What is a gas holder? Gas tank as an alternative to centralized heating

Autonomous system gasification today is an excellent solution for every owner country house... It should be noted that in such a system, the gas holder is considered the central element. Therefore, the portal will tell you about what gas tanks are for a country house. It is also worth giving detailed prices for these devices.

What is a gas tank

A gasholder is a special tank designed for storing liquefied gas. The gasholder tanks can have different volumes. For example, the minimum volume of this container can be 2500 liters. and the maximum volume can be 20,000 liters. Gas holders can be produced in vertical or horizontal position. These devices can be installed above ground or underground.

How to choose a gas tank

The choice of a gas tank must be taken with great responsibility. There are several important characteristics to keep in mind here.

• So, first of all, experts recommend paying attention to the power of the boiler, which is installed in a private house.
• It is recommended to pay attention to the duration of the heating season.
• When choosing this device, it is also necessary to take into account the gas consumption.
• To install the device, you will need a lot of free space on the land. Therefore, it is also important to pay attention to this criterion.
• The gas tank must be a reliable device that will not be afraid of the effects of temperature extremes and other weather phenomena.

A large number of models of such special devices can be seen on the market today. And thanks to the technical characteristics, gas tanks can be freely used even at negative temperatures. Indeed, all manufacturers of such devices guarantee that these tanks will function well even if it is -45 or +50 degrees outside. As for the service life, in this case it is 30 years.

Which design to choose

Above we have already reported about what gas tanks are. Now we are talking about how to choose such devices. Let's continue our conversation about choosing these devices. If you are planning to buy a reliable gas tank, then you should pay attention to the tanks, which are equipped with an increased long neck. It turns out that if the tank has such a structure, then it can be located in the ground at a depth below the freezing zone. If you purchase such a tank, then you will be able to avoid increased operating costs. Also, when installing such a device, you do not have to additionally install a liquid fuel evaporator.

If you are the owner of an autonomous gas system, then the horizontal version of the device will be the ideal option. Such a device has a large evaporation area, which contributes to the achievement of the highest efficiency factor even at severe negative temperatures.

How to choose the optimal capacity

In order to choose a suitable gas tank, you need to make calculations. Usually, such work is carried out by specialists who, at the planning stage of an autonomous gas system, carry out some calculations.

However, these calculations can be performed independently. But in this case, you need to proceed from the total area of \u200b\u200bthe heated surface. It is worth saying that the average heating values \u200b\u200bof 1 meter are approximately 30 liters of the gas mixture. It follows that for normal heating of a house, which has an area of \u200b\u200b200 meters, a gas tank is suitable, which has a capacity of 9000 liters.

Specificity of the gas holder device

Each gas tank model has a description. In the description you can see the concept - stiffeners. You should pay great attention to this feature. It turns out that this quality contributes to the achievement of a high level of mechanical strength. If you do not know how to choose a gas holder, then when buying, you need to pay attention to models that have a hatch in the neck cover. Remember that if you choose such a tank, then you can save on the performance of this device.

A gas holder is a device that needs periodic cleaning every 10 years. Cleaning will help rid the inner surface of the gas tank from paraffin and condensate deposits. If you purchase a device without a hatch, then for cleaning you will have to take the device out of operation and completely dismantle it during cleaning.

How to install a gas tank

After purchasing a gas tank, you need to dig a pit for its further installation on your site. It must be said that all actions must be reflected in the project papers.

As soon as the pit is dug, its bottom must be well leveled.

Then, at the bottom of the pit, it is worth mounting a concrete-cement base, which will correspond to the size of the purchased gas tank. When installing the gas tank, you need to pay attention to its fastening. It is important that the device is securely attached to the nodes that are on the gas tank itself.

Models that are equipped with support trusses provide excellent structural integrity. And this is very important in unforeseen circumstances and with increased loads.

Gas tank cost

The prices for such devices are determined by several factors. So, the cost is influenced by:

• capacity and volume,
• sizes,
• gasholder neck design.

Gas holders, simpler in design, have a low price. Usually inexpensive models have a relatively small volume. In addition, such models do not have an elongated neck and a special hatch. Such models are designed for warm climates. Such models are usually mounted on the ground.

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• We equip the water supply of a private house from a well ...

A gas holder is an important part of an autonomous gas system of any residential suburban area... This is the best alternative that work or. At the present time, when utility rates are constantly growing, the use of such devices in private houses is not uncommon.

The gas holder helps to economically and for a long time provide the house with heat, hot water and gas, regardless of the prices for housing and communal services, and also makes it possible to generate its own electricity.

What is a gas tank

The gas holder is a vessel containing liquefied natural gas, consisting mainly of methane, butane, a mixture of propane and butane. Its volume is calculated based on gas consumption for the entire season.

It has been found that the average volume of gas consumed by a residential building with an area of \u200b\u200bup to 200 square meters is 20 liters per square meter. From this, we can calculate that the volume of gas required for heating during the entire winter season (6 months) will be 4000 liters.

