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HVACR215 – Mechanical for Oil. Oil Tanks. Oil Tanks - General Notes. All oil tanks must conform to local codes. These are mostly fire codes, administered by the fire department. If no local codes exist use the national or international codes or UL regulations. UL Label.
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HVACR215 – Mechanical for Oil Oil Tanks
Oil Tanks - General Notes • All oil tanks must conform to local codes. • These are mostly fire codes, administered by the fire department. • If no local codes exist use the national or international codes or UL regulations.
UL Label • Stands for Underwriters Laboratory. • The UL Label species where the tank can be used: • Inside • Outside • Underground
UL Label • The tank must be 12 gauge thickness for an indoor tank. • The tank must be a 10 gauge thickness for an outdoor or underground tank. • Outdoor or underground tanks must also have a protective coating on them.
Locations to install tanks • Oil tanks may be installed in three possible locations: • Basement • Outside • Underground
Indoor Tanks • 275 or 330 gallon tanks • They are low cost • Have a long life • Easy to pipe • Oil is maintained at a uniform temperature • Tank sizes are 22” Wide x 44” high x 78” long for flat tanks or 26” wide x 42” high x 72” long for regular tanks.
Indoor Tanks • Both of these tank sizes can be carried through a door. • 330 Gallon tanks can be twinned together to create a 660 gallon tank that still falls within code of maximum amount of oil storage.
Indoor Tanks • Location (in basement) • Minimum of 5 feet to the burner • Check all other local codes prior to installation. • Height off the floor • Determined by local code, but usually 10” • Come with screw in floor flanges and can be mounted to the floor.
Indoor Tanks • Tank must be on a noncombustible material. • There must be a UL approved gauge installed which indicates the amount of oil left in the tank. • The fill line must have a cap to protect it from water.
Vent Line • Must have a vent line to let air out as tank is filled. • 1 1/4” in MA • 2” in CT • Must terminate with an approved weather cap. • Must be installed higher than fill line and pitch towards the tank.
Indoor Tanks • Tank outlet must have a fire valve on it, usually a Firematic valve that melts at 165 degrees. • The outlet flange on older style tanks is a 1/2” pipe from bottom of tank. This prevents water and sludge to build up and tank eventually needs cleaning.
Indoor Tanks • The outlet on newer style tanks is a 1/2” pipe which is on one side of the tank near the bottom. The tank is pitched 1” towards the valve and this prevents buildup of sludge and condensation.
Indoor Tanks • The filter, usually a cartridge filter, is installed on the outlet of the tank, after the valve. • The filter must be changed with annual service. • Install a second firematic valve near the burner to maintain oil line prime.
Indoor Tanks • Oil supply line should have an oil safety valve (OSV) installed. • Supply lines can no longer run under the floor and they must have a plastic or rubber case. • Copper corrodes when it is contact with cement.
Indoor Tanks • If tank legs are longer than 16” they must have supports.
Tank Piping • A six inch loop at both the burner and the tank is required for flexibility. • Return line (if a two pipe system) must be six inches off the bottom of tank. • Supply line (if not from side) must be three inches from bottom of tank.
Oil Safety Valve • The oil safety valve is a device that acts to stop oil flow in the event of a leak in the suction line. • When the pump operates a vacuum is created in the line opening the valve allowing oil to flow. • Pump not operating? No flow of oil.
Outdoor Tanks • Mainly used if there is no basement, also used in mobile homes. • Must be mounted on a masonry foundation for stability.
Outdoor Tanks • Come with some operational problems: • Cold Climates prevent oil from flowing easily and also allow condensation to build up in the tanks. • May need to have the oil filter installed inside near the burner rather than outside. • May need to use a nozzle line heater • May need to raise the pump pressure.
Underground Tanks • Not legal in most areas. • They are installed on a concrete slab under ground • Outlet end must be pitched about 3” for every 1000 gallons. • Must follow manufactures directions for installation.
Underground Tank • Fill must be 2” • Vent must be 2” or greater, check local codes • Fittings must be black malleable iron, no cast iron. • Swing joints must be installed at every underground elbow.
Underground Tanks • Fill and vent pipes must be from 3-5 feet from nearest building opening.
A redneck oil tank DON’T DO THIS!!