Well, we asked them (in semi-desperation) if they'd be willing to install a wet hose if we buy propane from them (they sell propane as well as elec). We've had *dismal* results trying to get any of the local good ol' boy type suppliers to even *consider* a wet hose adapter. Most of 'em feigned ignorance, and the one that -- after much insistance that we *knew* they could do it (a sysop here has a close relative who used to work for them, and he told me that they *can* do it) -- finally said OK, but they wanted something like two thousand bucks to install it! SHEESH!!!

Anyway, the co-op said yeah, trivial, five minutes to install it, no problem. Also fairly decent terms -- no rental on tank, no minumum purchase volume, price locked in until June (or so they say *now* [g]).

When my wife was talking to them, she explained that we wanted it for water heat, and to run two generators (we have fuel oil furnace and a good wood stove for heat).

They asked when we'd want it, and she said definitely before the end of the year because we're concerned about 'it'.

Their reaction was *very* matter of fact. NO attempts at pushing a "be happy, don't worry" thing at her. NONE of the stuff you'd *expect* to hear from a utility.

I found that very interesting, on a couple of different levels.

-- Ron Schwarz (rs@clubvb.com.delete.this), November 23, 1999

Answers

Ron --

I was just at the Gas Connection a couple of days ago. I was asking about orifices and the like, when I noticed the young fella looking at a chart on the wall for sizing. Of course, I asked for a copy. He paused for a minute and then copied one for me. It gives the BTU's per orifice for both natural gas and propane. I have not gotten around to posting it to our homepage, but I will pass it along if you would like.

I am interested in building a hot_water-on_demand unit, similar to a steam cleaning machine. I'm also checking on the size and type of orifices for other fuel types, ie diesel, kerosene, etc. A cheap set of taps and some black pipe and a couple of safety measures and shazam! Hot water on demand, (well almost). Nothin' like a good hot bath to relieve the tension.

-- Michael (mikeymac@uswest.net), November 23, 1999.

Ron-

My home propane tank is nearly full, and to keep it that way I hooked up a 5 gal. tank to the house regulator for my needs till rollover. This keeps my main tank topped off since the will not come out to refill until it is down to 40% or less. I can refill the 5 gal. tanks in town.

Anyway, the propane guy was filling my neighbors tank today, and I called him over to ask if there were any safety issues with my conversion. He got all pissy and said he would have to report me to the company because any time a customer alters the system in ANY way the have to comew out to do an inspection (this is all in my contract, he says). Mind you, all I did was unhook the line from the regulator to my main tank and screw it into the 5 gal. tank.

Then he asks, "are you doing this for Y2K?" I said, that was one reason. He said "it's only gonna last a couple of days, what are you worried about?" and actually started laughing. I said, "Go ahead and laugh, but you may be in for a big surprise." He stops laughing, and says, "well, I'm gonna have to tell my office about this, ok?" I said, "you do what you have to do buddy..."

Oh well, i guess I'll wait and see if their "inspector" decides to take the time to check me out. Probably not, the truck driver seemd like a jellyfish.

BTW- what's a "wet hose" as it pertains to propane? Never heard the term....

-- cavscout (tired of@ll.thesedumbassrules), November 23, 1999.

Michael -- yes, if you could email me that I'd really appreciate it.

Cavscout -- a wet hose is a fitting that has a tube extending to the bottom of your tank to allow you to draw off liquid propane. A regular fitting takes gas off the top.

I would *like* to get a bigger propane generator (if funds ever allow, *groan*), and the bigger ones need a liquid feed. It's also useful if you want to refill your smaller tanks.

-- Ron Schwarz (rs@clubvb.com.delete.this), November 23, 1999.

I own my own tank, 1000 gals. An employee of the gas co. that filled my tank brought me a hose. He is a personal friend.

If you do not have a pump and gauge on your wet hose be sure and weigh your smaller tank as you are filling and do not fill any more than 80% capacity. Also keep your smaller tank lower than the large tank.

-- Joe Stout (joewstout@iswt.com), November 23, 1999.

Thanks for the info Ron.

-- cavscout (nolonger@wethose.impaired), November 23, 1999.

Ron, How big before they need liquid?

-- J (Y2J@home.com), November 23, 1999.

Not sure. We've got a couple of 4KW Onans, they use propane gas. One potential problem I've heard of is temperature. If it's too cold outside, and your appliances combine to draw gas more quickly than it can evaporate at the ambient temperature of your tank, they'll starve. In a case like that, you'd need (from what I understand) a liquid feed with separate evaporators.

-- Ron Schwarz (rs@clubvb.com.delete.this), November 25, 1999.