Now you can get gas

even where you can’t get gas

Calor Gas Limited

Athena House
Athena Drive
Tachbrook Park
Warwick CV34 6RL
Information in this publication is intended for guidance only. © Calor Gas Limited
For specialist sales advice call 0800 216 659
This brochure has been designed to provide sufficient ‘first stage’ information to allow E-mail: enquiries@calor.co.uk
consultants and others to understand the advantages and implications of using Calor
LPG. Calor Gas can take no responsibility for actions taken based on the information
Website: www.calor.co.uk
contained in this brochure: more detailed information is available on request. It is
strongly advised that Calor Gas be consulted on the specific technical detail of a
project before proceeding. Call Calor on 0800 216 659 to talk to a specialist.

Ref: 11/09
Calor. Committed to Service
All the benefits of mains gas, for all types of
COMMERCIAL buildings, where mains gas is not available.

Calor is the UK’s leading supplier of LPG, operating one of the Calor can provide a free, no-obligation survey and quotation

UK’s largest LPG storage facilities with an impressive customer service. Free planning and advice is always available.

support infrastructure to match its market position.

Calor has technical staff who can provide expert guidance

Calor operates the only truly nationwide distribution network in on all aspects of the use of LPG, without obligation. Once

the UK LPG industry. There are 16 strategically positioned bulk the decision has been taken to use Calor LPG, a totally

distribution depots, together with 10,000 dealers and cylinder committed specialist workforce is placed at the customer’s

outlets available for the smaller consumer. disposal. This includes an all-day, every-day emergency

call-out service.
Calor has the largest LPG tanker fleet in the UK, which

means gas can delivered in bulk to any location on the Calor operates a registered Quality Management System as

UK mainland. Also available is a computerised automatic described in BS EN ISO 9001. The company is also a member

top-up bulk delivery system which uses a telemetry system of key trade associations in its areas of activity.

mounted on the tanks to ensure continuity of supply regardless

For specialist sales advice please call 0800 216 659 and
of consumption.
quote COMHEAT.

Did you know that your Calor LPG Supply can be used for all these applications? From fork lift trucks
to crop drying you could power a whole range of things cheaply and efficiently. For more information
CALL FREEPHONE 0800 216 659, VISIT WWW.CALOR.CO.UK OR EMAIL ASKCALOR@CALOR.CO.UK.

• Air-conditioning • Dishwashing • Lawnmowers • Space heating

• All terrain vehicles • Drying • Lighting • Spot heating
• Asphalt/bitumen heating • Fire training rigs • Powerboat fuel • Tar boiling
• Autogas • Food processing, • Metal work • Temporary lighting
smoking and production
• Barbecues • Patio heating • Urns
• Fork lift trucks
• Bird scaring • Pig rearing • Utility vehicles
• Fridges and freezers
• Blown air heating • Plaque heaters • Warm air heating
• Game rearing
• Boiler systems • Pool heating • Water heating
• Generators
• Boiling rings • Poultry rearing • White lining
• Golf cars
• Catering • Process heating
• Grain/crop drying
• Central heating • Radiant heating
• Greenhouse heating
• Convection heating • Real flame fires
• Hot air ballooning
• Crop chilling • Roof torches
• Incineration
• Crop desiccation • Showers
and weed control • Kilns and furnaces
• Shrink wrapping
Calor LPG Systems Figure 2.
Regulator
and Applications Above ground tank installation Valve hood

Calor LPG Systems Figure 1.

A Calor LPG system generally consists of one or more Calor LPG System
Tank
storage tanks; underground service pipework to the Service
pipework
building; regulators which reduce the natural pressure
of the gas to appliance working pressure; an emergency
control valve outside the building and installation
Storage
pipework inside the building to serve the appliances. tank
The storage tanks may be buried underground or
installed on the surface.

