Liquid petroleum Gas (LPG) Systems

LPG installations are covered by BS 5482: parts 1, 2 &3. LPG is stored in tanks that range in size from domestic tonne to commercial 1,3,5,7 and 12 tonne tanks. Another method of sizing tanks is to use their water capacity i.e. 450 litres. The diagram below shows a typical schematic layout of a LPG system.

Installation Notes
1. A prime requirement is that storage vessels must not be installed within buildings particularly basements, LPG being heavier than air. 2. Storage pressure for propane is 6.9 bar.

3. This is reduced to about 0.70 bar at the first stage regulator, which supplies the primary distribution main running up to the outside of the building. 4. A second stage regulator fitted on the outside wall of the building will have an output pressure of 0.037 bar (37 millibar) to suit the standard low pressure rating of appliances such as cookers, boilers,etc.

The storage of LPG fixed installations.

1. At normal temperature commercial propane has a vapour pressure of about 7 bar. 2. LPG vapour is denser than air. 3. All piping over 13mm should be made of steel. 4. Copper piping should be seamless and only used under 13mm diameter. 5. LPG tanks over 9000 litres water capacity should be enclosed by a 1.8metre fence. 6. Tanks should be installed with pressure relief valve, drain, contents gauge, and if the tank is over 2250 litres water capacity, a pressure gauge. 7. All connections should have a shut-off valve.

Installation notes for Liquefied Petroleum Gas plants.

1. Tanks up to 1 tonne product capacity must be sited at least 3 metres (10 feet) away from any building. 2. Tanks greater than 1 tonne capacity must be sited at greater distances from buildings. 3. Special jointing compound for pipe fittings should be used. 4. Special P.T.F.E. tape may be used. 5. For most cases pipework from the first stage of pressure regulation is of heavyweight class C galvanised steel. 6. 12.5mm water gauge (0.5 in. w.g.) pressure drop is the maximum permitted pressure drop on pipelines. 7. A shut-off valve must be positioned in the gas line immediately before it enters a building and a second isolating valve should be installed before second stage pressure regulation.

Preventing Gas Leaks

A scenario of gas leaking slowly into a cavity wall or other enclosed space is very dangerous. The gas leak may not be detected for some time and an explosion may occur if the gas quantity builds up and a source of ignition is present. To prevent gas leaks the following points should be noted; 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Gas pipes to run outside as much as possible. Minimal joints in pipework. Test pipes after installation for leaks. If gas pipes have to run in an enclosed space install a Gas leak detection system with sensors, alarm and automatic gas shut off valve. If gas pipes have to run in an enclosed vertical shaft install an extract fan so that the shaft is continuously fully vented. Movement allowances should be made for Gas pipes laid in cement floor screeds. Periodic checks (by competent person) to ensure there are no leaks. Use correct pipes and jointing methods MDPE (yellow plastic) underground, galvanised steel and copper above ground. Most gas leaks occur at pipe joints. Ensure correct jointing method for pipe system such as fusion joints for large MDPE pipes, screwed joints for steel pipes and compression and capillary jointing methods for copper pipes. Also Gas PTFE tape (thicker than normal) is used for screwed and compression fittings.