1

Where cylinders are used temporarily in buildings for flame effects before an audience, the flame effect shall be in accordance with NFPA 160.

6.22.10.2

The maximum water capacity of individual cylinders shall be 48 lb (22 kg) [nominal 20 lb (9.1 kg) propane capacity].

6.22.10.3*

If more than one cylinder is located in the same room, the cylinders shall be separated by at least 20 ft (6.1 m).

6.22.10.4

Where a separation of 20 ft (6.1 m) is not practical, reduction of distances shall be permitted with the approval of the authority having jurisdiction

6.22.10.5

Cylinders shall not be connected or disconnected during the flame effect or performance.

6.22.11.1

1. The total water capacity of cylinders connected to any one manifold shall be not greater than 980 lb (445 kg) [nominal 400 lb (181 kg) propane capacity]. If more than one manifold is located on the roof, it shall be separated from any other by at least 50 ft (15 m).
2. Cylinders shall be located in areas where there is free air circulation, at least 10 ft (3 m) from building openings (such as windows and doors), and at least 20 ft (6.1 m) from air intakes of air-conditioning and ventilating systems.
3. Cylinders shall not be located on roofs that are entirely enclosed by parapets more than 18 in. (460 mm) high unless the parapets are breached with low-level ventilation openings not more than 20 ft (6.1 m) apart, or unless all openings communicating with the interior of the building are at or above the top of the parapets.
4. Piping shall be in accordance with 6.22.2.3 through 6.22.2.5.
5. Hose shall not be used for connection to cylinders.
6. The fire department shall be advised of each installation.

Where cylinders are installed permanently on roofs of buildings, the buildings shall be of fire-resistant construction or noncombustible construction having essentially noncombustible contents, or of other construction or contents that are protected with automatic sprinklers.

6.22.11.2

Cylinders having water capacities greater than 2.7 lb (1 kg) [nominal 1 lb (0.5 kg) LP-Gas capacity] shall not be located on decks or balconies of dwellings of two or more living units above the first floor unless they are served by exterior stairways.

6.22.12.1

Buildings or separate areas of buildings into which LP-Gas liquid at pressures exceeding 20 psig (138 kPag ) is piped shall be constructed in accordance with Chapter 10 and shall be used for the purposes listed in 6.11.1.1(D)(2).

6.22.12.2

1. Liquid piping shall not exceed 3/4 in. (20 mm) and shall comply with 6.11.1 and 6.11.3.
2. Copper tubing with a maximum outside diameter of 3/4 in. (20 mm) shall be used where approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
3. Liquid piping in buildings shall be kept to a minimum length and shall be protected against construction hazards by fastening it to walls or other surfaces to provide protection against breakage and by locating it so as to avoid exposure to high ambient temperatures.
4. A readily accessible shutoff valve shall be located at each intermediate branch line where it leaves the main line.
5. A second shutoff valve shall be located at the appliance end of the branch and upstream of any flexible appliance connector.
6. Excess-flow valves shall be installed downstream of each branch line shutoff valve.
7. Excess-flow valves shall be located at any point in the piping system where branch lines are used and the pipe size of the branch line is reduced. The excess flow valve shall be sized for the reduced size of the branch line piping.
8. Hose shall not be used to carry liquid between the container and building and shall not be used at any point in the liquid line.
9. Hydrostatic relief valves shall be installed where required.
10. The release of fuel when any section of piping or appliances is disconnected shall be minimized either by using an approved automatic quick-closing coupling that shuts off the gas on both sides when uncoupled or by closing the shutoff valve closest to the point to be disconnected and allowing the appliances on that line to operate until the fuel in the line is consumed.

Liquid LP-Gas piped into buildings under construction or major renovation in accordance with 6.11.1.1(D)(1) shall comply with 6.22.12.2(A) through 6.22.12.2(J).

6.23.1.2

Installation of appliances on commercial vehicles shall be in accordance with 6.26.7

6.23.2.1

Patio heaters utilizing an integral LP-Gas container greater than 1.08 lb (0.49 kg) propane capacity shall comply with 6.23.2.2 and 6.23.2.3

6.23.2.2

Patio heaters shall be listed and used in accordance with their listing and the manufacturer's instructions.

6.23.2.3

Patio heaters shall not be located within 5 ft (1.5 m) of exits from an assembly occupancy.

