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
This brochure has been designed to provide sufficient ‘first stage’ information to allow
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
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
For specialist sales advice call 0800 216 659
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.calor.co.uk
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
Calor has the largest LPG tanker fleet in the UK, which
call-out service.
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
of consumption.
For specialist sales advice please call 0800 216 659 and
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 [email protected].
• 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,
smoking and production
• Metal work
• Temporary lighting
• Patio heating
• Urns
• Pig rearing
• Utility vehicles
• Plaque heaters
• Warm air heating
• Pool heating
• Water heating
• Poultry rearing
• White lining
• Barbecues
• Bird scaring
• Blown air heating
• Boiler systems
• Boiling rings
• Catering
• Central heating
• Convection heating
• Crop chilling
• Crop desiccation
and weed control
• Fork lift trucks
• Fridges and freezers
• Game rearing
• Generators
• Golf cars
• Grain/crop drying
• Greenhouse heating
• Hot air ballooning
• Incineration
• Kilns and furnaces
• Process heating
• Radiant heating
• Real flame fires
• Roof torches
• Showers
• Shrink wrapping
Calor LPG Systems
and Applications
Figure 2.
Above ground tank installation
Calor LPG Systems
Figure 1.
A Calor LPG system generally consists of one or more
Calor LPG System
Regulator
Valve hood
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
pipework inside the building to serve the appliances.
Storage
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
control valve
For a metered supply to a multi-occupancy site,
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
mesh 200mm
below surface
Applications
Generally, Calor LPG can be used in the same types
of commercial and industrial space and water heating
Marker pegs
Surface
cover
systems as natural gas, including, for example, radiator
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 absorptiontype air-conditioning systems, replacing electric
compressors.
No change is required to the techniques employed for
Service
pipework
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
Appropriate
backfill
(eg
excavated
earth with
stones
and sharp
objects
removed)
energy of the same volume of natural gas. It’s therefore
important that any appliances fuelled by LPG are
designed and manufactured for that purpose. Most
appliances which burn natural gas are also available
to burn LPG and appliance manufacturers generally
produce suitable appliances or have conversion kits.
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
by Gas Safe™ registered installers, who must also
be certified as competent to work on particular LPG
systems by holding the relevant ACS modules.
Installing a Calor LPG below ground tank
Concrete base
Sacrificial anode
(providing
corrosion
protection)
Anchor straps
Tank Sizing
tank siting
The appropriate size of tank will depend on the following
Table 2.
Every tank installation varies, so this brochure is intended
factors:
Maximum off-take rates for standard tank/cylinder sizes
for general guidance only. Please consult a Calor
• 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
Tank capacity
(litres)
Tank size
(LxD, mm)
Maximum off-take rate:
(m3/h)
Equivalent
heat input (kW/h)
Above-ground tanks
1200
2000x1300
5.66
150
2000
3040x1450
7.10
187
3400
3800x1650
10.00
261
sited either above or below ground. The unobtrusiveness
of underground tanks makes them ideal for sensitive
locations such as listed buildings and National Parks.
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.
to give the required maximum off-take rate.
Figure 4. Tank sizes
Off-take capacity
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
The tank must be able to boil-off gas fast enough to
appliances at peak time. The larger the tank, the greater
tanks. Depending on the conditions of the site and
factors such as water table and soil type, tanks can be
storage requirement and provide sufficient surface area
supply the maximum hourly demand for gas of all of the
specialist on the most suitable positioning for storage
access to the land on which the tanks are sited, including
1200 litres
2000 x 1300mm
the access road and gas pipeline.
