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Dear Valued Customer:
Gas Equipment Company is pleased to provide the SOLUTIONS e-Newsletter as a service to share useful & valuable information about the products & services we offer. And, PLEASE feel free to communicate with us to request additional information on featured products, articles, technical discussions and with recommended topics or questions you would like to see addressed in this forum.
Thank you for your patronage.
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In This Issue:
(NEW format designed to optimize for mobile viewing)
- FMCSA REVISED SAFETY ADVISORY: Emergency Discharge Control Equipment Installation on Cargo Tank Motor Vehicles Resulting in the Potential Loss of Vehicle Control
- RegO NEW A7794-50 & A7796-50 Repair Kits for Sight Flow Indicators
- ALGAS Second Sun Catalytic Tank Heaters
- Why Use Vaporizers? GEC is a Master Distributor of Algas & Ransome Vaporizers and products.
- TEMP & Commercial Heating Products Flyer
- Empire Space Heaters Flyer
- Jokes for the Month
- Training Curricula
- Virtual Warehouse - Online Ordering & Account Access
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REVISED SAFETY ADVISORY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration & Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Emergency Discharge Control Equipment Installation on Cargo Tank Motor Vehicles Resulting in the Potential Loss of Vehicle Control
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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in conjunction with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), is issuing this safety advisory to provide notice of emergency discharge control equipment connected to and installed on cargo tank motor vehicles, which when improperly installed, do not operate correctly and can result in total loss of power to the cargo tank motor vehicle. This revised safety advisory updates and replaces the previous advisory of the same title that was originally issued on November 25, 2015.
Investigations conducted by PHMSA and the Railroad Commission of Texas identified cargo tanks in metered service transporting liquefied compressed gas to have improperly installed emergency discharge control equipment. Use of the improperly installed devices has resulted in unintentional shut down of the motor vehicle while in motion, resulting in loss of motive power, steering and braking functions.
Such loss of power poses an inherent risk to the driver of the cargo tank motor vehicle, the general public, property, and the environment. To reduce the likelihood of incidents involving unintentional shut down of motor vehicles in motion, owners and operators of motor vehicles with these emergency discharge control equipment should inspect the devices to ensure that they are installed properly and do not shut off the vehicle(s) while in motion. If not, the device must be refitted, and then inspected and certified by a Registered Inspector.
Emergency discharge control equipment should be unique to a particular cargo tank's internal self-closing valve. Use of a system that can be operated by more than one wireless transmitter/receiver is not advisable. Additionally, activation of the emergency discharge equipment should not be able to shut off the motor vehicle while it is being driven. Emergency discharge control equipment on cargo tank motor vehicles in metered delivery service installed after July 1, 2001, must be installed under the supervision of a Registered Inspector. The Registered Inspector must certify that the remote control equipment is installed and tested in accordance with 49 CFR § 173.315(n)(3)(i) and the Registered Inspector must provide the certification to the owner of the cargo tank motor vehicle. An improperly installed device identified during required periodic annual inspections, must result in a failed inspection until the problem is corrected, and the device is properly inspected and certified.
It is recommended that motor carriers operating cargo tanks in liquefied petroleum gas service and cargo tank inspection facilities inspecting cargo tanks with emergency discharge control equipment conduct thorough inspections to ensure that the emergency discharge control equipment malfunction does not occur. Refer to the Hazardous Materials Regulations 49 CFR §§ 173.315(n)(3), 180.407(d)(2)(iv) and 180.405(m)(1) for detailed requirements.
For more information, or should you have a question concerning this Safety Advisory, please contact Paul Bomgardner, Chief, Hazardous Materials Division, at (202) 493-0027, or by email at paul.bomgardner@dot.gov.
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Product Information Bulletin
NEW Sight Flow Indicator Repair Kits
A7794-50 &
A7796-50
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The A7794-50 and A7796-50 Sight Flow Indicator repair kits contain the necessary parts to make updates or repairs as needed to these valves. The list of parts that make up these repair kits are shown below. The components of the two NEW kits include the following: QTY
| DESCRIPTION
| 1
| Cotter Pin
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2
| Gasket
| 2
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O-Ring
| 1
| Seat Disc
| 2
| Seat Screw
| 1
| Instruction Sheet
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ALGAS SECOND SUN
Catalytic Tank Heater
Do you have an application where you need additional vaporization capacity and don't want to add additional tanks or your application needs propane delivered at a pressure above what cold winters can provide. When your environment is unable to supply the required vaporization capacity you need, Second Sun™ a catalytic tank heater, is an ideal solution!
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Second Sun™ is a flameless catalytic tank heater designed to safely and efficiently augment natural vaporization in propane, LPG and anhydrous ammonia storage tanks.
