lpg finishd abiola faluyi final

The University of Salford

School of Computing, Science and Engineering

Gas Engineering and Management (M.sc)

Module 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF NATURAL GAS AND PRODUCTION SYSTEMS AND DESIGN

Module Co-ordinator:

Mr. N.E CONNOR & Dr. M.Burby

Assignment on:

LIQIUFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) TECHNOLOGY

Written by:

FALUYI. EMMANUEL. A

Roll No.: @00284297

FALUYI. EMMANUEL. A @00284297

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Contents

INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................4

1.1 EVOLUTION OF LPG..................................................................................................................4

2.0 COMPOSITION AND PROPERTIES.......................................................................................................4

2.1 COMPOSITION..................................................................................................................................4

2.2 CHEMICAL PROPERTIES.............................................................................................................5

2.2.1 REACTIONS..............................................................................................................................5

2.3 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES...............................................................................................................6

3.0 PRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................9

3.1 SOURCES OF LPG.............................................................................................................................9

3.2 LPG PROCESSING.......................................................................................................................9

3.2.1 HD-5 Propane Unit:.............................................................................................................10

3.2.2 Next Generation recovery processes:..................................................................................10

4.0 STORAGE........................................................................................................................................11

4.1 PRESSURE VESSELS:...............................................................................................................11

4.1.1 CYLINDRICAL STORAGE VESSELS.............................................................................11

4.1.2 SPHERICAL STORAGE VESSELS..................................................................................12

4.2 REFRIGERATED STORAGE:..................................................................................................12

4.2.1 Above Ground Double-Cased Cylindrical Tanks:.........................................................................12

4.3 CAVERNS....................................................................................................................................13

4.3.1 MINED CAVERNS:.............................................................................................................13

4.3.2 SALT DOME CAVERNS:...................................................................................................13

5.0 TRANSPORTATION OF LPG.......................................................................................................14

5.1 Pipelines:.......................................................................................................................................14

5.2 Rail and Road Trucks:.................................................................................................................14

5.3 Sea Transport:..............................................................................................................................14

6.0 CYLINDER FILLING PLANT:.....................................................................................................15

FALUYI. EMMANUEL. A of 20

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6.1 GENERAL SAFETY ON HANDLING LPG:............................................................................16

6.1.1 STORAGE OF LPG CYLINDERS:...................................................................................16

6.1.2 Bulk Storage of LPG.....................................................................................................................18

7.0 APPLICATIONS OF LPG:.............................................................................................................19

7.1 Industrial Application..............................................................................................................................19

7.2 Agriculture/ Horticulture.....................................................................................................................19

7.4 LPG as cooking fuel..............................................................................................................................19

7.5 LPG as refrigerant..........................................................................................................................19

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.0 Structure of LPG components----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5

Figure 2.0 Expansion of LPG -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8

Figure 3.0 Flow diagram of HD-5 LPG Recovery Plant-------------------------------------------------------------------10

Figure 3.1 Overhead Recycle (OHR) Process-------------------------------------------------------------------------------10

Figure 3.2 Split- Flow Reflux (SFR) Process--------------------------------------------------------------------------------10

Figure 3.3 Improved Overhead Recycle (IOR)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------11

Figure 3.4 Single column Overhead Recycle (SCORE)--------------------------------------------------------------------11

Figure 4.0 A Bullet-shaped cylindrical vessel.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------12

Figure 4.1 Spherical LPG vessel-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12

Figure 4.2 Double Skinned-Cylindrical Tank----------------------------------------------------------------------------------13

Figure 4.3 Salt Dome Caverns----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13

Figure 4.0 Cylinder filling Machine---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15

Figure 5.0 Typical Schematics of LPG distribution Routing-------------------------Error! Bookmark not defined.

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.0 Typical LPG Properties ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6


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INTRODUCTIONLPG is the ellipsis given to ‘liquefied petroleum gas’ and it’s a generic expression used to describe variety of

organic hydrocarbons mixture that exist as vapour under ambient conditions of temperature and pressure;

and transformed to liquid by the application of reasonable pressure, i.e. liquefaction. The main compositions

of LPG are hydrocarbons containing three or four carbon atoms. LPG is a by-product of natural gas

processing and oil refining.