Table 3. Compound dimensions
Tank capacity
Configuration
(litres)
1200
2000
4000 single tank
2 tanks abreast
2 tanks in-line
3 tanks abreast
3 tanks in-line
single tank
2 tanks abreast
2 tanks in-line
3 tanks abreast
3 tanks in-line
single tank
2 tanks abreast
2 tanks in-line
3 tanks abreast
3 tanks in-line
4 tanks abreast
5 tanks abreast
6 tanks abreast
Plinth size
(LxW, m)
Compound size
(LxW, m)
2.5x1.1
2.5x3.2
6.0x1.1
2.5x5.3
9.5x1.1
3.2x1.3
3.2x3.7
7.4x1.3
3.2x5.9
11.6x1.3
4.9x1.4
4.9x3.8
10.3x1.4
4.9x6.2
15.8x1.4
4.9x8.6
4.9x11.0
4.9x13.4
5.5x4.1
5.5x6.2
9.0x4.1
5.5x8.3
12.5x4.1
6.2x4.3
6.2x6.5
10.4x4.3
6.2x8.9
14.6x4.3
7.6x4.4
7.6x6.9
13.2x4.4
7.6x9.2
18.8x4.4
7.6x11.6
7.6x14.0
7.6x16.4
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.
Further information on tank siting is available in UKLPG
2000 litres
3040 x 1450mm
Code of Practice COP1.
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.
With no firewall
Above-ground tanks
Perimeter
calculating gas requirement against appliance heat input.
A
Tanks which are installed above ground may require a
4000 litres
4380 x 1650mm
A
purpose-built compound which might need to be fenced
if the general public has access to the area.
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
8000 litres
5440 x 1980mm
1 - 1.5m
A
Table 1.
Gas requirements against appliance heat input
C
C
more than one tank can be used in a single installation.
The figures in Table 1 provide a useful rule of thumb for
A
A
8,000 and 24,000 litres for installation above ground;
Gas requirement
Property perimeter
A
A
Tanks are available in sizes of 1,200, 2,000, 3,400, 4,000,
3400 litres
3800 x 1650mm
With firewall
Firewall
A
A Calor specialist will advise on the design of the storage
B
compound which consists of a smooth concrete hardstanding covering the area occupied by the tanks and a
Building
Building
security fence spaced a minimum of 1500mm from the
24,000 litres
8750 x 2700mm
Note: All dimensions are approximate and tank sizes can vary depending on manufacturer.
tank(s) on all sides; the space between the fence and the
hard-standing can be concrete or gravel.
Figure 5. Compound dimensions for vessels from 2500 to 9000 litres
All materials used within the compound must offer a fire
Table 4. Separation distances for multi-tank installations
resistance of at least 2 hours. A wall can be provided as
Propane
capacity)
(litres
Minimum safety distances Maximum
from buildings, boundary, number
property line or fixed
of tanks
ignition source (m):
in group no firewall with firewall
A
B
Distance
between tanks (m)
1200
3
1
70
2.65
5.04
part of the security fence, providing it meets the 2-hour
100
3.78
7.19
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.
1.5
5
Height
of firewall*
(m)
C
1.4
For all installations, a water supply will be needed for fire
2000
3
1.5
3
1
1.5
brigade use and a 19mm hose-reel where the storage
3400
7.5
4
6
1
2
capacity exceeds 2,000 litres.
4000
7.5
4
6
1
Where there is any risk of damage to the installation
8000
7.5
4
3
1
height of vessel
by road vehicles, suitable crash protection must also
24,000
7.5
6
1.5
height of vessel
be provided.
* the height of the vessel if greater
15
2
Supply Pipework
Figure 6. Typical pipework installation
In trench with other
services
The supply pipework should be
between 100 and 300mm above the pipe to mark the
designed by a Calor specialist to
location of the trench. If the pipe is of polyethylene, it is
ensure it provides an adequate
preferable to specify a metallic-cored indicator tape to
supply of gas and that it conforms
help subsequent location of the pipe run.
to the relevant standards. UKLPG
Code
of
Practice
COP
22
provides further information on
the design of pipework systems
for LPG installations. This is available directly from
UKLPG, www.uklpg.org
Pipework safety and safety valves
The vapour pressure in the storage tank is generally
about 7 barg at a temperature of 15°C. This must be
reduced to a medium service pressure of 0.75 barg.
