parallel/reserve LPG tanks

Our 101 is running exclusively on LPG now, a. we can't afford petrol, and b. The tank has a hole in it.

I have been given an almost new 80 litre tank that I would like to put in the fuel system.

How best to do it ? As an independent tank, switched in with a changeover valve when the main tank runs empty, or in parallelwith the main, and no valve, which AFAIK means that the LPG level in the main tank would be enough to gauge the whole system.

Thanks

Steve

Reply to
Steve
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uk.rec.cars.lpg is a good place to ask...

Are you using that tank I gave you?

If it becomes spare, I've an idea for an outside BBQ that may make for a suitable deployment of it - all built, literally, into a GS :-)

Reply to
Mother

uk.rec.cars.fuel.lpg

Reply to
Mother

On or around Wed, 18 Jan 2006 19:22:02 +0000, Steve enlightened us thusly:

If you have 2 tanks live at the same time, you need nonreturn valves on the outlets. If you wire it with a changeover switch, then you just need a T piece, since one tank can't feed the other, as the valves are never open simultaneously. Useful in some ways, as you then have a reserve tank. Wire to a separate gauge, and you can either fit a second filler of T the filler pipes.

You need the non-return valves in the tank outlets if running 2 tanks as one, otherwise, if one tank gets hihger than the other with the system live, the liquid level in the lower tank can get too high.

fillers are no problem provided both tanks have correct 80% shutoffs.

Reply to
Austin Shackles

I think I am beginning to like the "reserve tank" setup. Can I get a solenoid changeover valve rated for LPG ?

Steve

Reply to
Steve

It looks like it might be spare, Paul Devlin gave me a big 'un, when he couldn't tune his own LPG rig up. Not enough plastic pan scrubs, but he thinks I'm taking the piss.

We'll drop it back to you if you want, unless you have some hardware you need building into which to plumb the tank and burners.

Steve

Reply to
Steve

You've conveniently pre-empted me asking!

I've ideas of a couple of runners - more to follow - with drawings ;-)

Reply to
Mother

Its a 'kin brilliant idea. Why ?

Steve

Reply to
Steve

It's easiest to use a pair of ordinary LPG shutoff solenoids, controlled from a changeover switch.

Reply to
EMB

Probably a silly question but any reason why an automatic changeover valve couldn't be used? Like those between pairs of 47Kg propane cylinders used for cooking etc.

Reply to
Dave Liquorice

yeah, that was going to be my point. current lpg tanks have a solenoid valve on the tank, so as long as both tanks have one, with a simple 2 position switch you can control which one is open, allowing only one to be open at any particular time. so no need for a changeover valve. you can then either have two tank gauges, or do a little more wiring with relays etc. so the one gauge will tell you the level on whichever tank is currently being used.

Sam.

Reply to
Samuel

I've had an idea bubbling around the back of mi head for a few years around doing a charity catering setup. The grub on sale at most shows and events is pretty dire - I reckoned on building a complete catering unit into a Sankey - then thought about building it into the back of a GS - sort of novelty - but with decent, locally sourced food.

I reckon it could be a pretty good fundraiser if done right.

Reply to
Mother

Dangerous Brian tried this a few years back, using a converted Sankey, and was immediately surrounded by traders demanding the verious health certificates etc. Don't forget they pay a huge anount for their pitches at shows and quite rightly want to protect their interests, quite forcibly sometimes. Often one company or individual will buy the rights for the whole site and sub it out as they see fit (I have a mate who's brother is a "scran can" operator and does shows etc). Having said that, if you were doing "specialist" food then the organisers would be able to tell them in advance and perhaps placate any objections as you'd not be in direct competition.

Just my 2p's worth,

Richard

Reply to
beamendsltd

I think the large shows would be out - for the reasons you give. However I'd thought for those we could just have an evening BBQ by ticket - more private than public. Had a few superb 'barbies' last year, courtesy of Simon and Austin mainly, both of which started me off on this I guess.

I was going through all of the regs to do with outside catering last week and although they initially seem prohibitively restricting, generally come down to keeping everything/one clean, having different areas for cooked and uncooked stuff, keeping cold stuff cold and hot stuff hot.

Reply to
Mother

On or around Wed, 18 Jan 2006 22:17:30 +0000, Steve enlightened us thusly:

no need. Do it electrically - split the supply to the tank solenoid valve via a changeover switch, then connect the 2 outputs one to each tank valve.

tank valve supply to main tank

------------------oC 1o----------->

2o----------->

to reserve tank

If you have an on-off-on changeover and don't label it, it provides a handy security system like leaving the T-box in neutral, only different.

Reply to
Austin Shackles

I think you need a "Basic Hygene Certificate" or something when providing food to "the public". I'm not sure how that is defined if it's a "party" for "invited guests" - anyway, seeing some of the people who hold them at their work it must be rather basic - to say the least!

Judging from my days as Treasurer of the Moorlands Harness Driving Club at our yearly "bash" there is quite a demand for hot/cold food and drink at events with only 40 or 50 people and I'd venture that if no wages are being paid then a fairly healthy wedge could be made for charity - especially if you can s**nk the materials from suppliers. It's a mazing how many packed lunches get ignored in favour of a decent hot dog etc!

I for one would be happy to "sponsor" a box of bangers or a bottle of gas etc in exchange for a sticker or two - and depending on the charity of course.

Good luck, Richard

Reply to
beamendsltd

That's something of an academic exercise, apparently and easily sorted (sadly, IMO).

My local belly-pork supplier is up for it! :-)

Yeah - the bacon buttie van at Bramham a couple of years ago did fairly well out of me! Smashing bacon, and good value too.

I generally tend to raise money for The Alzheimer's Society and MacMillan Cancer Relief (the same as the Posh Ted adventure).

We don't have to wait til I get the GS setup - if Simon and Austin are up for it, we could do a few 'by invite' charity barbies at some of the upcoming shows. I'm sure Steve wouldn't mind bringing the firepit, so all we need is wood (fairly easy - I always carry a chainsaw and an axe), charcoal bricks and food... :-)

Reply to
Mother

doesn't everyone?

hrmm - beer? sorry, guess that goes without saying really.

Reply to
William Tasso

Newly revised and PORTABLE without using a GS.

Steve

Reply to
Steve Taylor

I've _lots_ of folded paper on my desk, too... :-)

Reply to
Mother

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