However, the term liquefied gas is vague, because any petroleum gas can be liquefied given the right

conditions, just as any of the lighter petroleum hydrocarbons can be vaporized. As LPG is handled and

utilised as liquid rather than as a gas, this leads to semantic oddities. However, the term is now well

established and perhaps less misleading.

LPG is considered as the cleanest non-renewable fossil fuel, accessible anywhere in the world as it does not

require a fixed network and do not deteriorate over time. These qualities give it preference over other energy

sources and wide utilisation in domestic, commercial and industrial purposes.

1.1 EVOLUTION OF LPG

The history of propane begins with the industrial revolution and the proliferation of the automobile. In 1910,

chemist Dr. Walter Snelling following a complain by American motorist on the rapid evaporation of the

gasoline in their vehicle conducted an investigation. Dr. Snelling using coils from an old hot water heater

and other miscellaneous pieces of laboratory equipment built a still that could separate the gasoline into its

liquid and gaseous components and discovered that the evaporating gases were propane, butane, and other

hydrocarbons.

By 1912, propane gas was cooking food in the home and in 1913 the first propane powered car was ran, by

1915 people were using propane in torches to cut through metal. LPG has been used as a transportation fuel,

mainly in heavy trucks and forklift vehicles, around the world for more than 60 years.

2.0 COMPOSITION AND PROPERTIES

2.1 COMPOSITION

One common feature of LPG irrespective of its source is that both types of LPG are analogous in one respect

and the immensity consists of liquefiable mixture of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons in the C3 and

C4 boiling range. Figure 1.0 shows a chemical structure of LPG.


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Figure 1.0 Structure of LPG components

However, LPG as typically marketed consist rarely of pure propane or butane, rather LPG is sold in the

world energy market in variety of grades which include; mixes that are essentially propane ‘commercial

propane’, mixes that are essentially butane ‘commercial butane’ and the commonest one with variable

amount in 60% by 40% mixes of propane and butane depending on the need.

In addition, non-hydrocarbon compounds (impurities) in trace amount are perhaps present in the parent

natural gas or crude oil and resist the most efficient processes of purification or they might be introduced to

the processed LPG by contamination during transport and handling. These compounds include not only

lighter hydrocarbons like propylene; sulphur compounds and elemental sulphur, but includes involatile oils

and polymeric residues, water, ammonia, halogens and sedum. However, these compounds though in traces

would not affect the combustion ability of LPG, but might cause corrosiveness and toxicity; hence they

should be reduced to the barest minimum.

2.2CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

2.2.1 REACTIONS

The combustion of LPG produces CO2 and H2O vapour. Combustion reactions are associated with an

increase in volume of products with an expansion due to the generation of heat, therefore, sufficient air must

be available for appliances to burn efficiently. Inadequate appliance flueing and ventilation may lead to the

production of toxic compounds.

LPG is chemically non reactive with metals, though the use of aluminium is normally restricted to vapour

system components, this is due to its reactance with caustic soda; however, LPG is aggressive to certain non-

metallic substances like natural rubber and many plastics and causes them to be brittle and spongy. Thus,

only equipment and fittings specifically designed for LPG should ce used. The basic chemical reaction

mechanisms of LPG includes; dehydrogenation, cracking (both catalytic and thermal), oxidation,

halogenation, steam reforming and nitration. The vital factor to the application of these mechanisms is order

of stability, which indicates that stability of hydrocarbons decreases with increase in molecular weight. It is

reflected in the response to attack by chemical reagents, including oxygen (2).

Property Units Commercial Commercial Mixture 50%


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Propane Butane each

Specific gravity of Liquid at 15 oC

(Water=1)- 0.504 0.582 0.543

Specific gravity of Vapour at 15 oC

(Air=1)- 1.5 2.01 1.75

Vapour pressure at 38 oC Kg/cm2 13.8 2.6 8.0

Boiling point at atmospheric

pressure

Table 1.0 Typical properties of LPG

oC

- 45 9 + 9 to – 45

Ignition temperature in air oC 495-605 480-535 480-605

Latent Heat of Vaporization at 15 oC kJ/kg oC 372.2 358.2 175

Limits of flammability % volUpper 9.0 10.0

Lower 1.8 2.2

GHV MJ/m3 121.8 93.1

NHV MJ/m3 112.9 86.1

Table 1.0 Typical properties of LPG

2.3 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

The physical properties of a product are largely a function of its chemical compound. A typical feature of

LPG is its existence in two phases, liquid and gaseous. Thus, some of its properties depend on the state in

which it exists. The following are some of those properties:

2.3.1 Colour and Smell

LPG as a liquid is colourless and as a vapour, cannot be seen. Pure LPG has no distinctive smell as such a powerful odorant, ethanethiol or ethyl mercaptan is added so as to detect leaks easily. The International Standard EN589 provides the details code of practice on the use of odorant.