Three valve devices are installed between the storage
tank and the intake point at the building in order
to control the pressure and to provide an emergency
If the LPG supply pipe is to be run in the same trench
as other services, the LPG gas supply pipes should be
separated by at least 250mm from pipes carrying inert or
flammable liquids and gases, and by 250mm from other
Pipe sizing
Generally, LPG requires smaller diameter supply pipe
The majority of LPG appliances operate at an inlet
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).
regulator, either at the tank or on the wall of the
of bends, fittings and valves. If the number and type of
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
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.
and galvanised steel pipework above ground.
The service pipework between the tank and the building
Sand or other fine material
LPG pipe
Other services
including
electricity
cable
Gas pipe
laid on
trench floor
Metallic core
gas pipe
indicator tape
When laying across rock or ground of irregular
consistency, then the trench should be excavated to
75mm below the required depth to enable the pipe to be
laid on a bed of sand or other suitable fine material.
Figure 7. Medium pressure system with 2nd stage regulator mounted at the property
1st stage
regulator
As in all supply systems, pressure loss is proportional
to the length of the pipe run and is increased by the use
Typically, polyethylene (PE) pipe is used underground
75mm
250mm
sufficient to overcome losses inherent in the system.
• second-stage regulator, fitted after the first-stage
Pipework
25mm
75mm
pressure of 37 mbarg. To ensure that this pressure
In a typical low-pressure domestic supply, the maximum
day, 365 days a year emergency call-out service.
Spade width
Pressure losses
connection on the storage tank; reduces the pressure
isolation instructions and details of Calor’s 24 hours a
25mm
75mm
Pipe with
inert or
flammable
liquid or gas
Concrete slab
min. 125mm
Spade width
25mm and 32mm diameter.
• first-stage regulator, normally fitted to the vapour
• emergency-control shut off. This valve is labelled with
Beneath a concrete slab
than natural gas, and the most commonly used sizes are
is always available, the pipework diameter must be
under-pressure shut-off (UPSO).
min.
600mm
services, including electric cables (See figure 6).
cut-off point:
pressure shut-off (OPSO).
Where risk of damage is
negligible
Emergency
control valve
2nd stage
regulator
Service pipework
Appliance
isolation valve
Installation pipework
pressure loss not greater than 0.07 bar
pressure loss not greater than 2.5 mbar
Tanks
Where pressure loss could be a problem, the installation
can be designed using a medium-pressure supply.
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
loss under full load.
1st stage
regulator
A Calor specialist will advise on the most appropriate
2nd stage
regulator
Emergency
control valve
pipe sizes for a particular application. Pipe-sizing tables
Appliance
isolation valve
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
pressure loss not greater than 0.5 mbar
pressure loss not greater than 2 mbar
Tank
for the pipe should be as short and direct as possible.
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
For further information please contact Calor for
roadways or grass verges. These depths can be reduced
specialist advice on 0800 216 659 quoting reference
by placing concrete slabs or tiles approximately 100mm
COMHEAT.
above the pipe. Yellow indicator tape should placed
Information in this publication is intended for general guidance only. For more detailed information please contact Calor on 0800 216 659 and quote
reference COMHEAT.
GUIDE TO COSTS, PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS,
BUILDING REGULATIONS AND THE CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES.
As with any fuel or energy
building according to its floor area. The figure is given
source,
in kg/m2 per year, and relates to carbon emissions from
LPG
should
be
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
heating, hot water, ventilation cooling and lighting.
In the case of existing buildings, the new regulations
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
the building envelope and insulating materials.
the common fuels used in heating buildings.
fuels, will depend on the building and site layout and the
chosen heating system. It is recommended that Calor
Table 5.
CO2 and carbon emissions for the common heating
Vehicle
protection
bollards
Tank
compound
typically laid
with concrete
and gravel to
avoid weed
growth
building designer more freedom in the construction of
Table 5 shows the relative CO2 and carbon emissions for
Actual running costs, compared to other non-mains gas
2 x 9kg dry powder
extinguisher
whole building.
The storage tanks are rented from Calor, who retain
Running cost
Warning
notice 1 & 2
require improvements to the energy efficiency of the
the construction of impact protection around the tanks.
ownership and are responsible for their maintenance.
Figure 9. Typical Calor LPG installation layout
Emergency
gates at
opposite ends
of compound
fuels used in buildings.