6.23.3.2

Modification of the cabinet heater CGA 793 connection or the use of an adapter that allows an alternate fuel source or allows the use of steel or aluminum cylinders to supply the cabinet heater shall be prohibited.

6.23.4.1

The requirements of Section 6.23 shall apply to hoses used on the low-pressure side of regulators to connect portable appliances.

6.23.4.2

1. The hose shall be the minimum practical length and shall be in accordance with 6.22.2.5.
2. The hose shall not extend from one room to another or pass through any partitions, walls, ceilings, or floors except as provided by 6.22.4.9.
3. The hose shall not be concealed from view or used in concealed locations.

Where used inside buildings, the following shall apply:

6.23.4.3

Where installed outside of buildings, the hose length shall be permitted to exceed 10 ft (3 m) but shall be as short as practical.

6.23.4.4

Hose shall be securely connected to the appliance.

6.23.4.5

The use of rubber slip ends shall not be permitted

6.23.4.6

A shutoff valve shall be provided in the piping immediately upstream of the inlet connection of the hose.

6.23.4.7

Where more than one such appliance shutoff is located near another, the valves shall be marked to indicate which appliance is connected to each valve

6.23.4.8

Hose shall be protected against physical damage.

6.24.2.1

Indirect-fired vaporizers shall be installed outdoors, or in separate buildings or structures that comply with Section 10.2 , or in attached structures or rooms that comply with Section 10.3

6.24.2.2

The separate building or structure shall not have any unprotected drains to sewers or sump pits.

6.24.2.3

Pressure relief valves on vaporizers within buildings in industrial or gas manufacturing plants shall be piped to a point outside the building or structure and shall discharge vertically upward.

6.24.2.4

If the heat source of an indirect-fired vaporizer is gas fired and is located within 15 ft (4.6 m) of the vaporizer , the vaporizer and its heat source shall be installed as a direct-fired vaporizer and shall be subject to the requirements of 6.24.3

6.24.2.5

1. It shall be located outdoors.
2. It shall be located within a structure that complies with Section 10.2.
3. It shall be located within a structure attached to, or in rooms within, a building or structure that complies with Section 10.3.

The installation of a heat source serving an indirect-fired vaporizer that utilizes a flammable or combustible heat transfer fluid shall comply with one of the following:

6.24.2.6

Gas-fired heating systems supplying heat for vaporization purposes shall be equipped with automatic safety devices to shut off gas to the main burners if ignition fails to occur.

6.24.2.7

The installation of a heat source serving an indirect-fired vaporizer that utilizes a noncombustible heat transfer fluid, such as steam, water, or a water-glycol mixture, shall be installed outdoors or in industrial occupancies

6.24.2.9

1. The heat transfer fluid shall be steam or hot water.
2. The heat transfer fluid shall not be recirculated.
3. A backflow preventer shall be installed between the vaporizer and the heat source.

The following shall apply to indirect-fired vaporizers installed in buildings:

6.24.2.10

If the heat transfer fluid is recirculated after leaving the vaporizer , the heat source shall be installed in accordance with 6.24.2.5 and a phase separator shall be installed with the gas vented.

6.24.2.11

Indirect-fired vaporizers employing heat from the atmosphere shall be installed outdoors and shall be located in accordance with Table 6.24.3.6

6.24.2.12

Where atmospheric vaporizers of less than 1 qt (0.9 L) capacity are installed in industrial occupancies , they shall be installed as close as practical to the point of entry of the supply line in the building.

6.24.2.13

Atmospheric vaporizers of less than 1 qt (0.9 L) capacity shall not be installed in other than industrial occupancies

6.24.3.1

Where a direct-fired vaporizer is installed in a separate structure, the separate structure shall be constructed in accordance with Chapter 10

6.24.3.2

The housing for direct-fired vaporizers shall not have any drains to a sewer or a sump pit that is shared with any other structure.

6.24.3.5

A manually operated shutoff valve shall be installed in each connection of the ASME container supplying the vaporizer

6.24.4.5

3/4 in. (19 mm) high or larger that reads as follows shall be displayed immediately adjacent to the CAUTION: A device that contains a source of ignition is connected to this

A device that contains a source of ignition is connected to this container . The source of ignition must be shut off before filling the container

If a point of transfer is located within 15 ft (4.6 m) of a tank heater having a source of ignition, the source of ignition shall be shut off during product transfer and a caution notice in lettersin. (19 mm) high or larger that reads as follows shall be displayed immediately adjacent to the filling connections:

6.24.4.6* Annual Inspection

1. Direct-type tank heaters shall be removed annually and the container surface shall be inspected.
2. If corrosion or coating damage other than discoloration is found, the container shall be removed from service and tested in accordance with 5.2.1.2(B).

