Definitions for LPG Gas & Gas Appliances

(Plus – 7 Things You Didn’t Know About LPG)

There is a lot of technical terminology, jargon and even slang in the world of LPG and gas appliances.

This glossary provides simple definitions with accompanying links to in-depth articles, for those who want even more information.

Your Help is Needed

This glossary is meant to be a living document.

I am sure that there will be terms that I have omitted.

I’m a big believer in the saying “None of us is as smart as all of us”.

If you know of relevant terms that are not included, please email them to [email protected] and I will add them to the list.

If you would like acknowledgement of your submission (item submitted by YOUR NAME HERE) please let me know and include your name.

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What is the definition of…

Aerosol Propellant

Butane is commonly used as an aerosol propellant.

It exist as a liquid under pressure.

As the product is used,  the butane turns to gas and maintrains the pressure within the can.

The pressure is the force behind the aerosol delivery.

AFL Valve

AFL is an acronym for Automatic Fill Limiter valve.

It is a valve that prevents overfilling of the LPG cylinder or tank.

Area Heater

Typically refers to an outdoor heater like a patio heater.

Autogas

The LPG fuel used in LPG powered cars is quite often called “Autogas”.

It can be propane or a mixture of propane and butane.

Automatic Gas Check Alerts^™

Elgas’ name for an automatic SMS (Text) reminder to check your gas bottle level, based on past usage and the time since your last delivery.

Automatic Tanker Delivery

Reliable supply of bottled gas automatically delivered by an LPG tanker.

Scheduling is based on past usage and the time since your last delivery.

Bayonet Heater

An unflued indoor gas heater that connects to your home’s gas supply using a bayonet connector.

May also be referred to as a portable heater.

BBQ Gas

A common term for the LPG in 9kg and 4kg gas bottles.

The name refers to the application but the LPG is no different.

BBQ Gas Bottle

A common term for 9kg and 4kg gas bottles typically used on a gas BBQ.

Once again, the name refers to the application but the LPG is no different.

Bleed Screw

A small screw on the side of a POL valve that allows for venting during decant refilling.

The bleed screw should only be opened by a trained technician, during the refilling process.

Bottled Gas

Bottled gas is the same as LPG.

The term ‘bottled gas’ is typically used to differentiate between LPG and piped natural gas.

Virtually all LPG comes in bottles, cylinders or larger tanks.

BTU

BTU is the acronym for British Thermal Unit.

The BTU is another older measure of heat output based on the Imperial System.

One BTU is the energy required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of liquid water by 1°F, at sea level.

Bulk LPG of LPG Bulk Gas

It refers to LPG delivered in large quantities by LPG tankers.

With Bulk LPG, the storage vessels also tend to be larger than the standard cylinder sizes.

Bullet

LPG industry slang for large LPG storage vessels.

Typical sizes are 0.5, 1, 2, 2.5 & 3 tonne tanks.

Large commercial customers and LPG depots may have even larger tanks like 10, 20 & 30 tonne tanks.

As many tanks are made to order, many other sizes are also available.

Burners

A burner is one component of an LPG appliance.

As the name suggests, the gas burner is the point at which a mixture of LPG and air ignites into a controlled flame.

Butane

Butane is one of the gases that fall under the broad definition of a Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

Butane has some specific applications where it is advantageous to use.

These include greenhouse applications and use as a propellant in aerosols.

Cabinet Heater

A cabinet heater is an indoor gas heater that is fuelled by an LPG gas bottle housed inside the heater itself.

The gas bottle is typically a standard 9kg gas bottle, as used with gas barbecues.

It is important to note that cabinet heaters are banned from use in Australia.

Calorific Value

The amount of heat produced by the complete combustion process.

It is measured in units of energy per amount of fuel used.

For LPG that would typically be Mj per kg.

Camper Valve

A Camper Valve is a different kind of gas bottle valve used in lieu of the Australian standard POL valve.

It is typically fitted to a 4kg gas bottle.

Camper valves are required to operate certain gas appliances that are designed with a Camper Valve fitting.