How Does It Work?
The SECOND SUN is a propane tank heater that operates  based on tank pressure. The tank heater utilizes an adjustable operating pressure switch with a range of 55 psi − 100 psi. When the pressure in the storage tank falls below the operating switch set point the heater will cycle on providing heat (energy) into the liquid stored in the tank. When the pressure requirement is satisfied, the tank heater reverts to a standby mode.
An integral 12V DC heater is used to initially start the SECOND SUN. After being started, the power source is no longer required.
Second Sun is ideally suited for Hotels & Resorts, Small Factories, Restaurants, and Ag Market applications.
Applications
- Boost pressure in the LPG storage tank
- Increase tank vaporization
- Replace a liquid pump in a vaporizer application
- Boost pressure in a storage tank that has been overdrawn and refrigerated
The Heating Process
Catalytic heating is a flameless process that involves chemical reactions aided by a catalyst. The reactions occur on an electrically heated catalyst surface causing complex molecules to rearrange as simpler molecular structures. The primary byproduct of this catalytic process is heat. Second Sun emits this heat against the wetted surface of the tank as infrared waves similar to a radiant heater. This warm, low intensity heat mimics the energy from the sun. Since catalytic heating is flameless, Second Sun meets Class I, Division 2, Group D hazardous location requirements.
Operational Overview
Second Sun's typical application involves maintaining tank pressure, or equilibrium pressure, as vapor is extracted. Consequently, the unit's 'ON' cycle is activated based on storage tank pressure. As vapor is consumed or the ambient temperature drops, tank pressure is reduced. Second Sun is activated 'ON' when tank pressure falls below approximately 50 PSIG; Second Sun returns to standby when pressure is restored to 60 PSIG.
Second Sun requires no AC electricity!  Startup energy for the catalytic reaction (12VDC) is typically provided using "jumper cables" from a vehicle battery. After startup, sufficient voltage to operate the gas security valve is 'self-generated' by employing a physical phenomenon known as thermoelectric effect. This technique provides direct conversion of temperature differentials to electric voltage. The heater is comprised of an integrated "pilot" and "main" heater. The pilot heater starts the catalyzing process; the main heater provides operational heat. It could not be simpler!
 Two temperature switches integral to the Second Sun monitor the surface temperature of the storage tank at two different elevations. The temperature switch in the higher elevation position terminates gas flow to the main burner if tripped. If tripped, the heater returns to standby or 'pilot' mode. The lower positioned switch, when tripped, causes the Second Sun to completely shut OFF. Manual restart is required. As well, if the pilot heater temperature drops below the temperature necessary to catalyze the fuel, the Second Sun completely shuts OFF. Again, manual restart is required.
Why The SECOND SUN?
- No Flame − no source of ignition!
- Gas powered − utilizes propane vapor from the storage tank for operation of the heater and monitoring controls
- Catalytic Heater − low temperature radiant heat will not overheat or harm the tank surface
- Self-contained, off-grid operation
- 30,000 btu/hr input
- Adds 2.2 mm btu/hr of vaporization
- Equipped with safety controls for high pressure and high temperature
- High pressure safety switch monitors the pressure in the tank being heated
- Two high temperature switches monitor the temperature of the tank surface
- Designed to fit 41"-84" diameter tanks, 1,000 gallons and larger, up to 12,000 gallons
- Simple to install − 2 person install
- Easy to remove for tank and heater inspection
- Meets hazardous location requirements
- Can be used with Propane, Butane or anhydrous ammonia
Second Sun Specifications:
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Vaporization Type
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No Flame (Catalytic heater)
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1 Start-up Electrical
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DC (only for start-up)
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2 Operating Electrical
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Self-generated
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Electrical Class
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Hazardous Locations (Class I Division 2 Group D)
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Environmental Range
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-40° F to 120° F
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Fuel Type
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Propane, butane or any LPG blend
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Inlet Fuel Connection
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¼" NPT
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Max. Inlet Pressure
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Regulated: 10 - 11" wc;
Unregulated: 10 - 250 PSIG
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On/Off Activation
Factory Settings
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Via tank pressure (adjustable set point)
ON @ <50 PSIG;
OFF @ >60 PSIG
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MODEL SS-30
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MODEL SS-10
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Heat Input:
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30,000 BTU/h
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10,000 BTU/h
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3 Added Vaporization to Tank:
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2.2MMBTU/h @ -20°F
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0.5MMBTU/h @-20°F
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Mounts To:
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1,000-12,000 US Gal. Tanks
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250-3,900 US Gal. Tanks
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Tank Diameters:
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41" - 84"
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30" - 84"
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Unit Weight:
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125 lbs.