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2.3.1 Toxicity

LPG is non-toxic but at very high concentrations in air, LPG vapour acts as an anaesthetic and

subsequently an asphyxiate by diluting or decreasing the available oxygen.

2.3.2 Boiling Point

The boiling point is the temperature below which LPG will not vaporise to form gas vapour. Boiling

point of Commercial Propane and Commercial Butane are approximately - 42°C

and - 2°C respectively. Commercial Butane is not suitable for outdoor usage in winter months, because it

can be affected by cold weather resulting in poor pressure. Commercial Propane is not adversely

affected by cold weather and is an ideal fuel source for heating, cooking and industrial applications.

2.3.3 Flammability

A flammable mixture is produced when LPG is mixed with air. The flammability range is between lower

limit of 1:50 and upper limit of 1:10 by volume of gas to air. Any mixture outside these ranges is either

too weak or rich to spread a flame. LPG is highly flammable and must be stored in a well ventilated area

and away from sources of ignition.

2.3.4 Liquid and Vapour Density

LPG liquid is twice lighter than water, and therefore floats on top of it before it evaporates. While, LPG

vapour is heavier than air. Any escape will find its way to the low lying areas where it can remain and

form a flammable mixture. Therefore LPG vessels must be sited away from drains and appliances must

not be sited in basements or cellars.

2.3.5 Vapour Pressure

This is a measure of volatility. The pressure LPG exerts on a vessel varies with temperature. The higher

the temperature of the liquid the higher the vapour pressure, conversely the lower the temperature the

lower the pressure. Thus, LPG vessels must be protected from heat sources and protective safety

distances imposed on the siting and storage of LPG. Commercial Butane has a vapour pressure of

approximately 2bar (30psi) at 15°C (akin to the pressure found in a car tyre) Whereas, Commercial

Propane at 15°C, has a vapour pressure of approximately 7bar (100psi) (akin to the pressure found in a

lorry tyre).

Because of these characteristics Commercial Butane can be used indoors, while Commercial Propane

must only be used outdoors.


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2.3.5 Expansion and Vaporization

When LPG is heated it expands very rapidly. In order to allow for expansion LPG cylinders and tanks

are only filled by volume to 87%. During vaporization, one volume of liquid will produce approximately

250 volume of gas vapour as illustrated in Figure 2.0

2.3.6 Viscosity

LPG in both its liquefied and gaseous state has a very low viscosity of about 15 cp at 15 OC and will

flow very easily like water, petrol etc. This means they will flow with ease and penetrate any break or

weakness in the installation. Therefore, special jointing compounds must be used for LPG installations.

Viscosity is an important parameter for specifying pumps for liquid transfer and for pressure drop

prediction along flow lines.

2.3.7 Calorific Value

The gross CV for Commercial Propane and Commercial Butane are 95MJ/m3 and 121MJ/m3.

2.3.8 Air requirement (Air / Gas Ratio)

LPG vapour requires a higher ratio of air / gas to burn correctly. For complete combustion, each volume

of commercial propane and commercial butane requires 24 and 30 times its own volume of air

respectively, and yields up to 4 times its volume of CO2. Consequently, it is imperative that appliances

fuelled by LPG are provided with sufficient ventilation and serviced regularly to ensure that they burn

efficiently.


1 litre Liquid

233 litres vapour

7281 litres gas/air mixture under stoichiometric

Figure 2.0 Expansion of LPG

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3.0 PRODUCTION

3.1 SOURCES OF LPG

LP gases are principally obtained either as:

i. a by-product from refining light crude oil and processing of petroleum distillates or

ii. extracted from oil and gas streams as they emerged under the ground.

LPG is synthesized in two ways and the process of manufacturing begins in the refining of crude-oil or from

‘wet’ natural gas fields. LPG from refining crude oil accounts for 40%, while 60% of it comes from natural

gas processing.