Camping Gas

A common term for the LPG in 9kg and 4kg gas bottles.

The name refers to the application but the LPG is no different.

Caravan Gas Bottles

A common term for 9kg and 4kg gas bottles typically used on a caravan.

Once again, the name refers to the application but the LPG is no different.

Changeover Valve

There are two varieties of changeover valves, automatic and manual.

A changeover valve is used with a two gas bottle installation to control which bottles is being used.

It is used to switch from one gas bottle to another, when one is empty.

CO₂ Enrichment

Butane is popular with greenhouse operators.

They use it to heat the greenhouse but to also provide added CO₂.

This CO₂ enrichment aids in plant growth.

Butane (C₄H₁₀) is used instead or propane (C₃H₈) because it has an extra carbon atom in the molecule, which produces more CO₂ when burnt.

Coaxial Flue

A coaxial flue is a pipe within a pipe, providing the exhaust of combustion gases and the intake of fresh air for combustion.

This system does the same thing as a direct vent or balanced flue system.

The amount drawn in is balanced with the exhaust sent out.

Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems allow for heat and electricity to be produced simultaneously using the same heat source.

This is also commonly referred to as cogeneration.

An internal combustion engine powered by LPG converts the fuel to useful work.

This engine is connected to an electricity generator.

Heat exchangers also capture engine heat and transfer it for space heating or to heat water.

Micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) systems are a smaller scale version of standard CHP units.

Compliance Certificate, Badge or Plate

Regardless of the format, these are an important form of compliance documentation.

After installing and commissioning a gas appliance at your home, the licensed gas fitter must supply you with a copy of an installation certificate and/or fix a compliance plate or badge to the installation.

Continuous Flow Water Heater

Continuous flow water heaters provide hot water on demand whenever you turn on the tap.

These heat the water as it passes through the unit.

Unlike storage tank water heaters, there is no issue with running out of hot water.

Convection Heater

A convection gas heater warms the room by circulating fan forced heat.

Also referred to as a “convector” heater.

They are available in portable and flued models.

Decanting

In the context of LPG, decanting refers to refilling one gas bottle from another.

This is the process that takes place if you take your empty gas bottle to a servo for a refill.

Diesel Substitution

Diesel substitution is a process where LPG is used in lieu of part of the diesel fuel consumption.

The rate of substitution is typically 30-35% and depends on engine size and application.

Dip Tube

A small vent tube that reaches downward from the base of the gas valve, inside the cylinder.

The dip tube extends through the ullage expansion area to a point at which the cylinder would be full.

Venting of gas through the dip tube is controlled by the bleed screw during decant refilling to determine when the cylinder has reached its proper fill level.

Dual Energy

A term used with some gas appliances that can be powered either by gas or electricity.

Ducted Heating

With ducted gas heating, there is a central heating unit and the warm forced air is distributed by duct work built into the structure.

EasyGas

EasyGas^® is the Elgas trademark for its automatic tanker delivery service.

EasyGas DownUnder

EasyGas DownUnder^™ is the Elgas exclusive underground LPG storage system.

The unit lid, shown to the right, is the only visible component.

Exchange Delivery

With exchange delivery, filled LPG gas bottles are delivered to your home and the empty gas bottles are removed.

This process is triggered when the user requests a delivery from the supplier.

Exclusion Zone

LPG cylinders must be placed to allow for a safety exclusion zone.

Items that may not be within the exclusion zone include ignition sources, wall openings and drains.

First Hour Supply

First hour supply is a term that refers to the number of litres of hot water available from a storage hot water heater during the first hour of use.

It is calculated based on the tank capacity and the speed at which the unit reheats incoming cold water.

Flame Failure Re-ignition System

If the flame is accidentally blown out, the flame failure re-ignition system will detect it and relight the flame.

For safety reasons, if the appliance does not re-ignite after a few seconds, the system will cease trying.

Flame Sensor or Flame Failure System

A flame sensor is a safety device built into a gas appliance that automatically shuts off the gas flow when it detects that the flame has gone out.