Device

The gasholder vessel can be made of steel or reinforced concrete. According to the principle of gas storage, all gasholders are divided into tanks with constant and variable volumes. A vessel of variable volume contains a vertical cylinder with water inside, in the lower part of which there is a bell. As the gas decreases from the container, the bell in the cylinder goes down, while creating a constant pressure required to supply the entire gas system.

Previously, such gas tanks were used not so much for long-term gas supply as for maintaining constant pressure. Now they are gradually going out of use, however, some continue to work in large enterprises. For example, a variable volume gas tank is still in operation at the domestic chemical enterprise Kazanorgsintez, as well as at the Obvodny Canal in St. Petersburg.

Unlike the gas tanks described above, which contained gas with a pressure slightly higher than atmospheric pressure, modern gas storage facilities of constant volume can withstand pressures up to 18 atmospheres. Modern technologies make it possible to create strong alloys that can withstand enormous loads, an environment of liquefied propane, as well as to fully control gas pressure. All modern gas tanks have a constant volume.

Principle of operation

The work of an autonomous gas system is similar to the usual one. The main difference is the gas supply and piping. Evaporating, the mixture of propane-butane fraction enters the reactor, where it acquires the required pressure. Further, the gas is distributed along the junction of the gas pipeline to the fuel consumer.

The frequency of refueling the gas tank depends on the degree of gas consumption and the volume of the gas storage. When correct selection the volume of the gas tank must be sufficient for at least one year. Liquefied gas can be stored in a container for a long time without changing its composition and quality. To install a gas tank, it is necessary to take into account the distance to residential buildings. The main condition for the correct location of the container is the availability of free space in front of the house or cottage.

Note: according to safety requirements, the minimum distance from the gas tank to any building must be at least 10 meters.

Varieties

By location in space, all gasholders are classified into:

• ground;
• underground.

Due to the harsh Russian climate, gas storage facilities are rarely located above ground. The underground version of the location provides good evaporation of liquid gas without the use of additional evaporation devices, even in the cold season due to weak soil freezing at depth. The gas tank must be buried at a depth of at least 60 centimeters from the surface of the earth.

The gas tank should be installed by a manipulator crane on a specially prepared concrete slab. Each vessel must be covered with a special protective coating against galvanic corrosion. In the lowest section of the gas pipe going from the tank to the house, there should be a condensate trap that collects the liquid that is formed when the gas evaporates.

By design type, all gas tanks can be divided into:

• vertical;
• horizontal;
• mobile (mobile).

Vessels lying vertically in the ground have a much smaller evaporation area than horizontal vessels. This explains the widespread use of horizontal gas tanks. In some cases, vertical gas holders are installed in pairs to increase the evaporation surface.

Mobile gas storages stand separately among all gas tanks. Mobile gas tank - a small gas tank (its volume is usually 500 liters), equipped with a heating system. It is convenient to refuel such a container and can always be delivered to any place not equipped with a gas system.

Advantages and disadvantages

Despite the obvious advantages of this type of gas supply, gas tanks have their own disadvantages, which also need to be paid attention to, namely:

1. The price of the tank itself and its installation is quite high.
2. Due to the small distribution of such installations throughout the country, it is rather difficult to find a company that will correctly install and correctly service it.
3. When buying a used gas tank, the probability of its malfunction increases significantly, which is unacceptable, given that it will be located in the middle of the residential sector.
4. It is not always possible to install a gas tank in accordance with safety requirements.

Before purchasing a gas tank, be sure to weigh all the pros and cons of using it. You also need to take a very responsible approach to the choice of an installation and service organization and make sure that the gas tank is installed in full compliance with safety requirements.

Gas / Autonomous gasification

For heating a house, a summer residence, a cottage with liquefied gas, special tanks (tanks) are used - gas tanks, which are installed on your site, at a distance of ten meters from the house. A small mini-gas pipeline runs from the gas tank to your boiler equipment, from which heat and hot water is supplied throughout the house, summer cottage, cottage. Approximately 1-3 times a year the gas tank is filled with liquefied gas from a tanker truck.

Why install

There are many reasons why consumers start using a gas tank. Usually this:

• lack of natural gas near pipelines
• high cost of connection to the main gas pipeline
• low pressure of natural gas in the gas pipeline. In the Moscow region, according to experts, the pressure in gas pipelines often fluctuates in the range of 8-22 millibars. The reason is the abundance of unauthorized connections. The requirements of most gas boilers: there must be a certain pressure in the pipe all the time, at least 35 millibars. Otherwise, as experts note, not the entire boiler is blown, but half, due to the temperature difference, cracks appear on its walls

Fuel price

Autonomous gas supply uses a liquefied mixture of propane and butane - liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) - a universal synthetic gas obtained from associated petroleum gas or during oil refining, i.e. in fact, for most manufacturers it is a by-product. In Russia, no more than 40% of associated gas is processed into feedstock for petrochemistry and into liquefied propane-butane, another 40% is burned without any processing at the state district power station, and the remaining 20% \u200b\u200bis burned at the fields in open flares. Officially, oil companies destroy 4 billion cubic meters of associated gas per year in this way.

