For the construction of autonomous life support systems for country houses, gas holders are often used - mobile or stationary tanks for natural gas. The choice of gas storage should be approached responsibly - the installation technology, convenience and safety of the system operation depend on it.
Italian gasholder Antonio Merloni refers to the equipment, fully equipped for installation, and this won popularity among users.
If you plan to buy such a unit, then you need to familiarize yourself with the model range of the manufacturer, learn more about the device, the specifics of installation and maintenance of various gas storages. Our article is devoted to the solution of these questions.
The content of the article:
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Features of the Italian brand equipment
- Purpose of gas holders by Antonio Merloni
- Device vertical and horizontal models
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Model range of gas holders by Antonio Merloni
- Type # 1 - vertical single
- Type # 2 - Vertical Double
- Type # 3 - horizontal
- Installation work and connection
- How to choose a gas tank Antonio Merloni
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Features of the Italian brand equipment
When choosing a gas-holder for a country cottage or a small enterprise, located far from first of all it is necessary to pay attention to the technical characteristics and equipment equipment. It is also important to understand how it works and what difficulties you may encounter during transportation and installation.
Purpose of gas holders by Antonio Merloni
The Merloni family stood at the origins of the production of liquefied gas tanks (since 1947), and the products manufactured at modern industrial enterprises are now the reference. The equipment passes special testing and is made taking into account the climatic features of those regions to which it is delivered.
Gas-holders, single and double, are designed for uninterrupted operation both in harsh winter conditions and in the hot south. This can be judged by the temperature of evaporation of gas - from -40 ºС to + 50 ºС. Accordingly, the material of the tank body is selected with the condition that it easily withstands the pressure and freezing of the soil.
Horizontal and vertical models of the Antonio Merloni brand are designed specifically for installation in the ground - in a special pit with a base of concrete slab
Gas holders are part of autonomous gasification systemproviding the house with gas. In addition to a safe and reliable tank, which is installed near a residential building, the system includes a gas pipeline, buried in the ground, and plinth equipment for entering the pipe into the house.
One of the advantages of the Italian brand is that for installation it is not necessary to look for valves and other components - everything comes with the tank.
After installation of the gas tank, refueling with liquefied petroleum gas (propane-butane) is carried out. In the future, it is necessary to refuel 1-2 times a year, if the volume of the tank is chosen correctly (+)
It is difficult to calculate the preliminary gas consumption, since it depends on several factors: the quantity permanent and temporary consumers of gas, characteristics of gas equipment inside and outside the home and others
Thanks to a range of gas-holders with volumes from 1000 liters to 10,000 liters, they are used to provide gas for various buildings:
- country houses temporary residence;
- country cottages of permanent residence;
- small enterprises where there is no main gas supply;
- sports bases and hotels, etc.
The natural gas systems are running hot water, heating, electricity. If you bring gas to the summer kitchen, you can connect a stove, as well as a fireplace on the veranda or barbecue, located on the street.
Device vertical and horizontal models
Many gas storage manufacturers consider the product’s light weight to simplify installation. However, representatives of the company Antonio Merloni focus on the large weight of equipment and argue that lightweight material cannot be reliable enough and serve for a long time.
Low alloyed steel is distinguished by its resistance to low temperatures; therefore, the lower bar for using tanks is 40ºС below zero.
Gas tanks for autonomous use are made of steel sheets with a thickness of 7-10 mm. Cutting and welding take place on an automated line. Parts are deformed with powerful solid sheet presses, so there are no unnecessary seams and joints on the tank.
The steel case is covered on both sides with a protective layer: on the outside it is painted three times with an epoxy anticorrosive compound (800 μm), and on the inside with a special paint. Funds based on dried epoxy resins are recognized as one of the most effective for protecting metal structures located underground.
From the negative effects of suggestive and stray currents, anodic-cathodic protection is provided, consisting of 3 components: 2 cathodes + 1 anode. It is powered by a battery, which lasts a charge for the entire life of the device.
Innovative element of gas holders by Antonio Merloni - Marsupio polymer bag-bag. Polymer fabric is characterized by increased durability and, according to manufacturers, will not lose qualities over a century and a half
Bag Marsupio performs several functions at once:
- protects the case from mechanical damage;
- protects the exterior of the equipment from scratches and damage during ground movements;
- supports anode-cathodic protection;
- promotes heating of liquefied gas;
- makes it easier to install in the pit.
Ground and underground equipment Antonio Merloni meets European standards, has certificates.
The gas tank body is a double-walled container assembled using the “flask in the flask” technology. Between the walls is poured a solution with a high degree of thermal conductivity. This allows you to maintain the temperature required for boiling and evaporation of the gas.
