Can a Propane tank be installed underground?

[JVTK]

I know it's common place in the US but my hour of googling has only found code based on petroleum storage tanks being buried noting exclusions to propane tanks but nothing stating it must be installed above ground.

I'm looking at getting either a 500 or 1000 gallon tank to run a home standby generator but really don't want the tank sitting in the yard above ground.

AND if anyone has a deal on a 250psi tank (vs older 200psi which some places cannot fill) with certification plate they want to get rid of please let me know :)

Thanks!

[four_420_twenty]

wouldnt it rust?

[jdd318]

The underground tanks have a different paint applied to them to help inhibit rust. Also, when they are installed, there is an anode bag buried also. This anode will take the brunt of the electrolysis rather than the propane tank, allowing the tank's life to be lengthened.

When we had our tank buried, the propane dealer indicated the pH of the soil would dictate the life, but he felt a buried tank was safer than one standing on the ground.

jd

[Toxic]

http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/regs/pdf/d012-188.01.pdf

Your best bet is probably going to be to contact Manitoba Conservation and ask for someone in the petroleum storage program. I'm not clear if propane is going to be considered a petroleum product so the above regulation might not apply (but I suspect it will). Tank size matters in the above reg.

If there's a tie in to Fire Code the guys at Conservation should be able to give you some insight there too.

I have never seen an in ground propane storage tank but my experience is limited to pulling gas and diesel tanks.

[wingit]

The people to contact in regards to the burial of a propane tank would be Manitoba Hydro, they are the authority of jurisdiction.

[Toxic]

Originally Posted by wingit

The people to contact in regards to the burial of a propane tank would be Manitoba Hydro, they are the authority of jurisdiction.

I think Hydro actually get trumped authority wise by the Mechanical and Engineering branch of the Manitoba Labour, through the Office of the Fire Commissioner.
Hydro certainly would know the requirements or the direction to point in though.

[fireye]

Originally Posted by wingit

The people to contact in regards to the burial of a propane tank would be Manitoba Hydro, they are the authority of jurisdiction.

Manitoba hydro only sells natural gas and not propane, dept Labor gas div or your local propane suppler should know the answer. I have never seen them buried either.