Professional Documents
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No. Title Page No.: Index
No. Title Page No.: Index
3 ADVANTAGES OF LPG 06
4 DISADVANTAGES OF LPG 08
5 USES OF LPG 09
8 CONCLUSION 42
9 BIBLIOGRAPHY 43
Normally, the gas is stored in liquid form under pressure in a steel container, cylinder or tank.
The pressure inside the container will depend on the type of LPG (commercial butane or
commercial propane) and the outside temperature.
When you start using LPG, some of the pressure in the container is released. Some of the liquid
LPG then boils to produce vapour. Heat is needed to convert the liquid to vapour (known as the
latent heat of vaporization). As the liquid boils, it draws the heat energy from its surroundings.
This explains why containers feel cold to touch and why, if there is a heavy off-take, water or ice
may appear on the container. When you stop using LPG, the pressure will return to the
equilibrium value for the surrounding temperature.
The pressure of the LPG in the container varies with the surrounding temperature. It is also much
higher than is needed by the appliances that use it; it needs to be controlled to ensure a steady
supply at constant pressure. This is done by a regulator, which limits the pressure to suit the
appliance that is being fuelled. It is a colourless and odourless gas to which foul-smelling
mercaptan is added so that leak can be easily detected.
LPG is highly inflammable and must therefore be stored away from sources of ignition and in a
well-ventilated area, so that any leak can disperse safely. Another reason why care should be
taken during storage is that LPG vapour is heavier than air, so any leakage will sink to the
ground and accumulate in low lying areas and may be difficult to disperse. LPG expands rapidly
when its temperature rises. So whenever a container is filled, sufficient space is left to allow for
such expansion. LPG will cause natural rubber and some plastics to deteriorate. This is why only
hoses and other equipment specifically designed for LPG should be used.
Although LPG is non-toxic, its abuse – (like that of solvents) – is highly dangerous. LPG should
always be treated with respect and kept away from children whenever possible.
Liquid petroleum gases were discovered in 1912 when Dr. Walter Snelling, an American
scientist, realized that these gases could be changed into liquids and stored under moderate
pressure. From 1912 and 1920, LP-gas uses were developed. The first LPG cook stove was made
in 1912, and the first LPG -fueled car was developed in 1913. The LPG industry began sometime
shortly before World War I. At that time, a problem in the natural gas distribution process
popped up. Gradually facilities were built to cool and compress natural gas, and to separate the
gases that could be turned into liquids (including propane and butane). LPG was sold
commercially by 1920.
LPG is a by-product from two sources: natural gas processingand crude oil refining. Natural gas,
as extracted at the well
head,contains methane and other light hydrocarbons. The lighthydrocarbons are separated in gas
processing plant using
highpressures and low temperatures. The natural gas liquidcomponents recovered during process
ing include ethane,propane, and butane, as well as heavier hydrocarbons. Propaneand butane,
along with other gases, are also produced duringcrude oil refining as a by-product of
the processes that rearrangeand or break down molecular structures to obtain more
desirablepetroleum compounds
Since LPG vapour is heavier than air, it would normally settle down at ground level/ low lying
places, and accumulate in depressions.
VAPOUR PRESSURE
The pressure inside a LPG storage vessel/ cylinder will be equal to the vapour pressure
corresponding to the temperature of LPG in the storage vessel. The vapour pressure is dependent
on temperature as well as on the ratio of mixture of hydrocarbons. At liquid full condition any
further expansion of the liquid, the cylinder pressure will rise by approx. 14 to 15 kg./sq.cm. for
each degree centigrade. This clearly explains the hazardous situation that could arise due to
overfilling of cylinders.
FLAMMABILITY
LPG has an explosive range of 1.8% to 9.5% volume of gas in air. This is considerably narrower
than other common gaseous fuels. This gives an indication of hazard of LPG vapour
accumulated in low lying area in the eventuality of the leakage or spillage.
The auto-ignition temperature of LPG is around 410-580 deg. C and hence it will not ignite on its
own at normal temperature. Entrapped air in the vapour is hazardous in an unpurged vessel/
cylinder during pumping/ filling-in operation. In view of this it is not advisable to use air
pressure to unload LPG cargoes or tankers.