For small installations, the tanks may be replaced by Concrete

hard-standing
cylinders. In this instance the usual arrangement is to
have two sets of cylinders connected to an automatic
changeover device to ensure a continuous supply.
Emergency
For a metered supply to a multi-occupancy site, control valve
a central storage tank can serve all users, with each
having a meter. Service pipe

The design of storage installations is undertaken by

Calor specialists to provide the optimum solution taking
into account the available space, the gas off-take of the
appliances and the amount of storage required.
Warning Marker pegs
Applications mesh 200mm
below surface
Generally, Calor LPG can be used in the same types
of commercial and industrial space and water heating
Surface
systems as natural gas, including, for example, radiator cover
systems, warm-air heating, strip and plaque radiant
Figure 3.
heaters and industrial unit heaters. Calor LPG is equally
Below ground tank installation
suitable for use with condensing boilers.

Calor LPG can also be used in gas-powered absorption-

type air-conditioning systems, replacing electric
compressors.
Service
pipework
No change is required to the techniques employed for Calor LPG above ground tanks
heat load and loss calculations and there are only minor
additional or different requirements for the installation or
flueing of boilers or other appliances.

Choice of appliance
Calor LPG vapour has approximately 2.5 times the
energy of the same volume of natural gas. It’s therefore Appropriate
backfill
important that any appliances fuelled by LPG are (eg
designed and manufactured for that purpose. Most excavated
earth with
appliances which burn natural gas are also available stones
and sharp
to burn LPG and appliance manufacturers generally objects
produce suitable appliances or have conversion kits. removed)

Installation of appliances
Because LPG is heavier than air, no LPG-burning
appliances should be installed in cellars or basements,
or otherwise below ground level.

