What is a gas holder of constant volume, how it is built, the cost of installation and filling

Knowing the various heating options available can make a big difference in keeping our homes warm and comfortable. A gas holder with a constant volume is one such choice. However, what is it exactly and how does it function?

A kind of storage tank used to hold gas, usually natural gas or propane, at a set volume is called a gas holder of constant volume. A gas holder keeps its volume constant regardless of how much gas is inside, in contrast to conventional gas tanks that change in volume as gas is used.

So, how is a constant volume gas holder made? It usually consists of a cylindrical tank filled with a diaphragm or movable piston. This piston divides the surrounding hydraulic fluid—typically water or oil—from the gas space. The piston or diaphragm rises as gas is pumped into the tank, compressing the hydraulic fluid and preserving a steady gas volume.

Let’s now discuss the installation and filling costs. A gas holder of constant volume installation can differ based on a number of variables, including size, materials, and labor costs in the area. In most cases, the price includes not just the tank itself but also any labor costs for installation as well as any required piping or fittings.

Gas holder of constant volume	It"s a storage tank for gas that maintains a fixed volume.
Construction	Typically built with a steel frame and a flexible membrane inside to contain the gas.
Cost of Installation	Varies depending on size and complexity, but generally ranges from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
Cost of Filling	Depends on the type and quantity of gas needed, usually priced per unit volume.

How a gas holder works

• Shut-off and regulating fittings – includes safety, filling and drain valves, pressure gauge, reducer to create constant pressure in the gas supply system.

• Condensate collector – in the process of LPG vaporization, condensate is formed as a by-product. A special unit is installed to remove accumulated moisture.

• Evaporator for gas holder. Vertical tanks, as well as stations installed on the ground, are not always able to produce the necessary amount of gas. To speed up the production, special evaporators are installed.

• Gas level gauge – a special indicator fixes the filling of the tank. Modern devices are equipped with an indicator device that transmits information over a distance using a radio signal.

The following is how a gas holder works on principle:

1. LPG is poured into the tank. The design of the gas holder is made in such a way that the LPG forms a "mirror lake" – a surface of sufficient size to ensure unimpeded vaporization of the gas.

1. The vaporizing substance is directed to a manifold, to create a constant pressure in the gas pipeline.

1. From the collector, the fuel is directed to the dwelling, passing through the condensate collector and the basement inlet located in the building.

The proper installation and connection of the station, with consideration for the gas holder operation principle, affects its efficiency and safety.

What types of gas holders are there

Gas holder installation and connection companies offer a variety of installations with varying features, sizes, configurations, and operating principles. Since the home’s owner has the "last say" when it comes to selecting the equipment, it is essential to fully familiarize yourself with the entire selection of equipment before making a purchase.

1. Stations of horizontal and vertical type.

Horizontal tanks

Horizontal tanks are selected when an autonomous gasification of a large house (more than 200 m2) or an entire cottage village is needed. High and steady performance is guaranteed by horizontal design. When propane is added to the tank, it creates a "lake" whose surface area is adequate to evaporate the gas in the necessary amount.

Horizontal stations are typically put into the ground directly. Refueling gas holders is sufficient for the entire heating season. The tank should not be filled more than 85% of the time for optimal performance. Special vaporizers are installed in the tank to keep the gas pressure from dropping as a result of the fuel volume decreasing during the production process.

Vertical type tanks

Small home owners and those with insufficient yard space for a horizontal station installation are fond of vertical gas holders. Ball tanks that are positioned above the earth are common.

One major drawback of the spherical subterranean and aboveground gas holder is its size. The efficiency and rate of gas vaporization are impacted by the fact that, once installed in the ground, a portion of the tank or the entire station is above the freezing point of the earth. It is also impossible to make a "mirror" big enough to guarantee steady gas pressure in a vertical tank. Installing multiple tanks simultaneously and equipping them with fuel heaters and vaporizers will solve this issue.

Compared to their foreign counterparts, vertical gas holders made in Russia are more suited to the harsh winters in their country.

Mobile gas holders on a trailer

The best option for people who don’t want to invest a lot of money in installing a stationary station is a gasholder on wheels. The mobile tank offers a number of benefits, including:

• Ability to quickly move the gasholder to any location.

• Large capacity – the maximum volume of the station is 500 liters.

• Quick connection – it takes 10-15 minutes to connect to the gas supply system of the house.