COMBUSTION
The combustion reaction of LPG increases the volume of products in addition to the generation
of heat. LPG requires upto 50 times its own volume of air for complete combustion . Thus it is
essential that adequate ventilation is provided when LPG is burnt in enclosed spaces otherwise
asphyxiation due to depletion of oxygen apart from the formation of carbon-dioxide can occur.
It has lower peak pressure during combustion, which generally reduces noiseand
improves durability.
LPG fuel systems are sealed and evaporative losses are negligible.
LPG has lower particle emissions and lower noise levels relative to diesel and
petrol. Also it contains negligible toxic components.
Its low emissions have low greenhouse gas effects and low NOx precursors.
LPG can be produced from both natural gas fields and oil refinery sources.
Bear in mind that fuel consumption alone is not the only criterion in promoting the use of LPG,
and all the other advantages where applicable should be stressed. The useful characteristics of
LPG fired equipment can be summarised as follows:
Portability
Cylinders can be transported easily to the jobs, or can be fixed to mobile equipment. The
smallest ones can be carried by hand.
Own Storage
Alternative gas supplies make use of piped delivery. Should the supply fail the effect is
immediate. LPG, in the form of cylinder or bulk on the other hand, provides a margin of safety.
Small flames
Many processes require a small flame, or a number of small flames rather than a big one. Gas is
the best fuel for such flames.
Self pressurising
LPG is stored under moderate pressure and therefore no pumps or gravity systems are needed to
get the fuel to the burner. Simple LPG burners are quite independent of any electrical supply.
Consistent quality
LPG, like all other petroleum fuels, is subject to stringent quality controls.
Clean combustion
LPG is a high grade fuel with negligible impurities, producing clean sulphur-free combustion
gases. This can be important for many processes especially where the gases come into contact
with the products.
Little maintenance
Many LPG burners are very simple and require little or no maintenance. The clean combustion
gases mean that very little fouling occurs and ensures long life even for the more complex
burners.
Ignition requirements for LPG are not the same as for petrol operation; At low
RPM the burning rate of LPG is slower and more advance is needed; athigh speeds the
burning rate is faster, consequently less advance is needed.
LPG has relatively high energy content per unit mass but energy content per unit volume
is lower than diesel and petrol, which explains why LPG tankstake more space than
liquid fuel tanks. These are pressure vessels so thatthey also weigh more than
liquid fuel tanks but less than CNG cylinder.
In case of leakage LPG converts to gaseous state, in this case LPG has muchhigher
flammability limits compared to CNG and even higher than petrol.
It has a high expansion coefficient so that tanks can only be filled to 80%
of c a p a c i t y . L P G c y l i n d e r c a n e x p l o d e w h e n L i q u i d c o n v e r t s t o v
a p o r i f exposed to high temperature; phenomena called BLEVES (Boiling
LiquidExpanding Vapor Explosion).
LPG in liquid form can cause cold bums to the skin in case of inappropriatehandling as it
is cryogenic to some extent
Rural heating
Predominantly in Europe and rural parts of many countries, LPG can provide an alternative to
electricity and heating oil (kerosene). LPG is most often used where there is no access to piped
natural gas.
LPG can be used as a power source for combined heat and power technologies (CHP). CHP is
the process of generating both electrical power and useful heat from a single fuel source. This
technology has allowed LPG to be used not just as fuel for heating and cooking, but also for de-
centralised generation of electricity.
LPG can be stored in a variety of ways. LPG, as with other fossil fuels, can be combined with
renewable power sources to provide greater reliability while still achieving some reduction in
CO2 emissions.
Motor fuel
When LPG is used to fuel internal combustion engines, it is often referred to as autogas or auto
propane. In some countries, it has been used since the 1940s as a petrol alternative for spark
ignition engines. In some countries, there are additives in the liquid that extend engine life and
the ratio of butane to propane is kept quite precise in fuel LPG. Two recent studies have
examined LPG-fuel-oil fuel mixes and found that smoke emissions and fuel consumption are
reduced but hydrocarbon emissions are increased. The studies were split on CO emissions, with
one finding significant increases, and the other finding slight increases at low engine load but a
considerable decrease at high engine load. Its advantage is that it is non-toxic, non-corrosive and
free of tetraethyllead or any additives, and has a high octane rating (102-108 RON depending on
local specifications). It burns more cleanly than petrol or fuel-oil and is especially free of
the particulates from the latter.