6.24.6.1

If a waterbath vaporizer is electrically heated and all electrical equipment is designed for Class I, Group D locations, the unit shall be treated as an indirect-fired vaporizer and shall be installed in accordance with 6.24.2

6.24.8.2

Where used without a vaporizer , a mixer shall be installed outdoors or in a building complying with Chapter 10

6.24.8.3

1. In an outdoor location
2. In the same compartment or room with the vaporizer
3. In a building complying with Chapter 10
4. In a location that is both remote from the vaporizer and in accordance with 6.24.2

Where used with an indirect-fired vaporizer , a mixer shall be installed as follows:

6.24.8.4

1. With a listed or approved mixer in a common cabinet with the vaporizer outdoors in accordance with 6.24.3.6
2. Outdoors on a common skid with the vaporizer in accordance with 6.24.3
3. Adjacent to the vaporizer to which it is connected in accordance with 6.24.3
4. In a building complying with Chapter 10 without a direct-fired vaporizer in the same room

Where used with a direct-fired vaporizer , a mixer shall be installed as follows:

6.25.1.1

This section shall apply to the minimization of ignition of flammable LP-Gas—air mixtures resulting from the normal or accidental release of nominal quantities of liquid or vapor from LP-Gas systems installed and operated in accordance with this code.

6.25.1.2*

The installation of lightning protection equipment shall not be required on LP-Gas storage containers

6.25.1.3*

Grounding and bonding shall not be required on LP-Gas systems

6.25.2.1

Electrical equipment and wiring installed in unclassified areas shall be in accordance with NFPA 70

6.25.2.2*

Table 6.25.2.2 Electrical Area Classification Part Location Extent of Classified Areaa Equipment Shall Be Approved for Compliance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Class Ia, Group Db A Unrefrigerated containers other than cylinders and ASME vertical containers of less than 1000 lb (454 kg) water capacity Within 15 ft (4.6 m) in all directions from connections, except connections otherwise covered in this table Division 2 B Refrigerated storage containers Within 15 ft (4.6 m) in all directions from connections otherwise covered in this table Division 2 Area inside dike to the level of the top of the dike Division 2 Cc Tank vehicle and tank car loading and unloading Within 5 ft (1.5 m) in all directions from connections regularly made or disconnected for product transfer Division 1 Beyond 5 ft (1.5 m) but within 15 ft (4.6 m) in all directions from a point where connections are regularly made or disconnected and within the cylindrical volume between the horizontal equator of the sphere and grade Division 2 D Gauge vent openings other than those on cylinders and ASME vertical containers of less than 1000 lb (454 kg) water capacity Within 5 ft (1.5 m) in all directions from point of discharge Division 1 Beyond 5 ft (1.5 m) but within 15 ft (4.6 m) in all directions from point of discharge Division 2 E Relief device discharge other than those on cylinders and ASME vertical containers of less than 1000 lb (454 kg) water capacity and vaporizers Within direct path of discharge Fixed electrical equipment not permitted to be installed Fc Pumps, vapor compressors, gas-air mixers and vaporizers (other than direct-fired or indirect-fired with an attached or adjacent gas-fired heat source) Indoors without ventilation Entire room and any adjacent room not separated by a gastight partition Division 1 Within 15 ft (4.6 m) of the exterior side of any exterior wall or roof that is not vaportight or within 15 ft (4.6 m) of any exterior opening Division 2 Indoors with ventilation Entire room and any adjacent room not separated by a gastight partition Division 2 Outdoors in open air at or above grade Within 15 ft (4.6 m) in all directions from this equipment and within the cylindrical volume between the horizontal equator of the sphere and grade Division 2 G Vehicle fuel dispenser Entire space within dispenser enclosure, and 18 in. (460 mm) horizontally from enclosure exterior up to an elevation 4 ft (1.2 m) above dispenser base; entire pit or open space beneath dispenser Division 1 Up to 18 in. (460 mm) above ground within 20 ft (6.1 m) horizontally from any edge of enclosure (Note: For pits within this area, see part H of this table.) Division 2 H Pits or trenches containing or located beneath LP-Gas valves, pumps, vapor compressors, regulators, and similar equipment Without mechanical ventilation Entire pit or trench Division 1 Entire room and any adjacent room not separated by a gastight partition Division 2 Within 15 ft (4.6 m) in all directions from pit or trench when located outdoors Division 2 With mechanical ventilation Entire pit or trench Division 2 Entire room and any adjacent room not separated by a gastight partition Division 2 Within 15 ft (4.6 m) in all directions from pit or trench when located outdoors Division 2 I Special buildings or rooms for storage of cylinders Entire room Division 2 J Pipelines and connections containing operational bleeds, drips, vents, or drains Within 5 ft (1.5 m) in all directions from point of discharge Division 1 Beyond 5 ft (1.5 m) from point of discharge, same as part F of this table Kc Cylinder filling Indoors with ventilation Within 5 ft (1.5 m) in all directions from a point of transfer Division 1 Beyond 5 ft (1.5 m) and entire room Division 2 Outdoors in open air Within 5 ft (1.5 m) in all directions from a point of transfer Division 1 Beyond 5 ft (1.5 m) but within 15 ft (4.6 m) in all directions from point of transfer and within the cylindrical volume between the horizontal equator of the sphere and grade Division 2 L Piers and wharves Within 5 ft (1.5 m) in all directions from connections regularly made or disconnected for product transfer Division 1 Beyond 5 ft (1.5 m) but within 15 ft (4.6 m) in all directions from a point where connections are regularly made or disconnected and within the cylindrical volume between the horizontal equator of the sphere and the vessel deck Division 2