The price ratio varies from year to year, but, as a rule, the price of liquefied gas is 30-45% cheaper than diesel fuel. Synthetic gas is 2.5-3 times more expensive than natural gas (methane) transported through the pipelines. This is not for long, experts say. Methane will rise in price: the government intends to release prices from 2010.

In May 2005, Gazgolder.ru conducted a study on the cost of various types of fuel:

Diesel fuel

Specific heat of combustion of diesel fuel 42 mJ / kg; or, taking into account the density of 40 mJ / liter; Taking into account the efficiency of the boiler using diesel fuel (89%), we get that when burning 1 liter, we get 35.6 mJ of energy, or in more usual units, 9.9 kWh.

The cost of 1 liter of diesel fuel is 14 rubles 40k.

The cost of 1 kW * h of energy is 1 rub. 45 kopecks.

Natural gas

The composition of the main natural gas depends on the field or the composition of the mixture of gases from different fields. The average value of the net calorific value of natural gas Qн \u003d 31–40 mJ / m3. The specific heat of combustion of methane is 34 mJ / m3, taking into account the efficiency of a gas boiler (92%), we have 31.3 mJ / m3 or 8.7 kW * h.

The cost of 1 cubic meter m. of natural gas for a private trader 1r.50k.

The cost of 1 kW * h of energy is 0.17 rubles.

Propane-butane mixture, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for gas tanks

The specific heat of combustion of a propane mixture is 103 mJ / m3 or, taking into account the density of 46 mJ / liter, taking into account the efficiency of a gas boiler, we get that when burning 1 liter we will get 42.3 mJ of energy, or in more conventional units - 11.8 kWh ...

The cost of 1 liter of LPG is 9 rubles.

The cost of 1 kW * h of energy is 0 rubles 64k.

Electricity

The cost of 1 kW * h of energy for a private trader is 1r.50k.

Fuel type Price of 1 kWh of energy

Diesel 1.45 rubles

Natural gas (for private traders) 0.17 rubles.

Fuel for gas tanks 0.76 rubles

Electricity (for a private owner) 1.50 rubles.

Manufacturers

There are not too many gasholder manufacturers on the Russian market yet: these are the Nizhny Novgorod company Faskimmash, several Italian, Czech and Polish firms.

Installation technology

We dig a trench, put in it foundation slab, on it - capacity. All this is rigidly connected, a gas pipeline is laid, a pressure reduction unit is placed on the container, which equalizes the pressure. The gas tank and pipes are covered with sand, on the surface (5-7 cm above the ground) - only the manhole cover. According to the standards, the gas tank should be removed 10 meters from residential buildings, 8 meters from non-residential buildings, 2 meters from fences, wells and wells.

How to choose

When choosing the volume of the gas tank, you need to start from the area of \u200b\u200bthe house. For example, for a house with an area of \u200b\u200b300 sq. m need 6.4 thousand liters, for an area up to 150 m2 - 4600 (or 4850) liters. The volume of the reservoirs ranges from 2,000 to 10,000 liters.

Equipment price

Directly related to the volume of the gas tank and its manufacturer. An apparatus of 6.4 thousand liters costs about 360 thousand rubles. (the price includes a pit, 10 meters of underground gas pipeline and 5 meters of pipes inside the house, installation, delivery and documents). A 10-cubic meter capacity costs 450 thousand rubles. Antonio Merloni has one of the cheapest offers - € 5.84 thousand for a capacity of 4.5 thousand liters with pipes, delivery, installation and insurance.

Evgeny Sedov

When your hands grow from the right place, life is more fun :)

29 Mar 2017

Content

As an alternative to solid fuel boilers and heating devices for autonomous heating you can buy a gas tank for a private house, which is a vessel with liquefied gas. Reviews of such a unit are positive, and they use it for private and suburban households.

What is a gas tank

In fact, this is a container for gas, which is necessary for heating rooms of various sizes. However, the functions of the gas tank are not limited to this; in addition, it is always hot water and electricity generation in the house. If the owner of a summer cottage or a private house acquires a gas tank, he is able to immediately solve a number of urgent problems for himself. Capacitive gas is cheap, and its production provides up to 20 square meters of heat to the premises. Turnkey autonomous gasification of a private house is considered to be a particularly demanded service.

Gas tank device

The container filled with gas has different sizesconditioned by the individual needs of consumers. The gasholder device can be filled with propane, butane or methane, which is determined by the pricing policy. Having used up the gas tank during the heating season, it must be additionally refilled, so that the cylinder itself is designed for repeated use.

As for the design features, the gas tank itself for the house can be made of steel and reinforced concrete with variable or constant volume. In the first case, we are talking about the presence of a vertical cylinder with water and a bell located in the lower part. However, in the modern world, they come to the conclusion that such models are morally outdated and become uncompetitive. In practice, constant volume structures are encouraged.

