Page 649 - The City and Guilds Textbook: Plumbing Book 1 for the Level 3 Apprenticeship (9189), Level 2 Technical Certificate (8202) and Level 2 Diploma (6035)

Chapter 10 Domestic fuel systems

6 CONSIDERATIONS THAT

COULD AFFECT THE STORAGE

REQUIREMENTS OF FUELS

When considering the type of fuel system to be used in a dwelling, there are
several factors that need special consideration:
l space for fuel storage
l delivery requirements
l safety
l weather conditions
l distribution
l proximity to dwelling.

Space for fuel storage
Space for fuel storage is a major factor when deciding which fuel system to use.
Most fuels require specific distances in which to site storage vessels, tanks or
silos. This may take the form of environmental concerns, as with heating oil, or
explosion or fire risks, as with LPG. Where biomass is concerned, it may be the
sheer mass of the fuel that is problematic.

Delivery requirements
The transportation and delivery requirements for domestic fuels differ
according to the fuel, as described below.
l Heating oil: most oil tankers carrying domestic heating oil carry 45 m of
hose. This is suitable for most installations. However, extra-long hoses can be
requested. Consumers should remember to measure around any corners or
obstacles when stipulating the oil tank distance from the access point.
l LPG: LPG bulk deliveries are usually delivered in mini-LPG tankers. These
are 2.6 m wide and require access 2.75 m wide with a minimum access road
width of at least 3 m. It is a requirement that a line of sight is maintained
between the storage vessel and the tanker, with a maximum hose length of
40 m, to ensure the safe delivery of LPG to the bulk storage tank.
l Coal/smokeless fuels: solid fuels such as coal and smokeless fuels are p Figure 10.16 A typical small
delivered in sealed 25 kg bags. Deliveries are arranged as required. LPG tanker for domestic
l Biomass: in October 2015, rules to support sustainable fuels for the deliveries
Domestic Renewable Heat Initiative (RHI) came into effect for all biomass
heating systems. The Domestic RHI scheme aims to support homeowners
and landlords who have invested in renewable heating technologies. This
includes biomass, heat pumps and solar thermal panels. The idea behind the
RHI scheme is to reward those people that stick to the RHI rules regarding
sustainable supplies of fuel by paying them a tariff per kW/h. Payments are
made every three months for a period of seven years.

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