LPG has a lower energy density than either petrol or fuel-oil, so the equivalent fuel
consumption is higher. Many governments impose less tax on LPG than on petrol or fuel-oil,
which helps offset the greater consumption of LPG than of petrol or fuel-oil. However, in many
European countries this tax break is often compensated by a much higher annual road tax on cars
using LPG than on cars using petrol or fuel-oil. Propane is the third most widely used motor fuel
in the world. 2008 estimates are that over 13 million vehicles are fueled by propane gas
worldwide. Over 20 million tonnes (over 7 billion US gallons) are used annually as a vehicle
fuel.
Refrigeration
Cooking
According to the 2001 Census of India, 17.5% of Indian households or 33.6 million Indian
households used LPG as cooking fuel in 2001, which is supplied to their homes by Indian Oil
which is known as Indane.[19] 76.64% of such households were from urban India making up 48%
of urban Indian households as compared to a usage of 5.7% only in rural Indian households. LPG
is subsidised by the government. Increase in LPG prices has been a politically sensitive matter in
India as it potentially affects the urban middle class voting pattern.
LPG was once a popular cooking fuel in Hong Kong; however, the continued expansion of town
gas to buildings has reduced LPG usage to less than 24% of residential units.
Density
LPG at atmospheric pressure and temperature is a gas which is 1.5 to 2.0 times heavier
than air. It is readily liquefied under moderate pressures. The density of the liquid is
approximately half that of water and ranges from 0.525 to 0.580 @ 15 deg. C.
Since LPG vapour is heavier than air, it would normally settle down at ground level/ low
lying places, and accumulate in depressions.
Vapour Pressure
The pressure inside a LPG storage vessel/ cylinder will be equal to the vapour pressure
corresponding to the temperature of LPG in the storage vessel. The vapour pressure is
dependent on temperature as well as on the ratio of mixture of hydrocarbons. At liquid
full condition any further expansion of the liquid, the cylinder pressure will rise by
approx. 14 to 15 kg./sq.cm. for each degree centigrade. This clearly explains the
hazardous situation that could arise due to overfilling of cylinders.
Flammability
LPG has an explosive range of 1.8% to 9.5% volume of gas in air. This is considerably
narrower than other common gaseous fuels. This gives an indication of hazard of LPG
vapour accumulated in low lying area in the eventuality of the leakage or spillage.
The auto-ignition temperature of LPG is around 410-580 deg. C and hence it will not
ignite on its own at normal temperature.
Entrapped air in the vapour is hazardous in an unpurged vessel/ cylinder during pumping/
filling-in operation. In view of this it is not advisable to use air pressure to unload LPG
cargoes or tankers.
Combustion
The combustion reaction of LPG increases the volume of products in addition to the
generation of heat. LPG requires upto 50 times its own volume of air for complete
combustion . Thus it is essential that adequate ventilation is provided when LPG is burnt
in enclosed spaces otherwise asphyxiation due to depletion of oxygen apart from the
formation of carbon-dioxide can occur.
LPG has only a very faint smell, and consequently, it is necessary to add some odourant,
so that any escaping gas can easily be detected.
Ethyl Mercaptan is normally used as stenching agent for this purpose. The amount to be
added should be sufficient to allow detection in atmosphere 1/5 of lower limit of
flammability or odour level 2 as per IS : 4576.
Colour
LPG is colourless both in liquid and vapour phase. During leakage the vapourisation of
liquid cools the atmosphere and condenses the water vapour contained in them to form a
whitish fog which may make it possible to see an escape of LPG.
Toxicity
LPG even though slightly toxic, is not poisonous in vapour phase, but can, however,
suffocate when in large concentrations due to the fact that it displaces oxygen. In view of
this the vapour posses mild anaesthetic properties.
Petrol, or gasoline, is a liquid mixture created form crude oil. It is made up of hydrocarbons and
iso-octane. It is a fuel most commonly used in internal combustion engines.
Advantages
Relatively concentrated and you can travel many hundred km with one full tank of petrol
It is highly available
It is fairly cheap
Disadvantages
The supply of petrol is decreasing and we will one day run out of it
Because of the high demand and decreasing supply, the price of petrol is increasing.
