Tank Location

[burnsie]

Just wondering if anybody knows the laws on tank location. I have a Ford Van and am planning on putting on some extra tanks. I see the dodge vans have them on the sides, but most others have them underneath within the frame rails usually. If anybody knows what the laws are on this if there are any?
Thanks
Burnsie

[OhMyGas]

Re: Tank Location

Me too.
I would like to add a small tank in the area of the gasoline tank (which is empty on the civic GX).
I guess the size would be about a 2gge at most but it would not take any room away from within - if permitted to install it there.
When talking to a CNG installation place in Fontana (CA) they did not discourage me or indicate anything that it would not be legal.
That also might be a place to get information from (if they share it).

[Highmarker]

Re: Tank Location

There is no law specifying tank location. Your tank just has to be inspected by a certified cylinder inspector. Make sure you use the proper brackets for mounting and you should be fine.

[MrComment]

Re: Tank Location

There is no law specifying tank location. Your tank just has to be inspected by a certified cylinder inspector. Make sure you use the proper brackets for mounting and you should be fine.

In addition to Highmarker's remark:

There are guidelines spelled out in NFPA 52, but I'll paraphrase the following 3 key points, but there is more to this topic of course.

1. "6.3.3 & 6.3.4 & 6.3.11", Minimum road clearance measured from the bottom most part of the tank and bracket, with the tires deflated, and the car loaded to its Full GVW, is not be less the 7 inches.

2. "6.3.7", Tanks within 8in of any part of the exhaust system must have a heat shielding.

3. "6.3.3.7", Tanks can not protrude from the top or sides of the vehicle.

[Curtis]

Re: Tank Location

Dang, there goes my roof mounted bullet tank idea....

[OhMyGas]

Re: Tank Location

How did the busses driving on CNG get away with mounting the tank on the roof.
If you enclose it with a permanent lid would this count as part of the 'extended' chassis?

[Idarusskie]

Re: Tank Location

NFPA codes are written with such words as "should" and "shall". Then there are also "exceptions". Then the AHJ (authority having jurisdiction)can overturn some codes or add additional requirements. A good engineering evaluation can be a means to convince the AHJ that something like a tank on top of a bus would be OK when the code says "should not".

Unless the NFPA code says "shall not" then its a guideline. The tanks on the buses are most likely weather hardened or their insurance carrier ( the AHJ in some cases)said they would take the risk.

[wildowl]

Re: Tank Location

My question about tanks is if they can be mounted vertically, or at an angle? Or do they have to be mounted in a flat, horizontal manner? I'm trying to fit another tank into the trunk of my 2003 Crown Vic, but this tank is from a 1999 Contour, so it is shorter and fatter, and of course 3000 psi. I figure I'll need a check valve to hook it into the 3600 psi system. I have brackets for it and I could build a strong support box. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Wildowl

[siai47]

Re: Tank Location

There shouldn't be any problem with installing a tank on an angle or on end except you wouldn't want it installed with the valve end down. Any liquids that get into the tank need to remain in the tank so that they don't foul the rest of the system. In regards to the installation of a 3000 psi tank into a vehicle with a 3600 psi system--now that's a problem. Even if you could protect it with check valves (they sometimes leak) you would have to fill at two different pressures. You must be adding a tank for more range so why take up space with a tank that cannot hold as much fuel as a 3600 psi tank of the same size? In addition, the 1999 tank is going to time out long before the other tanks in your vehicle. With the interest in CNG falling, there are a lot of tanks coming on the market at more reasonable prices. Before you spend the time and money to install the Contour tank, try and find a more suitable 3600 psi tank with a service end date similar to the other tanks in your vehicle. Down the road, the extra amount you paid for the proper tank will look like a minimum amount compared to the problems you would face trying to manage a system with multiple pressures. Heck, you could even sell the Contour tank to offset some of your costs .

[Curtis]

Re: Tank Location

Another issue, whichever tank you go with, is having it properly secured to the vehicle. The mounting brackets must be securely fastened in accordance with NFPA-52 guidelines. Be safe above all else. I would also have any tank you're going to add inspected prior to installation. A simple scratch that you can catch a fingernail on could lead to tank failure, especially if you are over filling a 3000 psi tank, which I highly reccommend against. We don't want to be seeing your project on the 11:00 news.

[wildowl]

Re: Tank Location

Thanks for the quick and knowledgeable response from the group. I forgot to mention that my main source of fueling is an FM4, which I bought used for use with the Contour. CNG is available in Houston at 2 locations, with both 3000 and 3600, but that's 62 miles from Freeport. Is there any way I can check the tank myself? It does have a small section where the paint has peeled off.
Wildowl