Understanding LP Gas and its Potential Hazards

Understanding LP Gas and its Potential Hazards Tuesday, July 23, 2013, 3:20 p.m.

Larry Gallagher, ALCM Corporate Loss Control Director Grinnell Mutual Insurance Company Grinnell, Iowa Larry Gallagher has more than 29 years of experience in insurance safety and loss control. Currently, he is the director of corporate loss control for Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, where he has been employed for more than 16 years in various capacities. He is a member of the NAMIC Loss Control Committee, Iowa-Illinois Safety Council, Minnesota Safety Council, National Safety Council, and National Fire Protection Association. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in business management from the University of Northern Iowa and has completed the Associate in Loss Control Management. In his free time Larry enjoys spending time with his wife and young children and working the family farm. Session Description: During this session a review of some of the typical safety controls that should be implemented to reduce the probability of loss will be reviewed. During this presentation a short clip will be shown where attendees will have the opportunity to view the recording of a LP gas demonstration where liquid LP gas will be used to display the physical properties of LP Gas.

Top Three Session Ideas Tools or tips you learned from this session and can apply back at the office.

1. ______________________________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________________________

3. ________________________________________________________________________

Understanding LP Gas and Its Potential Hazards Session Outline

Overview Physical Properties

• What are the Characteristics of LP Gas? • Temperature/Pressure Relationship

o Effects of Temperature Change on Propane o Examples o LP Gas Demonstration

Components of LP Gas System

• Propane Tank • Pressure Regulator • Pressure Relief Valve

Storage Containers

• LP Gas NFPA 58 • Cylinders Filled on Site • Types of DOT Cylinders • Separation Distances for Tanks Between Containers & Important Buildings

o Diagram • Improper Tank Location

o Example • How Containers Should be Mounted

o Examples LP Gas Regulators

• Pressure Regulators • LP Gas Regulator

o Recommendations o Components and How They Function

• Regulator Vent • Regulator Installation

o Examples LP Gas Hazards inside the Building

• LP Gas Flexible Hose Requirements o Examples

• Metal Flexible Gas Appliance Connectors o Examples

Additional Resources Q & A

UNDERSTANDING LP GASAND ITS POTENTIAL

HAZARDS

2013 - Agricultural Risk Inspection School - Gallagher Page 1 of 28

First Stage Regulator

Vapor

Liquid

Second Stage Regulator

What are the Characteristics of LP Gas?

• Under moderate pressure is a liquid

• Mixture of propane and butane and other additives

• Odorant added for detection purposes

• Heavier than air


Temperature PressureRelationship

• The higher the temperature, the higher the pressure.

Effects of Temperature Change on Propane

• As with water, propane liquid expands with increases in temperature, but in comparison:

Propane expands in volume 17 times more than water over the same temperature increase.

• To accommodate liquid propane expansion, containers are filled to only about 80% of their capacities.


Effect of Temperature Change on Propane

Propane storage containers are equipped with at least one pressure relief valve to protect the container from excessive internal pressure.

One cubic foot of propane liquid boils off into approximately 270 cubic feetof propane vapor.


LP Gas Demonstration

LP Gas Demonstration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORYXVeD22Hk&feature=youtu.be


• Every Propane System Has Three Common Components:

• Propane Tank

• Pressure Regulator

• Pressure Relief Device

Pressure Relief Devices

Propane containers are equipped with PRV to relieve excess pressure

PRV’s are usually set to open between 250 psig and 375 psig

Opening pressure depends on if it is an ASME tank or DOT cylinder


Storage Containers

• May be a single tank, cylinder, or manifold tank or cylinder. The storage container(s) safely store liquid propane and by absorbing heat from its surroundings, allow vaporization to occur to supply the home's gas needs.

28”14”

LP Gas NFPA 58(2004 edition)

4.4 - Qualification of Personnel. Persons who transfer liquid LP-Gas, who are employed to transport LP-Gas, or whose primary duties fall within the scope of this code shall be trained in proper handling procedures.

Refresher training shall be provided at least every three years. The training shall be documented.



Types of DOT Cylinders

• Four types based on service:

Portable Exchange Motor Fuel Stationary

Separation Distances for Tanks Between Containers & Important Buildings

Water Aboveground Between UndergroundCapacity Containers Containers Containers(gallons) (in feet) (in feet) (in feet)______

Under 125 0 0 10

125 – 250 10 0 10

251 – 500 10 3 10

501 – 2,000 25 3 10

2,001 – 30,000 50 5 50


Improper Tank Location Creates :

1. An additional source of fuel for fire

2. A hazard to firefighters


Containers shall be mounted:

• On a firm and level non-combustible base

• 10 feet or more from combustible materials such as dry weeds and grass

• So that they are protected from damage by vehicles or other equipment

• 20 feet or more from aboveground fuel tanks such as gasoline or diesel





LP-Gas Regulators


Pressure Regulators decrease the gas vapor pressure from variable container pressures to the lower and constant pressure required by appliances.


LP Gas Regulator

• Controls flow of gas (reduces the pressure from the storage container to the gas appliance)

• Prevents flow of excessive gas pressure from the storage container into the gas line

• There are several different types – they are not interchangeable

• Must be installed in accordance with NFPA 54 and NFPA 58

LP GAS REGULATORIt is recommended:

• the regulator be checked by a qualified service person every 5 years

• the regulator be replaced if it is 15 years old


Regulator Vent

• Should be pointed down to prevent rain, ice, snow or other debris from blocking the vent

• Should have a screen to keep insects out (screen shall not be painted)



Regulator Installation

• High enough off the ground to prevent water, mud, snow or ice from covering it

• If regulator installed inside a building, it must be vented to outside

• If vent opening is outside a building, it must not terminate within 3 feet from any opening back into the building


LP Gas Hazards

INSIDE the Building


Regulator being vented to outside of building – too close to door opening back into building (must be at least 3 feet away)


LP Gas Flexible Hose Requirements

1. Must be designed for use with LP gas2. Must have stamped on it LP Gas or LPG3. Must be of minimum length (6 ft. or less)4. Must not be concealed from view or pass from

room to room or through wall partitions5. Must be securely connected to the appliance.

Appliance must be portable6. Must be manual shut-off valve ahead of the flexible

hose




Metal Flexible Gas Appliance Connectors

NOT ACCEPTABLEon LP Gas or Natural Gas

Heaters used in Livestock or Poultry Buildings



Additional Resources

• Propane 101 – Promoting Propane Safety…Through Better Understanding

www.propane101.com

Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)www.propanesafety.comwww.usepropane.comwww.agpropane.com

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)www.nfpa.org


Documents

Understanding LP Gas and its Potential Hazards