Flame Weeding

Flame weeding is a highly effective chemical-free weed control technique.

It uses a direct flame or infrared burner to vaporise the water in the plant.

Flued Heater

With a flued heater, the combustion gases generated when the gas is burnt are directed out of your home by means of a fixed flue pipe through the wall or ceiling.

Forklift Gas

A common term for the LPG in 15kg and 18kg forklift gas bottles.

The name refers to the application but the LPG is no different.

Forklift gas bottles are unique inasmuch as they are mounted on the forklift horizontally.

Freestanding Gas Fireplace

A freestanding gas fireplace is easy to install.

As the name implies, they stand alone, separate from the wall.

Your gas fitter simply runs a metal flue through the ceiling and roof.

Freestanding Upright Gas Stoves

This term describes a single unit that combines a cooktop and oven.

It is self-supporting and not inbuilt into the cabinetry.

Gas Boosted Solar Hot Water Systems

For periods when there is insufficient sunlight or high water usage, solar hot water systems are equipped with gas boosted heating.

The booster unit is typically of a continuous flow design.

Gas Bottles

Another name for gas cylinders.

It is the vessel used to store LPG.

The term can also be used for cylinders holding other types of gases.

In Australia, the typical sizes are 4kg, 9kg, 13kg, 15kg, 18kg, 45kg, 90kg, 190kg & 210kg.

Gas Cookers

This term describes a single unit that combines a cooktop and oven.

Gas Cooktops

A single unit array of gas burners, trivets and gas control knobs.

A gas cooktop is typically mounted within a cut-out on a kitchen bench top.

A gas cooktops may also be called a gas hob.

Gas Cylinders

Another name for gas bottles.

It is the vessel used to store LPG.

The term can also be used for bottles holding other types of gases.

In Australia, the typical sizes are 4kg, 9kg, 13kg, 15kg, 18kg, 45kg, 90kg, 190kg & 210kg.

Gas Fireplace Insert

Gas fireplace inserts are designed and sized to fit into an existing fireplace opening.

They may also be the correct size to replace old inbuilt space heaters.

Gas Fitter

A tradesperson who has specialist gas training and a specific gas fitter license.

You must always use a licensed gas fitter for any project that involves gas.

This includes gas appliance installations, repairs and maintenance.

Gas Fittings

Gas fittings are all the components needed between the gas bottle and the appliance.

These may include regulators, pig tails, changeover valves, bayonet connectors, service piping and various other connectors.

Gas Gun

Unwanted birds can cause damage to crops and can be a safety hazard for aircraft.

The solution to this is a gas gun.

LPG is used to power the gas gun, which produces a periodic loud explosion.

This noise scares away the unwanted birds without harmimg them.

Gas Heat Pump

LPG Gas Heat Pumps (GHPs) use the thermal energy released from burning LPG to power a system to extract heat from sources such as air, water or the ground.

This heat can then be used to heat air, water or drive an industrial process.

The process of heat extraction can also be reversed, providing cooling for air conditioning or other applications.

Gas Hose

Attached to the regulator on one end and the BBQ or heater on the other end.

Gas hoses are most frequently seen on outdoor gas appliances like BBQs and patio heaters.

Gas hoses are also used on bayonet heaters.

Gas Lights or Lamps

Gas lights are one of the oldest uses of gas.

LPG lamps can provide efficient lighting in remote locations where electricity is unavailable or unreliable.

LPG lamps can produce as much light as a 100W electric globe.

They are durable and require very little cleaning or parts replacement.

They can be portable or fixed to a wall or ceiling.

Gas Log Fires

This name refers to a particular type of gas fireplace where the flame media are simulated wood logs, typically made from ceramic.

Gas Ovens

A gas fueled oven that can be part of a stove/cooker or installed separately, inbuilt into the kitchen cabinetry.

Gas Pizza Ovens

Commercial pizza ovens are installed within the cooking establishment.

