LPG Bulk Tank Installation (Above Ground)

To support the weight of the LPG bulk tank including the gas contents, a load bearing base is required.

It is important to ensure that the base is adequately sized for the appropriate tank and suitably constructed to ensure stability and correct functioning of the tank valves and fittings.

Where an LPG bulk tank is to be delivered using a trolley, it is essential that the base surface is at ground level.

Construction requirements:

• Peg out the base dimension in accordance with the diagram below ensuring that the vessel separation distances have been achieved (see Tank Siting and Separation Distances).
• Excavate the ground and provide a consolidated hardcore base.
• Use a simple 4:2:1 sand: gravel: cement mix.
• Ensure that the base top surface is at ground level.
• Ensure the surface is level in both plains.
• Allow at least 7 days for the base to cure.

Dimensions for the Concrete Base

	Tank size	Length (a) x width (b) x depth (c)
	1 x 380 litre	1.7 x 0.65 x 0.15
	2 x 380 litre	1.7 x 2.3 x 0.15
	1 x 1200 litre	2.0 x 1.0 x .015
	2 x 1200 litre	2.0 x 3.0 x 0.15
	1 x 2000 litre	3.1 x 1.0 x 0.15
	2 x 2000 litre	3.1 x 3.0 x 0.15
	1 x 3400 litre	3.8 x 1.2 x .015
	2 x 3400 litre	3.8 x 3.4 x 0.15

The supply pipework should be designed by a Calor specialist to ensure it provides an adequate supply of gas and that it conforms to the relevant standards.

The service pipework between the LPG bulk tank and the building should be installed in a trench, ensuring the route for the pipe is as short and direct as possible. The pipework should not be installed above ground, inside any building, or under the footings of a building.

The contractor installing the LPG bulk tank will normally lay the underground gas pipe that runs
from the tank to your house. The pipe will be laid along a prepared trench to the outside wall of your home where it will enter at about 600mm above ground level with a quick acting emergency control valve. Your central heating contractor will connect the pipe from this valve to the boiler and any other appliances.

When preparing the trench it should be a minimum of 600mm deep and the width of an ordinary garden spade. You should ensure that the bottom of the trench and the back fill are free of sharp stones / objects as these may damage the pipe. Extra protection may be necessary if the pipe runs below roadways or garden walls etc.

Brick, stone, non flammable wooden fencing, metal panels - these are all materials that might be considered for screening purposes around surface mounted LPG bulk tanks.

The proviso is, as always that there is unimpeded ventilation around the tanks, that weeds are kept down, that nothing obstructs the delivery tanker driver’s line of sight, and that nothing encroaches within one metre of the LPG bulk tanks.

Weeds, long grass, deciduous shrubs and trees and any combustible material should be removed from an area similar to the required separation distance.

These are:

• Tanks up to 2500 litres = 3 metres
• Tanks over 2500 litres = 6 metres

Note: Chemical weed killers (such as Sodium Chlorate) or any other method which might
provide a source of ignition should not be used in these areas.

Visual screening should be:

• located at least 1 metre from the vessel
• located on one side only
• either evergreen shrubs or non flammable ranch type fence
• it should not interfere with ventilation

Of all screening materials, however, nothing looks more natural than trees and shrubs. They’re not difficult to grow and cost less than bricks and mortar. The main consideration is to plan the selection carefully to allow for location conditions and the ultimate size of the plant. Ideally, the minimum of pruning should be required to ensure the one metre clearance for ventilation and access.

The purpose of a fire wall is to protect the LPG bulk tank from thermal radiation from a fire nearby and to ensure that there is an adequate dispersion distance to boundaries where the normal separation distance cannot be achieved.

Constructed from brick, concrete or solid masonry, the fire wall should be imperforate and not less than the height of the vessel.

Fire walls should not be placed on more than two sides of the LPG bulk tank and should be sited between 1m to 1.5m from the nearest point of the tank. In all cases, the natural ventilation should not be significantly impaired.

The construction of a fire wall aims to achieve at least 30 minutes of fire resistance.

It is important to consider the access for our delivery tanker, bearing in mind vehicle weight, height, width, the suitability of access roads and the length of the delivery hose. The driver must also be able to see the delivery tanker from the LPG bulk tank whilst filling.

You must not only consider the area around the premises where the LPG bulk tank may be sited, but also the route to and from the property. The fact that it is possible to drive a private car up to the site is no indication that a heavy commercial vehicle could safely negotiate the same route.

When looking at the road surface in good weather it is essential to consider what it may be like in wet or icy conditions. A nice dry country lane in summer can turn into a mud bath in wetter months.

Note: In the event that you are unable to make a clear judgment then you should contact the local distribution office for specialist consideration.