As with all gas systems, work must only be undertaken Anchor straps
Sacrificial anode
by Gas Safe™ registered installers, who must also
(providing
be certified as competent to work on particular LPG corrosion
Installing a Calor LPG below ground tank protection)
systems by holding the relevant ACS modules. Concrete base
Tank Sizing
The appropriate size of tank will depend on the following
factors:
• total estimated gas consumption of all of the appliances
on the system at peak demand
• physical constraints imposed by the site
• access for installation of tank
• access for deliveries
• required frequency of delivery
Where the site allows, it is sensible to allow for storage
of sufficient gas for six weeks consumption at maximum
demand.
More than one tank can be used to provide the necessary
storage requirement and provide sufficient surface area
to give the required maximum off-take rate.
Off-take capacity
The tank must be able to boil-off gas fast enough to
supply the maximum hourly demand for gas of all of the
appliances at peak time. The larger the tank, the greater
the surface area of the liquefied gas, and the greater the
potential off-take rate. However, in practice, the off-take
rate is restricted by the vapour off-take valve.
For maximum off-take rates for standard tank sizes, see
Table 2. However, it should be noted that tanks can be
grouped to provide the required off-take rate.
Gas requirement
The figures in Table 1 provide a useful rule of thumb for
calculating gas requirement against appliance heat input.
Table 1.
Gas requirements against appliance heat input
Heat input Gas requirement:
(kW/h) (m3/h) (kg/h)
10 0.38 0.72
20 0.76 1.44
30 1.13 2.16
40 1.52 2.88
50 1.89 3.60
70 2.65 5.04
100 3.78 7.19
tank siting
Table 2. Every tank installation varies, so this brochure is intended
Maximum off-take rates for standard tank/cylinder sizes for general guidance only. Please consult a Calor
specialist on the most suitable positioning for storage
Tank capacity Tank size Maximum off-take rate: Equivalent
(litres) (LxD, mm) (m3/h) heat input (kW/h) tanks. Depending on the conditions of the site and
Above-ground tanks factors such as water table and soil type, tanks can be
1200 2000x1300 5.66 150 sited either above or below ground. The unobtrusiveness
of underground tanks makes them ideal for sensitive
2000 3040x1450 7.10 187 3 tanks in-line 9.5x1.1 12.5x4.1
locations such as listed buildings and National Parks.
3400 3800x1650 10.00 261
4000 4380x1650 10.20 269 A suitable roadway must be provided to allow the tank
8000 5440x1980 17.56 463 to be delivered and serviced by delivery tankers; the
24,000 8750x2700 39.65 1046 roadway must allow the tanker to get within 25m of the
inlet valve and be sited so that the driver can see the
vehicle during the re-filling process.
Figure 4. Tank sizes
Height (to top of tank hood) x length (mm) To ensure that the Company is able to fulfil its statutory
obligation to provide a safe gas supply, Calor require
access to the land on which the tanks are sited, including
1200 litres
2000 x 1300mm the access road and gas pipeline.
Further information on tank siting is available in UKLPG
2000 litres
Code of Practice COP1.
3040 x 1450mm
Above-ground tanks
3400 litres Tanks are available in sizes of 1,200, 2,000, 3,400, 4,000,
3800 x 1650mm
8,000 and 24,000 litres for installation above ground;
more than one tank can be used in a single installation.
4000 litres Tanks which are installed above ground may require a
4380 x 1650mm purpose-built compound which might need to be fenced
if the general public has access to the area.
8000 litres A Calor specialist will advise on the design of the storage
5440 x 1980mm compound which consists of a smooth concrete hard-
standing covering the area occupied by the tanks and a
security fence spaced a minimum of 1500mm from the
24,000 litres tank(s) on all sides; the space between the fence and the
8750 x 2700mm hard-standing can be concrete or gravel.
All materials used within the compound must offer a fire
Note: All dimensions are approximate and tank sizes can vary depending on manufacturer. resistance of at least 2 hours. A wall can be provided as
part of the security fence, providing it meets the 2-hour
fire resistance requirement and is installed parallel to the
longest axis of the tank(s). It is permissible to use two
walls but they must be parallel to one another.
For all installations, a water supply will be needed for fire
brigade use and a 19mm hose-reel where the storage
capacity exceeds 2,000 litres.
Where there is any risk of damage to the installation
by road vehicles, suitable crash protection must also
be provided.
Table 3. Compound dimensions
Tank capacity Configuration Plinth size Compound size
(litres) (LxW, m) (LxW, m)
1200 single tank 2.5x1.1 5.5x4.1
2 tanks abreast 2.5x3.2 5.5x6.2
2 tanks in-line 6.0x1.1 9.0x4.1
3 tanks abreast 2.5x5.3 5.5x8.3
2000 single tank 3.2x1.3 6.2x4.3
2 tanks abreast 3.2x3.7 6.2x6.5
2 tanks in-line 7.4x1.3 10.4x4.3
3 tanks abreast 3.2x5.9 6.2x8.9
3 tanks in-line 11.6x1.3 14.6x4.3
4000 single tank 4.9x1.4 7.6x4.4
2 tanks abreast 4.9x3.8 7.6x6.9
2 tanks in-line 10.3x1.4 13.2x4.4
3 tanks abreast 4.9x6.2 7.6x9.2
3 tanks in-line 15.8x1.4 18.8x4.4
4 tanks abreast 4.9x8.6 7.6x11.6
5 tanks abreast 4.9x11.0 7.6x14.0
6 tanks abreast 4.9x13.4 7.6x16.4
With no firewall With firewall
Perimeter
A
Property perimeter
A
A A
C C
A
A
1 - 1.5m
A
Firewall
A B
Building Building
Figure 5. Compound dimensions for vessels from 2500 to 9000 litres
Table 4. Separation distances for multi-tank installations
Propane Minimum safety distances Maximum Distance Height
capacity) from buildings, boundary, number between of firewall*
(litres property line or fixed of tanks tanks (m) (m)
ignition source (m): in group
no firewall with firewall
A B C
1200 3 1.5 5 1 1.4
2000 3 1.5 3 1 1.5
3400 7.5 4 6 1 2
4000 7.5 4 6 1 2
8000 7.5 4 3 1 height of vessel
24,000 15 7.5 6 1.5 height of vessel
* the height of the vessel if greater
Supply Pipework Figure 6. Typical pipework installation