The principle of operation of the gas tank

Before heating a cottage or a residential cottage, it is recommended to figure out how gas tanks work for a country house. It is important to ensure not only the serviceability and correct installation of the structure itself, but also its safe functionality, according to technical documentation... Installing a gas tank is a job that should be done by specialists in their field, not a private person.

The main operating principle of the gas tank is as follows: after evaporation, the propane-butane fraction enters the reactor, where it receives sufficient pressure for further redistribution along the gas pipeline junction to the consumer. If you correctly calculate the area and buy a suitable gas tank, its contents should be enough for a year of regular heating of residential premises without additional refueling.

Requirements for installing a gas tank

Unknowingly, gas tanks for a private house can be perceived as a classic version of gas storage. In reality, this is a complex system necessary for converting gas into fuel, required for the operation of household appliances, space heating. When installing such an alternative to a double-circuit boiler, the following rules and concepts should be taken into account:

• the distance from the gas tank to the residential building is at least 10 m, to the buried foundation - at least 2 m;
• the area for the installation of the structure must be flat;
• after filling the reservoir, it is forbidden to concretize, plant;
• location on the site, the distance to the fence is not standardized;
• to install a gas tank, a permit and admission for underground works is required.
• the installation of the gas tank is carried out by knowledgeable specialists;
• calculation of the volume of the tank based on the dimensions of the heated area.

Pros and cons of a gas tank

This is a significant step that the homeowner should carefully consider, consult with knowledgeable people. If autonomous gas supply of a private house is chosen, it is required to determine the advantages and disadvantages of operating such modern equipment... Studying the pros and cons of the gas tank, it is recommended to start with the positive points that are relevant to all potential buyers. The main advantages are as follows:

• provision of electricity, heat and hot water;
• a mobile station that can be serviced without problems;
• long service life;
• turnkey gas tank with self-sufficiency in 2-3 years;
• safety for humans;
• the possibility of obtaining a loan or an installment plan from a manufacturer;
• delivery, quality guarantee from the manufacturer.

Before installing a gas tank of one of the modifications, you need to additionally familiarize yourself with the main disadvantages of such an undertaking. It:

• high cost of the gas tank, additional payment for construction installation services;
• difficulties in finding a respectable and professional specialist for installation and installation;
• risk of installation in the cut of technical documentation, previously approved project.

Ground gas tank

Due to the harsh climate (natural features of the soil, land), models of a surface gas tank have become especially popular, which prevail in a large assortment on the domestic market. Even used equipment, but suitable for further work as intended, is being put up for sale. Photos of such models can be found on the thematic sites of the network. Below there are several gas tanks that are especially in demand among the masses. These are the following products of Faskimmash:

• model name - gas tanks FAS 4,6 (Russia);
• price - 100,000 rubles;
• characteristics - tank volume 4.6 m3, 30 years service life, epoxy coating, german technology, original components;
• pluses - a modern model for all occasions at the best price;
• cons - the cost of equipment is not available to everyone for household needs.

Here is a competing party, whose products are no less in demand in the domestic market:

• model name - Sity-Gas 4850 (Bulgaria);
• price - 330,000 rubles;
• characteristics - 4850 l, horizontal version, operating temperature varies from -40 to + 40 ° C, corrosion protection;
• pluses - long service life, manufacturer's warranty, good work - up to 20 years.
• cons - high price.

• model name - Deltagaz 2700 (Czech project);
• price - 300,000 rubles;
• characteristics - horizontal version, aboveground and underground installation is possible, volume - 2700 l, permissible temperature regime - from –20 to + 40º С;
• pluses - modern model, high-quality material, protection against corrosion, service life - up to 30 years;
• cons - high price with installation.

Mini gas tanks

To reduce the service area of \u200b\u200bsuch an installation, mini-gasholders were specially developed, which have slightly different dimensions, but are in no way inferior to their "competitors" in terms of functionality, serviceability, and service life. Such a structure is appropriate for small personal plots. You can buy a gas tank for a summer residence at an inexpensive price, and if necessary, sell it - the demand does not reduce. Here's a list of favorites:

• model name - CITI GAS 2700 (Bulgaria);
• price - 150,000-220,000 rubles;
• characteristics - horizontal design, operating temperature varies from -40 to + 40 ° C, epoxy layer, protection against metal damage;
• pluses - compact, convenient in everyday use, ideal for small household plots private house;
• cons - absent.

Here is the second modern gas tank for a compact house, no less effective, reliable and popular among the masses:

• model name - GT7 RPG-6.5 (Russia);
• price - 200,000 rubles;
• characteristics - 6.5 cubic meters, tank material - steel, quality assurance - up to 30 years;
• pluses - remote location, trunk networks, the presence of a pressure regulator, compact dimensions;
• cons - absent.

The third model of mini-gas tanks belongs to the same brand, however, it has distinctive parameters:

• model name - GT7 RPG-3 (Russia);
• price - 145,000 rubles;
• characteristics - volume - 3 cubes, vessel material - steel, quality assurance from the manufacturer, service life - up to 30 years;
• pluses - reliable and high-quality products for a private house from a domestic manufacturer, compact dimensions;
• cons - high price.