• Economy – for refueling you can use any gas station with the most acceptable cost of liquefied gas, which reduces fuel costs by 10-15%.

• Convenient control – the degree of filling of the tank, pressure in the gasholder, indicate LED indicators.

• No installation costs – connection is performed independently.

All of the gear required for operation is included in the mobile station’s set. The gas pipeline installations (columns, stoves, boilers, etc.) are negatively impacted by pressure fluctuations, which are avoided by the integrated reducer mounted on the gas holder.)

Used gas holders

Turnkey installation included, the average cost of installing a gas holder on a residential property is between 170-250 thousand rubles. It is not surprising that used tanks are in high demand. These stations are roughly 30–40% less expensive.

However, buying and installing used equipment carries some risk.

1. Impossibility to perform installation in accordance with the existing norms.

1. Short period of operation.

1. Putting an underground gas holder into operation will require pre-treatment of the body with anticorrosion compounds.

The biggest issue with buying a used gas holder is that the steel structure of the station corrodes over time, lowering the walls’ resistance and capacity to tolerate internal pressure.

Which gas holder is better to choose

Based on sales data, domestic customers primarily have to decide between a new or used vertical or horizontal gas holder. Compared to stationary units, mobile units are purchased far less frequently.

Prior to making a purchase, you should consider a few important factors:

• Area of the site – SNIP for gas holder installation requires that stationary tanks should be installed no closer than 10 m from a residential building, 5 m from the roadway. If it is not possible to fully accommodate a horizontal storage, a vertical tank is installed.

• Gas holder volume in liters – before choosing a station, it is necessary to calculate the average gas consumption during the whole heating season. As a rule, 20% is added to the received amount.

• Heated area – for houses smaller than 200 m², a vertical or horizontal gas storage tank is suitable. Residential buildings with a larger area are better gasified with horizontal stations.

• Time of use – if the gas equipment is to be used occasionally, it is better to buy a mobile unit. The transfer station on wheels can be easily transported and stored in proper conditions. For permanent use, a stationary station should be chosen.

• Tank type – drop-shaped and spherical tanks are mostly installed above ground, vertical cylindrical tanks have both underground and above-ground construction. Storages of this type are installed under the condition of a limited yard area.

• Dimensions of the excavation for the tank – to prevent damage to the casing and to facilitate installation work, it is necessary to dig an excavation at least 30 cm wider than the dimensions of the gas holder on each side.

It is best to leave the calculation of the kind and volume of constant volume gas storage to the company’s experts, who will also install and maintain the station.

In understanding the basics of home heating and insulation, it"s crucial to delve into the concept of a gas holder of constant volume. Essentially, this is a storage tank designed to maintain a fixed volume of gas regardless of external pressure changes. Constructed with durable materials like steel or reinforced concrete, these holders are engineered to withstand varying environmental conditions. Installation costs can vary depending on factors such as size, location, and specific requirements, but typically involve both material and labor expenses. Filling the gas holder involves injecting gas into the tank, which can also incur additional costs depending on the type and quantity of gas needed. Understanding the workings and costs associated with gas holders of constant volume can be pivotal in optimizing home heating systems and ensuring efficient energy usage.

How much does a gas holder with installation cost

The type and volume of storage that is selected will determine how much a gas holder costs. Turnkey installation can also increase with more equipment that makes maintenance and operation easier. If the company completes a service contract and offers a lengthy warranty, there is a certain surcharge.

The installation cost is computed as follows, on average:

• Vertical cylindrical high-pressure gas holders – volume from 1 to 5 m³, the cost varies from 180-415 thousand. rub.

• Horizontal gas holder with a high neck – capacity from 3 to 20 m³, average cost from 200 to 700 thousand. rub.

• Mobile storage – approximate volume 0,5-0,6 m³, cost 140 thousand. rub. Professional installation and connection is not required. Additional costs required for installation on a car trailer.

The installation of anode-cathodic protection for the gasholder structure, long-distance pipeline conduction, and anticorrosive composition treatment for the body may require additional fees.

If required, you can somewhat lower the installation cost by handling part of the installation yourself.

How to refuel a gas holder

Assuming there is no centralized gas supply, the gas holder is among the best methods of gasification for a single home due to the cost of liquefied gas. Specialized businesses with the necessary licenses complete filling. Drive to any gas station to independently refuel mobile units.