In trench with other Where risk of damage is Beneath a concrete slab

services negligible

Concrete slab
The supply pipework should be between 100 and 300mm above the pipe to mark the min. 125mm
min. Spade width
designed by a Calor specialist to location of the trench. If the pipe is of polyethylene, it is 25mm
600mm
ensure it provides an adequate preferable to specify a metallic-cored indicator tape to 75mm Spade width
supply of gas and that it conforms help subsequent location of the pipe run.
to the relevant standards. UKLPG Pipe with
If the LPG supply pipe is to be run in the same trench inert or 25mm
Code of Practice COP 22 flammable
as other services, the LPG gas supply pipes should be liquid or gas 75mm 75mm
provides further information on
separated by at least 250mm from pipes carrying inert or
the design of pipework systems 250mm
flammable liquids and gases, and by 250mm from other
for LPG installations. This is available directly from Sand or other fine material
services, including electric cables (See figure 6).
UKLPG, www.uklpg.org Other services
including Gas pipe Metallic core When laying across rock or ground of irregular

Pipework safety and safety valves Pipe sizing electricity laid on gas pipe consistency, then the trench should be excavated to
LPG pipe cable trench floor indicator tape 75mm below the required depth to enable the pipe to be
Generally, LPG requires smaller diameter supply pipe laid on a bed of sand or other suitable fine material.
The vapour pressure in the storage tank is generally
than natural gas, and the most commonly used sizes are
about 7 barg at a temperature of 15°C. This must be
25mm and 32mm diameter.
reduced to a medium service pressure of 0.75 barg.

Three valve devices are installed between the storage

Pressure losses
The majority of LPG appliances operate at an inlet Figure 7. Medium pressure system with 2nd stage regulator mounted at the property
tank and the intake point at the building in order
to control the pressure and to provide an emergency pressure of 37 mbarg. To ensure that this pressure
is always available, the pipework diameter must be 1st stage Emergency 2nd stage Appliance
cut-off point: regulator control valve regulator isolation valve
sufficient to overcome losses inherent in the system.
• first-stage regulator, normally fitted to the vapour In a typical low-pressure domestic supply, the maximum
connection on the storage tank; reduces the pressure pressure drop from regulator to appliance inlet should be
to about 0.75 barg; may also incorporate an over- 2.5 mbarg. (See figure 7 and 8).
pressure shut-off (OPSO).
As in all supply systems, pressure loss is proportional Service pipework Installation pipework
• second-stage regulator, fitted after the first-stage to the length of the pipe run and is increased by the use
regulator, either at the tank or on the wall of the of bends, fittings and valves. If the number and type of pressure loss not greater than 0.07 bar pressure loss not greater than 2.5 mbar
building; reduces the medium pressure of 0.75 barg to fittings is not known, a pressure loss figure of 5-10%
the working pressure of 37 mbarg; includes an OPSO will normally be sufficient to accommodate an average Tanks
or, in the case of installations which fall under the ‘Gas number of fittings in anything other than the most
Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998’, an complex system.
under-pressure shut-off (UPSO).
Where pressure loss could be a problem, the installation
• emergency-control shut off. This valve is labelled with can be designed using a medium-pressure supply.
isolation instructions and details of Calor’s 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year emergency call-out service. For a medium-pressure commercial supply, the pipework Figure 8. Low Pressure system with 2nd stage regulator mounted at the tank where the design
should be designed for a maximum 0.07 barg pressure of the installation pipework is unknown
Pipework loss under full load.
Typically, polyethylene (PE) pipe is used underground 1st stage 2nd stage
A Calor specialist will advise on the most appropriate regulator regulator Emergency Appliance
and galvanised steel pipework above ground. control valve isolation valve
pipe sizes for a particular application. Pipe-sizing tables
The service pipework between the tank and the building are available on request.
should be installed in a trench. The pipework should be
run directly between the first or second-stage regulator
on the outlet of the tank to the customer’s emergency
control valve on the outside of the property. The route Service pipework Installation pipework
Tank
for the pipe should be as short and direct as possible.
pressure loss not greater than 0.5 mbar pressure loss not greater than 2 mbar
PE pipework should not be installed above ground or
inside any building. Additionally, pipework must not be
run under the footings of a building.