Also LPG is extracted from natural gas either to enable the compressed gas to be transported without undue

condensation or to provide useful fuel by-products.

3.2 LPG PROCESSING

In the refinery, LPG are trapped in crude-oil, so to render the crude oil suitable for distribution by pipeline or

tanker, it needs to be ‘stabilised’ by further processing of associated gases, hence this produces LP gases.

LPG is recovered by fractional distillation of the crude oil, though the schemes of operations differ from

refinery to refinery, but basically the process involves heating in a primary furnace and separation of fuel oil

and bitumen from volatiles which are fractionated further.

The available processes of LPG recovery from natural gas liquids include absorption, compression,

refrigeration and adsorption. The major factors in the processing of LPG are removal of contaminants and

liquid recovery. There are many state-of-the-art processes of LPG recovery currently used by the oil and gas

industry, these include:

i. HD-5 Propane unit, Figure 3.0

ii. Ortloff next generation systems which include: Overhead Recycle Process (OHR) Figure 3.1, Split-

flow Reflux process (SFR) Figure 3.2, Improved Overhead Recycle process (IOR) Figure 3.3 and

Single Column Overhead Recycle Process (SCORE) Figure 3.4

The major factors of consideration for the choice of the process are:

i. Investment and Operating cost.

ii. Performance of the systems to maximize product revenues as market conditions change.

iii. Efficiency in total recovery.


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3.2.1 HD-5 Propane Unit:

This is a patented Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) unit which utilizes non-cryogenic absorption to recover

propane plus from natural gas streams. With minor enhancements to the solvent generator, the process can

produce the majority of the recovered propane as “Heavy duty” HD-5 containing a maximum of 5%

propylene and maximum of 2-5% butanes and heavier hydrocarbons and lean solvent is produced at the

bottom. The application of this technology significantly saves transportation and fractionation cost, thereby

enhancing overall profitability.

Figure 3.0 Flow diagram of HD-5 LPG Recovery Plant

3.2.2 Next Generation recovery processes:

These processes are patented by Ortloff and include OHR, SFR, IOR and SCORE. The OHR employed two-

column configuration. In essence, the process withdraws a vapour streams from composite distillation tower

at an intermediate point and then condenses and used it as a reflux for the upper portion of the tower. The

cold liquid produced contact and rectifies the vapour leaving the expander, then absorbs the propane-plus

components for recovery in the bottom product from the second column. SFR is an improved version of

OHR, it uses the flashed split-vapour streams in a heat exchanger to cool the tower overhead and generate

reflux.

Figure 3.1 Overhead Recycle (OHR) Process Figure 3.2 Split- Flow Reflux (SFR) Process

Further improvement to the OHR was achieved in IOR by maximizing the use of the refrigeration available

in its feed streams. In the design, the cold absorber bottoms liquid is supplied directly to de-ethanizer at its


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top feed. A cold reflux produced by the overhead condenser rectifies the vapour flowing up the de-ethanizer,

which provides feed gas cooling for maximum heat recovery.

SCORE uses a single, larger column and small reflux drum with one set of cryogenic pump. It’s considered

as most economical, highly efficient and adaptable to other recovery operations like ethane recovery.

Figure 3.3 Improved Overhead Recycle (IOR) Figure 3.4 Single column Overhead Recycle (SCORE)

4.0 STORAGE

The relationship between the vapour pressure and temperature is the most significant physical property that

governs the design of LPG storage. LPG expands rapidly when its temperature rises. So whenever a

container is filled, sufficient space is left to allow for such expansion. The methods of storage most widely

used are:

i. Pressure vessels at ambient temperature.

ii. Refrigerated insulated tanks at near atmospheric pressure and reduced temperature.

iii. Underground caverns.

4.1 PRESSURE VESSELS:

Pressure vessels are used as appropriate medium for LPG storage at ambient temperature due to its low

boiling point. The vessels could either be spherical or cylindrical in shape. The fabrication of pressure

vessels, whether mobile or fixed type is covered by Codes of Practice, such as LPGA ‘ Health and Safety’

(HS-G/34).

4.1.1 CYLINDRICAL STORAGE VESSELS.

These tanks called Bullet-shaped vessels are used when the operating pressure is relatively low and the

required storage capacity is of the range of 0.5 – 100 tonnes. The vessel has hemispherical or dished ends

can be mounted horizontally or vertically depending on the space availability.