It greatly affects the environment as carbon is produced when petrol is burned.
Petrol can be much better used to create other products like plastics and chemicals
Wars and international disputes have formed from petrol
Petrol has an energy density of about 34.6 MJ/L. There are many different blends of petrol and
energy density can vary. The difference is about ±4%.
Petrol is currently highly available and cars can be filled up with petrol at service stations all
over cities. However, our oil reserves are depleting and we are nearly at the point where we are
consuming more petrol than we are finding.
Burning 100L of petrol emits about 250kg of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Advantages
LPG is cheaper than petrol (up to 50%)
It produces less exhaust emissions than petrol
It is better for the engine and it can prolong engine life
In some vehicles, it can provide better performance
Has a higher octane rating than petrol (108 compared to 91)
Disadvantages
It isn't highly available
The initial cost for converting your vehicle to LPG can cost up to $3000. However the average
car can repay the cost of the conversion in about 2 years
It has a lower energy density than petrol
No new passenger cars come readily fitted with LPG (they have to be converted)
The gas tank takes up a considerable amount of space in the car boot
Liquid LPG (autogas with 60% propane and 40% butane) has an energy density of about
26.8MJ/L.
LPG is not as available as petrol and diesel, but can be found at 45% of service stations in
Australia (there are 3200 outlets). LPG in Australia is mainly refined locally.
Burning 100L of LPG emits about 160kg of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Advantages
Has a very high energy density
Greater fuel economy than petrol - up to 20-30%
New forms of diesel have been developed; modern diesel is much cleaner, quieter and more
efficient than they were previously.
Better performance; faster acceleration
In diesel engines, it has the power to pull larger and heavier loads
Highly available in Australia
Disadvantages
Diesel produces more carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide than petrol does
Diesel cars emit more particles of soot into the air. This contributes to smog and health issues
like asthma and lung cancer
The initial cost of buying a diesel car is more than a normal car running on petrol
Diesel is slightly more expensive than petrol
Diesel has an energy density of about 38.6MJ/L.
Diesel is highly available in Australia and can be found at any service staion that sells petrol as
well. However, in other countries like America, diesel is only available at truck stops and 30% of
service stations as they have less diesel vehicles in use.
Burning 100L of diesel emits about 270kg of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Compared to
petrol, it may emit more carbon dioxide but it has much greater fuel efficiency and more
kilometres per litre.
Advantages
They are much cleaner than petrol and diesel vehicles, especially if they are recharged with
renewable energy. Cars with these batteries can be carbon neutral
Li-Poly batteries are very energy efficient
They provide enough distance per recharge for the average person to drive around a city
Li-poly batteries can be easily recharged at home or at recharging stations
They are 20% lighter, more robust and more efficient than other battery technologies like
lithium-ion and NiMH (used in the original EV1)
Disadvantages
They are still fairly expensive to manufacture. They are usually the most expensive part of an
electric car. However, prices of rechargeable batteries are rapidly decreasing
The lifespan of the battery is currently only 2-3 years. However, technology is always
developing and this is sure to increase
There may not be enough infrastructure, like public recharging stations for electric cars
Li-Poly batteries have an energy density of 300Wh/L or 0.72MJ/L. The more batteries you have,
the more energy you get. This can be compared to Lithium-ion batteries' energy density of
270Wh/L or 0.58Wh/kg.
Li-Poly batteries are currently not commercially available. However, vehicles like the Hyundai-
Kia hybrid are currently being developed with these batteries and will be mass produced in 2009.
Li-Poly batteries can be carbon neutral if they are recharged with renewable energy. If they are
recharged from coal-powered energy, they will have a bigger ecological footprint and the
emissions depend on how much energy is used.
LPG Liquid Petroleum Gas is made up of two major ingredients, namely propane and butane.
The percentage of the two depends upon the season, as a higher percentage of propane is kept in
winter and the same for butane in summer. It is a non-renewable fossil fuel that is prepared in a
liquid state under certain conditions. The mixture is popularly known as propane for use in cars,
and as LPG when it is used in cars and contains 90 percent propane in contrast to 2.5 percent
butane. It is obtained from crude oil refining, and is also considered to be eco friendly because it
doesn't cause any lead in the environment as a by-product.
