Gas ramp for household cylinders

Propane gas ramp is a device designed for simultaneous connection of a gas consumer to several cylinders at once.

By the consumer means any equipment, the work of which is associated with the constant receipt of fuel. It's a gas cutter, a stove, a fireplace, and anything else.

This device eliminates the possibility of such an unplanned effect, like icing of tanks with gas, which may well arise if the consumer uses too much fuel. Thanks to the ramp, each individual tank will not have to be filled so often.

Each capacitor is connected to this adapter via a valve, which makes it possible to control the number of cylinders used. At any time you can turn off one of them, leave two, three, or four.

Appointment

The main problem that arises in the distribution of propane is the lack of stability of pressure. Differences can disrupt the normal operation of the burner. It is possible and complete shutdown.

To avoid such problems, the outlet gas pressure must be greater than the minimum required for the burner. This is necessary to compensate for this indicator in the system.

Also, the pressure should not exceed the permissible maximum, at which the mechanism still works stably. In other words, it is supposed to be uniform and fit into the frame-specific burners.

To ensure this stability, propane should be supplied to the consumer not directly from the cylinder, but through a stabilizing device that allows controlling the pressure. This apparatus is the ramp for gas cylinders.

Device

The design of this equipment includes several basic elements. Consider them in the order in which they are installed in the system. The first part of the device is the connection module. Then follows the filter.

The gas ramp, as already mentioned, not only connects the cylinders, it, in addition, equalizes the pressure. Therefore, the high-pressure reducer is located further. More details about it can be read below.

The stabilizer concludes the system for normalizing the pressure. After it follows a package of valves.

Connection module and filter

The first element includes two devices: a crane, by means of which it is possible to stop the supply of fuel, and an insert that extinguishes vibration. It is necessary for the oscillations produced by the burner in the process of work not to spread to the pipes of the gas pipeline.

The gas ramp also allows for additional gas purification during its consumption. For this task, after the connection module, a filtration section is installed in it, in which mechanical additives are retained. If there was no filter, the particles could prevent the hermetically closing shut-off valve.

Stabilization of pressure

The stabilizing module is needed in order to reduce this indicator of gaseous fuel and keep the output pressure at the same level. And regardless of how much fuel comes from the cylinders and how productive it is used.

The process of pressure reduction and its equalization is carried out by a device with a membrane. The degree of compression of the spring in it varies, this balances the valve, and the output produces a stable pressure.

The stage for the installation of gas cylinders includes similar devices for use in systems in which this indicator does not exceed 500 mbar.

If the pressure is higher, a reducer is used, which is supplemented by shut-off, relief valves and measuring instruments, for which the operator can monitor changes in this indicator to control it.

There are some rules that determine how the pressure should be at the inlet to the stabilizer, and how to exit it. These rates depend on how powerful the spring is installed in the module, and what its performance is.

The reducer and safety modules may be needed in cases where the gas pressure from the cylinders exceeds the maximum for which the consuming device is designed.

Valve block

The module with solenoid valves includes three mechanisms. This is a safety shut-off valve, a continuously adjustable valve and a minimum pressure monitor.

The gas ramp, which provides fuel for a large-capacity burner, must contain a tightness control unit in its design. This module is needed in order to make sure that the valves are tightly closed before ignition and stopping the burner.

If the ramp is designed to work with consumers of medium and low power, then all modules, except the reducer and the connecting body, can be placed in one housing.

Such an aggregate, combining the functions of a stabilizing device and a safety block, is called a "multiblock".

Depending on which burners are supplied through the gas ramp with natural gas, the built-in valve modules can be of two types: single-stage and two-stage.

The design of the ramp contains fittings with which you can measure the pressure at the output of each module.

Leakage control unit

If the burner capacity, which the fuel system provides, exceeds 1200 kW, the leakage control unit is the necessary device, which must include a gas ramp. For household balloons, which provide propane like burners, this rule is also applicable.

Often, when purchasing a ramp, the tightness control unit needs to be purchased separately, it is not included in the scope of delivery.

The algorithm of the action of this mechanism is as follows.

During operation of this module, an excessive pressure (about 20 mbar) is injected between the two valves. The system testing time can vary from 10 to 30 seconds. It depends on what pressure is currently in front of the valves, and on the volume of the tank that is being tested.

If the yellow indicator turns on as a result of the test, then everything is fine. A red light indicates insufficient tightness. In this case, the system will be automatically locked until the monitoring unit is switched on.

Advantages of automatic ramp

In addition to the configuration described above, there is also a gas ramp automatic.

After the cylinder is open, the gas flows to the valve, then to the collector module. From there it is fed into the pressure reducer. The reduced propane enters the automatic switch, and from there it passes through the manometer to the burner. The automatic switch will redirect the receipt of gas from one source to the other, if the first pressure falls below the set value of the norm. This allows to ensure the continuous operation of the system.

Verifying device operation

To make sure that the ramp for gas cylinders works stably and correctly, you need to perform the following sequence of actions.

Unscrew the pressure relief valve located in front of the module responsible for control of the tightness. If the system is not blocked accidentally, then the leakage control unit does not work. Near the power connector there is a small lid. Open it to check the fuse. If it fails, you need to change it to a spare one. It is under the cap at the top of the block.

If all is normal with these modules, check the quality of the connections and the accuracy of the gauges if they enter the device of your ramp.

How to Make Your Own Hands

In the scope of household welding work, you can make a kind of ramp yourself. It is important to understand that working with combustible substances requires not only great care, but also a high quality of assembly of all devices. If you do not have confidence that you can provide enough for the safety of a self-made ramp, then it is better not to take up this matter.

Let's figure out how the gas ramp can be made with our own hands.

From metal tubes, you should weld an adapter that resembles the letter "SH" (or "P" if you intend to use two cylinders, not three). At the base of the construction it is necessary to make a hole, another tube is welded into it. It is needed for the output of mixed gas. At the ends of the first three tubes, it is necessary to cut the threads for connection to manometers. After measuring instruments, pipe sections with valves are installed to monitor the pressure. Gas must be supplied from the cylinders to these valves.

On the output tube, too, you need to put the tap.

This design is very much simplified, it does not have a stabilizer or a reducer, so you have to constantly monitor the pressure.

Safety of use

A gas ramp, propane gas, or any other kind of natural fuel, is a conductor of flammable substances, which must be treated with extreme caution. There are safety rules that must be strictly observed in order to avoid an accident.

Ramps should be installed away from crowded areas. Sometimes they are placed in a separate room, fenced with strong walls of refractory material. In the shops only those ramps can be used that allow gas to pass through no more than 6 cylinders. Sometimes under them take away cabinets with strong metal walls. It is important to ensure free access to the controls so that the operator can control the operation of the system without hindrance.

Before each launch of the device, you need to perform all necessary checks on connection quality and normal operation of the nodes.