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Figure 4.0 A Bullet-shaped cylindrical vessel.

4.1.2 SPHERICAL STORAGE VESSELS.

These are normally used when the required storage capacity is between 100-200 tons. The LPG is

pressurized at almost ambient temperature. In accordance with safety regulations, these tanks must be

equipped with the necessary appurtenances such as pressure relief valves, cooling and fire fighting systems,

e.t.c. Figure shows a spherical tank. They are widely used in refineries and large inland depot and considered

to be most economical LPG storage vessel.

Figure 4.1 Spherical LPG vessel

4.2 REFRIGERATED STORAGE:

These tanks are used when the required storage capacity is in excess of 2000 tons. The tanks could either be

single-skinned dome roof tanks for moderately low storage temperature and near atmospheric pressure, or

double-skinned cylindrical or spherical tanks with high storage pressure and moderately low temperature.

They are mounted either above or below ground.

4.2.1 Above Ground Double-Cased Cylindrical Tanks:

When storing a large volume of LPG at atmospheric or slightly above atmospheric pressure, double skinned

cylindrical tank with dome roof is the most suitable option. This tank is available in various capacities from

80,000 m3 up to 105,000 m3. Typical construction of the double skinned cylindrical tanks is as shown below:


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Fig.4.2 Double skinned-Cylindrical Tanks, 105,000 m3

Similar to spherical tanks, the double-skinned cylindrical tanks are also equipped with necessary safety

appurtenances such as pressure relief valves, foam system, and the likes. In addition, the dike or bund wall

sufficient to contain spillage of the largest tank must be constructed around the tank.

4.3 CAVERNS.

Underground LPG storage offers a very good alternative to aboveground in many instances. It’s considered

as safe and most economical way of oil and gas preservation. The gas storage design relies on the principles

that hydrostatic pressure in surrounding rock being more than the 'escape' pressure of the stored gas. Also oil

is lighter than water and is immiscible with it.

4.3.1 MINED CAVERNS:

In this type of cavern, a suitable quality rock formation is blasted. The rock must be impermeable to the

ingress of water or leak out of gas. LPG is pumped after purging the cavern.

4.3.2 SALT DOME CAVERNS:

A well is drilled into high purity salt formation and water is then injected into it to dissolve the

surrounding salt to a specified volume as shown in Figure 4.3. Access into the cavern is by a shaft,

which is waterproofed by grouting, and a huge excavated overhead water curtain gallery maintains gas

storage pressure.

Figure 4.3 Salt Dome cavern


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5.0 TRANSPORTATION OF LPG.

LPG is transported from its production point to bulk distribution terminals via pipeline, railroad, barge, and

truck or tanker ship. Figure 5.0 shows a schematic presentation of LPG transportation.

5.1 Pipelines:

Pipelines are convenient means of transfer of massive quantities of LPG from the refineries either to the

secondary bulk supply plants located in highly industrialized location or to a very large customer

organization like power plant.

5.2 Rail and Road Trucks:

Rail cars are the preferred means of transportation of LPG quantities which are too small to be moved by

pipelines. Bulk shipment is done in a special pressure vessel with 40-50 tonnes capacities. The vessels are

fitted with necessary uploading facilities based on safety specification.

While Road trucks are used for distribution of relatively small quantities of LPG from the refinery or

secondary supply to the locally placed customers or to the retail fuelling station. Also open trucks are used to

convey portable LPG cylinders from filling plant to distribution depots.

5.3 Sea Transport:

Sea transport serve as a convenient means of transportation of LPG between coastal refineries ansd

customers with jetty offloading facilities. Pressure valve used on coastal tankers are that of unit capacity up

to 1000 m3 (500 tonnes). In refrigerated condition, ocean going cargo can transport a total cargo of up to

40000 m3 of LPG.

Figure 5.0 Typical Schematics of LPG distribution routing (Source: EIA)


http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/propane.html

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6 CYLINDER FILLING PLANT:

Propane and Butane are normally stored in either steel cylinders or small bulk fixed storage tanks ready for

domestics and small-scale industrial purpose. In LPG cylinder filling plant it’s required to have equipment

recommended by the standard and employ best operating techniques. The design of the plants varies

according to levels of automation and complexity, but their principle of operation is the same.

A Typical LPG filling plant is composed of:

1. STORAGE TANK: Storage tanks with capacity range according to customer request complete with

accessories as per D.M. 13.10.1994 specification.

