trac pipe

Unknown

but based on size of the CSST versus black pipe you have to use the charts given in NFPA 54. The new 2006 version of NFPA 54 by the way has changed many of the figures in the charts for pipe sizing.

If you give a size of black pipe versus a size of CSST and the allowable pressure loss you are using along with the applied pressure I can figure it out for you.

The simple way to look at it is cost of CSST vs black pipe versus the labor to do black pipe versus CSST. In the long run CSST installs will make you money and are much more flexible. Just make sure you follow all the installation rules.

Ryan_8

trac pipe

when sizing gas trac pipe for a home, what is the difference in volume of gas per foot in trac pipe then in steel pipe?

Eugene Silberstein 3

It appears

For residential applications, it appears that TracPipe can be used, and the sizes are equivalent to standard black pipe systems, but according to the manufacturer's literature, there are pressure drop issues that must be addressed. For smaller systems, these pressrue drops seem to be relatively small.

The largest TracPipe that is made is 2" so, if your requirements call for more than that, a hybrid system may be the way to go.

Before you do anything, though, make certain that this piping method will be acceptable.

Here is the site for Omegaflex:

www.omegaflex.com/trac/litlibrary/84078_Omegaflex.pdf

Good luck and keep us posted.

Plumdog_2

CSST System

There are at least 4 brands of CSST. The volume in cubic feet available at any diameter and length is smaller with the CSST; but the intent of the system is to use a small diameter higher pressure main, then regulate the pressure down at or near the point of use, where you will use a manifold to branch out to seperate appliances at the correct operating pressure. CSST has "equivalent hydraulic diameters" to further confuse the comparison. But for equal measured diameters, it can't deliver the same as steel.

Plumdog_2

To answer more directly

Trac Pipe Hydraulic Equivalent size 19 is very nearly the same size as 1/2 inch steel. They both have an inside diameter of almost 5/8 inch. 80 feet of Trac pipe at .5psi with a pressure drop of .5 in. WC will carry 33 cu ft per hr; while steel will carry 57 cu ft per hr.
When you go to larger sizes, there is a diminishing return; ie the carrying capacity falls off dramatically with the CSST. 80 feet of CSST in inch and a qaurter equivalent has one-fourth capacity of steel. This is from the charts in the International Fuel Gas Code 2003.

JackFre

Gas line sizing

You can go to www.ductlessheating.com for a simple sizing calculator for assorted types of gas. This is a part of Rinnai's site.