LPG is used in homes as a cooking gas, and in cars as an alternate for petrol or diesel. With more
and more people buying vehicles running on LPG, most of the gas stations provide refueling
systems for LPG-run cars. LPG turns out to be a lot cheaper and efficient in comparison to petrol
and diesel. After petrol and diesel, LPG is the 3rd most extensively used fuel for transportation
the world over. The LPG-fitted cars are very popular in countries such as Japan, Italy, Canada,
and Austria. However, people making use of LPG cylinders for cooking is not allowed, as the
cylinders in many countries are available at fairly low rates compared to the ones available at gas
stations.
Today, the LPG kits that are available in the market offer dual-fuelled or bi-fuelled systems.
Automatic and manual switching to LPG from petrol or diesel or vice versa is available. Using
LPG increases the fuel efficiency of the vehicle as LPG has a high octane value. It causes less
corrosion of the engine because less water is vaporised, however, not everybody is aware of the
safety risks and conservation issues that surround it. Being a flammable gas, LPG is potentially
hazardous. The major disadvantage of using LPG in a vehicle is that because it doesn't use lead
or any other substitute for combustion, it damages the valves, resulting in a decrease of the life of
the engine. Moreover, as it is a low-density energy fuel, in comparison to petrol or diesel, LPG is
consumed more but because of the subsidised rates available, it proves to be a lot cheaper.
Further, LPG is not recommended for mountains or any kind of rough terrain as it does not
provide power and torque to the vehicle, as with other fuels. Using LPG means the vehicle drives
20% less than with other sources of fuel, resulting in more frequent refuelling. In contrast to
petrol or diesel vehicles, starting is always a problem with LPG driven vehicles under 32 degrees
Fahrenheit (cold conditions), because at lower temperatures it has a lower vapor pressure. It is
considered to be eco-friendly as it reduces the emission of carbon dioxide by more than 40
percent. The use of LPG in homes and cars is growing day by day, so in future a gradual increase
in its consumption can be seen.
The main disadvantage associated with the usage of LPG is to do with the storage and safety. To
store LPG, you require very sturdy tanks and cylinders. The gas has to be kept pressurized to
accommodate it in 274tines lesser space. This can also be perceived by the number of cases LPG
cylinders have exploded and resulted in serious damages to lives and property.
In colder climates or conditions, there is a known problem related to starting due to the low
vapour pressure of propane. This is known to happen in conditions with sub 32 degrees
Fahrenheit temperatures.
When it comes to using LPG in vehicles, it is known to shorten the life of an engine. This is due
to the fact that LPG lacks combustive properties with lead and lead substitutes. Also, LPG is not
safe to be used in vehicles running or plying on rough terrains and mountain roads. An LPG run
car is less powerful than the car which uses diesel or petrol, since LPG is known to have low
energy density.
Also, with time, it has been noticed in some Asian countries that as LPG uses have gained
popularity, the prices have also been increased. The initial installation fees with respect to
equipments and an LPG connection for domestic uses is also priced higher. But yes, LPG is far
much cheaper in the long run.
LPG boilers and gas stoves also need regular maintenance to ensure that they are running
efficiently. Also, there has to be increased awareness yet to be created with regard to safe storage
of LPG cylinders in domestic properties.
Today, LPG fitted cars are very common in countries like Italy, Japan, Austria and Canada. But
still, when you compare this usage to petrol or even gasoline, LPG is way down the number chart
since it is not easily available in many parts of the world. Also, many people feel that the initial
cost of conversion for switching to LPG fuel is very high with respect to domestic vehicles. It
leaves lesser boot space in the cars.
Since LPG is highly inflammable, it is potentially very hazardous. It also damages valves of the
vehicles. Transporting LPG is also not very easy.
Power, acceleration, payload and cruise speed are comparable to those of an equivalent vehicle
fueled on gasoline. Propane has a high octane rating of 104, in-between Compressed Natural Gas
(CNG) (130) and regular unleaded gasoline (87).
Refueling a propane vehicle is similar to filling a gas grill tank; the time it takes is comparable
with that needed to fill a CNG, gasoline or diesel fuel tank.
Its high octane rating enables it to mix better with air and to burn more completely than does
gasoline, generating less carbon. With less carbon buildup, spark plugs often last longer and oil
changes are needed less frequently.