Vertical gas tanks

Such structures are often intended for underground installation, so you will have to order additionally excavation... Vertical gas tanks are more compact, which is especially important in private houses with a small adjoining territory. Gas for refueling is taken from an imported one, so the structure must be accessible, but it is advisable to choose a security facility. Here are the best gas tanks in a given design:

• model name - Chemet 5 (Poland);
• price - 350,000-430,000 rubles;
• characteristics - different tank capacities, steel vessel, volume - 4850 l, underground, horizontal version;
• pluses - long-term operation even when melt and waste water gets into the ground, innovative technologies, quality assurance;
• cons - high price.

Here is another gas tank for private households, which is recommended to pay special attention to, if necessary, to heat a cottage, a summer cottage:

• model name - Antonio Merloni 2250 (Italy);
• price - 120,000 rubles (the price does not include installation);
• characteristics - 2250 liters, vertical design for underground installation, the presence of a protective bag made of polymeric materials, protection against static stress and groundwater;
• pluses - reliable replacement of the boiler, which will not be so expensive, buyers are pleased with the duration of operation.
• cons - absent.

• model name - AvtonomGaz (Russia);
• price - up to 150,000 rubles;
• characteristics - the presence of a protective layer of the tank, a huge range of models in catalogs, several parameters of the tank volume;
• pluses - a gas tank with excellent characteristics for household needs at an affordable price from a domestic manufacturer;
• there are no cons.

Horizontal gas tanks

Such a progressive model can replace a gas boiler, it turns out cheaper and more profitable. The room is kept warm and the fuel consumption is minimal. Horizontal gas tanks are produced by domestic and foreign companies, if desired, you can buy products you like and suitable in terms of parameters in the online store. It is desirable to pay attention to such gas tanks for home or private households:

• model name - VPS 4850;
• price - 300,000 rubles;
• characteristics - use of sheet steel, a container with a volume of 4850 liters, the presence of an epoxy protective layer in the container, horizontal position of the tank, underground installation;
• pluses - service life reaches 30 years, protection of metal from destruction, temperature regime - from -40 to + 40 ° C;
• cons - the high cost of a gas tank, installation for a private house.

A competitor is such a gas tank for the home:

• model name - Fas 6.5 (Russia);
• price - 100,000 rubles;
• characteristics - the tank is covered with a two-component polymer, horizontal type, underground installation, 6.5 cubic meter tank;
• pluses - solid products of a domestic manufacturer, ideal for installation on the territory of a private house;
• cons - absent.

Another worthy option for a private house:

• name - Antonio Merloni 100 (Italy);
• price - 100,000 rubles;
• characteristics - capacity for 100 cubic meters, protective epoxy layer of the tank, underground installation;
• pluses - an affordable budget option for a private house;
• cons - absent.

How to choose a gas tank for a private house

The choice is not easy, especially since the price of the issue bites. Before ordering a gas tank, it is recommended to contact a specialist and agree on the main criteria for the upcoming purchase. This is important, otherwise, with the return of products, there is a lot of trouble and unnecessary waste of nerves and free time. It is important to agree with the tank installers what is necessary, which item from the catalog to give your preference. It is important to know the following selection conditions:

1. Determine the area of \u200b\u200ba private house and calculate the required volume of gas tank for the entire heating season.
2. Conditionally outline the territory of a private house, where the specified structure will be installed in the future.
3. To install, use the help of professionals, otherwise in inept hands a private house "Fly into the air."

If earlier cylinders with a capacity of 40-60 liters were used to supply gas to a house located far from the central highway, today it is possible to connect a gas tank with a capacity of 500 liters or more to the building. This storage is a station that converts liquefied gas into fuel that can be used to operate heating devices, water heaters and stoves.

A constant volume gas tank is a tank with a constant capacity, regardless of the created gas pressure. One refueling is enough to supply the house with fuel during the whole heating season.

The principle of operation of the gas tank

The principle of operation of the gas tank is based on the ability of liquefied gas to evaporate from the surface. The task of the station is to create optimal conditions for the most efficient evaporation. For this and other purposes, the gasholder device includes several important units and parts.

The principle of operation of the gas tank is as follows:

1. Liquefied gas is poured into the container. The design of the gas tank is made in such a way that LPG forms a "mirror lake" - a surface of sufficient size to ensure unhindered gas evaporation.
2. The evaporated substance is directed to the manifold to create a constant pressure in the gas pipeline.
3. From the collector, the fuel is directed to the dwelling, passing through a condensate collector and a basement inlet located in the building.

The efficiency and safety of the station is influenced by the correct installation and connection, taking into account the principle of operation of the gas tank.

What types are gas tanks

Companies providing services for the installation and connection of gas tanks offer several installations that differ in configuration, size, principle of operation and other features. Since the "last word" in the choice of equipment remains with the owner of the house, before buying, you must carefully familiarize yourself with the entire range of offered equipment.