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25 lbs.
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Unit Dimensions:
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74"L x 19"W x 9" H
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35"L x 14"W x 9"H
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Shipping Weight:
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185 lbs.
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50 lbs.
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Shipping Dimensions:
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84"L x 24" W x 12" H
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42"L x 21"W x 12"H
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CLICK HERE to Learn More about the Second Sun: http://secondsun.us.com/
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Why Use a Vaporizer
Your LP-Gas cylinder or tank is filled with liquid propane, while your equipment burns vapor. How does this all work?
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Overview
LP-Gas (propane, butane, LPG) is transported and stored as a liquid under pressure. In order for your equipment to be able to use the propane in your storage vessel (cylinder or tank) it must undergo a phase change (vaporization) from liquid to vapor within the cylinder, before being combusted by your consuming equipment (BBQ, radiant heater, boiler, process burner, etc.). The rate of natural vaporization in your tank is essentially a function of two factors: 1) ambient temperature; 2) tank size and fill level ("wetted" tank surface area). Each piece of propane consuming equipment has its own requirements as to the amount of vapor that it needs to run properly.
Vaporization Requires Energy (Heat)
Propane, like water, is a "compound" with its own set of chemical properties. At atmospheric pressure, water, a substance that we are all very familiar with, boils -- that is to say goes through a phase change from liquid to vapor -- at 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius). Propane, on the other hand, as a result of its particular set of chemical properties, boils at -44 degrees Fahrenheit (-42 degrees Celsius). Therefore, as long as your propane tank is stored in an area that is at least -44 degrees F. (at sea level), the propane in your tank is undergoing phase change, and the pressure will be great enough to give off at least some vapor pressure.
Now, to complicate things, the phase change of propane, just like that of water, involves the transfer of energy. You cannot boil water without an outside source of heat from, say, the burner on your stove. Further, the more energy applied (the hotter the burner), the faster your water is boiled, and the faster it is expelled into the atmosphere as vapor. Similarly, with propane, a warmer ambient temperature (above -44 F) results in a higher rate of vaporization and greater vapor pressure, allowing you to draw more vapor off the top of your cylinder. Based upon this discussion, it should be fairly evident that ambient temperature has a direct effect on the ability to run your equipment. If your equipment is asking for more vapor pressure than can be provided naturally by ambient heat, it may shut down (or merely provide less heat than you require). Tank Size and Fill Level--the "Wetted" Surface of the Tank Now that we have briefly discussed the direct effect of temperature (energy) on vaporization, lets now turn to the effects of tank size and fill level. Let's continue with the water analogy. Say you have two pots of boiling water, one 2 quarts and another 2 gallons. The 2 gallon pot is going to give off more vapor than the 2 quart pot, so long as the heat being applied is held constant. The same is true for propane--the larger and fuller a tank is (the more "wetted" surface it has), the more heat transfer surface area, and the more vapor it is going to give off. These two factors, heat and heat transfer area (tank size and fill level), directly affect the natural vaporization rate of the propane in your tank. It should be fairly easy to see that if you are relying purely on natural vaporization in order to run your equipment, you are at the mercy of these two factors. Warning Signs If you've ever seen a layer of frost form on your propane tank or bottle, you have seen first-hand the limits of natural vaporization. Seeing frost on your tank means that the rate of heat being transferred into the tank to the liquid propane is less than the energy being used to actually convert the liquid to vapor, which results in a pressure reduction thus creating a refrigeration effect. This refrigeration effect continually reduces the rate of vaporization by forming an insulating frost layer on the tank, further causing a loss of vapor pressure. This can have a devastating effect on your ability to run your equipment.
If you notice that your propane consuming equipment isn't giving off quite as much heat as it should, you should also suspect insufficient natural vaporization--quite simply, the pressure of the vapor reaching the burner has decreased below that which is required for optimal heat output.
Increasing Vaporization If the rate of natural vaporization is a function of two factors--ambient temperature and wetted tank surface--as discussed above, the question becomes: how do you increase your rate of natural vaporization. Unfortunately, you can't control the outside temperature, so what does that leave you with? Wetted surface area. Simply put, in order to increase your wetted surface area you can either 1) increase your tank size (or add more tanks) or 2) ensure that your tank is always "full." There are unfortunately, numerous problems associated with these solutions: - At temperatures near the saturation point corresponding to zero pressure, no additional amount of wetted surface area will help. Only a vaporizer will help.
- The high cost of additional storage tanks to achieve larger vaporization capacities.
- Higher costs associated with more frequent refills in order to maintain sufficient wetted surface in tank.