aThe classified area is prohibited from extending beyond an unpierced wall, roof, or solid vaportight partition.

bSee Article 500, Hazardous (Classified) Locations, in

See Article 500, Hazardous (Classified) Locations, in NFPA 70 , National Electrical Code, for definitions of classes, groups, and divisions.

cSee A.6.25.2.2.

The extent of electrically classified areas shall be in accordance with Table 6.25.2.2.

6.25.2.3*

The provisions of 6.25.2.2 shall apply to vehicular fuel operations.

6.25.2.4

The provisions of 6.25.2.2 shall not apply to fixed electrical equipment at residential or commercial installations of LP-Gas systems or to systems covered by Section 6.26

6.25.2.5

Fired vaporizers , calorimeters with open flames, and other areas where open flames are present either intermittently or constantly shall not be considered electrically classified areas.

6.25.3.3

Open flames, cutting or welding tools, portable electric tools, and extension lights capable of igniting LP-Gas shall not be installed or used within classified areas specified in Table 6.25.2.2

6.25.3.4

Open flames or other sources of ignition shall not be prohibited where containers , piping, and other equipment containing LP-Gas have been purged of all liquid and vapor LP-Gas.

6.26.1* Application

1. Nonengine fuel systems on all vehicles
2. Installations served by exchangeable (removable) cylinder systems and by permanently mounted containers

Section 6.26 shall apply to the following:

6.26.2 Nonapplication

1. Systems installed on mobile homes
2. Systems installed on recreational vehicles
3. Cargo tank vehicles, including trailers and semitrailers, and similar units used to transport LP-Gas as cargo, which are covered by Chapter 9
4. LP-Gas engine fuel systems on the vehicles, which are covered by Chapter 11

Section 6.26 shall not apply to the following:

6.26.3.1

1. ASME mobile containers shall be in accordance with one of the following:
   1. A MAWP of 312 psig (2.2 MPag) or higher where installed in enclosed spaces of vehicles
   2. A MAWP of 312 psig (2.2 MPag) or higher where installed on passenger vehicles
   3. A MAWP of 250 psig (1.7 MPag) or higher for containers where installed on the exterior of nonpassenger vehicles
2. LP-Gas fuel containers used on passenger-carrying vehicles shall not exceed 200 gal (0.8 m3) aggregate water capacity.
3. The capacity of individual LP-Gas containers on highway nonpassenger vehicles shall be 1000 gal (3.8 m3) or in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.
4. The capacity of cargo tank motor vehicles shall not be limited by this code.
5. Containers designed for stationary service only and not in compliance with the container appurtenance protection requirements of 5.2.6 shall not be used.