Because it burns in the engine in the gaseous phase, propane results in less corrosion and engine
wear than does gasoline.
One gallon of LPG contains less energy than a gallon of gasoline. The driving range of a propane
vehicle is about 14 percent lower than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle.
LPG is generally higher priced than other fuel alternatives such as CNG and gasoline.
There are over 4,000 LPG refueling sites in the US, more than all of the other alternative fuels
combined. Most of these stations, however, are not readily available to consumers on a 24/7
basis. This is one of the reasons why most on-road applications are bi-fuel vehicles, which burn
LPG and gasoline.
1. By converting to LPG you can automatically reduce your environmental impact as the amount
of carbon dioxide your vehicle produces decreases. Compared to most petroleum vehicles, LPG
vehicles produce 20% less CO2.
2. They are much quieter than diesel engines, LPG quickly evaporates if a spillage occurs and
produces fewer particulates and nitrogen oxides.
3. Reduces reliance on petrol and diesel; there are already more than 1400 refueling stations
across the UK.
4. As a result LPG is substantially cheaper at the pumps than petrol and diesel. It is estimated
that a high mileage driver can save as much as 40% of their fuel costs with LPG compared to
petrol, and 20% compared to diesel.
5. Congestion charges/road tax; Cars that run on LPG qualify for reduced taxation as they fit into
lower tax bands. Many LPG vehicles are also exempt from congestion charges such as those in
the city of London, Richmond and Westminster.
2. The LPG fuel system will need servicing at approximately 10,000 miles or typically once a
year.
3. You should also consider your insurance costs, as some insurance companies may charge an
excess for an LPG approved conversion Specialist.
4. Not all petrol stations sell LPG, though the number is increasing. Typically you will not be
able to travel as far on a full tank of LPG as you would on a full tank of petrol. However, with
the petrol tank usually left in place during a conversion you can always use petrol as a back-up.
How do you get an LPG vehicle? With increasing demand for LPG in UK especially London,
many vehicle manufacturers are creating cars with bi-fuel capacity - running on both LPG and
petroleum. Among the manufacturers that offer LPG in their vehicles are Citroen, Ford, Nissan,
Proton, Renault and Vauxhall. If you do not have the cash to buy or lease a brand new car, you
can still significantly reduce your carbon emissions and save cash with an LPG conversion. If
you are looking for quality and low price LPG Conversion carried by Approved conversion
specialist under controlled Environment and the one that comes with life time warranty then visit
www.ecotecautogas.com or www.lpgconversionlondon.com or call us at 01895 348 088 or just
pop in and chat with our LPG Conversion Specialist. You can get the directions of the centre
from our contact us page.
COMPOSITION
LPG is a predominant mixture of Propane and Butane with a small percentage of unsaturates
(Propylene and Butylene) and some lighter C2 as well as heavier C5 fractions.Included in the
LPG range are Propane (C3H8), Propylene (C3H6), normal and Iso-butane (C4H10) and
Butylene (C4H8). Commercial LP Gases invariably contain traces of lighter hydrocarbons like
ethane (C2H6) and ethylene (C2H4) and heavier hydrocarbons like pentane (C5H12).
SPECIFICATION
LPG is a clean burning, non-poisonous, dependable, high calorific value fuel. It is mainly used as
a domestic fuel but also finds wide uses in industry, where very low sulphur fuels are required
and also where a very fine degree of temperature controls are required. Bharat Petroleum
markets LPG as Bharat Gas and presently meet IS 4576:1999 for Liquefied Petroleum
Gases.Auto LPG is a fuel for use in passenger & commercial vehicles. The Petrol engines can be
retrofitted with a specialised kit to run the engine either on Petrol or on Auto LPG, without doing
any modifications in the engine. However, diesel engines cannot be retrofitted with auto LPG kit.
A separate engine, which runs on Auto LPG, has to be placed in place of diesel engine and these
engines will run only on Auto LPG. Use of Auto LPG in automobile vehicles will reduce the
pollutants emitted be these engines. Auto LPG meets IS 14861:2000 Specification for Liquefied
Petroleum Gases (LPG) for Automotive Purposes.