- The cost of land necessary to install additional storage tanks.
- Codes or laws may limit storage capacity in given areas.
In essence, while natural vaporization is often adequate for domestic and light commercial applications, it is typically inadequate for commercial and industrial needs. Larger LPG consuming equipment often requires more vapor than natural vaporization can provide. An Alternate Solution An alternate solution to natural vaporization is the addition of artificial heat by using a vaporizer.
What is a Vaporizer? - A Vaporizer is essentially a boiler that does not build pressure.
- LPG enters the vaporizer as a liquid and exits as a gas.
- Vaporizers are an integral component in a variety of LPG and propane systems, and are suitable for any number of applications.
- Vaporizers do not build additional pressure, but provide protection against the refrigeration affect that causes frosting and loss of pressure.
Based upon the above information, there are several key benefits associated with using a vaporizer: - Propane retailers benefit from being able to make less frequent, larger volume fills.
- Using a vaporizer eliminates re-condensation of vapor in the supply lines that can create a hazardous situation.
- Eliminates tank "freeze-ups" that result in production losses or delays.
- Vaporizers allow you to utilize 100% of the LP-Gas in your tank/cylinder, decreasing delivery frequency and overall costs.
- Eliminates heavy ends accumulations in tanks.
- Provides a constant supply of vapor at temperatures down to -40 degrees Celsius.
- Eliminates distillation of LPG when vaporizing Propane/Butane mixes.
- Allows you to significantly increase the capacity of your system without adding additional tanks.
While this discussion refers solely to "propane" it is important to point out that LPG mixtures are generally a combination of both propane and butane and vary widely depending on region, source, and other uses. Butane, having its own set of chemical properties, requires a higher temperature to maintain the same pressure (boils at approx 17 F versus -44 F for propane), and therefore when mixed with propane, reduces the rate of natural vaporization and pressure within a container.
Gas Equipment Company is a Master Distributor of both Algas & Ransome vaporizer products. Contact one of our Branch Locations or Sales Representatives for support in sizing an appropriate vaporizer for your vapor service systems.
Click the Logos below for More Information on Specific Products
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TEMP & Commercial Heat Flyer
$pecials on TEMP & Commercial Heating Products
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EMPIRE Heater Flyer
Space Heaters: American-made & Economical Imported
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For your Winter HEATER needs, choose from Empire's Premium American-made SR-Radiant & BF-Blue Flame heaters or if Budget is a primary concern, select the Economical Empire HearthRite Radiant & Blue Flame heaters.
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One night a Viking named Rudolf the Red was looking out the window when he said, "It's going to rain!"
His wife asked, "How do you know?"
"Because Rudolf the Red knows rain, dear."
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There are four ages in the life of man:
- First he believes in Santa Claus;
- Then he no longer believes in Santa Claus;
- Then he is Santa Claus;
- Finally he gets to the point where he looks like Santa Claus.
-----------------------------------------------
I am reluctant to publish this one (CYA); but it was submitted by an anonymous contributor
Q: Why is Christmas like a day at the office?
A: Because you do all the work, and the fat guy in the suit gets all the credit.
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GEC Training Curricula Listing & GEC YouTube TV
Click for a PDF of GEC Training Curricula listing
The GEC YouTube channel will be
used to post useful how-to,
introductory, product, and training videos.
The GEC YouTube channel can be
accessed by clicking on the link below:
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SAVE with Internet Specials when you login to our online
warehouse!
Online Specials are changed regularly, check back
periodically for new offerings!
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ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS REGISTER FOR A WEB ORDER ENTRY (WOE) ACCOUNT WITH GEC*. You'll be issued a confidential user I.D. and password that will allow you to order on your schedule.
Click "Register for Online Ordering" to get started.
*All registrants must have a current account with GEC in good standing before the WOE account can be activated.
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For a copy of the Solutions reference guide introducing our CLICK, SEARCH, BUY, MANAGE edition of our virtual Warehouse -e mail your request to e-newsletter@gasequipment.com or CLICK HERE.
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Sincerely,
Solutions e-Newsletter
Gas Equipment Co., Inc.
For Specific Product or Service Questions please contact one or our Customer Service Warehouses below:
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Atlanta, GA
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(800) 241-4155
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Dallas, TX
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(800) 821-1829
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Fayetteville, NC
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(800) 447-1625
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Houston, TX
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(800) 334-7816
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Indianapolis, IN
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(800) 241-1971
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Kansas City, MO
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(800) 821-5062
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Little Rock, AR
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(800) 643-8222
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Orlando, FL
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(800) 821-0631
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Richmond, VA
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(800) 368-4013
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St. Louis, MO
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(800) 423-4685
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