DE S IG N G U I D E LI N E S

Natural Gas Supply System

Design Guide for Generac
Industrial Spark Ignited Generators
D E S IG N G U I D E
Natural Gas Supply System
Design Guide for Generac
Industrial Spark Ignited Generators

INTRODUCTION
This design guidance document is to be provided to the consulting
engineer during the project design phase and again at the time of
submittal to the engineer and mechanical contractor for all Generac
Industrial natural gas and propane fueled generator sets.

The following pages provide information and design best practices

that have been demonstrated to minimize gas pressure instability
and flow deficiency problems in the field. These design guidelines
are to be used in combination with applicable national standards,1
local fuel gas piping codes, and Generac’s Installation Guidelines for
Stationary Industrial Generators (Document #046622).

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Natural Gas Supply System Design Guide for Generac Industrial Spark Ignited Generators

1. DESIGN OBJECTIVES

1.1. Provide the generator with a stable gas supply 1.4. Maintain a pressure and flow margin to allow for
pressure over varying gas flow demand conditions. seasonal pressure variation on the upstream gas
Maximum gas flow for all Generac generators are system. The emergency system must be before the
listed on the unit nameplate and generator data facility shutoff.
sheets.2
1.5. Other facility loads must be factored in while
1.2. The pressure difference measured at the sizing the Generator fuel system. It is recommended
generator fuel pressure test port should typically be that the generator should have a dedicated fuel
less than 2" water column (w.c.) from no-load running supply, which is not shared with any other
to full-load running condition. appliances (furnace, water heaters, ranges, etc.) and
the Generator fuel supply line shall be installed away
1.3. The gas pressure must remain above the from a high heat source so that the fuel temperature
minimum specified for the generator set at all times, must remain at an acceptable operating rage.
under all operating conditions. Failure to maintain
adequate gas pressure and flow will result in
operational problems such as extended crank cycles,
inability to carry full load, and unstable engine speed.

Primary Fuel Pressure Regulator

Base Rail
Flex Hose
Fuel Shut Off
High Pressure (psi)
Natural Gas

Fuel Pressure Test Port

Sediment Trap

Primary fuel pressure regulator no less than 10 feet of pipe length from the generator set connection point

Figure 1: Typical natural gas supply regulator and piping configuration.

2. REGULATOR PERFORMANCE ATTRIBUTES3

2.1. Regulator Body Size: The inlet and outlet ports The regulator body size should never be larger than
on a regulator are typically a single metal casting. The the pipe size, but it may be smaller provided the
“body size” refers to the nominal diameter of the inlet required flow can be obtained through the
and outlet pipe threads (or flange). smaller regulator body size.

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Natural Gas Supply System Design Guide for Generac Industrial Spark Ignited Generators

2.2. Pressure differential: The maximum flow rate response required for controlling fast changing gas
of a service regulator is constrained by the gas flow demands encountered in engine-generator
pressure differential across the inlet and outlet port. applications.
When selecting a regulator for a specific gas flow
For example, a Generac SG500 generator, configured
requirement, it must correspond to the expected
for 7" – 11" w.c. nominal gas pressure, requires 6,000
nominal upstream and downstream gas pressures.
CFH of gas at full load. The selected regulator must
Consult manufacturers’ published flow rate tables at
be rated to flow approximately 9,000 CFH (1.5 X 6000
various inlet and outlet pressure values to select an
CFH = 9000 CFH). Given an upstream gas pressure
appropriate regulator (See the example in Table 1).
of 2 psi, a 1½" Model 122–12 regulator with a blue
2.3. Flow and droop: Select a direct acting spring would be the first choice. However, assume
regulator that will deliver approximately 1.5 times there is a substantial risk of seasonal pressure
the maximum gas flow required by the generator with variation where the upstream gas pressure may fall
1" – 2" water column (w.c.) pressure droop at the closer to 1 psi, a larger 2" Model 122–12 regulator
expected nominal upstream and downstream gas with a blue spring will still provide the required flow at
pressures. Direct acting regulators provide the quick the lower upstream pressure.

