Propane as a Vehicle Fuel

Drivers Need to Know

Introduction to propane

Properties and characteristics of propane

Safe vehicle fueling procedures Vehicle fueling emergency procedures Fueling station safety systems Emergency notification procedures

Emergency evacuation procedures

Module 1 Introduction to Propane

Module 1 Learning Objectives

Why use propane as a vehicle fuel

Understand where propane comes from

How propane is delivered to a fueling station Environmental benefits

Why Propane?
Domestically produced from natural gas processing and petroleum refining

Very large base of deployed vehicles in U.S.

Why Propane? - 2
Most readily available alternative fuel Delivered to fueling stations by over-the-road trucks like gasoline and diesel Propane is non-toxic Has environmental benefits

Propane is Highly Available Nationwide

source: PVC

Propane Emissions Compared to Gasoline

Reduced Emissions

Particulate Matter (PM10)

NOx

-40%
-50%

Total Hydrocarbons (THC)

-87%
source: PVC

Why Propane? - 5
Does not contaminate ground water or soil Is an EPAct alternative fuel

Propane Performance
Fuel economy
Up to 85% of gasolines MPGs

Range
Approximately 80%-90% of gasoline vehicle, gallon per gallon Equal to gasoline on GGE basis

Fueling time
Similar to gasoline

Module 2
Properties and Characteristics of Propane

Module 2 Learning Objectives

Understand propane and how it compares to other fuels Become familiar with the characteristics of propane Understand potential health and safety hazards

Physical Properties
Propane not a naturally occurring petrochemical Propane is a byproduct of both natural gas processing and petroleum refining. Chemical composition Mixtures of propane, propylene, Nand I-butane, and ethane

Compared to Other Fuels

Propane

C 3H 8 Natural Gas CH4 Gasoline C8H30 Diesel C14H30 Biodiesel (Palmitic) C15H31CO2CH3 Methanol CH3OH Ethanol CH3CH2OH

HD5 Motor Fuel

Minimum 90% propane
Ensures adequate fuel to engine

Maximum 5% propylene
Propylene reduces octane number

In the U.S., almost all LPG meets HD-5 motor fuel standards, even the LPG used for home heating and recreational uses.

source: Ford Motor Company

Specific Gravity
Liquid at 60 F = 0.504 (Water = 1)
Propane liquid is lighter than water

Gas at 60 F = 1.50 (Air = 1)

Propane vapor is heavier than air

Appearance & Smell

Colorless

Odorless odorized for safety

Although propane has no natural odor, an odorant is added to aid in the detection of leaks. The most commonly used odorant is ethyl mercaptan

Physical State
Fuel value, compared to gasoline
Octane 104-112 1.35 gallons of propane = 1 GGE (gasoline gallon equivalent)
Propane = 91,500 Btu gross energy per gallon Gasoline = 117,500 Btu next energy per gallon

Flammability
Burns with a pale, faintly luminous blue flame at 865o F
Natural gas 1100o F Gasoline 630o F

Fuel-to-air ratio is 2.1% (LFL) to 9.6% (UFL)

Natural gas 4% to 16%

Gasoline 1.3% to 7.6%

Fire Extinguishing
Fire extinguisher(s) located at or near the dispenser

If the flame is extinguished without stopping fuel flow, it may re-ignite

Use a fire extinguisher only if trained to do so by qualified person

Health & Safety Hazards

Non toxic:

Simple asphyxiant
Inhalation is primary route of exposure Overexposure symptoms: shortness of breath, unconsciousness

CPR is recommended to overcome overexposure

Module 3
Propane Fueling Stations and Safety Practices

Module 3 Learning Objectives

Become familiar with various components of a propane fueling station Become familiar with safety practices Understand purpose and function of emergency shutdown equipment

Fueling Station Components

On-site propane storage tanks Pump Dispenser Card reader Emergency shutdown system Fire Extinguisher
source: CleanFUEL USA

Fueling Station
Compressor/Pump

Dispenser

ESD Button ESD Button

Tank

Vapor Return

Liquid Air Line

source: Gogas Pty Ltd

Example Fueling Station Configurations

Horizontal tank

Vertical tank

source: CleanFUEL USA

Module 4
Emergency Action Plan

Module 4 Learning Objectives

Know purpose and content of Emergency Action Plan Become familiar with emergency equipment Understand emergency actions

Purpose of Emergency Action Plan

Identification of emergencies

Action items
Notification procedures

Evacuation procedures
Safety systems

Emergency event action items

Facility Layout
Propane storage tanks

Pump
Dispenser(s) Emergency shutdown devices (ESDs) Fire extinguishers
source: CleanFUEL USA