Gas pizza ovens for homes are usually smaller portable units fueled by BBQ type gas bottles.

Gas Stoves

This term describes a single unit that combines a cooktop and oven.

Gas Turbines

LPG gas turbines are used for power generation.

This can be via simple cycle power plant, co-generation or tri-generation, producing electricity and heat.

Gas Valve

The gas valve on an LPG cylinders is a hand wheel at the top of the cylinder.

Hob

Same as a cooktop.  A single unit array of gas burners, trivets and gas control knobs.

A gas hob is typically mounted within a cut-out on a kitchen bench top.

Hot Water Test

One way to check how much gas is left in your gas bottle is to use the hot water test.

This involves pouring hot water down the side of the cylinder to determine the level of the remaining gas.

Please always take care with the hot water.

Inbuilt Gas Fireplace

The fireplace and flue are enclosed within the new wall structure.

An inbuilt gas fireplace is the way to go if you want a wider profile gas fireplace.

Inbuilt fireplaces are the best choice if you want a wide unit.

ISO Tank

An ISO tank container is an LPG storage tank built with an ISO standard steel framework around it.

It is an intermodal container can be moved from one mode of transport to another including ship, rail and truck.

Instant or Instantaneous Hot Water Heater

Another name for continuous flow water heaters, instant or instantaneous hot water heaters provide hot water on demand whenever you turn on the tap.

These heat the water as it passes through the unit.

Unlike storage tank water heaters, there is no issue with running out of hot water.

However, the term ‘instant’ is a bit of a misnomer, as there is still the time it takes for the hot water to travel from the heater to the tap.

Jets

An appliance gas jet is the orifice which regulates the amount of gas flow into the burner.

kW or kWh

Kilowatt per Hour (kWh) is the unit of measure for gas heater output.

3.6 Mj of input equals 1kWh of output at 100% efficiency.

Appliance output is often expressed as just kW.

L/min or Litres per Minute

Litres per minute is the unit of measure used to gauge the hot water output of a continuous flow hot water heater.

The number of people in your home combined with how and when they use hot water is the key to determining the required flow rate.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas

1. Liquefied Petroleum Gas or Liquid Petroleum Gas is more commonly known by the acronym LPG (or LP Gas).

2. Liquefied Petroleum Gas is a group of flammable hydrocarbon gases that are liquefied through pressurisation and commonly used as fuel.

3. Liquefied Petroleum Gas comes from natural gas processing and petroleum refining.

4. There are a number of gases that fall under the “LPG” label, including propane, butane and isobutane (i-butane), as well as mixtures of these gases..

5. LPG gases can all be compressed into liquid at relatively low pressures.

6. LPG is frequently used for fuel in heating, cooking, hot water and vehicles, as well as for refrigerants, aerosol propellants and petrochemical feedstock.

7. LPG is generally stored, as a liquid, in steel vessels ranging from small BBQ gas bottles to larger gas cylinders and storage tanks. (45kg gas bottles shown)

Liquid Injection

Liquid injection is a method of delivering LPG into an engine.

Liquid injection can either be via port injection of direct injection into the combustion chamber.

LP Gas

A shortened version of Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

LP gas describes the same variety of hydrocarbon gases.

LPG or LPG Gas

1. LPG (or LP Gas) is the acronym for Liquefied Petroleum Gas or Liquid Petroleum Gas.

Regardless of the fact that it is a redundant acronym, ‘LPG gas’ is also a very common term.

2. LPG is a group of flammable hydrocarbon gases that are liquefied through pressurisation and commonly used as fuel.

3. LPG comes from natural gas processing and petroleum refining.

4. There are a number of gases that fall under the “LPG” label, including propane, butane and isobutane (i-butane), as well as mixtures of these gases..

5. LPG gases can all be compressed into liquid at relatively low pressures.

6. LPG is frequently used for fuel in heating, cooking, hot water and vehicles, as well as for refrigerants, aerosol propellants and petrochemical feedstock.