4. Vapour Pressure
This is the most important property of LPG. The vapour of LPG in equilibrium with its liquid
exerts a pressure called the vapour pressure and the magnitude of this pressure is dependent on
the ambient temperature and not on the quantity of the contents. Vapour pressure increases
rapidly with temperature. (See vapour pressure chart). Boiling point of a liquid is that
temperature at which the vapour pressure of the liquid equals atmospheric pressure. Since boiling
point of LPG is below 0°C the pressure inside a cylinder is always higher than the atmospheric
pressure for temperatures above °C and hence, this is the reason that gas gushes out of a cylinder
when the valve is opened.
From this it naturally follows that LPG cannot be withdrawn in the vapour state from cylinders
when the temperature outside is below its boiling point.
Since, as already mentioned, the vapour pressure is dependent on the temperature and not on the
quantity of the contents two points emerge from this property of LPG.
a) As external equipment i.e. a pressure regulator is needed for obtaining gas at a constant
pressure for use in appliances irrespective of the ambient temperature.
b) Fitment of a pressure gauge to a cylinder cannot indicate the quantity of gas contained unlike
in the case of oxygen or other gas cylinders where the gas is contained in the gaseous state and
the pressure inside is gaseous pressure.
2. Definitions
In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, ―Branded Cylinder Owner‖ means a
licensed person who has introduced cylinders, bearing his brand name or mark, into the market
through his network of wholesalers, retailers and distributors
―Bulk LPG‖ means LPG contained in a receptacle of a capacity exceeding eighty kilograms
―License‖ means a legal instrument issued by the Regulator granting rights and obligations of the
LPG business operator
―Licensee‖ means the holder of a license issued under these Regulations ―Liquefied Petroleum
Gas‖ means commercial propane, commercial butane or mixture thereof as specified in the RS
580.
LPG‖ means liquefied petroleum gas
―LPG Storage ―means the storing of LPG in premises consisting of one or more tanks in transit
for sale or consumer use
―Minister‖ and ―Ministry‖ mean respectively the Minister and the Ministry of Trade and Industry
―Permit‖ means an instrument issued by the Regulator granting rights to perform specific LPG
business operations
―Premises‖ includes any installation on land or vehicle storing LPG
―Retail in LPG‖ means a form of distribution of LPG by which the LPG is customarily sold to
consumers other than for the purpose of resale.
(3) A license to import LPG shall be in the Form LPG No.2. The LPG Importation License fee
will be Rwanda Francs One and a half million (Rwf 1,500,000).
(4) No person shall import LPG into Rwanda unless the vehicle used meets the requirements of
RS 573 and RS 579 and where no national standard exists, the relevant international standards
approved by the Rwanda Bureau of Standards.
(5) A person who contravenes paragraphs (2) and (4) commits an offence and shall, on
conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding Rwanda Francs five million (Rwf 5,000,000).
(6) In any case where the person who contravenes the provisions of paragraphs (2) and (4) is
licensed under these Regulations; the Regulatory Authority may suspend or revoke his license.
(4) The LPG Transportation and Distribution License fee will be Rwanda Francs One million
thousand (Rwf 1,000,000). For the Transportation License or Distribution operations alone, the
License fee will be Rwanda Francs Five hundred thousand (Rwf 500,000).
(3) Drivers undertaking LPG transportation shall be certified by the Regulatory Authority or an
agent appointed by the Ministry to fulfill the conditions listed in Section Six above.
(1) The Regulatory Authority may decide on additional technical and operational requirements,
if it is realized that such additional requirements are critical for safety reasons or for the smooth
and good service delivery in the LPG industry;
(2) The Regulatory Authority shall be responsible to provide any details that are meant to bring
the operators and the consumers at fully understanding and complying with the National LPG
Standards and Regulations.
LPG is highly inflammable and must therefore be stored away from sources of ignition and in a
well-ventilated area, so that any leak can disperse safely.
Another reason why care should be taken during storage is that LPG vapour is heavier than air,
so any leakage will sink to the ground and accumulate in low lying areas and may be difficult to
disperse.
LPG expands rapidly when its temperature rises. So whenever a container is filled, sufficient
space is left to allow for such expansion.
LPG will cause natural rubber and some plastics to deteriorate. This is why only hoses and other
equipment specifically designed for LPG should be used.
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