The consumer is offered:

1. Stations of horizontal and vertical type.
2. Mobile gas tanks.
3. Used tanks.

Horizontal tanks

If autonomous gasification of a large house (over 200 m²) or a whole cottage village is required, horizontal tanks are chosen. The horizontal design ensures stable and high performance. Propane, poured into the container, forms a "lake", the area of \u200b\u200bwhich is sufficient for gas evaporation in the required volume.

In most cases, horizontal stations are installed directly into the ground. Gas tank filling is enough for the entire heating season. For better performance, the capacity is refilled to no more than 85%. To prevent a decrease in gas pressure, due to a decrease in the volume of fuel as it depletes, special evaporators are installed in the tank.

Vertical tanks

Vertical gas tanks are popular with owners small houses, as well as the adjacent territory, insufficient for the installation of a horizontal station. Ball tanks installed above the ground are popular.

A spherical gas tank of underground and surface type has a significant drawback. After installation in the ground, a certain part of the tank or the entire station is located above the freezing point of the ground, which affects the efficiency and rate of gas evaporation. It is also impossible to create a "mirror" of sufficient area in a vertical container to ensure stable gas pressure. They solve this problem by installing several tanks at once, with evaporators and fuel heaters placed in them.

Russian-made vertical gas tanks are better adapted to the conditions of harsh domestic winters than foreign counterparts.

Mobile gas tanks on a trailer

Gas tank on wheels - optimal solution for those who are not ready to spend a lot of money on the installation of a stationary station. The mobile tank has several advantages, including:

• The ability to quickly move the gas tank to any place.
• Large capacity - the maximum volume of the station is 500 liters.
• Quick connection - it takes 10-15 minutes to connect to the gas supply system of the house.
• Profitability - for refueling, you can use any gas station with the maximum acceptable cost of liquefied gas, which reduces fuel costs by 10-15%.
• Convenient control - LED indicators indicate the degree of fullness of the tank, pressure in the gas tank.
• No installation costs - connection is done independently.

The set of the mobile station includes all the equipment necessary for operation. The built-in reducer installed on the gas holder maintains a stable pressure and prevents pressure drops, which have a detrimental effect on the installations connected to the gas pipeline (columns, stoves, boilers, etc.)

Used gas tanks

The installation of a gas tank on the territory next to a residential building costs an average of 170-250 thousand rubles, taking into account the turnkey installation. It is not surprising that used containers are very popular. The cost for such stations is about 30-40% cheaper.

But there are certain risks when purchasing and installing used equipment.

1. Failure to carry out installation in accordance with existing regulations.
2. Short service life.
3. The commissioning of an underground gas tank will require preliminary treatment of the body with anti-corrosion compounds.

The main problem in purchasing a used gas tank is that over time, the steel structure of the station corrodes, which reduces the resistance of the walls and the ability to withstand internal pressure.

Which gas tank is better to choose

Judging by the sales statistics, the domestic consumer is mainly faced with the choice of a vertical or horizontal gas tank, new or used. Mobile installations are purchased much less frequently than stationary ones.

There are several deciding factors to consider before buying:

• Site area - SNIP for the installation of a gas holder requires that stationary tanks be mounted no closer than 10 m from a residential building, 5 m from the roadway. If it is not possible to fully place the horizontal storage, a vertical tank is installed.
• Gas tank volume in liters - before choosing a station, you should calculate the average gas consumption during the entire heating season. As a rule, 20% is added to the amount received.
• Heated area - for houses less than 200 m² a vertical or horizontal gas storage tank is suitable. Residential buildings with a larger area are better to be gasified with horizontal stations.
• Operating time - if the gas equipment is planned to be used from time to time, it is better to purchase a mobile unit. The transport station on wheels is easy to transport and store in proper conditions. For permanent operation, you should choose a stationary station.
• Tank type - drop-shaped and spherical tanks are mainly installed on top of the ground, vertical cylindrical tanks have both underground and surface structures. Storages of this type are installed under the condition of a limited local area.
• The dimensions of the pit for the tank - to prevent damage to the body and facilitate assembly work, it is necessary to dig a pit at least 30 cm wider than the dimensions of the gas tank, on each side.

It is better to leave the calculation of the volume and type of gas storage of constant volume to the company's specialists, who will install and maintain the station in the future.

How much does a gas tank with installation cost?

The cost of a gas tank depends on the type of storage facility chosen and its volume. Optional equipmentfacilitating maintenance and further operation can also increase the turnkey installation cost. A certain premium is charged if the organization provides a long-term warranty and enters into a service contract.

On average, the cost of installation is calculated as follows:

• Vertical cylindrical high-pressure gasholders - volume from 1 to 5 m³, the cost ranges from 180-415 thousand rubles.
• Horizontal gas tank with a high neck - capacity from 3 to 20 m³, average cost from 200 to 700 thousand rubles.
• Mobile storage - an approximate volume of 0.5-0.6 m³, the cost is 140 thousand rubles. Professional installation and connection is not required. Additional costs are required for installation on a car trailer.