Facility Layout - 2
Pre-planned evacuation route

Designated assembly area(s)

Street address of facility

Safety Practices
Emergency telephone numbers
Fire department
Emergency medical help Police Maintenance Adjoining facilities

Safety Signs

Safety Practices - 2
Equipment inspection:
Defective equipment
Dispenser hoses Fueling nozzle and receptacle

Report unsafe conditions to maintenance technician or station attendant

Safety Practices 5
Cell phones and static discharge danger
Propane/air mixture is flammable like gasoline vapors
Propane fueling system is sealed so there is no air in the fuel system at the station or on the vehicle Nevertheless, it is advisable to turn off/do not use cell phone during vehicle fueling

Do not re-enter vehicle during fueling

Fire Safety Rules

Keep ignition sources away from propane Do not light matches or smoke

Do not use cell phones while fueling vehicle

Gas Release at Dispenser

Close nozzle valve

Disconnect fueling nozzle from vehicle and re-attach to mounting bracket

Report situation to facility maintenance and/or station attendant

Fire Involving Propane

Evacuate immediate area of fire

Press emergency shutdown device (ESD) button Prevent others people from entering the danger zone
Do not attempt to extinguish propane fire without proper training

Fire During Vehicle Fueling

Do not attempt to disconnect nozzle from vehicle Direct others to evacuate immediate areas Press ESD button Call the fire department

Combustible Debris Fire

Press ESD button

Extinguish only if properly trained and it is safe to do so If the fire is near fueling or storage equipment, extinguishing should be attempted only by qualified fire fighters

Module 5
Correct Use of Safety Equipment

Module 5 Learning Objectives

Understand how to correctly operate safety equipment
Emergency shutdown device Fire extinguisher

Correct Use of Safety Equipment

Emergency Shutdown Device
Located on or adjacent to fueling island Activation will stop propane flow from storage tank to dispenser

Correct Use of Safety Equipment - 3

Fire Extinguisher(s)
Located on or adjacent to fueling island Used to eliminate air (oxygen) from fire Driver must be properly trained to fight (extinguish) a propane fire

Module 6
Propane Vehicle Technology and Safety Features

Module 6 Learning Objectives

Understand how propane vehicles (PVs) work Understand how PVs differ from gasoline and NGVs Become knowledgeable about the two types of on-board fuel storage cylinders

Propane Fuel System

Vaporizer: Converts liquid propane to gas using engine coolant as heat source Regulator: Provides fuel pressure regulation to the mixer

Fuel injection System: Most modern vehicle applications are using fuel injection

Propane Vehicles vs. Gasoline and NGVs

Propane vehicles have sealed fuel systems
No air or oxygen in fuel system

Vehicle fuel is stored on-board as a liquid and is vaporized to burn in the engine
Vapor heaver than air (like gasoline)

Vehicle fuel requires over 860o F to ignite

Temperature relatively high, between gasoline and natural gas

On-Board Fuel Storage Cylinder 1

DOT Cylinder types
One, two or three pieces

ASME pressure vessel (rated at 312.5 psi, tested to 4X)

On-Board Fuel Storage Cylinder - 2

80% of tank capacity is filled to allow for heat expansion (safety device) Propane stored at 130-170 psi Propane tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than gasoline tank

Module 7
How to Fuel a Propane Vehicle

Module 7 Learning Objectives

Become familiar with fueling instructions Understand fueling nozzle/receptacle operation

source: Tatsuno

Fueling Instructions Using Gas Guard

Remove cap from vehicle receptacle

Remove the nozzle from the dispenser holder

Position the nozzle over lugs on vehicle fill receptacle Turn front of nozzle 1/3 turn clockwise

Fueling Instructions - 2
Squeeze the nozzle trigger and push down the catch to retain the trigger (this will secure the nozzle to the fill receptacle and open the fill valve) Press and hold in the delivery button on the dispenser, this will start the filling process Release the button to stop the flow To fill the vehicle fuel tank, hold the button in until the dispenser meter stops increasing

Fueling Instructions - 3
The vehicle tank cannot be over filled

Squeeze the nozzle trigger, then release. A small amount of propane gas will come from the coupling
Support the nozzle, turn the front of the nozzle counter-clockwise, withdraw the nozzle and replace it in the holder on the dispenser Replace the cap on the vehicle fill receptacle

Fueling
Nozzle operation

Receptacle characteristics

source: LGE