Propane system question.

Salem Straub

Salem Straub

Joined
Oct 20, 2008
Messages
5,547
Hi guys. I'm putting my forge system back together in a new building, and had some improvements in mind.
My 100# tank takes up a bit of floor space, and is more safely kept outside. I would like to be able to incorporate and combine if possible, two features: A gas solenoid at the tank (preferably before the reg) that I can close with a switch at the forge, when shutting down. I would also like to have it serve as a safety feature: in the event of a power outage, the switch and thus the valve would lose electric power, causing the valve to revert to a default closed position and shut the gas off. (I.e., the valve would need power to stay open.

Can anyone point me to such a valve, or a similar solution?
 
I'm not sure this is exactly what you're looking for, but I have a Honeywell gas solenoid I put on my salt pot. It's attached to my PID, but it could certainly just be put on an on/off switch. I didn't go out and check the model number on mine, but I believe it's very close, if not the same to this:

http://www.supplyhouse.com/Honeywel...ot-Gas-Valve?gclid=CLWrhdS9oMICFQVafgodXhMAjg

I got mine off the bay for cheaper. If you do some hunting (and this type works for your application), I'm sure you can find one at a better price. Hope that helps.

Jeremy
 
That would be a normally closed valve

make sure it's rated for fuel gas, not just water


Asco valves are common

What size do you need in pipe sizes 1/4 3/8 ?
The smaller they are, the cheaper they are.


Try asking your local furnace repair man for any removed items he has used

However, those will be probably 24v controls and 120vac coils would be simple to use with no other power supply needed.


http://www.ascovalve.com/applications/products/FuelGasOilSolenoidValvesData.aspx


However, just the valve by itself probably won't safety like you want

If the power is off, the gas will stop.
But when the power comes back on, the gas will flow

If you want a cascading safety switch off like the big red button on machinery, you will need some thing additional like some sort of coil


ask the furnace guy, they probably have used or new thingies like that too.



Whatch the pressure ratings, most will be made for low pressure use.
 
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Thanks for the link Count, I might be able to make one of those work... and it's not a problem if gas come back on when power comes back on. I don't leave the shop often with the forge running, and certainly not for long if I do. It's just that I don't want to have to run across the shop to shut the fuel off, or have to forge go into bonfire mode if I'm in the house getting something and the power goes out.
Keeping the tank outside is safe. Safer yet if fuel to the forge supply line is always shut off when not in use. An outside valve with an inside switch will make it more convenient. It would be nice to be able to shut the fuel off before the regulator, but lots of propane tank with regulators sit outside with pressure in constant hem in service... just gotta make sure everything is real tight and it should be good.
 
One thing many people don't realize is that all solenoid valves are not the same. Even ones rated for fuel gas are not necessarily rated for propane. The seals and gaskets are different material for propane. If in doubt, call or go online to Ansco.
 
Salem,
What would work best is a solenoid in the line coming in from the tank. Use a 1/2" or 3/4" NC 12V solenoid rated for propane. Here is a basic one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/12VDC-Metha...ic_Hydraulic_Valves_Parts&hash=item3a975da058

All you need is a simple latching circuit connected to the solenoid. Placing a small SSR between the solenoid and the latching relay will be a good low current isolator from the solenoid coil's flyback spike ( the electronics geeks will know what that means). The simplest system would be to make it remote, so you can just press the remote to turn on or off the gas from anywhere in the shop. Ebay has lots of remote latching controls and remotes. They are used to control garage door openers and other devices.

This is one that would work well:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_htt...320?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27cf960298

With a unit like that, press the button on the remote and the circuit activates the solenoid by energizing the SSR. It will stay on until you press the button again or if the power goes out. You will have to press the ON button again to re-open the solenoid after any power outage is over.

Bonus - If you supply the power to the relay on a switched socket in the lights circuit in the shop, shutting off the lights will automatically shut off the gas, too. This would prevent the gas staying on by forgetting to push the OFF switch on the remote at the end of a long day. Additionally, put a red light in the 12VDC line to the solenoid. Place the light somewhere obvious in the shop, and you can always see if the gas is on.
 
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Guys
Normally solenoids are used in flammable gas systems to enable and disable a burner. For securing the gas flow after use, they use a motorized vale usually with a manual ball valve back up.
Just something to think about.
Jim A.
 
Thanks guys for your thoughts. Thanks Stacy for putting some thought into that, I like the ideas!
 
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