Introduction to LPG
Propane and Butane are the two flammable gaseous obtained from oil wells, they are also obtained from the petroleum refining process. These two gases are compressed and cooled to form a liquid known as “liquid petroleum gas”. They are widely used as fuel for cooking, and heating. Also used in IC engines, buses, and cars and is referred to as autogas. Clean LPG is an odourless gas, for safety concerns and in order to detect leaks, a powerful odorant like ethanethiol is added to LPG.Advantages of LPG
- LPG possesses good anti-knocking characteristics.
- LPG will mix with air at any temperature.
- LPG is non-toxic and non-corrosive.
- There is no chance of crankcase dilution since fuel is in the vapour form.
- In a multi-cylinder engine, a uniform air-fuel mixture can be delivered to the cylinder.
- LPG burns more cleanly than petrol.
- Low emission - LPG contains less content of carbon than petrol fuel, so it produces less carbon monoxide pollution.
- If LPG leaks into the crankcase, it does not generate black carbon on the wall and does not wash away the lubricating layer.
- Increase the life of the spark plug since there is no carbon deposit on the electrodes of the spark plug.
- High octane value leads to the high thermal efficiency of an engine.
- Less wear on the engine and longer life for the engine when compared to gasoline.
- Less noise and vibration when compared to a diesel engine.
Disadvantages of LPG
- Ignition temperature higher than petrol
- LPG require a special fuel feed system.
- The storage tank is heavy.
- Low energy density.
- The LPG is heavier than air, so it gets collected at the lowest spot in the case of leakage, it causes suffocation. It is more hazardous in the case of fire.
- Proper ventilation and detection system is required for indoor storage.
- Low vapour pressure may cause the engine to start trouble at low temperatures.
- Since LPG is odourless an odorant should be added to it for quick detection of leakage.
LPG Safety Tips – How To Handle An LPG Leak?
LPG ( Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is one of the main utilities every business and home needs. However, the innocent-looking LPG cylinder can pose a high threat to human health and damage your high property. Regardless of which LPG gas provider you’re choosing for your home or business, it’s important to know a few safety tips beforehand that would help you overcome the hazards related to leakage. Many reasons can lead to cylinder leakage, but good knowledge will help you keep your property and health safe and secure.
LPG Safety Tips From Shiv Gas Experts!
If something like gas leakage happens, here are a few things that SHIVGAS recommends you can do to avoid high damage.
1. Do not panic. Panicking will only hinder a clear thought pattern and may actually be harmful in this case. Maintain a sense of calm, and convey the same message to other occupants of the house as well.
2. Extinguish any fire in your house, no matter how small. Yes, even the innocuous incense sticks! Keep away the matches/lighters, or anything even remotely flammable.
3. Next, shut down the appliance and turn off the LPG regulator. Then, put the safety cap on the cylinder after the regulator has been switched off.
4. Immediately open all the doors and windows to your house so that the gas can escape. Never open electrical fans or even an exhaust fan. Let the gas escape naturally. Once you do that, go outside the house and isolate the main electric supply. Be sure to evacuate yourself and others from the area.
5. If you or your loved one have inhaled an excessive amount of gas, move yourself or the person to a place where there is fresh air circulating. Rest in a comfortable position, and relax.
6. If the gas has made contact with your clothes and skin, remove the contaminated clothing immediately and rinse the affected area with a lot of water, for at least 15-20 minutes. Seek medical help if required.
7. If the gas enters the eyes, it causes itching and burning. Resist the temptation to itch, and rinse the eyelid and eye with a lot of water for around 15-20 minutes. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before flushing your eyes.
8. If the cylinder happens to be in flames, do not worry. Take a soaking wet towel or a long piece of cloth, and wrap it around the cylinder. The supply of air to the flame will be cut off, and the fire will subside.
Don’t Panic
If you’re experiencing an LPG leak, all you need to do is avoid panicking. Panic is a quite common thing a person can experience during a gas leakage. Therefore, it is good to keep your thoughts clear, keep your head calm and do the right task to avoid it. Make sure you don’t let yourself and your family panic if such a case happens.
Extinguish Fire, If Any
Your next step you check out the fire and extinguish it instantly. Regardless of how small or big the fire is, it’s good to put off innocuous incense sticks, flames, lamps, and other such things. Additionally, make sure you don’t light up lighter or other remotely flammable devices to avoid excessive damage. It’s always good to contact your LPG gas providers as soon as possible and inform them about the incident.
Must-know Safety and Maintenance Tips When Buying Domestic LPG Cylinders
Open Windows/Doors
LPG gas is known to be heavier. Meaning it can settle down in your home or office. Therefore, you need to open the windows and doors and let the air in. This will help you to lower the amount of gas in your faculty. Make sure you don’t open exhaust fans or electric fans for the process. Instead, let the gas go out naturally. Make sure you isolate the outer electrical supply to ensure that the problem doesn’t get bigger.
Call Your LPG Dealer
Your next step should be calling your chosen LPG Gas Dealers. A good company would be ready to serve you with the required assistance. Therefore, it’s smart to choose the right LPG gas company, just like SHIVGAS, which is known to deliver unparalleled service to its clients. Thorough research before choosing the dealer will help you to avoid future mishaps. They will help you with emergency assistance so that you can minimize the damages.
Some More Precautions
If someone in your family or business area has inhaled the gas, here are a few precautionary measures you must take before consulting any doctor or physician.
- The first thing you need to do is get the person out in the fresh air. Lay them down in fresh air so that they feel comfortable in the air.
- If the gas has been in contact with skin, it’s important to immediately wash the area with water. Wash with plenty of water for at least 20 minutes, and then seek medical help instantly.
- If the infected person feels itchiness in the eyes, it’s better to rinse the eyes with plenty of water and then go for medical assistance.
Final Thoughts
Remember, a gas leak can be avoided by following a few precautionary measures beforehand. First, it’s good to choose a reputable LPG gas company in India. A reputable company will have adequate equipment to check the leakage or tubing defects that can lead to leakage. Secondly, you need to store the LPG cylinder away from heat, flame, sparkles, and sunlight.