Set Point Set Point Set Point Set Point Set Point Set Point
5" w.c. 7" w.c. 11" w.c. 18" w.c. 28" w.c. 2 w.c. REGULATOR
INLET
SIZE
PRESSURE Red Spring Blue Spring Green Spring Orange Spring Orange Spring Black Spring AND MODEL
1" w.c. DROOP 1" w.c. DROOP 2" w.c. DROOP 2" w.c. DROOP 3" w.c. DROOP 1/4" PSI DROOP
8" w.c. 4000 3000 - - - -

14" w.c. 4900 4500 3700 - - -

1 psi 6600 6500 6000 5750 - -

2 psi 10500 10000 9800 9000 9500 - 1 1/2"

3 psi 12000 12000 11100 10000 10500 8900 Model 122-12

5 psi 14500 14500 13900 12000 12700 10000

10 psi 16000 16000 15000 13500 14000 12700

15 psi 18000 18000 19000 19000 20000 18000

8" w.c. 5000 4000 - - - -

14" w.c. 8800 8000 6600 - - -

1 psi 12200 12000 11500 10700 - -

2 psi 18200 18000 17300 16500 16900 - 2 1/2"

3 psi 25000 25000 24000 22300 23000 18000 Model 122-12

5 psi 32000 32000 30000 28100 29000 27400

10 psi 38000 38000 35000 32200 33000 30000

15 psi 38000 38000 40000 39000 40000 36000

Table 1: Typical regulator flow capacity table. Note how the same model regulator will flow larger volumes of gas with a
higher inlet pressure while maintaining a set downstream pressure. Courtesy of Sensus.

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Natural Gas Supply System Design Guide for Generac Industrial Spark Ignited Generators

Gas pressure regulators are feedback control systems 2.4. Spring Rate, Accuracy, and Response Time:4
driven by the pressure differential across the The regulator spring provides the force required to
diaphragm and the case spring. When gas flow on open the regulator valve and maintain the desired
the low-pressure side of the regulator causes a operating pressure. There may be more than one
pressure drop, spring force in the regulator case spring covering a desired operating pressure. Spring
pushes on the diaphragm and opens the valve to selection plays a role in regulator accuracy and
increase gas flow to maintain the set pressure. response time.
The dynamic pressure maintained by the regulator
decreases slightly as gas flow rate increases In general, using the lightest spring rate (a blue spring
(Figure 2). This phenomenon is known as pressure from the prior example referencing Figure 2) that
droop or, more simply, “droop”. Regulator achieves the desired operating pressure will provide
manufacturers design products to minimize pressure the best accuracy, minimizing pressure droop across
droop while still maintaining regulator stability for a the range of expected gas flow rates. However, a
given gas flow rate. response that is “too fast” can introduce oscillation
and instability. If instability is experienced during
Regulators tend to exhibit the best stability and operation, moving to the next higher spring (a green
response time when they operate near the middle of spring from the prior example referencing Table 1) that
their proportional band. Selecting a regulator with a includes the desired operating pressure is one
published maximum gas flow of approximately 1.5 potential method to mitigate oscillations.
times the full-load gas flow required by the generator
avoids operation very close to the fully open or fully 2.5. Orifice size: For regulators where various
closed position, minimizing the probability of orifice sizes are available, select the smallest orifice
unstable operation. A regulator that is too large, that will provide approximately 1.5 times the
capable of flowing several times the maximum gas maximum gas flow required by the generator.
flow required by the generator, will operate very Selecting an orifice that is significantly larger than
close to its fully closed position which may also necessary will result in the valve operating very close
result in unstable operation. to the seat (nearly closed) and may result in pressure
instability, increased seal wear, or audible noise from
the regulator.
LOCKUP

2.6. Lockup or hard shutoff: A regulator with a

SET-POINT
lockup or hard shutoff feature must be used. Lockup
DROOP
is the pressure above the regulator setpoint that is
(OFF-SET) required to shut the regulator off tight so no gas
P2 flows. Typically, the lockup pressure is 1"-3" W.C.
above the dynamic pressure setpoint measured when
a small volume of gas is flowing (i.e. no-load running
WIDE-OPEN condition on the generator). The lockup feature
prevents the low-pressure side of the regulator from
FLOW