7. LPG is generally stored, as a liquid, in steel vessels ranging from small BBQ gas bottles to larger gas cylinders and storage tanks. (45kg gas bottles shown)

In Australia, LPG is known to designate propane, as opposed to the other varieties of Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

LPG Conversion

The term ‘LPG Conversion’ refers to the process of converting a petrol powered vehicle to run on LPG autogas.

Almost all vehicles fuelled by unleaded petrol or diesel can be converted to dual-fuel LPG operation.

Megajoule or Mj

Megajoules per Hour (MJ/hr) ratings on appliances actually indicate the gas consumption of the appliance, not the heat output.

It is often expressed as just MJ or Mj.

Metered Reticulated LPG Supply

In some instances, LPG is supplied to users through a reticulated – piped — system.

The reticulated system draws the LPG from a common large storage tank or tanks.

The individual users have gas meters to track their usage.

MSDS – SDS

SDS is an acronym for Material Safety Data Sheet.

It provides guidelines for handling or working with that substance in a safe manner, and includes information such as physical characteristics, toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and more.

In recent years, the term MSDS has been superseded by the truncated version – SDS.

O-ring

O-rings are round rubber rings that act as a seal or gasket in certain LPG connections.

O-ring seals can be found on the male connector of most POL valves and inside bayonet connectors.

Odourised Gas

In its natural state, LPG is odourless.

The distinctive smell that people associate with LPG is actually added as a safety measure.

LPG is odourised using an odourant called Ethyl Mercaptan, which smells something like rotten cabbage.

Oxygen Depletion Sensor

One of the possible gas heater safety devices on a gas heater is an oxygen depletion sensor.

This device is designed to cut off the flow of gas if the available oxygen in the room drops below a safe level.

Patio Heaters

The traditional patio heater is shaped like a tall mushroom.

Newer patio heater models are more compact and are cylindrical in shape.

Please note that patio heaters should never be used indoors or in any confined space without proper ventilation.

Pigtails

The gas bottles are connected to the changeover valve by tubing, known as pigtails.

Pigtails can be made of solid copper, rubber or braided metal over a rubber interior.

Pilot Light

A pilot light is a small gas flame which is kept constantly burning to serve as an ignition source for a gas appliance.

However, to save gas, most modern gas appliances use electronic ignition.

POL Valves & POL Cylinders

The most common type of gas valve in Australia is the POL valve, which can be found on most gas cylinders from 4kg all the way up to 210kg.

‘POL’ is an acronym for the company that first produced the valves, Prest-O-Lite.

Gas cylinders equipped with POL valves are sometimes referred to as ‘POL cylinders’.

Portable Heater

The term ‘portable heater’ is used to describe an unflued indoor heater that can be moved from room to room, where bayonet connections are available.

The term is a bit of a misnomer as the heater must be located within the limits of the gas hose length from a bayonet connection.

Power Flued

Power flued heaters are convection gas heaters or gas fireplaces with a power driven flue.

The power flued models provide more installation options.

Pressure Relief Valve

Pressure relief valves are designed to relieve excess pressure that might result from overfilling or exposure to excessive heat or fire.

The pressure relief valve is incorporated within the POL valve and appears as the protrusion opposite the main connection.

Propane

Propane is the gas that is supplied to virtually all homes and most businesses that purchase LPG in Australia.

In Australia, LPG goes by a number of names including Propane.

However, it’s all the same gas.

QCC Valve

A QCC valve (Quick Closing Coupling) is an LPG cylinder valve.

It is used in place of the POL valve in other countries, including on LPG cylinders in NZ.

It can be connected and disconnected by hand.

R290 Refrigerant

LPG can also be used as a refrigerant.

R290 is the common name for high purity propane (C₃H₈) suitable for use in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.

LPG is a contender to replace CFC’s from domestic refrigerators as well as car air conditioners.

Due to its low environmental impact, R290 is now a common alternative to fluorocarbons in a wide range of applications.

Radiant Convector Heater

Radiant Convectors combine two methods of heat distribution.

They provide radiant heat to the area directly in front of the unit while distributing heat around the space using fan driven convection.

