Facts About LP Gas - Propane
As a fuel, Propane gas is unmatched for both safety and dependability. It has been used as a domestic household fuel for over half a century, and for over thirty years as an internal combustion engine fuel. Propane is a highly flammable fuel that is contained under pressure as a liquid. Vaporized gas has a similar explosive force to gasoline and mixtures as low as 2% LP Gas to air may be ignited in a closed environment. Care should be exercised to avoid escaping vapor as it can freeze skin and cause frost bite. Vaporized fuel is heavier than air and will collect in the lowest confined space available.
Facts About Propane Tanks
Propane tanks are constructed according to ASME or Federal DOT #4ET20 pressure safety codes. Including the tank, all valves and fittings are UL Listed. Propane gas is noncorrosive and will not rust the inside of a tank. Should the tank exterior become damaged or rusted, discontinue use. DO NOT tamper with tank gauges or safety relief valves. NEVER use a tank not intended for use with a propane buffer. DO NOT substitute tanks that are used with a barbecue grill, etc. Clarke recommends having propane tanks tested once a year by an authorized National LP Gas Association sanctioned propane dealer.
The fuel tank is supplied directly from the manufacturer and is void of fuel. This tank must be purged at the time of the first fill. Local fuel vendors should be familiar with this operation and will provide this service.
Recommended Purge Procedures
How to purge new LP-Gas Buffer cylinders equipped with the Overfill Prevention Device:
New containers may contain vapor, air, or other contaminants. It is essential that these be removed before filling the container and placing it into service. Air in the container will cause abnormally high pressure, with the result that the pressure relief valve may open. Air in the system is also likely to cause lean mixture, making ignition difficult. If a cylinder is suspected of being depressurized or open to the atmosphere for a period of time, it must be re-purged as if it were a new container.
To purge a container, the following steps should be taken.
Purging of containers should be performed in an approved area (see NFPA #5 8) using NPGA #13 3.89(a) procedure.
1.Determine if the container pressure is zero. Should the cylinder contain only pressurized air, the air may be vented directly to the atmosphere through the service valve using an adapter and the outage valve.
2.Pressurize the container to approximately 15 psig with LP- gas vapor. Never purge with liquid LP-gas! To do so will cause the moisture vapor to chill and remain in the cylinder. LPgas liquid also expands 270 times to vapor making the purge process ineffective. Use LP- gas vapor only!
3.Make the connection to the quick coupler (A purge manifold system is most effective). Fully open the cylinder service valve as well as the outage valve. Vent to a safe atmo- sphere. A vent stack is recommended.
4.On Overfill Prevention Device cylinders, the purge time is increased as a result of the new valve design. Opening the outage valve will help improve the speed of the purge.
5.Repeat #3 and #4 for a total of FIVE purges.
6.Repressurize the container with odorized LP-gas vapor to 15 psig.
7.The container is now ready to be filled with LP-gas.
8.Once filled, check all fittings and tank openings for leaks using an approved leak detector solution.
9.The container is now ready to be placed in service. Add DOT and OSHA labels.
Symptoms of a non-purge cylinder:
•Relief valve opens due to over pressurized cylinder creating hazardous situation.
•Moisture in the cylinder.
•Buffer operates initially but shuts down when fuel mixture becomes too lean.
Refilling & Storing Propane Tanks
The NFPA Technical Committee prohibits the storage of such containers in buildings. There are few exceptions to this rule. In other words, propane tanks should NOT be stored in buildings used by the public or frequented by anyone passing through or who is working in the building. Full or empty, never leave tanks in small enclosed areas. The tank(s) must be in a secure, tamper-proof storage enclosure that provides safety from accident or vandalism.
A propane tank can be transported either on or off of the machine. In either case it should be secured to the vehicle in its upright position with the service valve closed. Never leave your tanks in a vehicle unsecured or lying on their side. PROPANE TANKS SHOULD ALWAYS BE
TRANSPORTED, INSTALLED AND USED IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION.
OVERFILLING PROPANE TANKS IS HAZARDOUS. The tank should NEVER be completely filled with liquid propane. 80% of the total tank volume is to be considered at ALL times as full. EXPANSION MUST BE ALLOWED FOR. Propane Buffer tanks are equipped with a fixed liquid level gauge which contacts the liquid level at 80% of container capacity, allowing 20% for expansion. The top part of this device must be unscrewed counterclockwise so that vapor can escape through the small hole it its side, as the tank is refilled. When the escaping vapor starts to give way to liquid, the device must be quickly closed and the propane nozzle turned off.
**IMPORTANT** The engine and the fuel system on your floor care machine are designed to run on fuel vapor, not fuel liquid. Overfilling the propane tank will result in damaging the lockoff and/or regulator. This will VOID the WARRANTY on these components.