Trench
The trench should provide a minimum of 600mm of
cover and not less than 750mm where it passes under
roadways or grass verges. These depths can be reduced
by placing concrete slabs or tiles approximately 100mm
above the pipe. Yellow indicator tape should placed
For further information please contact Calor for
specialist advice on 0800 216 659 quoting reference
Information in this publication is intended for general guidance only. For more detailed information please contact Calor on 0800 216 659 and quote
COMHEAT.
reference COMHEAT.
GUIDE TO COSTS, PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS,
BUILDING REGULATIONS AND THE CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES.
As with any fuel or energy
source, LPG should
considered in the context of
capital cost, running cost and
maintenance cost.
Capital cost
In terms of capital cost, an LPG installation will probably
be cheaper than laying a natural gas pipeline, and the
installation costs are cheaper than oil. Capital costs will
be incurred in the construction of the plinth to support the
tank, trenching for pipework, excavation for underground
tanks, any costs associated with the tank compound and
the construction of impact protection around the tanks.
The storage tanks are rented from Calor, who retain
ownership and are responsible for their maintenance.
Running cost
Actual running costs, compared to other non-mains gas
fuels, will depend on the building and site layout and the
chosen heating system. It is recommended that Calor
is consulted at an early stage to discuss the specific
installation.
Maintenance cost
LPG is a cleaner burning, low sulphur fuel and direct
maintenance costs will be comparable to those incurred
by a natural gas system which are generally low.
There will be additional costs associated with the
physical maintenance of the tank compound and
associated roadway and fencing.
Planning considerations
In certain situations, the local planning authority may
require a formal planning application for the installation
of LPG storage tanks. There are no special requirements
for preparing the application, but the drawing should
show the position of the tank in relation to the boundary
of the property and any adjacent buildings. Separation
distances should be clearly itemised.
A guidance leaflet is available on request.
Building Regulations
In April 2006, major changes to the Building Regulations
for England and Wales, including Part L, came into
force. The aim of these changes is to reduce carbon
emissions from buildings and implement the EU’s Energy
Performance of Buildings Directive. The demands are
more stringent than in previous Part L documents.
The Elemental Method and Target U-value Method
has ceased to be a way of showing compliance for
new dwellings. The changes require new buildings to
meet a target CO2 emission rate. This is calculated
from a computer model which provides a figure for the
maximum mass of CO2 permitted to be emitted from the
Figure 9. Typical Calor LPG installation layout
building according to its floor area. The figure is given
be in kg/m2 per year, and relates to carbon emissions from
heating, hot water, ventilation cooling and lighting.
In the case of existing buildings, the new regulations Warning
require improvements to the energy efficiency of the notice 1 & 2 2 x 9kg dry powder
extinguisher
whole building.
Gas, oil and solid fuel all offer significant carbon
emissions benefits when compared to electricity. The
low carbon emissions of gas, including LPG, allow the
Tank Vehicle
building designer more freedom in the construction of compound protection
typically laid bollards
the building envelope and insulating materials.
with concrete
and gravel to
Table 5 shows the relative CO2 and carbon emissions for avoid weed
growth
the common fuels used in heating buildings.
Emergency
Table 5. gates at
opposite ends
CO2 and carbon emissions for the common heating of compound
fuels used in buildings.
Emissions: kg CO2/kWh kg carbon/kWh
LPG 0.234 0.064
Natural Gas 0.194 0.053
Oil 0.265 0.072
Solid Fuel 0.293 0.086 Warning
notice 1
Electricity 0.422 0.113
Source: Building Regulations Approved Document
L2A 2006 Edition
The Code for Sustainable Homes
The Government will be publishing a Code for
Sustainable Homes to further increase standards over
and above building regulations. The Code will set star
ratings for home buyers on the energy efficiency and
environmental sustainability of new homes.
The first star rating will be more comprehensive and
demanding than current building regulations, and new Emergency
publicly funded homes will be expected to reach level control valve
Service
3 on the star ratings system, significantly higher than pipework
current building regulation standards.
In the proposal document, specific reference is made to
Warning
homes where mains gas is unavailable. It states there is notice 2 19mm
a ‘strong influence of the choice of fuel for space heating Concrete Hose reel
plinth
and hot water. Homes unable to use mains gas for
space and water heating will have to invest in additional CAUTION
Regulator
energy efficiency measures or incorporate lower carbon
Warning
technologies.’ notice 1
Source: Proposals for Introducing a Code for
Sustainable Homes - A Consultation Paper.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Note: Not to scale
For illustrative purposes only
 fueLling the future.
As responsible businesses, we all have an important role to play in managing our energy requirements and
minimising our carbon footprint.

