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Propane Plumbing Confusion

http://www.thebrewingnetwork.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=26734

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Propane Plumbing Confusion

Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2011 6:57 am
by NovaBrew
Hello,

I'm building a modified Brutus system now and I am having problems understanding Propane Plumbing. I intend to run at least 2 of the 10" Banjos (for BK and HLT), and probably a 55k or some smaller burner for MT.

Either way I don't understand how to set it up. Pics and hand holding are helpful here. I understand most people run a regulator from the Propane tank, Black pipe to the three burner locations, and valves to each burner.

What PSI regulator do I use in this set-up? I've seen people reference an adjustable 30psi regulator (http://www.bayouclassicdepot.com/7850_p ... ulator.htm). But I don't understand where to go from here. Looking at the picture im not sure how that gets piped into the propane tank either.

So my 2 questions are how many PSI regulator do i need (15-20 gallon batches)? And how does that connect to the tank?

Thanks in advance!

Re: Propane Plumbing Confusion

Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2011 9:08 am
by Quin
There's a pretty good picture on the morebeer site. http://morebeer.com/search/103469 They recommend 3/4" main piping and 1/2" branches to the burners. The regulator link you posted comes with the nut to attach it to the cylinder. You'll need a hose with 1/4" npt ends and a bushing to get you to the black pipe.
Image

Re: Propane Plumbing Confusion

Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2011 6:41 am
by captain carrot
You may not be a able to run different btu burners off one regulator. The pressure requirements might not be the same. I run 3 of the same burner off one adjustable regulator plumbed with 3/8 black pipe and copper. 3/4 and 1/2 inch runs seem to be overkill when it's supplied by a 1/4 hose.
Here's the burner I used:
http://www.agrisupply.com/burner-cast-l ... n/5400000/
Good Luck! :aaron

Re: Propane Plumbing Confusion

Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 7:12 am
by NovaBrew
Thanks for your help,

So, I get most of it plumbing wise.

Is 30 PSI enough for 2 or 3 hurricanes (banjos, whatever)?

The valves for each burner from that picture. Are those used simply for on/off? If not, do they regulate Flow, PSI or both?

Re: Propane Plumbing Confusion

Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 12:58 pm
by Kbar
NovaBrew wrote:Thanks for your help,

So, I get most of it plumbing wise.

Is 30 PSI enough for 2 or 3 hurricanes (banjos, whatever)?

The valves for each burner from that picture. Are those used simply for on/off? If not, do they regulate Flow, PSI or both?


The MoreBeer system runs one regulator to three parallel legs (burners in parallel). You need to be able to shut off the burners not in use, thus the ball valves. I have electric MLT's and HLT's, so I only run one 30 Psi regulator and burner. I do not have any experience running more than one burner off of one regulator, but given I only run the needle valve partially open for full rolling boils, I am inclined to say you can probably run more than one off of one 30 Psi reg. Need to compare flow requirements of each burner to what the regulator can supply at a 30Psi drop across the sum of the system orifices.

Re: Propane Plumbing Confusion

Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 3:37 pm
by NovaBrew
NovaBrew wrote:The MoreBeer system runs one regulator to three parallel legs (burners in parallel). You need to be able to shut off the burners not in use, thus the ball valves.


Ok great Thanks! I think by this you mean there is never occasion for a partially open/closed ball valve, As everything is regulated by the regulator.

NovaBrew wrote: I do not have any experience running more than one burner off of one regulator, but given I only run the needle valve partially open for full rolling boils, I am inclined to say you can probably run more than one off of one 30 Psi reg. Need to compare flow requirements of each burner to what the regulator can supply at a 30Psi drop across the sum of the system orifices.


Hmm, It sounds like it would work. The intention here is to do triple brew days. Thus the desire to be heating HLT, potentially a small fire on the MT, and a boiling kettle. I Don't think this is a unique situation so i hope some others can provide some guidance.

thanks for your help so far.

Re: Propane Plumbing Confusion

Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 5:37 pm
by animaldoc
NovaBrew wrote:
NovaBrew wrote:The MoreBeer system runs one regulator to three parallel legs (burners in parallel). You need to be able to shut off the burners not in use, thus the ball valves.


Ok great Thanks! I think by this you mean there is never occasion for a partially open/closed ball valve, As everything is regulated by the regulator.



Not quite. I have a MoreBeer 1550 and they have 3 burners - don't know the proper names but the HLT is a "wok" type burner and the kettle and MT burners are "jet" types. When I am heating my HLT and strike water in the MT I often have the MT burner partially open to balance the flame properly. When I'm only firing my boil kettle I fine tune with the needle valve on the regulator. (the HLT is an all-on or all-off pilot/automatice control valve)

Re: Propane Plumbing Confusion

Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 4:16 am
by NovaBrew
ahh ok, And this is closer to what I will be doing. 2 hurricane/Banjo burners and a wok style for the MT. I think too much more than 55k btu's would be too much heat and allow for scorching.

Looks like B3 uses 0-10PSI regulators for their sculptures, So ill probably go with 15 PSI knowing it will be more than enough.

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