Figure 2: Pressure droop characteristic of a typical

direct-operated regulator. Courtesy of Emerson-Fisher
Natural Gas Application Guide.
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Natural Gas Supply System Design Guide for Generac Industrial Spark Ignited Generators

creeping up to the regulator line side pressure during

long periods of zero gas flow when the generator is Adjusting Screw
not running. If excessive gas pressure is allowed to Vent Stabilizer

build up on the low-pressure side of the regulator, the Relief Spring

generator solenoid valves may be unable to open Control Spring
Diaphragm Assembly
against the excessive pressure and the engine will Valve Disk
not start.
Orifice
2.7. Internal vs. external pressure registration:
Relief Valve Seat
Internally registered regulators are recommended Valve Stem Lever
because they generally have fewer operational
problems in the field. Figure 3: Major components of a direct-acting lever-
type regulator, internally registered.
(Courtesy Emerson Fisher).
The diaphragm case of a regulator must have a
connection to the low-pressure side in order to after the transition to the largest diameter pipe or any
function. Internally registered regulators have a other throttling devices, component and/or fittings
passage built into the body casting which provides a that will disrupt flow and create turbulence. The
path for low-pressure gas to act against the sensing line should be taken off the top of the main
diaphragm and spring force. Externally registered line to keep it free of debris and condensate. If
regulators lack this internal connection path but possible, it should horizontally slope back to the main
instead have an additional pipe fitting on the regulator so that any condensate will drain back into the main
case where a smaller diameter pipe is field-fabricated rather than accumulate in the regulator’s diaphragm
to a downstream location on the low-pressure side of case. Minimize the fittings used in running the sensing
the main gas piping system. Because all the pipe line. An externally registered regulator will respond to
fabrication is done in the field, variation in the main the pressure changes sensed at the remote tap rather
gas piping system and the remote pressure than within the regulator body. It is advisable to install
registration line can cause unpredictable performance a pressure gauge at the sensing line tap on the main
that is difficult to troubleshoot. as this will be the control point of the regulator.
Externally registered regulators can be used, but the 2.8. Recommended gas regulators:
engineer and installation contractor must be aware of The list of regulators below is not an exhaustive list of
the dynamic effects introduced by variables such as; all suitable regulators that are available in the market,
flow turbulence, length and diameter of the sensing nor is it a list of “Generac Approved” regulators. The
line, location of the sensing point in the low pressure list is intended to help design engineers and
piping system, increases and decreases in pipe mechanical contractors identify a range of products
diameter. that have demonstrated their suitability for engine-
If an externally registered regulator is used, locate the generator service in past projects. Consult your
remote sensing point 8 to 10 pipe diameters Generac Distributor or gas regulator supplier for
downstream of the regulator in the largest diameter additional information.
pipe section. The start of 8 to 10 pipe diameters is - Sensus5
- Emerson Fisher
- Itron
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Natural Gas Supply System Design Guide for Generac Industrial Spark Ignited Generators