You may need to pay for additional services: installation of anode-cathodic protection of the gas tank structure, laying the pipeline over a long distance, treating the body with an anti-corrosion compound.

If necessary, you can slightly reduce the cost of installation by performing some installation work yourself.

How to fill a gas tank

The cost of liquefied gas makes the gas tank one of the optimal gasification methods for an individual house, provided there is no centralized gas supply. Refueling is carried out by specialized companies that have an appropriate license. Mobile units can be refueled independently by driving up to any gas station.

In order not to have to overpay, you should study the nuances associated with this side of the operation of domestic storage facilities for liquefied gas.

Gas tank filling cost

Refueling of the gas tank with liquefied gas is carried out in accordance with the tariffs of the organization that installed the storage facility and continues to service it. Funds from 10-20 thousand rubles are additionally charged. annually. Funds are taken for maintenance of the tank: drainage of condensate accumulated in the gas tank, replacement of the inlet and outlet valves and the gearbox.

The total cost of refueling includes:

• Liquefied gas delivery for the gas tank is included in the refueling price. Usually, the organization serving the station offers a gas mixture for 1-2 rubles. more expensive than at a gas station. You can get a discount of 800-1000 rubles if you agree on the supply of fuel during its rolling delivery to the filling station.
• Fuel cost - varies depending on which gas mixture is used. Winter gas is produced in a proportion of 90/10 propane-butane, summer gas 50/50. In the summer season, refueling costs will be correspondingly lower. The average cost of a propane-butane mixture in the Moscow region is 12.5-15 rubles. / l.

The gas tank is filled with propane gas mixed with butane. The temperature at which propane continues to evaporate is -42 ° C, while for cheaper butane this coefficient is only -5 ° C.

How long is there gas in the tank

With correct calculations, one filling of the gas tank should be enough to provide a sufficient amount of gas during the entire heating season. It is for this reason that it is recommended that the calculations be performed by specialists, company representatives.

When determining the required volume in the tank, take into account:

• The full volume of the gas tank does not correspond to the actual one. The reservoir is filled to 85% to ensure proper conditions for vaporization of the gas mixture.
• Gas consumption for each m² will be about 3.3 liters per month.

Therefore, for a house of 200 m², about 4000 liters will be required for the heating season. propane-butane mixtures. You can find out that the gas in the gas tank is running out using a level gauge. As soon as the indicators fall below 25-30%, additional filling with a gas mixture will be required.

How to determine the amount of gas in a container

To accurately determine the volume of fuel pumped into the tank, you can use the meters installed on the filling valve of the company's truck tank. The actual amount of gas remaining can be checked with a float-type level gauge.

The calculations for determining the remaining amount of gas are as follows:

1. The level gauge has a scale with 100 gradients.
2. If the tank has a capacity of 4600 liters, each number will be 46 liters.
3. The exact volume is calculated by multiplying the number indicated on the gauge by 46.

How they cheat when filling a gas tank

There are several ways that unscrupulous refuellers use to deceive the buyer.

• Fuel quality - in a propane-butane mixture, butane is considered the cheapest. It is possible to reduce the cost of gas by simply making a summer mixture (50/50 propane-butane, instead of 85/15). Some unscrupulous contractors, having learned that there is an evaporator in the gasholder, fill the tanks with summer gas.
• Fuel volume - meters, like any other equipment, can be specially spoiled so that it does not show exact figures. If, when refueling 4000 liters, you do not refuel only 20-30 liters, then the level gauge installed in the gas tank may not show the difference, which is what refuellers use.

Modern gas tanks use an indicator system that helps to accurately determine the total gas volume in the storage, with an accuracy of several liters.

How to install the gas tank correctly

A household gas tank is installed in accordance with the existing SNiP and fire safety standards (PB). Even before installation, it is necessary to take into account and calculate several important points:

1. Existing requirements for placement.
2. Installation type.
3. Safety standards related to anti-corrosion treatment of the storage facility.
4. Features of operation and maintenance.

There are general rules for installing a gas tank, which are mandatory for the installation of domestic storage facilities for liquefied gas.

Requirements for the location of the gas tank on the territory

SNiP and PB separately stipulate the norms for the placement of gas tanks in relation to construction and residential buildings, roads and highways, etc.

• Motor vehicles must have sufficient and free access to the tank. It is strictly forbidden to place a gas tank structure under the carriageway.
• The foundation for the container - it is mandatory to make a solid concrete slab, reinforced with reinforcement. Installation is carried out on special legs. The base to which the tank is attached must gain strength for at least a month after pouring the concrete.
  Instead of making a reinforced concrete "cushion" on site, you can buy a ready-made slab of the required size and with anchors to secure the tank.
• Distance from the tank to the building - calculation of the storage distance depends on its volume. For large gas tanks, starting from 20 m³, it will be necessary to maintain a distance to a residential building of at least 20 m, for 10 m³, at least 10 m. The minimum distance between a building under construction and an operating gas tank can be reduced to 5 m.
• Required permits for installation. Household storage facilities do not need to be registered with Rostekhnadzor. For installation, it is sufficient that the gas supply station has a mandatory certification and permit for operation.
• Protective sanitary protection zone - the gas tank can be installed no closer than 50 m from an open reservoir. In the conditions of nature reserves and pre-protected areas, coordination with local authorities regarding this construction will be required. The recommendations are in SNiP 2.07.01-89.