Containers shall comply with 6.26.3.1(A) through 6.26.3.1(E).

6.26.3.3

The LP-Gas supply system, including the containers , shall be installed either on the outside of the vehicle or in a recess or cabinet vaportight to the inside of the vehicle but accessible from and vented to the outside, with the vents located near the top and bottom of the enclosure and 3 ft (1 m) horizontally away from any opening into the vehicle below the level of the vents.

6.26.3.4

1. Containers shall be installed with road clearance in accordance with 11.8.3.
2. Fuel containers shall be mounted to prevent jarring loose and slipping or rotating, and the fastenings shall be designed and constructed to withstand, without permanent visible deformation, static loading in any direction equal to four times the weight of the container filled with fuel.
3. Where containers are mounted within a vehicle housing, the securing of the housing to the vehicle shall comply with this provision. Any removable portions of the housing or cabinet shall be secured while in transit.
4. Field welding on containers shall be limited to attachments to nonpressure parts such as saddle plates, wear plates, or brackets applied by the container manufacturer.
5. All container valves, appurtenances, and connections shall be protected to prevent damage from accidental contact with stationary objects; from loose objects, stones, mud, or ice thrown up from the ground or floor; and from damage due to overturn or similar vehicular accident.
6. Permanently mounted ASME containers shall be located on the vehicle to provide the protection specified in 6.26.3.4(E).
7. Cylinders shall have permanent protection for cylinder valves and connections.
8. Where cylinders are located on the outside of a vehicle, weather protection shall be provided.
9. Containers mounted on the interior of passenger-carrying vehicles shall be installed in compliance with Section 11.9. Pressure relief valve installations for such containers shall comply with 11.8.5.

Containers shall be mounted securely on the vehicle or within the enclosing recess or cabinet.

6.26.3.5

1. Cylinder valves shall be closed when burners are not in use.
2. Cylinders shall not be refilled while burners are in use as provided in 7.2.3.2(B).

Cylinders installed on portable tar kettles alongside the kettle, on the vehicle frame, or on road surface heating equipment shall be protected from radiant or convected heat from open flame or other burners by the use of a heat shield or by the location of the cylinder (s) on the vehicle. In addition, the following shall apply:

6.26.4.2

1. Regulators shall be installed with the pressure relief vent opening pointing vertically downward to allow for drainage of moisture collected on the diaphragm of the regulator.
2. Regulators not installed in compartments shall be equipped with a durable cover designed to protect the regulator vent opening from sleet, snow, freezing rain, ice, mud, and wheel spray.
3. If vehicle-mounted regulators are installed at or below the floor level, they shall be installed in a compartment that provides protection against the weather and wheel spray.
4. Regulator compartments shall comply with the following:
   1. The compartment shall be of sufficient size to allow tool operation for connection to and replacement of the regulator(s).
   2. The compartment shall be vaportight to the interior of the vehicle.
   3. The compartment shall have a 1 in.2 (650 mm2) minimum vent opening to the exterior located within 1 in. (25 mm) of the bottom of the compartment.
   4. The compartment shall not contain flame or spark-producing equipment.
5. A regulator vent outlet shall be at least 2 in. (51 mm) above the compartment vent opening.

Regulators shall be installed in accordance with 6.10.2 and 6.26.4.2(A) through 6.26.4.2(E).

6.26.5.1

1. Steel tubing shall have a minimum wall thickness of 0.049 in. (1.2 mm).
2. A flexible connector shall be installed between the regulator outlet and the fixed piping system to protect against expansion, contraction, jarring, and vibration strains.
3. Flexibility shall be provided in the piping between a cylinder and the gas piping system or regulator.
4. Flexible connectors shall be installed in accordance with 6.11.6.
5. Flexible connectors longer than the length allowed in the code, or fuel lines that incorporate hose, shall be used only where approved.
6. The fixed piping system shall be designed, installed, supported, and secured to minimize the possibility of damage due to vibration, strains, or wear and to preclude any loosening while in transit.
7. Piping shall be installed in a protected location.