Studying the intricacies involved in this aspect of domestic liquefied gas storage facility operations is essential to avoid having to overpay.

Cost of gas holder refueling

Liquid gas is poured into a gas holder in accordance with the rates set forth by the company that installed and maintains the storage facility. Additional fees range from 10,000 to 20,000 rubles per year. Money is collected to maintain the container, which includes replacing the reducer, inlet and outlet valves, and draining any condensate that has built up in the gas holder.

The entire cost of refueling consists of:

• Delivery of liquefied gas for the gas holder – included in the cost of refueling. Usually, the organization serving the station offers a gas mixture for 1-2 rubles. more expensive than at a gas filling station. You can get a discount of 800-1000 rubles., if it is agreed to supply the fuel during fan delivery to the filling station.

• Cost of fuel – varies depending on what gas mixture is used. Winter gas is made in the proportion of 90/10 propane-butane, summer gas 50/50. During the dacha season the refueling costs will be accordingly lower. The average cost of propane-butane mixture in the Moscow region is 12.5-15 rub. /л.

Propane mixed with butane is poured into the gas holder. Propane has a vaporization temperature of -42°C, while butane, which is less expensive, has a vaporization temperature of only -5°C.

How much gas is enough in the tank

If the calculations are done correctly, one gasholder fill should be sufficient to supply enough gas for the entire heating season. This is the reason it is advised that experts or company representatives perform the computations.

Consider the following when calculating the necessary volume in the tank:

• The full volume of the gasholder does not correspond to the actual volume of the gasholder. The tank is filled to 85% to ensure proper conditions for vaporization of the gas mixture.

• Gas consumption per m², will be about 3.3 liters per month.

Thus, approximately 4000 liters will be required for the heating season for a 200 m² house. blend of butane and propane. A level gauge can help you determine when the gas in the gas holder is running low. Additional gas mixture refueling will be necessary as soon as the figures drop below 25–30%.

How to determine the amount of gas in the tank

The meters mounted on the filling valve of the company’s trucks’ tanks can be used to precisely measure the amount of fuel pumped into the tank. A level gauge of the float type can be used to determine the precise amount of gas left.

The following calculations are used to get the amount of gas that is left:

1. The level gauge has a scale with a number of gradients equal to 100.

1. If the tank has a capacity of 4600 liters, each number will equal 46 liters.

1. The exact volume is calculated by multiplying the number on the level meter by 46.

How to be cheated when filling a gas holder

Gasfillers who are dishonest employ various techniques to mislead the buyer.

• Fuel quality – butane is considered to be the cheapest in propane-butane mixture. You can reduce the cost of gas by simply making a summer mixture (50/50 propane-butane, instead of 85/15). Some unscrupulous contractors, having learned that there is an evaporator in the gas holder, fill the tanks with summer gas.

• Volume of fuel – meters, like any other equipment can be purposely corrupted so that it does not show accurate figures. If when filling 4000 liters, you do not refill only 20-30 liters, then the level gauge installed in the gas holder may not show the difference, which is what the gas fillers use.

The indicator system used by modern gasholders makes it possible to calculate the total volume of gas stored, almost precisely, to the nearest few liters.

How to install a gas holder correctly

The installation of the domestic gas holder complies with current SNiP and fire safety regulations (FS). Prior to installation, there are a few crucial factors that must be considered and calculated:

1. Existing siting requirements.

1. Safety standards related to corrosion protection of the storage facility.

1. Peculiarities of operation and maintenance.

Installing gas holder installations generally follows certain guidelines, and installing liquefied gas storage units at home is required.

Requirements for placing a gas holder on the territory

The standards for gasholder placement in respect to structures, residential buildings, roads, highways, etc., are specified separately by SNiP and PB.

• Vehicles must have sufficient and free access to the tank. It is strictly forbidden to place the gasholder structure under the roadway.

• Foundation for the tank – it is obligatory to make a full-body concrete slab, reinforced with reinforcement. Installation is carried out on special feet. The base to which the tank is attached must be hardened for at least one month after the concrete is poured.
  Instead of making a reinforced concrete "cushion" on site, you can buy a ready-made slab, of the required size and with anchors to fix the tank.

• Distance from the tank to the building – calculation of the distance of the storage depends on its volume. For large gasholders, starting from 20 m³, it is necessary to maintain a distance of at least 20 m to the residential building, for 10 m³, at least 10 m. The minimum distance between the building under construction and the existing gas holder can be reduced to 5 meters.

