Section 296-307-41049 - Liquid-level gauging devices(1) Each container manufactured after December 31, 1965, and filled on a volumetric basis must have a fixed liquid-level gauge to indicate the maximum permitted filling level according to subsection (5) of this section. Each container manufactured after December 31, 1969, must have permanently attached to the container adjacent to the fixed level gauge a marking showing the percentage full that will be shown by that gauge. When used with a variable liquid-level gauge, the fixed liquid-level gauge will act as a check on the variable gauge. Gauges must be used in charging containers as required in WAC 296-307-41034.(2) All variable gauging devices must be arranged so that the maximum liquid level for butane, for a 50/50 mixture of butane and propane, and for propane, to which the container may be charged, is easily determined. Liquid levels from empty to full must be marked on the system nameplate or gauging device. Dials of magnetic or rotary gauges must show whether they are for cylindrical or spherical containers and whether for aboveground or underground service. The dials of gauges for aboveground containers of over 1,200 gallons water capacity must be so marked.(3) Gauging devices that require bleeding of the product to the atmosphere, such as the rotary tube, fixed tube, and slip tube, must be designed so that the bleed valve maximum opening is not larger than a No. 54 drill size, unless provided with excess flow valve.(4) Gauging devices must have a design working pressure of at least 250 psig.(5) Length of tube or position of fixed liquid-level gauge must be designed to indicate the maximum level to which the container may be filled for the product contained. This level must be based on the volume of the product at 40°F at its maximum permitted filling density for aboveground containers and at 50°F for underground containers. The employer must calculate the filling point for which the fixed liquid level gauge must be designed according to this section. Note: | It is impossible to set out in a table the length of a fixed dip tube for various tank capacities because of the various tank diameters and lengths, and because the tank may be installed either vertically or horizontally. If the maximum permitted filling volume in gallons is known, however, the employer can determine the length of the fixed tube by using a strapping table from the container manufacturer. The fixed tube should be long enough so that when its lower end touches the surface of the liquid in the container, the contents of the container will be the maximum permitted volume as determined by the following formula: Click to view image 1 Measure at 60°F. 2 From WAC 296-307-41037(1). 3 For aboveground containers the liquid temperature is assumed to be 40°F and for underground containers the liquid temperature is assumed to be 50°F. To correct the liquid volumes at these temperatures to 60°F, use the following factors: |
(a) To determine maximum volume of LP-gas for which a fixed length of dip tube must be set: TABLE U-6
VOLUME CORRECTION FACTORS
| Specific gravity | Aboveground | Underground |
| 0.500 | 1. 033 | 1. 017 |
| .510 | 1. 031 | 1. 016 |
| .520 | 1. 029 | 1. 015 |
| .530 | 1. 028 | 1. 014 |
| .540 | 1. 026 | 1. 013 |
| .550 | 1. 025 | 1. 013 |
| .560 | 1. 024 | 1. 012 |
| .570 | 1. 023 | 1. 011 |
| .580 | 1. 021 | 1. 011 |
| .590 | 1. 020 | 1. 010 |
(b) To calculate the maximum volume of LP-gas that can be placed in a container when determining the length of the dip tube expressed as a percentage of total water content of the container, use the formula in (c) of this subsection.(c) Determine the maximum weight of LP-gas that may be placed in a container for determining the length of a fixed dip tube by multiplying the maximum volume of LP-gas from Table U-6 by the pounds of LP-gas in a gallon at 40°F for aboveground and at 50°F for underground containers. Typical pounds per gallon are specified below: | Example: | Assume a one hundred gallon total water capacity tank for aboveground storage of propane having a specific gravity of 0.510 of 60°F. |
Click to view image
| Aboveground,pounds pergallon | Underground,pounds pergallon |
| Propane | 4.37 | 4.31 |
| N Butane | 4.97 | 4.92 |
(6) Fixed liquid-level gauges used on non-DOT containers must be stamped on the exterior of the gauge with the letters DT followed by the vertical distance (expressed in inches and carried out to one decimal place) from the top of container to the end of the dip tube or to the centerline of the gauge when located at the maximum permitted filling level. For portable containers that may be filled in the horizontal and/or vertical position the letters DT must be followed by V with the vertical distance from the top of the container to the end of the dip tube for vertical filling, and with H followed by the proper distance for horizontal filling. For DOT containers the stamping must be placed both on the exterior of the gauge and on the container. On aboveground or cargo containers where the gauges are positioned at specific levels, the marking may be specified in percent of total tank contents and the marking must be stamped on the container.(7) Columnar gauge glasses must be restricted to charging plants where the fuel is withdrawn in the liquid phase only. They must have valves with metallic handwheels, excess flow valves, and extra-heavy glass adequately protected with a metal housing applied by the gauge manufacturer. They must be shielded against the direct rays of the sun. Columnar gauge glasses are prohibited on tank trucks, motor fuel tanks, and containers used in domestic, commercial, and industrial installations.(8) Float gauging devices or equivalent that do not require flow for their operation and that have connections extending outside the container do not have to have excess flow valves if the piping and fittings are adequately designed to withstand the container pressure and are properly protected against physical damage and breakage.Wash. Admin. Code § 296-307-41049
Amended by WSR 20-21-091, Filed 10/20/2020, effective 11/20/2020Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040. 98-24-096, § 296-307-41049, filed 12/1/98, effective 3/1/99. 97-09-013, recodified as § 296-307-41049, filed 4/7/97, effective 4/7/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, [49.17.]050 and[49.17.]060 . 96-22-048, § 296-306A-41049, filed 10/31/96, effective 12/1/96.