Vermont Casting GPFMP - Manual (Page 5)

5
Vermont Castings Gas Patio Fire
Enclosures for LP Gas Supply Systems
If you build an enclosure for an LP gas cylinder, follow
these recommended specifications. You must also
follow local codes.
Enclosures for LP gas supply cylinders shall be
ventilated by openings at the level of the cylinder valve
and at floor level. The effectiveness of the opening(s)
for purposes of ventilation shall be determined with the
LP gas supply cylinder(s) in place. This shall be accom-
plished by one of the following:
1. One side of the enclosure shall be completely open;
or
2. For an enclosure having four sides, a top and
bottom:
a. At least two ventilation openings at cylinder valve
level shall be provided in the side wall, equally
sized, spaced at 180 degrees (3.14 rad), and
unobstructed. Each opening shall have a total
free area of not less than 1/2 square inch per
pound (3.2 sq. cm/kg) of stored fuel capacity and
not less than a total free area of 10 square inches
(64.5 sq. cm)
b. Ventilation opening(s) shall be provided at floor
level and shall have a total free area of not less
than 1/2 inch per pound (3.2 sq. cm/kg) of stored
fuel capacity and not less than a total free area of
10 square inches (64.5 sq. cm). If ventilation
openings at floor level are in a side wall, there
shall be at least two openings. The bottom of the
openings shall be at floor level and the upper
edge no more than 5 inches (127mm) above the
floor. The openings shall be equally sized,
spaced at 180 degrees (3.14 rad) and unob-
structed.
c. Every opening shall have minimum dimensions
so as to permit the entrance of a 1/8 inch
(3.2mm) diameter rod.
3. Cylinder valves shall be readily accessible for hand
operation. A door on the enclosure to gain access to
the cylinder valve is acceptable, provided it is
nonlocking and can be opened without the use of
tools.
4. There shall be a minimum clearance of 2 inches
(50.8mm) between the lower surface of the floor of
the LP gas supply cylinder enclosure and the
ground.
5. The design of the enclosure shall be such that (1)
the LP gas supply cylinder(s) can be connected,
disconnected and the connections inspected and
tested outside the cylinder enclosure; and (2) those
connections which could be disturbed when install-
ing the cylinder(s) in the enclosure can be leak
tested inside the enclosure.
6. Be certain to mount or set the LP gas cylinder on a
flat surface and restrain it to prevent it from tipping.
Purge the gas supply line of any trapped air prior to the
first firing of the unit.
WARNING: During the initial purging and subse-
quent lightings, NEVER allow gas valve to remain in
the “Open” position without first placing a burning
match on top of the burner.