And as an energy provider, we take this responsibility more serious than most. It’s why we invest in the latest
energy efficient technologies and why you can trust us to help you save money and energy.

Below you will find a selection of high efficiency appliances fuelled by LPG which are available now.

INSTALLATION, SERVICING AND

REPAIR FROM CALOR
GHP - GAS HEAT PUMP CalorForce was established in 2003 as Calor’s specialist Customer Call CalorForce for:
Engineering and Installation Organisation. Since then we have
• A Gas Heat Pump provides simultaneous heating and cooling. been delivering our expert knowledge and renowned customer LPG Appliance Installation, Servicing AND
• Sanyo’s Gas Heat Pump can result in heating efficiencies care and now operate the largest dedicated LPG technician Maintenance
of over 140% organisation in the UK. We install, service and repair the full range of LPG appliances
from large industrial burners to fires and cookers
• A Gas Heat Pump can help you reduce your CO2 and NOx
With increasingly complex and changeable legislation, CalorForce
emissions whilst producing 100% heating performance even
in severe winter conditions offers understanding and expertise in LPG. Whatever your
requirements, you can rest assured your work would be carried Pipework Inspection and Testing
• Sanyo’s Gas Heat Pump guarantees free hot water out by our highly trained personnel to exact technical and All gas pipe work requires periodic testing, particularly older
at 65 degrees
legislative standards. installations or those at risk of mechanical damage. We carry out
• A Gas Heat Pump can reduce electricity consumption and gas-leak detection, safety inspection and pressure testing to all
demand The CalorForce Commitment above or below ground LPG pipework. Additionally, underground
• CalorForce is the professional and flexible service, working polyethylene pipes using modern electro-fusion welded joints are
with you to meet your requirements and provide a timetable installed where required.
CHP - COMBINED HEAT AND to suit you
• We fully cost work before starting and provide you with a
POWER UNIT fixed quotation Bulk AND Cylinder Supply Installations
• All CalorForce technicians carry ID cards for security purposes We can undertake projects whatever their size, from cylinders
• Combined heat and power can deliver overall fuel efficiencies and we ensure they are fully qualified for the work undertaken to bulk, single or large scale multiple tank installations. For your
well in excess of 75%
• For complex installations we offer unrivalled technical design continued peace of mind, we will continue to carry out service
• CHP is an efficient way of producing usable heat and capabilities and full project management and maintenance work on the installation on an ongoing basis.
generating electricity • All work is covered by our warranty*
*Subject to Terms and Conditions.
• A CHP can reduce energy costs and deliver significant
reductions in harmful greenhouse gases LANDLORD AND COMMERCIAL CERTIFICATION
Holiday caravans, mobile homes and permanent buildings used
• A CHP can work with existing fuels that might already be in for letting must have a current Landlord Certificate. We are able
place, such as LPG
to carry out all relevant tests and inspections and provide all
legislative certification.

