Propane Tank Stratification

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Hydronics

Feeling the Heat
Hearth Supporter
Dec 3, 2008
386
Northern CT
Does anyone have measured temperatures (top & bottom) for a horizontal propane storage tank? I question how much stratification can be obtained in a 40" diameter tank especially as the tank supply and return approach the same temperature. If anyone has hard data on this it would be greatly appreciated.
 
I measure mine every day of the heating season, both tanks, top and bottom. My max from bottom bottom to top top is typically about 40-60 degrees on average days/weeks. Of course when you run long enough to get both tanks full of 180 degree water top to bottom you won't have much stratification. but once you start pulling heat out of storage that quickly changes...
 
Take a look at the three charts in Tank Heating

At the flow rates indicated very high stratification is achieved. Return from tank is from a diptube to the bottom of the tank about 1/4 of the way from one end of the tank. Supply to the tank is about 1 foot away from the diptube and injects hot water horizontally into the tank towards the opposite end of the tank.
 
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