8. Where piping is installed outside the vehicle, it shall be installed as follows:

   1. Piping shall be under the vehicle and below any insulation or false bottom.
   2. Fastening or other protection shall be installed to prevent damage due to vibration or abrasion.
   3. At each point where piping passes through sheet metal or a structural member, a rubber grommet or equivalent protection shall be installed to prevent chafing.
9. Gas piping shall be installed to enter the vehicle through the floor directly beneath or adjacent to the appliance served.
10. If a branch line is installed, the tee connection shall be located in the main gas line under the floor and outside the vehicle.
11. Exposed parts of the fixed piping system either shall be of corrosion-resistant material or shall be coated or protected to minimize exterior corrosion.
12. Hydrostatic relief valves shall be installed in isolated sections of liquid piping as provided in Section 6.15.
13. Piping systems, including hose, shall be proven free of leaks in accordance with Section 6.16.

Piping shall be installed in accordance with 6.11.3 and 6.26.5.1(A) through 6.26.5.1(M).

6.26.5.2

There shall be no fuel connection between a tractor and trailer or other vehicle units.

6.26.6.1

Installation shall be made in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and, in the case of approved equipment, as provided in the approval.

6.26.6.2

Equipment installed on vehicles shall be protected against vehicular damage as provided for container appurtenances and connections in 6.26.3.4 (E).

6.26.7.1

Sub section 6.26.7 shall apply to the installation of all appliances on vehicles. It shall not apply to engines.

6.26.7.2

All appliances covered by 6.26.7 installed on vehicles shall be approved

6.26.7.3

Where the device or appliance, such as a cargo heater or cooler, is designed to be in operation while the vehicle is in transit, means, such as an excess-flow valve , to stop the flow of gas in the event of a line break shall be installed.

6.26.7.4

Gas-fired heating appliances shall be equipped with shutoffs in accordance with 5.23.7 (A), except for portable heaters used with cylinders having a maximum water capacity of 2.7 lb (1.2 kg), portable torches, melting pots, and tar kettles.

6.26.7.5

Gas-fired heating appliances, other than ranges and illuminating appliances installed on vehicles intended for human occupancy, shall be designed or installed to provide for a complete separation of the combustion system from the atmosphere inside the vehicle.

6.26.7.6*

Where unvented-type heaters that are designed to protect cargo are used on vehicles not intended for human occupancy, provisions shall be made to provide air from the outside for combustion and dispose of the products of combustion to the outside.

6.26.7.7

Appliances installed in the cargo space of a vehicle shall be readily accessible whether the vehicle is loaded or empty.

6.26.7.8

Appliances shall be constructed or otherwise protected to minimize possible damage or impaired operation due to cargo shifting or handling.

6.26.7.9

Appliances shall be located so that a fire at any appliance will not block egress of persons from the vehicle.

6.26.7.10

CAUTION:

1. Be sure all appliance valves are closed before opening container valve.
2. Connections at the appliances, regulators, and containers shall be checked periodically for leaks with soapy water or its equivalent.
3. Never use a match or flame to check for leaks.
4. Container valves shall be closed when equipment is not in use.

A permanent caution plate shall be affixed to either the appliance or the vehicle outside of any enclosure, shall be adjacent to the container (s), and shall include the following instructions:

6.26.7.11

Gas-fired heating appliances and water heaters shall be equipped with automatic devices designed to shut off the flow of gas to the main burner and the pilot in the event the pilot flame is extinguished.

6.26.8.1

Where vehicles with LP-Gas fuel systems used for purposes other than propulsion are parked, serviced, or repaired inside buildings, the requirements of 6.26.8.2 through 6.26.8.4 shall apply.

6.26.8.2

The fuel system shall be leak-free, and the container (s) shall not be filled beyond the limits specified in Chapter 7

6.26.8.3

The container shutoff valve shall be closed, except that the container shutoff valve shall not be required to be closed when fuel is required for test or repair.

6.26.8.4

The vehicle shall not be parked near sources of heat, open flames, or similar sources of ignition , or near unventilated pits.

6.26.8.5

3) shall comply with the requirements of

Vehicles having containers with water capacities larger than 300 gal (1.1 m) shall comply with the requirements of Section 9.7

6.27.3.3

Where a vehicle fuel dispenser or dispensing system is installed under a weather shelter or canopy, the area shall be ventilated and shall not be enclosed for more than 50 percent of its perimeter.

6.27.3.4

Control for the pump used to transfer LP-Gas through the unit into containers shall be provided at the device in order to minimize the possibility of leakage or accidental discharge.