Radiant Heater

Radiant Heaters warm you much like the sun.

Radiant heaters allow specific spaces within an indoor area to be heated, primarily warming only the people and objects positioned in front of the unit.

Rangehood

A rangehood is a unit, containing an exhaust fan, which hangs above the cooktop in the kitchen.

It extracts fumes and steam from the kitchen air.

It also goes by other names including extractor hood, ventilation hood and cooking canopy.

Refilling

All gas bottles need to be refilled.

For most gas bottle users, this is done at a gas depot and then the bottles are delivered to their home.

Another alternative is to swap gas bottles, such as at SWAP’n’GO®.

The term ‘refilling’ is typically applied when a user takes their gas bottle to a servo or other establishment.

It is refilled, via decanting, while they wait.

Regulator

An LPG regulator is required to reduce the pressure and ensure a consistent 2.75kPa is safely delivered from the gas bottle to your appliances.

Although the purpose of LPG regulators is the same, different applications may require different types of regulators.

Safety Tilt Switch

One of the possible gas heater safety devices on a gas heater is a safety tilt switch.

This device is designed to cut off the flow of gas if the heater tips over.

SDS – MSDS

SDS is an acronym for Safety Data Sheet.

It provides guidelines for handling or working with that substance in a safe manner, and includes information such as physical characteristics, toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and more.

It may also be called an MSDS.

Soapy Water Leak Test

It is important to regularly leak test your BBQ gas bottle, regulator and hose.

The soapy water leak test is used to find any possible leaks.

To do this, you spray a soapy water solution on the gas components and watch for bubbles.

Source of Ignition

Any flame or spark can cause ingition.

This includes all electrical gear like electrical switches, power points, air conditioners, compressors, pumps, lights, movement sensors, bug zappers, etc.

There is an exclusion zone around LPG cylinders that is applicable to sources of ignition.

Space Heater

‘Space heater’ is another term used to describe indoor gas heaters.

A space heater can be either flued or portable (unflued).

The term is also used to differentiate this type of room heater from a central heating system.

Star Ratings

Gas hot water systems, gas wall furnaces, gas heaters and gas fireplaces in Australia are all tested and labelled for energy efficiency Star Ratings.

Star ratings were developed to provide consumers with an easy way of comparing the energy efficiency of different models.

Storage Tank Water Heater

Also known as hot water tanks or cylinders, gas storage hot water heaters have been in use for decades.

They are typically installed outdoors and are easily identified by their large cylindrical tanks.

Swap

The term swap is used to refer to gas bottle exchange schemes.

In these schemes, a user swaps an empty BBQ gas bottle for a full one.

Servos and hardware stores are the most common business types that offer this service.

SWAP’n’GO

SWAP’n’GO^® is Elgas’ trademark for their gas bottle exchange program.

The SWAP’n’GO storage cages are a common sight at thousands of locations across Australia.

Tanker Delivery

As opposed to exchange delivery, with tanker delivery the gas bottles remain in place and are refilled from an LPG tanker truck.

Deliveries can be scheduled automatically or users can phone for a fill.

Tankless Water Heater

As the name implies, a tankless water heater does not have the traditional large storage tank.

These units only heat the water as it passes through.

These systems are also called ‘continuous flow’ or ‘instant’ hot water heaters.

Tanks

Large LPG storage vessels are typically called tanks.

Typical sizes are 0.5, 1, 2, 2.5 & 3 tonne tanks.

Large commercial customers and LPG depots may have even larger tanks like 10, 20 & 30 tonne tanks.

As many tanks are made to order, many other sizes are also available.

Tempering Valve

Water in a hot water storage tank must be a minimum of 60°C whilst, in most cases, the tap temperature must be no higher than 50°C, to prevent scalding.

To achieve this, your plumber installs a tempering valve.

The tempering valve mixes your hot and cold water to deliver hot tap water at a constant temperature.

Toroidal LPG Tanks

Used with LPG cars, toroidal LPG tanks are doughnut shaped and typically are fitted within the spare wheel well.