3. FLOW CHARACTERISTICS OF 4. DESIGN REQUIREMENTS:

GAS PIPING SYSTEMS: 4.1. Use Generac’s Power Design Pro7 gas pipe sizing
3.1. Elbows and Tees: Minimize the number of module to determine the minimum recommended
elbows and tee fittings that increase pressure drop pipe size for the selected generator’s gas flow given
and flow turbulence in the system. Where more than the anticipated length of the pipe run between the
three elbows and/or tees are required, use of swept service regulator and the generator fuel inlet, including
radius elbows (typical for welded pipe sections) will all elbows. Select the option to design for <0.5” water
help reduce pressure loss. column pressure drop. Refer to the Table 1 for more
detail.
3.2. Reducing bushings (swages): Pipe reducing
bushings are the transition from a larger to smaller 4.2. The flexible fuel line shall be installed at the
pipe diameter or vice versa. Gas flow velocity is generator fuel inlet located on the frame rail and must
slower in a larger diameter pipe compared to a exit the generator perpendicular to the frame rail. No
smaller diameter pipe moving the same volume of pipe fittings (elbows or swages) are permitted
gas. If a remote sensing regulator is used, it is between the flexible fuel line and the generator fuel
important to understand the dynamic pressure effects inlet port.
caused by the gas flow velocities in different sized
pipe sections and design accordingly.6 4.3. The flexible fuel line must be as straight as
possible. It is designed to isolate the rigid gas piping
In some installations where it is impractical to run system from vibrations on the generator set. It is not
approximately 10 feet of pipe, swaging up to a larger intended to correct misaligned pipe sections or to
diameter pipe is a practical method to increase the serve as an elbow.
gas volume between the service regulator and the
generator fuel system. For installations where this 4.4. Given the combined effects of pipe friction loss
method is used, an internally registered regulator is and regulator droop, gas pressure should typically not
strongly recommended. drop more than 2" w.c. from no-load running to
full-load running. Under no circumstances shall the
3.3. Flexible fuel lines: Flexible fuel lines are gas pressure measured at the test port on the inside
intended to isolate the rigid gas piping system from frame rail of the generator set drop below the
vibrations on the generator set and must be installed minimum rated gas pressure listed on the generator
as straight as possible. They are not intended to nameplate.
correct misaligned pipe sections or to serve as
an elbow. 4.5. Full-port ball valves, the same diameter as the
pipe which they are connected to, are to be used for
3.4. Regulator vent lines: Regulator vents must all shut-offs.
open downward and be screened to prevent insects
and water from entering the regulator case. Regulator 4.6. For multiple generator set installations (Generac
vent lines should be kept as short as possible to MPS), each generator set must have its own regulator
reduce the possibility of affecting the regulator installed. Do not share a single large regulator across
response time. multiple generator sets.

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Natural Gas Supply System Design Guide for Generac Industrial Spark Ignited Generators

Table 2: Natural Gas Fuel Pipe Sizing

PIPE SIZE (inches)
KW 1.00" 1.25" 1.5" 2" 2.5" 3" 4" 5" 6"
25 10 95 220 739
30 60 147 565
40 25 75 315 790
50 50 220 560
60 25 145 390 1185
70 5 75 225 710
80 65 195 630
100 40 140 460
130 50 215
150 30 150
200 15 95 475
250 62 315 1020
300 35 255 850
350 10 145 535
400 107 452
500 42 245 650

625 120 395

750 112 380

TABLE VALUES ARE MAXIMUM PIPE RUN IN (feet)

NOTE: Pipe sizing is based on 0.5" H2O pressure drop for Naural Gas. Also sizing includes nominal number of elbows and tees.
Please verify adequate service and meter sizing.

5. RECOMMENDED DESIGN manufacturers typically recommend 10 pipe

BEST PRACTICES: diameters of straight pipe run upstream and
5.1. Provide approximately 10 feet of pipe between downstream of a regulator. For example, on a
the regulator and generator gas inlet. This does not regulator with 2" diameter pipe fittings, 20" of straight
have to be a single straight run. The pipe volume pipe should be fitted upstream and downstream of
decouples the dynamic response of the generator the regulator. When field conditions prohibit meeting
throttle control system and the service regulator, both constraints, place the elbow on the high-
reducing the probability of oscillation and unstable pressure side of the regulator. The straight run on the
operation. low-pressure side is more critical for proper regulator
operation.
5.2. Avoid installing elbows or pipe swages
immediately upstream or downstream of a regulator, 5.3. Avoid installing pipe swages immediately before
unless specifically allowed by the regulator or after an elbow. The combined flow turbulence of
manufacturer. This will increase the turbulence of the the swage and elbow in close proximity can cause
gas flow, having a negative impact on pressure unexpectedly large pressure drops at high flow rates.
regulation accuracy and stability. Regulator

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Natural Gas Supply System Design Guide for Generac Industrial Spark Ignited Generators