6.27.3.5*

A device that shuts off the flow of gas when flow exceeds the predetermined flow rate shall be installed as close as practical to the point where the dispenser hose connects to the liquid piping.

6.27.3.6

Piping and the dispensing hose shall be provided with hydrostatic relief valves in accordance with Section 6.15

6.27.3.7

Protection against trespassing and tampering shall be in accordance with 6.21.4

6.27.3.9

An identified and accessible remote emergency shutoff device for either the internal valve or the emergency shutoff valve required by 6.27.3.8 (1) or (2) shall be installed not less than 3 ft (1 m) or more than 100 ft (30 m) from the liquid transfer point.

6.27.3.11

A manual shutoff valve and an excess-flow check valve shall be located in the liquid line between the pump and the dispenser inlet where the dispensing device is installed at a remote location and is not part of a complete storage and dispensing unit mounted on a common base.

6.27.3.12

All dispensers shall be installed on a concrete foundation or shall be part of a complete storage and dispensing unit mounted on a common base and installed in accordance with 6.8.3.1 (F).

6.27.3.13

Vehicular barrier protection (

1. Concrete filled guard posts shall be constructed of steel not less than 4 in. (100 mm) in diameter with the following characteristics:

   1. Spaced not more than 4 ft (1200 mm) between posts on center
   2. Set not less than 3 ft (900 mm) deep in a concrete footing of not less than 15 in. (380 mm) diameter
   3. Set with the top of the posts not less than 3 ft (900 mm) above ground
   4. Located not less than 3 ft (900 mm) from the protected installation
2. Equivalent protection in lieu of guard posts shall be a minimum of 3 ft (900 mm) in height and shall resist a force of 6000 lb (53,375 N) applied 3 ft (900 mm) above the adjacent ground surface.

VBP ) shall be provided for containers serving dispensers where those containers are located within 10 ft (3 m) of a vehicle thoroughfare or parking location in accordance with 6.27.3.13(A) or 6.27.3.13(B).

6.27.3.14

Where the dispenser is not mounted on a common base with its storage container and the dispenser is located within 10 ft (3 m) of a vehicle thoroughfare, parking location, or an engine fuel filling station, the dispenser shall be provided with VBP

6.27.3.15

Dispensers shall be protected from physical damage.

6.27.3.16

A listed quick-acting shutoff valve shall be installed at the discharge end of the transfer hose.

6.27.3.17

An identified and readily accessible switch or circuit breaker shall be installed outside at a location not less than 20 ft (6 m) or more than 100 ft (30 m) from the dispenser to shut off the power in the event of a fire, an accident, or other emergency.

6.27.3.18

The markings for the switches or breakers shall be visible at the point of liquid transfer.

6.27.4.1

1. Hose length shall not exceed 18 ft (5.5 m) unless approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
2. All hose shall be listed.
3. When not in use, the hose shall be secured to protect the hose from damage.

Hose shall comply with the following:

6.27.4.2

A listed emergency breakaway device shall be installed and shall comply with UL 567, Standard for Emergency Breakaway Fittings, Swivel Connectors, and Pipe-Connection Fittings for Petroleum Products and LP-Gas, and be designed to retain liquid on both sides of the breakaway point, or other devices affording equivalent protection approved by the authority having jurisdiction

6.27.4.3 Vehicle Fuel Dispensers Shall Be Located as Follows:

1. Conventional systems shall be at least 10 ft (3.0 m) from any dispensing device for Class I or Class II liquids.
2. Low-emission transfer systems in accordance with 6.30.5 shall be at least 5 ft (2 m) from any dispensing device for Class I or Class II liquids.

6.28.3

Where containers for stationary engines have a fill valve with an integral manual shutoff valve , the minimum separation distances shall be one-half of the distances specified in Section 6.4

6.29.2.1

The planning for the response to incidents including the inadvertent release of LP-Gas, fire, or security breach shall be coordinated with local emergency response agencies.

6.29.2.2

Planning shall include consideration of the safety of emergency personnel, workers, and the public.

6.29.3.2

3), and for

The modes of fire protection shall be specified in a written fire safety analysis for new installations, for existing installations that have an aggregate water capacity of more than 4000 gal (15.2 m), and for ASME containers on roofs. Existing installation shall comply with this requirement within 2 years of the effective date of this code.