They come in various sizes to fit just about any car, ute or SUV.

Type ‘A’ Appliance

Gas appliances used in Australia must be tested and certified by a recognised testing organisation.

An appliance that meets these conditions is considered a Type ‘A’ appliance.

As with all gas appliances, it must be installed by a licensed gas fitter.

Type ‘B’ Appliance

Any appliance with a gas consumption in excess of 10 megajoules per hour is considered a Type ‘B’ appliance.

This does not include any Type ‘A’ appliance.

Installation of a Type ‘B’ appliance may require a gas fitter with a special certification.

Ultimate Gas Log Fires

Ultimate Woodheaters and Gaslog Fires is an Australian manufacturer of wood heaters, both freestanding and inbuilt models.  They also sell gas log fires.

Unflued Heater

Unflued indoor heater come in three types: radiant, convectors and radiant-convectors.

Unflued heaters typically use a bayonet gas connector and can be moved to any room where a bayonet connection is available.

The term ‘portable heater’ is also used to describe this type of heater.

Vapourisation

LPG exists in two different forms, liquid and vapour.

LPG is stored under pressure, as a liquid, in a gas bottle.

The transition from liquid to vapour is known as vapourisation.

LPG becomes vapour at temperatures of -42°C and above.

It turns back into gas vapour when you release some of the pressure in the gas bottle by turning on your appliance.

Vapourisation Rate

Different LPG storage vessels have different maximum vapourisation rates.

]Additional vapourisation can be achieved with the use of a vapouriser.

In Australia, vapourisation rates are usually express in magajoules per hour (Mj/hr).

In some other countries, it would be BTU/hr.

A vapourisation table, by vessel size, is used to determine the size of the vessel required for the gas load. (item submitted by NH)

Vapour Injection

Vapour injection is a method of delivering LPG into an engine.

Vapour injection introduces the LPG vapour directly into the engine manifold.

Vapourisers

There are situations when the maximum gas load exceeds the maximum vapourisation rate of the vessels alone.

In this instance the only option is to supply some artificial means of aiding vapourisation and these units, for obvious reasons, are called vapourisers.

There are various types on the market including direct-fixed, water-bath, and electric.

All of them operate on the same basic principle.

Liquid LPG from the tank is fed into the vapouriser, it is heated to above its boiling point and the vapour is fed back to the tank ready for use in the system.

VLGC

VLGC is an acronym for Very Large Gas Carrier.

It describes a class of gas ocean tankers with an approximate capacity as large as 85.000 m³ or 45,000 tonnes.

Wall Furnace Heater

A wall furnace heater is a gas heater mounted on or in a wall cavity.

They are typically flued convectors.

They may also be suitable to retro-fit into existing openings left by old wall furnaces.

Zero Clearance Fireplace

A zero clearance gas fireplace can be enclosed using combustible materials without a buffer zone.

Depending upon the limitations of the specific unit, it may be installed very close to or against the combustible materials, without danger of combustion.

3.7kg – 4kg

LPG gas bottle size used for BBQ and other leisure activities where portability is desired.

Can come with a standard POL Valve or a Camper Valve.

8.5kg – 9kg

Most common LPG gas bottle size used for BBQ and other leisure activities.

Comes with a standard POL Valve.

Actual gas refill of a “9kg” gas bottle is frequently 8.5kg.

15kg

Standard size for an aluminium forklift cylinder.

Shown to the right is a cut-away illustration of a horizontal forklift cylinder, as installed for use.

Note that forklift cylinders are the only cylinders that are not kept upright.

18kg

Standard size for a steel forklift cylinder.

45kg

45kg gas bottles are the most common size for home use in Australia.

This is the size used for gas bottle exchange and tanker delivery.

90kg

90 kg gas cylinder sizes are the second most common size for home use.

This size is commonly used with our Automatic Tanker Delivery Service.

190kg

LPG cylinder size for higher volume residential users and commercial users.

210kg

LPG cylinder size for higher volume residential users and commercial users.