5.4. Minimize the number of 90-degree elbows. no-load running. Pressure droop at full-load running
If more than three elbows are needed downstream will be a combination of regulator droop and pipe
of the regulator to accommodate the design, swept friction loss. Proper design will limit the no-load to
radius elbows are recommended to minimize full-load running pressure drop to no more than 2"
pressure drop. w.c. and at no time can the gas pressure fall below
the minimum pressure listed on the generator
5.5. Use of an internally registered regulator is
nameplate. Expect the lockup static pressure typically
strongly recommended. Regulators with external
to be higher than the no-load running dynamic
pressure registration lines add an additional variable
pressure.
into the system that can be difficult to troubleshoot
should the gas pressure become unstable under 7. METHODS FOR CORRECTING
high-flow conditions. UNDESIRABLE PERFORMANCE:

5.6. For more stable gas flow with longer gas piping, 7.1. Pressure surging and cycling: Should the
the high pressure side may be raised as high as code regulator experience “hunting” or other unstable
allows and regulate it down to generator operating operating behavior, an extended vent line may be
pressure at the generator. (This is the same design creating resonant condition on the atmospheric side
concept used in the electrical industry; “high voltage of the regulator diaphragm. If this is suspected,
for long distances, transformation at the loads”). This temporarily disconnect the vent line or remove the
may also help reduce cost as pipe diameters can be cap from the regulator spring case and observe if the
smaller, saving material and installation costs. unstable behavior stops. Shortening the length or
increasing the diameter of the vent line will often
6. INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING correct an instability caused by vent line resonance.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The pipe volume between the service regulator and
6.1. Refer to Generac’s Installation Guidelines for
the generator may be insufficient to decouple the
Stationary Industrial Generators (Document #046622)
control action of the regulator and the generator’s
for additional installation details.
throttle control system. Increase the pipe volume
6.2. Pig all gas pipes after installation to remove between the regulator and the generator.
pipe dope, weld slag and other contaminants that
Change the response time of the regulator. In some
could damage the regulator valve seat and cause
cases, a small adjustment of the regulator spring (up
pressure creep.
or down 1 w.c.) will be enough to restore stability to
6.3. Install a dirt trap and/or screen before the the system. If available for the selected regulator,
gas regulator. using the next higher spring is another inexpensive
and easy to implement option. This will slow the
6.4. Set the regulator pressure with the generator regulator response and can reduce or eliminate the
running at no-load. Measurements are taken at the instability. Keep in mind that changing to a higher
generator fuel pressure test port on the inside of the spring rate will also increase pressure droop and
frame rail. For units configured for 7"-11" w.c. reduce the regulator’s maximum flow capacity which
operating pressure, set the regulator to 11" w.c. limits the applicability of this corrective measure.
no-load running. For units configured for 11-14" w.c.
operating pressure, set the regulator to 14" w.c.

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Natural Gas Supply System Design Guide for Generac Industrial Spark Ignited Generators