2. Remote Supervision System for reading of levels of Temperature, pressure and capacitive continuous

level reading in the tanks.

3. CONTROL BOARD

Pump room composed of compressors and pumps for product transfer.

Transfer points complete off-loading arms for liquid and vapour phase.

The filling hall consist of: manifold for manual scales filling and filling carousel with electronic scale for an

automated filling.

Figure 4.0 Cylinder filling Machine

4. Air compression System. It composed of:

i. Compressor.

ii. Dryer with tank.

iii. Pneumatic actuators connection pipe.

iv. Installation accessories.

To ensure safety, the plant must be fully equipped with fire protective and fighting equipment. The

equipments required include: Asbestos wrappings, water injection pumps, hydrant, e.t.c.


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Also, required is an effective and sensitive Gas and temperature alarm system with field sensors connected

to main alarm board.

5. Cylinder requalification for Cylinders maintenance, complete with devices for palletising, shot

blasting, hydraulic testing and LPG cylinders water/powder painting.

The plant can be provided with LPG evacuation unit from cylinders, tear marking and sealing

6.1 GENERAL SAFETY ON HANDLING LPG:

6.1.1 STORAGE OF LPG CYLINDERS:

LPG cylinders must be moved, transported and used in an upright position with valves uppermost so

that the vapour will be withdrawn in use.

Smoking and other ignition sources must not be allowed within an LPG store or within the

minimum separation distance allowed for the stored LPG;

Access to LPG storage areas should be limited to competent, trained, authorised personnel. Storage

should not be in an area that the general public have access to, unless it is within a suitable cage

which prevents unauthorised tampering with the cylinders;

The total quantity of LPG cylinders shall not exceed 100 kg. However, there are specific

requirements for the storage of more than 15 kg of LPG in cylinders on commercial premises.

6.1.1.1 INTERNAL STORAGE

LPG cylinders and other containers can be stored within either a specially designed single storey

building, or a specially designed storage place within a building or a cabinet/ cupboard, subject to

specific requirements regarding the store's construction and maximum quantities of LPG that may be

stored;

Where LPG is stored inside a building no more than 5000 kg of LPG in either cylinders or a

combination of cylinders and cartridges should be kept in any compartment of a building;

Except in specific circumstances (re acetylene and oxygen) the store should only be used for LPG;

No part of the building should be below ground level and there should be no drains or other opening

in the floor.

The area around the cylinders should be kept clear of other flammable material and clear of litter.

6.1.1.2 External Storage


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LPG cylinders should be stored in an area which is well ventilated, ideally in the open air, so that

any uncontrolled release of gas is sufficiently diluted to reduce risk of fire and explosion. No more

than 50% of the perimeter of the storage area should be obstructed and not on adjacent sides, to

allow good ventilation;

LPG storage areas should be of a suitable hard standing so that there are no indents where pockets of

gas can collect, in an area where there is no adjacent combustible material;

Chemicals such as sodium chlorate and other oxidising agents should not be used as weed killer in

the LPG storage area, to avoid potential risk of fire;

External store areas must be at least 2 metres from an opening into a building, or a cellar, or a pit.

Because LPG is heavier than air any escaped gas will potentially travel along the ground into such

areas, creating a fire/explosion hazard. Similarly there should not be any open drains within the

exclusion zone;

LPG cylinders should not be located directly beneath electrical power cables, because of the risk of a

spark igniting leaked gas causing fire or explosion. Consideration must also be given to distance

required from LPG delivery vehicles to overhead power lines.

6.1.1.4 Roof top storage

Roof top storage of up to 400 kg LPG is allowed, provided the storage area meets specific

requirements regarding its structural suitability, proximity to chimneys and air intakes, fire

resistance, security and that there are no other materials stored on it.

6.1.1.5 Storage next to other materials

LPG cylinders should be kept separate from flammable liquids and combustible, oxidising, corrosive

or toxic materials and compressed gas cylinders;

Where there is in excess of 50 kg of LPG, it should be stored at the appropriate separation distance

relevant to its quantity (which may be reduced if a suitable fire wall is provided);

Special welding and brazing kits using LPG and Oxygen may be stored providing only a maximum

50g oxygen cylinder is used (or a maximum 500g oxygen producing pellet container);

There are specific requirements for the storage of up to 50 kg of LPG near liquid oxygen

installations, bulk LPG or other flammable liquid vessels;

LPG may be stored with acetylene cylinders in special designed buildings.


