Diesel and gas location requirements

[Gixer]

So I’m going to relocate my diesel fuel tank the the lazarette locker but this also houses my gas bottle. Size and location of the tank shown by the cardboard box. Will I need to rethink my gas location or build a bulkhead if I go ahead with this? The boat is a 1990 build and located in the UK, if that makes a difference.

 

[jwfrary]

Well gas won't ignite the diesel! And not the other way around either unless you have a lot of fire on board and then it's all rather academic

To be honest I would be more concerned about the 240v shore power socket in vicinity of the bottle and reg!

 

[Gary Fox]

With everything strapped down, if it's well ventilated it's totally fine.

 

[Gary Fox]

I would be more concerned about the 240v shore power socket in vicinity of the bottle and reg!

Could you explain your reasoning please?

 

[Gixer]

Thanks guys, sorry what BSS

 

[Deleted member 36384]

Just had my gas inspected, Gas Safe Certificate, and the distance between gas lines and electrical cable runs must be more than 30mm and in separate conduits. The 240V would be an issue but not the diesel tank. My gas runs right over the diesel tank and was signed off after I moved a bunch of cable runs about 100mm away (open space).

 

[pvb]

Will I need to rethink my gas location or build a bulkhead if I go ahead with this?

As long as the locker has an overboard drain at the bottom, and is otherwise sealed below the top of the gas bottle, there should be no problem. Unless you want to go on inland waterways, the BSS doesn't apply.

 

[Deleted member 36384]

Could you explain your reasoning please?

Not sure what jwfray reasons are but the 240v is not ignition protected i.e. it could cause sparks or hot spots above the ignition temperature of the gas. Regulators and bottles can leak. My so called marine regulator was passing and it has been returned to the designer. The reason being that there are a batch that were not built as designed and the internals fail in a marine environment. I have my gas system tested annually for personal use, not commercial and about very second year there is anew leak, small that needs corrected. I have about 4 unions to get round the centre cockpit to the stove.

 

[Gary Fox]

Thanks guys, sorry what BSS

It's for inland waterways craft, not seagoing.

 

[Gixer]

This is great news, thanks guys. The lazarette drains overboard which is why the gas is located there. I was thinking of moving the 240v to the otherside anyway.

 

[Gary Fox]

It is fairly vital to top the gas bottle moving, with tight straps etc

 

[VicS]

This is great news, thanks guys. The lazarette drains overboard which is why the gas is located there. I was thinking of moving the 240v to the otherside anyway.

You will find the section of the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) which relates to gas installations here.
http://www.marinesurveys.net/BoatSafety/Guideline-chap7LPG.pdf
It's compulsory for boats on Inland waterways but is the best guide you will find for a safe gas installation on any boat.

There is also an International ISO standard for Small craft LPG systems which you will find here.
https://montymariner.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/ISO-10239-Small-Craft-LPG-Systems.pdf

 

[jwfrary]

Could you explain your reasoning please?

Chances are slim but it's not unknown for small leaks in the joints of the soft hose in the locker or the reg to leak off a bit when it needs replacing. This combined with a spark from connecting the shore power.... The two just don't belong together!

Cables and gas pipes is more to to with chafe and the potential to make the pipe live and then cause a spark from that.

While it wouldnt be required the BBS has mostly sound advice and if you do it in accordance with it if you want to cruise inland too then you have no worries!

 

[Gixer]

VicS, thanks for the links, good breakfast reading.

As you guys had said I can’t see anything about diesel and gas proximity in installation but you were right about the electric.

6.5.2 LPG supply lines and components shall be routed at least 30 mm away from electrical conductors, unless the LPG supply line is run jointless through conduit, or the conductors are sheathed or in conduit or trunking in accordance with ISO 10133 and ISO 13297.

 

[Gixer]

I believe in giving credit where its due so am going to shout out to Tek-Tanks. Even though I ordered one of their smallest tanks (18L) they bent over backwards to make sure I got what I needed and were polite and accommodating with my changes and questions. It arrived on time and looks great.
Now onto the next bit.... Oh and I will thoroughly clean the locker at some point.

 

[Gary Fox]

Very smart!

 

[Laysula]

Looks good. Are you keeping the gaz bottle in there? if so is there room to change it for a calor bottle? which will save you a fair bundle of money.

 

[Gixer]

Didn't think of that, thanks for the headsup!

I am planning to keep it in the locker but move it to the Starboard side with a braided hose running from the deck joint. Oh, I will put a bulkhead in

 

[Refueler]

This is great news, thanks guys. The lazarette drains overboard which is why the gas is located there. I was thinking of moving the 240v to the otherside anyway.

Yes sensible to get the 240v moved ...