6.29.3.3

The fire safety analysis shall be submitted by the owner, operator, or their designee to the authority having jurisdiction and local emergency responders.

6.29.3.4

The fire safety analysis shall be updated when the storage capacity or transfer system is modified.

6.29.3.5

The fire safety analysis shall be an evaluation of the total product control system, such as the emergency shutoff and internal valves equipped for remote closure and automatic shutoff using thermal (fire) actuation, pullaway protection where installed, and the optional requirements of Section 6.30

6.29.3.6

If in the preparation for the fire safety analysis it is determined that a hazard to adjacent structures exists that exceeds the protection provided by the provisions of this code, special protection shall be provided in accordance with 6.29.5

6.29.4.1

Roadways or other means of access for emergency equipment, such as fire department apparatus, shall be provided.

6.29.4.2

Each industrial plant bulk plant , and distributing point shall be provided with at least one portable fire extinguisher in accordance with Section 4.7 having a minimum capacity of 18 lb (8.2 kg) of dry chemical.

6.29.4.3*

LP-Gas fires shall not be extinguished until the source of the burning gas has been shut off.

6.29.4.4

Emergency controls shall be conspicuously marked, and the controls shall be located so as to be readily accessible in emergencies.

6.29.5.1*

If insulation is used, it shall be capable of limiting the container temperature to not over 800°F (430°C) for a minimum of 50 minutes as determined by test, with insulation applied to a steel plate and subjected to a test flame applied substantially over the area of the test plate.

6.29.5.2

The insulation system shall be inherently resistant to weathering and the action of hose streams.

6.29.5.3

If mounding is utilized, the provisions of 6.8.6.3 shall be required.

6.29.5.4

If burial is utilized, the provisions of 6.8.6.1 shall be required.

6.29.6.1

If water spray fixed systems and monitors are used, they shall comply with NFPA 15.

6.29.6.2

Where water spray fixed systems and monitors are used, they shall be automatically actuated by fire-responsive devices and shall also have a capability for manual actuation.

6.29.6.3

Where monitor nozzles are used, they shall be located and arranged so that all container surfaces that can be exposed to fire are wetted.

6.30.2.1

3 through 114 m3)

Where all the provisions of Section 6.30 are complied with, the minimum distances from important buildings and the line of adjoining property that can be built upon to underground and mounded ASME containers of 2001 gal through 30,000 gal (7.6 mthrough 114 m water capacity shall be reduced to 10 ft (3 m).

6.30.2.2

Distances for all underground and mounded ASME containers shall be measured from the container surface.

6.30.2.3

No part of an underground or mounded ASME container shall be less than 10 ft (3 m) from a building or line of adjoining property that can be built upon.

6.30.3.1

1/4 in. (32 mm) or larger shall be equipped with an

All liquid withdrawal openings and all vapor withdrawal openings that are 1in. (32 mm) or larger shall be equipped with an internal valve

6.30.3.2

The internal valves shall remain closed except during periods of operation.

6.30.3.3

Internal valves shall be equipped for remote closure and automatic shutoff through thermal (fire) actuation.

6.30.3.4

A positive manual shutoff valve shall be installed as close as practical to each internal valve

6.30.3.5

All liquid and vapor inlet openings shall be equipped in accordance with 6.30.3.1 through 6.30.3.4 or shall be equipped with a backflow check valve that is designed for the intended application and a positive manual shutoff valve installed as close as practical to the backflow check valve

6.30.4.3

1. A remote shutdown station shall be installed within 15 ft (4.6 m) of the point of transfer.
2. At least one additional remote shutdown station shall be installed not less than 25 ft (7.6 m), or more than 100 ft (30 m), from the transfer point.
3. Emergency remote shutdown stations shall be identified as such by a sign incorporating the words "Propane" and "Emergency Shutoff' in block letters not less than 2 in. (51 mm) in height on a background of contrasting color to the letters. The sign shall be visible from the point of transfer.

Remote shutdown capability, including power supply for the transfer equipment and all primary valves (internal and emergency shutoff), shall be provided.

6.30.5.1

The transfer distance requirements of Table 6.7.2.1 and 6.27.4.3 (1) shall be reduced by one-half where the installation is in accordance with 6.30.5

6.30.5.2

The transfer site shall be identified as " Low Emission Transfer Site" by having a sign or other marking posted in the area.

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