Solar
• Solar thermal technology has less of an environmental
impact than traditional water heating systems
“Completing 39 installations and associated pipework at five different sites
• Uses solar collectors or ‘panels’ to harness the energy
provided by the sun, converting it to energy to heat water within five weeks was a tall order. But CalorForce completed the work ahead
• During periods of low solar gain, a back up fuel needs to be of schedule without compromising standards.”
considered. Calor LPG is an ideal back up
(Peter Gould, consultant to Bourne Leisure)
• Solar thermal systems are low maintenance

Installation • Service • Repair • Pipe Work Inspection • Health & Safety Certification
Health & Safety and References
Technical Information

Health & Safety Composition Standards Acts of Parliament and Regulations

LPG is a non-poisonous flammable gas which is heavier
than air. Although precautions must be taken to prevent
escaped gas from entering underground chambers or
pipe and duct systems, the hazards it presents in use are
little different from those associated with natural gas.
All work must be undertaken by Gas Safe registered
™ Regulations 1990
installers, who must also be certified as competent
to work on LPG systems by holding the relevant ACS
module(s).
The following points should be noted:
•A
 s with any fuel-burning system, it is important that
adequate air is provided for combustion and that there
is also adequate ventilation. Please note: Ventilation
requirements are different to natural gas.
•L
 ike any gas installation, an LPG system should
be regularly inspected and serviced to ensure its
continued safe operation.
•S
 torage tanks should be protected from excessive
ambient temperatures and a source of water for fire
fighting and suitable fire extinguishers should be
provided at the storage compound.
•S
 afe separation distances between any storage tanks
and buildings etc must be maintained.
•T
 here must be safe access to allow the storage tank
to be installed or removed.
•S
 torage tanks should not be sited immediately under
overhead electric power cables.
Legislation
The ‘Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998’
Calor liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is available in the
form of either propane (C3H8), with a small amount of
propene and pentane; or butane (C4H10), with smaller
amounts of propane, pentene and pentane. In its natural
state, LPG is colourless and odourless; a stenching
agent is added during manufacture for safety reasons.
Butane is more appropriate to use in portable equipment
and leisure appliances and is generally not suitable for
commercial and industrial applications.
Identification
When supplied in cylinders, propane cylinders can be
identified by their red colour; butane cylinders are blue.
Weight
In liquid form, 1957 litres of propane weighs 1 tonne.
Density
Propane is roughly one-and-a-half times heavier than air
and has a density of 1.85kg/m3. As a liquid, the density
is 512kg/m3.
The liquid to propane gas expansion ratio is 274.
Burning properties
Ignition temperature, 460-580°C.
Maximum flame temperature, 1980°C.
Flammability range, 2-11% gas in air.
Volume of air-to-burn unit volume of gas, 23; the
comparable figure for natural gas is 9.6:1 and this
means that adequate ventilation is extremely important
BS EN 12864:2001 Low pressure, non adjustable regulators Climate Change Levy (Electricity and Gas) Regulations 2001
having a maximum outlet pressure of less than or equal to 200
mbar, with a capacity of less than or equal to 4kg/h, and their Climate Change Levy (General Amendment) Regulations 2002
associated safety devices for butane, propane or their mixtures.
Climate Change Levy (General) Regulations 2001
BS EN 13785:2005 Regulators with a capacity of up to
Dangerous Substances (Notification and Marking of Sites)
and including 100kg/h, having a maximum nominal outlet
pressure of up to and including 4 bar, other than those
covered by EN 12864 and their associated safety devices Electricity and Gas (Energy Efficiency Obligations)
for butane, propane or their mixtures. Order 2001
BS EN 13786:2004 Automatic change-over valves having a Electricity and Gas Order 2001
maximum outlet pressure of up to and including 4 bar with a
capacity of up to and including 100kg/h, and their associated Gas Act 1986
safety devices for butane, propane or their mixtures
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
BS 4250:1995 Specification for commercial butane and
propane. Highly Flammable Liquids and Liquefied Petroleum Gases
Regulations 1972.
BS 5482-1:2005 Code of practice for domestic butane -
and propane - gas - burning installations. Installations at Pressure Systems and Transportable Gas Containers
permanent dwellings, residential park homes and commercial Regulations 1989.
premises, with installation pipework sizes not exceeding
DN 25 for steel and DN 28 for corrugated stainless steel
Health & Safety
or copper. Part 2:2001 Installations in caravans and non-
permanent dwellings. Guidance notes chemical safety: Storage and use of LPG
at metered estates. CSCS11. London, Health & Safety
BS 6843 Classification of petroleum fuels. Part 3:1988 Executive, 1987.
Liquefied petroleum gases.
Safety data sheet: Calor butane.
BS 7281:1990 Specification for polyethylene pipes for the
supply of gaseous fuels. Safety data sheet: Calor propane.
BS 7336:1990 Specification for polyethylene fusion fittings The storage of flammable liquids in containers. HS(G) 51.
London, Health & Safety Executive, (date).
with integral heating element(s) for use with polyethylene
pipes for the conveyance of gaseous fuels. Using Calor Gas safely: butane.
BS EN 12818:2002 Inspection and requalification of LPG Using Calor Gas safely: propane.
tanks up to and including 13m underground.
3