• Necessary permits for installation. Domestic storage facilities do not need to be registered with Rostechnadzor. For the installation, it is sufficient that the gas supply station has the mandatory certification and operating permit.

• Sanitary protection zone – the gasholder can be installed no closer than 50 meters from an open body of water. In protected areas and pre-protected areas, approval of the local authorities will be required for this construction. The recommendations can be found in SNiP 2.07.01-89.

Type of installation – above-ground or underground?

Existing construction norms are taken into consideration when designing and calculating the type of steel tanks (subterranean, aboveground). Above-ground vertical stations, typically spherical in shape, are installed in areas of adjacent territory that are restricted in size.

After determining the minimum amount of storage that is permitted, the installation is approved. Geodetic work must be done prior to installation in order to determine:

1. Presence of stray currents.

If there is a risk of gasholder displacement and steel frame damage, then the steel structures must be modified in accordance with seismic design recommendations. The decision of whether to install above-ground or underground should only be made after consulting surveyors.

Protection of the hull from corrosion

The steel body, which is continuously under pressure of several atmospheres, is the weak point of all gas holders. With time, the storage may weaken and start to leak due to environmental factors and humidity. Several forms of anticorrosion treatment are required to stop gas leaks:

• Cathodic-anodic protection – constant exposure to stray currents is not only a potentially dangerous cause of explosion, but also leads to rapid destruction of the metal. To prevent this, a special block is mounted on the vessel body.
  The need to install cathodic protection exists when geodetic surveys have shown the presence of "stray" currents in the ground.

• Waterproofing – the vessel is treated with special mastics. Particular attention should be paid to the waterproofing of the neck, as this is where the control and regulating devices are located and is most seriously affected by moisture.

How to remove condensate from the tank

Condensate in the gas holder can occur for a variety of reasons, but the primary one is an inaccurate estimation of the station’s capacity in relation to the boiler’s capacity. When the boiler uses up vaporized gas more quickly than the gasholder can produce it, liquid precipitation happens. How does one pump out condensate?

Experts in the field carry out the liquid removal service. Condensate to be removed is filled with liquefied gas at the same time. A specialized condensate collector can be installed to streamline the moisture removal process.

How to insulate the pressure regulator

Frost on the walls in the winter indicates that the reducer has frozen, but the unit’s inadequate insulation isn’t always to blame. Prior to anything else, it is essential to confirm that the gas pressure regulator is airtight and functions correctly. The following are additional actions:

• The gas pressure regulator must be warmed up – hot water or an insulated heating cable can be used for this purpose.

• If the situation is repeated, you can leave the heating cable for permanent operation. Safety rules for the operation of household gas holders prohibit the use of open fire to heat the metal parts of the station.

Low-quality "blue" fuel is the cause if all calculations for the boiler capacity and gas holder performance are done correctly but the reducer is still covered in frost. More than likely, summer gas was filled in with more butane.

Requirements for gas holder operation

The primary prerequisite for operation is routine gas holder maintenance, which is done ahead of the heating season. In this time frame, the following projects are completed:

1. Cleaning and drying the gas pressure regulator.

1. Filling and replacement of broken parts.

It is strictly prohibited to operate the storage without scheduled works.

Constant volume gas holders offer a dependable and effective way to store gas for home use, making them crucial parts of many residential heating systems. These structures are expertly planned and built to maintain a constant gas volume independent of outside influences, guaranteeing a reliable supply for heating needs.

Gas holders are made mainly of steel and are designed to withstand a variety of weather conditions and environmental influences. The interior of the gas holder has specialized components to control gas flow and pressure, while the exterior is usually composed of sturdy materials.

Gas holder installation prices can change based on the location, size, and particular needs of the heating system. Nonetheless, by offering a dependable supply of gas for heating requirements and minimizing reliance on fluctuating gas prices, a gas holder investment can result in long-term savings.

The cost of adding fuel to the gas holder is an additional expense in addition to the installation costs. Even though this cost might seem high at first, it’s important to weigh the advantages and savings of having a steady supply of gas for heating, particularly in areas where heating is a major wintertime expense.

All things considered, constant volume gas holders provide homeowners with a dependable and effective way to store gas for heating. Homeowners can choose to add gas holders to their heating systems with greater comfort and long-term cost savings by being informed about their construction, installation costs, and the significance of fueling them.

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