7.2. Low gas pressure under high load: There are 7.4. Pressure creep: Ensure the selected regulator
several potential causes of low gas pressure under has a lockup or hard-shutoff feature. Pressure creep
high load. is almost always caused by contaminants in the pipe
system upstream of the regulator. The contaminants
Pipe runs with excessive friction loss caused by a
either get caught on the regulator valve disk or cause
pipe diameter that is too small for the required gas
physical damage to the valve disk, making it
flow and pipe length and/or a large number of
impossible to achieve a hard shutoff. Avoid this
elbows. The only corrective action for this is to
problem by pigging all pipe components prior to
increase the pipe diameter between the regulator and
installing the regulator and ensure a dirt trap is
the generator or to raise the pressure of the high
installed upstream of the regulator.
pressure gas. Avoid this problem by using a gas pipe
sizing tool during the design phase. 7.5. Failure to start, run smoothly, or accept 100%
load: Barring a mechanical failure on the generator,
Insufficient regulator capacity. Confirm the upstream
failure to make 10-second start, run smoothly, or
gas main and regulator flow capabilities for a given
carry full load is almost always caused by an
upstream gas pressure. If the upstream gas pressure
underlying gas supply problem.
is lower than originally anticipated, investigate the
possibility adjusting the utility regulator (if present). If 8. PROPANE VAPOR AND LIQUID:
increasing upstream gas pressure is not possible, a 8.1. Propane vapor system: This type of system uses
larger orifice and/or different spring combination may the vapors formed above the liquid fuel in the supply
be available for the existing regulator to increase flow tank. The maximum tank liquid capacity is 80% and a
and reduce pressure droop. If the previous steps fail minimum of approximately 20% of the tank capacity
to correct the situation, a larger regulator will be is required to boil off liquid into the vapor state. Gas
required. Avoid this problem by thoroughly reviewing pressure and volume requirements for an LPG system
the regulator manufacturer’s flowrate tables prior at the connection point of the generator are listed on
to ordering. the unit specification sheet. The piping system
connecting the outlet of the first stage regulator to the
7.3. Excessive transient pressure drop during connection point on the second stage regulator must
generator crank cycle or block load application: If the be properly sized to provide the fuel volume required
transient pressure drop during a generator crank by the unit at 100% load.
cycle or block load application is large enough to
The piping system between the outlet of the second
impact performance, speeding up the regulator
stage regulator and the generator connection point
response will reduce the transient pressure drop. must be sized to provide the fuel volume required by
Avoid this problem by using a direct-acting regulator the generator at 100% load while also staying within
that is suitable for engine-generator applications. If the pressure range noted on the unit specification
available for the selected regulator, using a lighter sheet.
spring will increase the regulator response speed and
reduce transient pressure dip. Finally, if a remotely 8.2. Tank vaporization rate: In addition to sizing the
registered regulator is used, increase the pipe gas piping system in a similar manner to natural gas,
diameter of the remote sensing line. LP-vapor systems must also size the propane storage
tanks to ensure a sufficient volume of gas will boil off

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Natural Gas Supply System Design Guide for Generac Industrial Spark Ignited Generators

The piping system connecting the outlet of the first stage regulator to the connection point on the second
FIRST STAGE stage regulator must be properly sized to provide the fuel voluume required by the unit at 100% load.
FULL FLOW REGULATOR WITH
SHUT OFF RELIEF VALVE AND The piping system between the outlet of the second stage regulator and the generator connection point
VALVE PRESSURE TAP must be sized to provvide the fuel volume required by the generator at 100% load while also staying
within the pressure range noted on the unit specificatotion sheet.
Allow a minimum of 10 feet between the primary regulator and generator

FUEL TANK
Flex Hose Base Rail

FULL FLOW
SHUT OFF VALVE

SECOND STAGE
REGULATOR

Figure 4: Typical LP vapor withdrawal system.

Max. Intermittent Withdrawal Rate (BTU/HR) Without Tank

under a range of environmental conditions and Frosting* If Lowest Outdoor Temperature (Average for
24-Hours) Reaches . . .
various liquid levels in the tank. Liquid propane
absorbs ambient heat from the surrounding TANK SIZE (Gallons)
environment to boil off liquid into a gas. Low liquid TEMPERATURE 150 250 500 1,000

levels in a tank coupled with cold ambient 40°F 214,900 288,100 478,800 852,800

temperatures can result in a condition where the tank 30°F 187,900 251,800 418,600 745,600

boil off rate is insufficient to meet the demands of the 20°F 161,800 216,800 360,400 641,900
10°F 148,000 198,400 329,700 587,200
generator.
0°F 134,700 180,600 300,100 534,500
The local propane supplier is often a good resource -10°F 132,400 177,400 294,800 525,400
to help with tank sizing. The Emerson-Fisher LP-Gas -20°F 108,800 145,800 242,300 431,600

Serviceman’s Handbook is another valuable resource -30°F 107,100 143,500 238,600 425,000

for sizing propane systems and includes tank * Tank frosting acts as an insulator, reducing the vaporization rate.