Due to the double wall construction and Marsupio bag, heat exchange is increased due to the heat of the earth (at a depth of 3 m). For the same reason, the gas pipeline is laid at a depth of 1.7 m - below the UPG
The housing is also equipped with pressure control sensors, protection (with alarm) from leakage, and a grounding system. The internal volume is completely filled with gas. Due to constant pressure, neither air nor any source of fire can penetrate into the tank, therefore, it is 100% protected from fire and explosion.
If the capacity is heated (theoretically), then its nominal value of 6 bar gradually increases to 17.5 bar, after which the emergency valve opens and the gas leaves the storage facility.
Model range of gas holders by Antonio Merloni
Market analysis revealed the models that are most in demand. Now their 8: 7 have a vertical location and 1 - horizontal.
Models of one type differ in volume, which is selected for each particular house individually. If the volume of one gas tank is not enough, then several tanks are combined in a cascade manner.
Type # 1 - vertical single
Four vertical models differ in tank volume as well as size and performance.
Engineers of the company have calculated what approximately one or another model is designed for:
- 1000 l - for a house of 100 m²;
- 1650 l - 170 m²;
- 2250 l - 250 m²;
- 5000 l - 500 m².
We will analyze the main characteristics on the example of the smallest gasholder. It is designed for 1000 liters of gas LPG / GPL / LPG, has a height of 2.1 and a diameter of 1 m. The pit for installation is larger in diameter - 1.6 m, but less in depth - 1.95 m, since after installation and backfilling the neck with the lid remain above the surface land.
The weight of an empty tank is 560 kg, the thickness of the body is half a centimeter. Gas evaporation is an important indicator: when operating equipment up to 2 hours - 8.1 kg / h, up to 8 hours - 4 kg / h (+)
The hatch with a cover from PND, necessary for maintenance, hermetically adjoins a mouth. In addition to the case, the bag includes a Marsupio bag and a concrete-alkaline slab, the thickness of which for a 1000 l model is 0.15 m.
There is also a thermo-lock, a reduction head with 2 steps (for high and low pressure), equalizer, valves for filling, protection, liquid fraction and ventilation, pressure gauge and mounted Castle.
One of the safety steps is a safety valve designed for 17.65 bar. In the event of an emergency (sudden heating), it automatically works and releases the reservoir (+)
The remaining models differ in size, weight, pit size, thickness of the body, performance. Suppose that the most voluminous gas-holder for 5000 l weighs 2450 kg, has a height of 3.08 m, a wall thickness of 10 mm, gas evaporation 40 l / h (at operation up to 2 h) and 15 l / h (up to 8 h).
The cost of the gas tank with a minimum volume - 3100 €, with a maximum - 7900 €.
Type # 2 - Vertical Double
If a larger volume of tanks is needed, then install a set of 2 gas-holders. Moreover, their volume may be the same (2500 l + 2500 l) and different (2250 l + 5000 l). Installation of 2 models is called double redundancy, and their connection - cascade.
Calculation of the building area:
- 4500 l - for a house of 500 m²;
- 7250 l - 750 m²;
- 10,000 l - 1000 m².
Suppose you need a reservoir of 7200-7500 liters to provide a house of 750 m² with gas. This is not, and therefore assembled a pair - at 5000 liters and at 2250 liters. The width of the pit increases (the sizes of both tanks are added), and the depth is determined by the larger gasholder.
The main indicator - evaporation - does not add up and depends on which of the tanks is valid. For the model with a volume of 7250 l, the values of single gas-holders are preserved: 40/11 (up to 2 hours) and 15 / 5.3 (up to 8 hours) (+)
For installation of an additional gasholder, a more spacious pit will be required. But this should not concern the owners of the site, as all design and installation work is performed by the company's specialists. Installation of the second (and each subsequent) tank costs about 100 €.
Type # 3 - horizontal
Among 8 popular models, only one is horizontal, and this is a well thought-out marketing policy of the company. It is believed that the functioning of the horizontal model is not as effective. Evaporation occurs at a temperature of -20ºС and higher, whereas vertical gas-holders work fine down to -40 ºС.
Horizontal models are not suitable for use in the northern regions, since at temperatures below -20ºС gas simply cannot change from a liquid to a gaseous state.
It is also estimated that the intensity of the work of vertical models is much higher. They are about 2.2 times more productive than horizontal counterparts and do not require the installation of expensive evaporators, since they work according to geothermal technology.
The minus of horizontal models is considered to be a larger pit that requires additional free territory.
