Propane tank supports

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Today I need to whip out some tank supports for a a 30 gallon propane tank. I estimate it weighs under 100 lbs empty. 30 gallons of propane weighs 126 lbs (4.2lbs per gallon). I was originally asked to cut some flat plates to attach the tank but after looking at the tank it was obvious this tank has mounts to hang. It's simple... look for the top tag or stamp on the tank. Mount a tank in the wrong position and you can't pull vapor (or liquid) correctly. It also would put the 80% fill relief at the wrong position. So I designed a simple hanger that bolts to the frame rail. I have 1/4" plate on the plasma table... so that's what I'll use. My question is this... I'm certain the hanger is over built but how can I calculate the capacity of such a hanger? I know how to calculate the deflection of the L portion but once I weld on the triangle it will become much stronger. Any engineering types want to chime in? Attached Images
Reply:Is this for a vehicle conversion?hey and not to be nit-picky, but did you mean to put this thread in "projects"?Anyways, all's I can add is that the shear strength of your 1/4" bracket is more than likely greater than the shear strength of the (vehicle) frame it would bolt to.Last edited by dubl_t; 11-03-2012 at 01:16 PM.Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:I was going to say to get Blodgett's Design of Weldments from the Lincoln Foundation but I can't find it on their book list any longer.  It was very good because it led you through examples of each situation.  It gave several ways to calculate the moment of inertia and section modulus for various shapes.
Reply:Originally Posted by dubl_tIs this for a vehicle conversion?hey and not to be nit-picky, but did you mean to put this thread in "projects"?
Reply:While deerhunting with my old neighbor years ago, I got a flat in his F-250 miles from anywhere. He ran gas and propane(not at the same time)and  had a setup to inflate tires with propane. We filled the tire up and made it home. Kinda spooky at first . The other thing about propane is, it doesnt turn into shellac like gasoline if stored. Good for emergency backup generator when you cant depend on a diesel to start in freezing weather.
Reply:I decided to use flat bar rather than cutting the bent section from plate... less clean up. I drilled the 5/8" holes and then tacked the two parts together before bending. Bends came out dead on. After bending I snapped the to parts apart. Now I'm in the office finalizing the triangle cuts before I send them to the plasma cutter. Attached Images
Reply:For some reason I had it in my head I needed 4 gussets.  I cut two extra before I realized my error.  I guess that was because one of the original models was double sided and the count stuck in my head.  Welded up the parts and they are very sturdy. I bolted one to the wall and did some pull ups on it. No noticeable deflection. And that was with only one bolt in the upper hole! On the truck they will be about 24" inches apart and bolted with 5/8" bolts. Next they will get blasted and painted... but that's not my job.  Attached Images
Reply:Dropped off the mounts. Matched up great. Everyone is happy. Attached Images
Reply:nice work.so this isn't for your personal vehicle then?Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:Mounts look good and strong, so this must go on a big truck the tank will hang lower then the frame.Tim Beeker.
Reply:Originally Posted by dubl_tnice work.so this isn't for your personal vehicle then?
Reply:Stopped by and snapped a picture of the tank mounted. The brackets are rock solid. Not sure why I was worried.  The hood was up so I snapped a few of the system. I don't know if the mechanic is done. It will be interesting to find out how it works out. Not much to the system from what I could see. Attached Images
Reply:Where's the nitros bottle? Nice job on the brackets. MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:It looks like propane is being fed into the intake of that Detroit Diesel.  What's the intended gain? HP?  MPG? Quick start in cold weather? Fabulously spectacular explosion?- MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55Where's the nitros bottle? Nice job on the brackets.
Reply:Originally Posted by MondoIt looks like propane is being fed into the intake of that Detroit Diesel.  What's the intended gain? HP?  MPG? Quick start in cold weather? Fabulously spectacular explosion?
Reply:Originally Posted by forhireThis guy pulls the pass with 105500 gross. He's hoping to produce another 100 hp and maybe pick up another mile or two per gallon. I'm skeptical... but I've been wrong before. I'm very interested to find out. They are already talking about putting the system on more trucks... which would keep me busy for a while.
Reply:Originally Posted by a1998z3With numbers like that you may may need to work on the brakes also.....
Reply:Propane on a diesel acts kinda like Nitrous on a gas engine.....except you can keep it engaged for long periods of time without blowing the motor.  Looks like a great job on the brackets too!
Reply:Originally Posted by ConductorXDiesel engines use propane or water and methanol injection to build power.