cover the siting and installation of all gas-burning
equipment on premises.
There are requirements for the identification and marking
of sites where LPG is stored listed in the ‘Dangerous
Substances (Notification and Marking of Sites)
Regulations 1990’.
Codes of Practice
Calor has produced a series of safety data sheets
covering the use and handling of LPG; see ‘References’,
on following page. Copies of these sheets are available
on request.
The UKLPG has produced a series of codes of practice
dealing with external works and the tank installation. These
are available directly from www.uklpg.org
Technical Information
Standards
Calor LPG is either ‘commercial propane’ or ‘commercial
butane’ as defined in BS 4250:1997 ‘Specification for
commercial butane and propane’.
for combustion efficiency.
The combustion of LPG produces carbon dioxide
(CO2) and water vapour. If the combustion air supply is
restricted, carbon monoxide will be produced.
Calorific value
At 95MJ/m3, the calorific value of propane is roughly
three times that of commercial natural gas.
1 litre of liquid propane produces 7.1kWh.
Chemical reactions
LPG is aggressive to certain non-metallic materials such
as natural rubber and some plastics, and hoses and
connections must be certified as suitable for use with
the gas.
Toxicity
LPG is non-toxic but, at very high concentrations in air,
can act as an anaesthetising agent.
Like any gas, it will act as an asphyxiant, at high
concentrations, by decreasing available oxygen.
Building Regulations
Part L - Dwellings
Approved Document L1A: Conservation of fuel and power
(New dwellings) (2006 edition)
Approved Document L1B: Conservation of fuel and power
(Existing dwellings) (2006 edition)
Part L - Buildings other than dwellings
Approved Document L2A: Conservation of fuel and power
(New buildings other than dwellings) (2006 edition)
Approved Document L2B: Conservation of fuel and power
(Existing buildings other than dwellings) (2006 edition).
Technical standards for compliance with the ‘Building
Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990’ (as amended),
Part J: conservation of fuel and power.
Codes of Practice
COP 1. Bulk LPG storage at fixed installations. Part 1,
Design, installation and operation of vessels located
above ground.
COP 1. Bulk LPG storage at fixed installations. Part 2, Small
bulk installations for domestic and similar purposes.
COP 1. Bulk LPG storage at fixed installations. Part 3,
Examination and testing.
COP 1. Bulk LPG storage at fixed installations. Part 4,
Buried/mounded LPG storage vessels.
COP 3. Prevention or control of fire involving LPG.
COP 15. Valves and fittings for LPG service.
COP 22. LPG piping system design and installation.

Note: Information in this brochure was correct at time of going to press.

 Now you can get gas

even where you can’t get gas

Calor Gas Limited

Athena House
Athena Drive
Tachbrook Park
Warwick CV34 6RL
Information in this publication is intended for guidance only. © Calor Gas Limited
For specialist sales advice call 0800 216 659
This brochure has been designed to provide sufficient ‘first stage’ information to allow E-mail: enquiries@calor.co.uk
consultants and others to understand the advantages and implications of using Calor
LPG. Calor Gas can take no responsibility for actions taken based on the information
Website: www.calor.co.uk
contained in this brochure: more detailed information is available on request. It is
strongly advised that Calor Gas be consulted on the specific technical detail of a
project before proceeding. Call Calor on 0800 216 659 to talk to a specialist.

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