The line of underground and surface horizontal gas-holders includes tanks from 1000 l to 5000 l. Unlike vertical ones, which are always available, horizontal ones must be ordered in advance. The cost of the model volume of 5000 liters - 6500 €. In the same way, ground vertical gas-holders with a volume of 500 l and 1000 l are delivered to order.
Installation work and connection
Only qualified representatives of the company, who know all the details and specifications of installation, should be engaged in the installation and connection of the gas-holder. When constructing a pit, PB 12-609-03 and SNiP 42.01.2002 are guided.
Work order:
- The preparatory stage is the digging of a pit and a trench for laying a gas pipeline.
- Installation of the base concrete slab.
- Transportation of the gas tank (one or several) to the object.
- Lowering the tank into the pit, fixing on the concrete slab.
- Anodic cathodic protection.
- Installation and connection of the pipeline.
- Arrangement of basement input to the house.
- Internal installation work.
- Pressure testing and testing.
- Backfill pit and sand trench.
- Gas filling and commissioning.
- Commissioning and connection to consumers.
Each item has been worked out by experts, so the installation of the equipment is carried out within one day. Independently arrange pit, install a gas tank or make installation of the pipeline is prohibited.
Recommendations for the main stages of installation:
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A pit is dug strictly according to project dimensions at a distance of at least 5 m from the house (1 m from a septic tank, 2 m from a fence). The depth of the trench for the gas pipeline is from 1.5 m to 1.7 m (below the UPG), width - 0.6 m
For delivery use a special technique with a manipulator. When loading / unloading, the gasholder is hung on specially designed belts with which the Marsupio bag is equipped
The basic concrete-alkaline slab that comes in the kit and has fastenings for mounting performs two functions: it plays the role of an “anchor” for the tank and compensates for possible ground movements. The total depth of the pit is from 2.1 m to 3 m
Socle entry provides for the arrangement of the transition from the HDPE pipes to the steel pipe, which is brought out of the building to the outside. This is a welded joint, made according to GOST 9.015-74
The commissioning works are carried out using the established method and are regulated by SNiP 2.04.08-87. Equipment and fittings are prefabricated and assembled on site
For connection of the tank and transportation of gas to the consumer use pipes PND. Together with the pipes, the equipment regulating the pressure in the tank and the safety valve are mounted
Installation of a shut-off valve, gas leakage sensors, internal gas equipment, as well as connection to consumers (boilers, boilers, stoves, heating systems, gas generators, etc.)
In the trench on top of the pipe stack warning tape warning bright yellow. Backfilling of trench and pit is made with sand
Stage 1 - Excavation
Stage 2 - transportation of the gasholder
Stage 3 - installation of a gas tank on a concrete slab
Stage 4 - Preparation for Basement Entry
Stage 5 - Installation of Basement Entry to the House
Stage 6 - gas pipeline connection
Stage 7 - Valve Installation and Diagnostics
Stage 8 - Sand Backfill
Sand backfill ("castle") is given special attention. Use river sand, rather than ordinary soil, because it prevents the spread of flame, performs drainage function, perfectly conducts the heat of the earth, protects the reservoir from deformation during possible movements ground.
On our site there is a series of articles devoted to the description of the installation technology of gas-holders, we advise you to read:
- The cost of installing a gas tank in a private house: the price of gasification works
- How to correctly determine the distance from the gasholder to a residential house: choose the right place on the site
- Turnkey gas-holder: how to install the gas tank and install the equipment
How to choose a gas tank Antonio Merloni
When choosing the design and volume of the tank (one or several), they are guided by the number of consumers and the intensity of use.
It is estimated that the volume of the gas-holder is directly related to the area of the house, therefore they are repelled from this indicator. For example, for a house of 170 m² a tank with a capacity of 1650 l is recommended.
Take into account the performance of the equipment, which is associated with gas holders with the amount of evaporated gas. The higher the temperature, the greater the performance.
If you choose yourself, you may encounter difficulties, so manufacturers recommend consulting a specialist with a site visit. The engineer analyzes the individual technical features of the building and selects the best option from gas tank manifolds.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
About the features of the equipment of Antonio Merloni and the secrets of mounting the gas-holder can be learned from useful videos.
About the advantages of autonomous gasification and the installation of a gasholder:
Details on the technical nuances of the equipment:
Product reviews and installation quality:
Gas tanks Antonio Merloni have proven to be reliable, efficient, durable equipment for arranging an autonomous country gas supply. Choosing a tank of optimal volume, you can forget about the problems with heating, air conditioning and water supply.
Have experience using a gasholder Italian manufacturer? Please tell us which technical parameters you took into account when choosing a tank, are you satisfied with the work of autonomous gasification? Comment on the publication and participate in discussions. The feedback block is located below.