This is the size typically seen at service stations and other establishments that do BBQ gas refilling.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About LPG

While you may know some of these facts, chances are you don’t know all of them.

Have a read and learn more about:

1. Real LPG Explosions are Really Rare

2. Synthetic Natural Gas from LPG

3. The Source of LPG

4. Australian Made Energy

5. LPG is a Renewable Energy Source

6. LPG is NOT Coal Seam Gas (CSG)

7. LPG Bloggers (the Best Bit)

1. LPG Cylinder Explosions are Extremely Rare + Video

Hollywood and the media would have you believe that LPG cylinder explosions are a common event.

In fact, explosions are quite rare and it is quite difficult to even intentionally make an LPG cylinder explode.

You’ll enjoy watching this Myth Busters Video where they try to make a cylinder explode.

Gas explosions are typically the result of gas leaking into a confined space, like a kitchen.

This is no more likely with LPG than with piped natural gas.

In many cases, the gas bottle itself is not even involved in the event, as gas bottles are always stored outdoors.

2. Synthetic Natural Gas from LPG

Most people have never even heard of Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) let alone know that it can be made with LPG.

SNG is produced by mixing vapourised LPG with air.

SNG can be used in place of natural gas, as it has virtually identical combustion characteristics.

It can be used alone or mixed with regular natural gas.

No changes are required in burners, regulators or gas jets.

There are a number of reasons that SNG might be used:

·         To help meet peak demand when natural gas supplies are inadequate

·         To operate while in preparation for the start-up of a natural gas supply

·         As a stand-by in the event of a natural gas supply disruption

Synthetic natural gas has a number of names.

In addition to SNG, it is also called propane-air and LPG-air.

3. The Source of LPG

Many people mistakenly think of LPG as a by-product.

In reality, LPG is a valuable co-product that is produced from gas fields and crude oil refining.

The gas stream from natural gas fields is processed to separate the gases present, including methane, ethane, propane, butanes and pentanes.

Impurities are also removed, including water.

The produced gases are each funneled into their own supply streams.

Propane and butane, the two common types of LPG, are captured and stored in their liquefied form.

The same is true of crude oil refining.

The refinery process creates any number of co-products including gasoline, diesel fuel, asphalt base, heating oil, naphtha, kerosene and LPG.

4. LPG is Australian Made Energy

LPG is the only motor fuel in which Australia is self-reliant.

Unlike both petrol and diesel, for which Australia relies on imports, we actually produce more LPG than we consume.

Not only is Australia completely self-sufficient in LPG but it is also a net exporter of LPG.

In 2013, Australia produced 2.3 Million tonnes of LPG, satisfying a local demand of 1.5 million tonnes with net exports of 815,000 tonnes.

5. LPG is now a Renewable Energy Source

LPG has gone from being a traditional fossil fuel to a new form of renewable energy.

Scientists have created a genetically engineered version of the common E. coli bacteria that produces propane (LPG).

So, LPG is now a renewable energy.

The bacteria consume sugar and are tricked, through genetic modification and the help of a couple of enzymes, into making propane instead of their normal cellular material.

The propane produced is chemically identical to regular propane.

6. LPG is NOT Coal Seam Gas (CSG)

There is some confusion over what Coal Seam Gas (CSG) is and what it is not.  CSG is not LPG.

While CSG may contain a number of gases, it is characteristically 95% to 97% pure Methane.

LPG is not Methane.  LPG is Propane.

None of the LPG (Propane) that we provide comes from CSG.

7. LPG Bloggers are Exceptional People

LPG bloggers are a rare breed.

There aren’t very many of us in the world, which makes us all the more exceptional.

We love sharing information about our favourite gas — LPG.

This makes perfect sense because LPG is Exceptional Energy.

Most of all, we’re very humble and modest people, too!

Please Remember to Help with the Glossary

Please remember to submit any LPG or gas appliance terms that you cannot find in this list, so that they can be added.

Just email them to [email protected].

Your assistance will be most appreciated by all!