Emissions:
kg CO2/kWh
kg carbon/kWh
is consulted at an early stage to discuss the specific
LPG
0.234
0.064
installation.
Natural Gas
0.194
0.053
Maintenance cost
Oil
0.265
0.072
LPG is a cleaner burning, low sulphur fuel and direct
Solid Fuel
0.293
0.086
maintenance costs will be comparable to those incurred
Electricity
0.422
0.113
Warning
notice 1
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
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.
show the position of the tank in relation to the boundary
The first star rating will be more comprehensive and
of the property and any adjacent buildings. Separation
demanding than current building regulations, and new
distances should be clearly itemised.
publicly funded homes will be expected to reach level
A guidance leaflet is available on request.
Building Regulations
Service
pipework
3 on the star ratings system, significantly higher than
current building regulation standards.
In the proposal document, specific reference is made to
In April 2006, major changes to the Building Regulations
homes where mains gas is unavailable. It states there is
for England and Wales, including Part L, came into
a ‘strong influence of the choice of fuel for space heating
force. The aim of these changes is to reduce carbon
and hot water. Homes unable to use mains gas for
emissions from buildings and implement the EU’s Energy
space and water heating will have to invest in additional
Performance of Buildings Directive. The demands are
energy efficiency measures or incorporate lower carbon
more stringent than in previous Part L documents.
Emergency
control valve
technologies.’
Warning
notice 2
Concrete
plinth
CAUTION
19mm
Hose reel
Regulator
Warning
notice 1
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
Source: Proposals for Introducing a Code for
meet a target CO2 emission rate. This is calculated
Sustainable Homes - A Consultation Paper.
from a computer model which provides a figure for the
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
maximum mass of CO2 permitted to be emitted from the
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
• A Gas Heat Pump provides simultaneous heating and cooling.
• Sanyo’s Gas Heat Pump can result in heating efficiencies
of over 140%
• A Gas Heat Pump can help you reduce your CO2 and NOx emissions whilst producing 100% heating performance even
in severe winter conditions
• Sanyo’s Gas Heat Pump guarantees free hot water
at 65 degrees
• A Gas Heat Pump can reduce electricity consumption and
demand
CHP - COMBINED HEAT AND
POWER UNIT
• Combined heat and power can deliver overall fuel efficiencies well in excess of 75%
• CHP is an efficient way of producing usable heat and generating electricity
• A CHP can reduce energy costs and deliver significant reductions in harmful greenhouse gases
• A CHP can work with existing fuels that might already be in
place, such as LPG
CalorForce was established in 2003 as Calor’s specialist Customer
Engineering and Installation Organisation. Since then we have
been delivering our expert knowledge and renowned customer
care and now operate the largest dedicated LPG technician
organisation in the UK.
With increasingly complex and changeable legislation, CalorForce
offers understanding and expertise in LPG. Whatever your
requirements, you can rest assured your work would be carried
out by our highly trained personnel to exact technical and
legislative standards.
The CalorForce Commitment
• CalorForce is the professional and flexible service, working
with you to meet your requirements and provide a timetable
to suit you
• We fully cost work before starting and provide you with a
fixed quotation
• All CalorForce technicians carry ID cards for security purposes and we ensure they are fully qualified for the work undertaken
• For complex installations we offer unrivalled technical design capabilities and full project management
• All work is covered by our warranty*
Call CalorForce for:
LPG Appliance Installation, Servicing AND
Maintenance
We install, service and repair the full range of LPG appliances
from large industrial burners to fires and cookers
Pipework Inspection and Testing
All gas pipe work requires periodic testing, particularly older
installations or those at risk of mechanical damage. We carry out
gas-leak detection, safety inspection and pressure testing to all
above or below ground LPG pipework. Additionally, underground
polyethylene pipes using modern electro-fusion welded joints are
installed where required.
Bulk AND Cylinder Supply Installations
We can undertake projects whatever their size, from cylinders
to bulk, single or large scale multiple tank installations. For your
continued peace of mind, we will continue to carry out service
and maintenance work on the installation on an ongoing basis.