Installation type - above ground or underground?

Design and calculation of the type (above ground, underground) steel tanks are carried out taking into account the existing building codes. Vertical ground-type stations (usually spherical) are installed under the condition of a limited area of \u200b\u200bthe adjacent territory.

The installation is coordinated after calculations have been made regarding the minimum allowable storage volume. Before installation, geodetic work must be carried out to identify:

1. Seismic activity.
2. Groundwater.
3. The presence of stray currents.

Recommendations for the calculation of seismic effects require changes to be made in steel structures, with the threat of displacement of the gas tank and damage to the steel frame in this regard. The choice of a surface or underground installation is made only after obtaining an expert opinion from surveyors.

Corrosion protection of the housing

The weak point of all gas tanks is the steel case, which is constantly under pressure of several atmospheres. Over time, under the influence of the environment and humidity, the storage can lose its strength and leak.

To prevent gas leakage, several types of anti-corrosion treatment are required:

• Cathodic-anode protection - constant exposure to "stray" currents is not only a potentially dangerous cause of explosion, but also leads to rapid destruction of the metal. To prevent it, a special block is mounted on the tank body.
  The need to install cathodic protection exists in cases where geodetic studies have shown the presence of "stray" currents in the ground.
• Waterproofing - the container is treated with special mastics. The waterproofing of the neck deserves special attention, since there are control and regulation devices and it is most seriously exposed to moisture.

How to remove condensate from a tank

Although condensate appears in the gasholder for many reasons, the main one is the incorrect calculation of the station's capacity in relation to the boiler capacity. Liquid fallout occurs when the boiler consumes evaporated gas faster than the gas holder is able to produce it. How is condensate evacuation carried out?

Liquid removal service is performed by a specialized team. The volume of removed condensate is simultaneously filled with liquefied gas. The procedure for removing moisture can be simplified by installing a special condensate trap.

How to insulate a gearbox

If the reducer freezes, as evidenced by the appearance of frost on the walls in the winter season, then the reason does not always lie in insufficient insulation of the block itself. First you need to make sure that the gas pressure regulator is working properly and is sealed. Further actions are as follows:

• The gas pressure regulator must be warmed up by using hot water or an insulated heating cable.
• If the situation repeats, the heating cable can be left to run continuously. Safety rules for the operation of household gas tanks prohibit the use of open fire to heat the metal parts of the station.

If all calculations regarding the boiler power and gas tank capacity are made accurately, but the gearbox is still covered with frost, the reason lies in low-quality “blue” fuel. Most likely, summer gas was filled with an increased volume of butane.

Requirements for the operation of gas tanks

The main requirement of operation is regular maintenance gas tanks held before the start of the heating season. During this period, the following works are performed:

1. Cleaning and drying the gas pressure regulator.
2. Condensate removal.
3. Refueling and replacement of failed parts.

Without carrying out scheduled work, it is strictly forbidden to commission the storage facility.

Gas tank pros and cons

Today, in terms of their economy and efficiency, gas tanks have practically no competitors. And if you consider how much the official permission to supply and enter the main gas into the house costs, it is not surprising that domestic gas storage facilities have gained such popularity.

When deciding which heating to choose, the buyer needs to pay attention to the following points:

1. Operational safety.
2. Life time.
3. Profitability.

Explosion and fire safety of gas containers

Compared to main gas, gas tanks are absolutely safe for several reasons:

• Absence of high gas pressure. When installing a gas tank, a gas pipeline is laid connecting the fuel storage and the house. The feed is regulated by a special gearbox. Gas pressure is created by vaporizing the mixture. The resulting pressure is not explosive.
• No fire threat - provided that the installation is properly connected and maintained, the likelihood of spontaneous fire is minimized.

Even with a direct lightning strike, the possibility of an explosion is completely eliminated by a special cathode-anode protection.

Gas tank service life

Provided that the surface of the container has been treated with special anti-corrosion compounds, the service life of the container will be at least 50 years. The operating time is affected by:

1. Availability of grounding.
2. Correct installation.
3. Anti-corrosion treatment.
4. Regular maintenance.

Compliance with the recommendations contained in the normative documents for installation ensures a long service life of the device. For this reason, installation must be carried out exclusively by a licensed specialized installation team.

Which is cheaper - gas tank or main gas?

Main gas still has the cheapest cost, but connection, registration of all necessary documents is quite expensive. Comparison of the use of the gas tank and main gas, taking into account all the costs and expenses for further operation, shows that the first option is in no way inferior to the last.

Until now, the only reason why the installation of the gas tank has not become widespread is the need for large one-time costs for the purchase and installation of the station. But in the absence of centralized gasification, gas storage facilities have practically no competition.