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6.1.1.6 Disposal of LPG Cylinders

Cylinders are considered to be a hazard even when they appear empty they will contain a residual

amount of LPG. It is therefore essential that they are not subject to a heat source.

Cylinders should be taken back to a company, which supply that type of cylinder. Company's which

fill LPG cylinders will not normally accept another company's cylinders and therefore retailers will

normally only accept LPG cylinders for the LPG company they are associated with.

This Local Authority currently provides a service at the civic waste amenity for the public to dispose

of gas cylinders.

6.1.1.7 Signage

Prominent notices should be displayed indicating: LPG is stored in the area, the contents are highly

flammable, smoking and other ignition sources are prohibited and action to be taken in the event of a

fire;

Safety signs should conform to the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.

6.1.2 Bulk Storage of LPG

Guidance for bulk storage of LPG is contained in the LP Gas Association Code of Practice 1 (Bulk

LPG Storage at Fixed Installations, Part 1 Design, Installation and Operation of Vessels Located

above ground).

The guidance has been prepared for those involved in the safe practice of storing and handling of

LPG in bulk at fixed installations

The guidance deals solely with above ground installations where LPG is stored under pressure at

ambient temperatures.

This Code of Practice does NOT cover refrigerated or partially refrigerated storage, or Buried or

mounded/ semi-mounded vessels.


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7 APPLICATIONS OF LPG:

7.1 Industrial Application

LPG is a pure, clean energy source, which provides even and controllable heat. This makes it the ideal heat

and power source for a wide range of industrial uses.

7.2 Agriculture/ HorticultureClean burning LPG is particularly useful where livestock or food crops are involved and because it can be

supplied in bulk for tank storage, LPG is invaluable in rural areas - often far from the source of traditional

fuels and meets the needs of Agriculturists and Horticulturists who are always looking for dependable

energy solutions to increase output and improve the quality of their produce.

7.3 LPG as an automobile fuel

LPG (also known as auto gas) is widely used as a "green" fuel for internal combustion as it has lower

emission levels than any other fuel. It has an octane rating (RON) that is between 90 and 110 and an higher

energy content. LPG vehicles are quicker to fill and LPG tanks are both lighter and give more miles between

refuelling than Natural Gas. There are refuelling systems for car fleet users or forklift users either on outright

purchase or on rental. Figure 5.0 shows a schematic view of of car fuelling stations

7.4 LPG as cooking fuel

LPG has a high heating value (94 MJ/m³) than natural gas (methane) (38 MJ/m³ equivalents), thus its

utilization as a cooking fuel and for central heating is greatly used.

7.5 LPG as refrigerant

Highly refined LPG — nearly pure propane with an odorant added can be effectively used as a replacement

refrigerant in systems designed for CFC-12, R-22 and R-134a refrigerants.

7.6 Terrace heaters:

The ‘umbrella-style’ terrace heater is growing in popularity with restaurants and inns as it provides a greater

opportunity for outside dining.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R-134a

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R-22

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CFC-12

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refrigerant

@00284297 LPG

‘Flaming Torch’ lights: This appliance replaces conventional street lights with an elevated flaming torch,

where the LPG supply is housed in the base of the light.

7.8 Air conditioning:

LPG can be used as a very efficient alternative to electricity for new air conditioning units.

REFERENCE:

1. Boudet R., Rapid development in Ocean Transport of LNG & LPG to Europe. International

Petroleum Times, 15 June, series 29. 1978

2. Connor, N.E. LPG: Module 1 Lecture note. School of Computing, Science & Engineering,

University of Salford. Greater Manchester. UK. 2011

3. Glennon E., Gas service technology 1, Basic science and practice of gas service. Benn Technical

Books, Croydon. 1994.

4. Williams A.F, and Lom W.L., LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES. Guide to Properties,

Application and Uses: 2nd Ed. - Revised and Extended. Ellis Horwood. Chichester. 1982

5. http://shelbygas.com/shelbygas/history.html (accessed on 15th November 2011)

6. http://propanecarbs.com/propane.htm......... Accessed on November 15th, 2011)


http://propanecarbs.com/propane.htm

http://shelbygas.com/

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