*Subject to Terms and Conditions.
LANDLORD AND COMMERCIAL CERTIFICATION
Holiday caravans, mobile homes and permanent buildings used
for letting must have a current Landlord Certificate. We are able
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
• Uses solar collectors or ‘panels’ to harness the energy provided by the sun, converting it to energy to heat water
• During periods of low solar gain, a back up fuel needs to be considered. Calor LPG is an ideal back up
• Solar thermal systems are low maintenance
“Completing 39 installations and associated pipework at five different sites
within five weeks was a tall order. But CalorForce completed the work ahead
of schedule without compromising standards.”
(Peter Gould, consultant to Bourne Leisure)
Installation • Service • Repair • Pipe Work Inspection • Health & Safety Certification
Health & Safety and
Technical Information
References
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.
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.
BS EN 12864:2001 Low pressure, non adjustable regulators
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
associated safety devices for butane, propane or their mixtures.
Climate Change Levy (Electricity and Gas) Regulations 2001
All work must be undertaken by Gas Safe registered
installers, who must also be certified as competent
to work on LPG systems by holding the relevant ACS
module(s).
™
Butane is more appropriate to use in portable equipment
and leisure appliances and is generally not suitable for
commercial and industrial applications.
The following points should be noted:
Identification
•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.
When supplied in cylinders, propane cylinders can be
identified by their red colour; butane cylinders are blue.
•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’
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’.
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
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.
BS EN 13785:2005 Regulators with a capacity of up to
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
for butane, propane or their mixtures.
BS EN 13786:2004 Automatic change-over valves having a
maximum outlet pressure of up to and including 4 bar with a
capacity of up to and including 100kg/h, and their associated
safety devices for butane, propane or their mixtures
BS 4250:1995 Specification for commercial butane and
propane.
BS 5482-1:2005 Code of practice for domestic butane and propane - gas - burning installations. Installations at
permanent dwellings, residential park homes and commercial
premises, with installation pipework sizes not exceeding
DN 25 for steel and DN 28 for corrugated stainless steel
or copper. Part 2:2001 Installations in caravans and nonpermanent dwellings.
BS 6843 Classification of petroleum fuels. Part 3:1988
Liquefied petroleum gases.
BS 7281:1990 Specification for polyethylene pipes for the
supply of gaseous fuels.
Climate Change Levy (General Amendment) Regulations 2002
Climate Change Levy (General) Regulations 2001
Dangerous Substances (Notification and Marking of Sites)
Regulations 1990
Electricity and Gas (Energy Efficiency Obligations)
Order 2001
Electricity and Gas Order 2001
Gas Act 1986
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Highly Flammable Liquids and Liquefied Petroleum Gases
Regulations 1972.
Pressure Systems and Transportable Gas Containers
Regulations 1989.
Health & Safety
Guidance notes chemical safety: Storage and use of LPG
at metered estates. CSCS11. London, Health & Safety
Executive, 1987.
Safety data sheet: Calor butane.
Safety data sheet: Calor propane.
BS 7336:1990 Specification for polyethylene fusion fittings
with integral heating element(s) for use with polyethylene
pipes for the conveyance of gaseous fuels.
The storage of flammable liquids in containers. HS(G) 51.
London, Health & Safety Executive, (date).
BS EN 12818:2002 Inspection and requalification of LPG
tanks up to and including 13m underground.
Using Calor Gas safely: propane.
3
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)
Using Calor Gas safely: butane.
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.
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).
COP 1. Bulk LPG storage at fixed installations. Part 3,
Examination and testing.
Technical standards for compliance with the ‘Building
Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990’ (as amended),
Part J: conservation of fuel and power.
COP 3. Prevention or control of fire involving LPG.
COP 1. Bulk LPG storage at fixed installations. Part 4,
Buried/mounded LPG storage vessels.
COP 15. Valves and fittings for LPG service.
COP 22. LPG piping system design and installation.
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.
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
This brochure has been designed to provide sufficient ‘first stage’ information to allow
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
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
For specialist sales advice call 0800 216 659
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.calor.co.uk