vaporization tables.8 In many cases, the tank volume Table 3: Above ground AMSE Tank vaporization rate,
LP-Gas Serviceman’s Handbook.
must be larger (sometimes much larger) than the gas
required to achieve a desired runtime. Where
practical, buried tanks can improve the vaporization (-44°F/-42.2°C). The generator set LPL fuel system
rate by protecting the tank from extremely low delivery pressure operates over the range of 58-180
ambient air temperatures. psi (400-1242 kPa), depending on the ambient
temperature and liquid level in the storage tank.
8.3. Liquid propane system: This system delivers
LPL enters the vaporizer and passes into a “flash”
propane in a liquid state (LPL) to the connection point
chamber. The pressure drop in this chamber
on the generator set. Liquid propane systems are
vaporizes the liquid to a gas and is regulated to
used where it is impractical to achieve the required
negative 11"-14" w.c. (2.9-3.5 kPa). Heated engine
boil off rate from the available fuel tank volume. For
coolant from the jacket water heater is used to heat
the engine to use the LPL fuel, the liquid must be
the flash chamber of the vaporizer and to prevent the
vaporized prior to being delivered to the fuel mixer
vaporizer from icing.
(carburetor). LPL will vaporize at a temperature of
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Natural Gas Supply System Design Guide for Generac Industrial Spark Ignited Generators

Mixer/Actuator
The piping system connecting the liquid line from the tank connection to the connection
FULL FLOW on the generator set, must be sized to provide the correct volume of liquid propane
SHUT OFF (gallons per hour) to the generator set as noted on the unit specificatotion sheet.
VALVE

Liquid Heated
LP FUEL TANK MAXIMUM Vaporizer Coolant
FILL LEVEL 80% Regulator Connections
Flexable Fuel Line
LP tanks set-up to
provide liquid fuel are
equipped with a dip tube
connection to provide
liquid withdrawal of fuel Unit Mounted
from the tank. Generator Frame Solenoid Stop Valve
FULL FLOW
SHUT OFF VALVE DRIP LEG
Generator Base

Figure 5: Typical LP liquid withdrawal system.

8.4. Dual fuel, natural gas primary and propane the primary fuel and LPG or LPL withdrawal as the
secondary: Some applications use a dual fuel system secondary fuel. For dual fuel units, the specific fuel
where the primary source may not be available during pressure, volume, and pipe sizing requirements for
a power outage. Dual fuel systems use natural gas as each fuel type must be observed.

MIXER

FULL FLOW FULL FLOW

SHUT OFF VALVE SHUT OFF VALVE
Unit Mounted
Flexable Regulator Flexable
Fuel Line Fuel Line Primary
Second Stage Regulator
Regulator

PIPING FROM LP TANK DRIP LEG Generator Base DRIP LEG

FIRST STAGE REGULATOR

Figure 6: Typical dual-fuel system.

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Natural Gas Supply System Design Guide for Generac Industrial Spark Ignited Generators

9. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

1
NFPA 37 “Installation and use of Stationary Combustion Engines”
NFPA 54 “National Fuel Gas Code”
NFPA 58 “LP Gas Code”
Free access to view NFPA code documents can be found at:
https://www.nfpa.org/Codes-and-Standards/All-Codes-and-Standards/Free-access.
2
Data sheets for Generac Industrial gas generator sets:
https://www.generac.com/Industrial/products/gaseous-generators.
3
A more thorough description of the operational principles and performance attributes of gas regulators can
be found in Emerson-Fisher’s Natural Gas Application Guide at:
http://www.emerson.com/en-us/automation/valves-actuators-regulators/regulators.
4
Causes and Cures of Regulator Instability, Class #6010. William H Earney, Fisher Controls International Inc. 1995.
https://www.scribd.com/document/197653841/Causes-and-Cures-of-Regulator-Instability
5
Sensus product data sheets: https://sensus.com/products/?utility=gas
6
The Bernoulli Effect will cause a difference in gas pressure only when gas is flowing. When a remote sensing
regulator is used, and the remote sensing point is located in a pipe section that is a larger diameter than the
generator fuel inlet, under high-flow conditions it can result in an additional 1”-2” w.c. of pressure difference
that cannot be eliminated. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernoulli%27s_principle
7
Power Design Pro is Generac’s web-based generator sizing tool that includes modules for gas supply pipe
sizing and exhaust pipe sizing. It can be accessed and used free of charge at:
https://pdp.powerdesignpro.com.
8
LP-Gas Serviceman’s Handbook, Emerson Fisher.
http://www.squibbtaylor.com/uploaded/lp10servicemaninst.pdf.

Generac Power Systems, Inc.

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