About LPG
What is LPG?
LPG stands for liquefied petroleum gas, which describes propane and butane gases. When stored under pressure, they become a liquid and take up much less space, making it easy to transport.
Why does LPG gas smell?
As a safety feature, a strong, distinctive odour is deliberately added to LPG gas for the detection of even minor leaks.
How does leaked LPG gas dissipate?
Because LPG gas is heavier than air, any leaked gas will always flow downwards, collect in low spaces and be slow to dissipate without ample ventilation and air movement.
Is LPG gas toxic?
All LPG gas is non-toxic, non-corrosive, clean burning, and non-polluting. However, if inhaled in sufficient volumes it can cause suffocation.
Can I use propane in my car?
Yes, you can use propane in your car; however, most places do not sell straight propane because it is slightly more expensive than blend (propane/butane mix). It is thought that straight propane is better for your car (in both environmental and in performance terms). Some locations in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania sell straight propane for your vehicle, so next time you’re going past pull in, fill up, and judge for yourself.
LPG Safety
What are the basic safety rules I should be aware of?
- Ensure that fixed LPG gas installations are carried out and serviced by a licensed or authorised gas fitter. This includes work on premises, caravans and boats.
- Keep LPG appliances and fittings in good condition. Make sure they are checked regularly for any deterioration, including corrosion or minor leaks.
- Use only equipment and parts specifically manufactured and approved for LPG.
- Use the correct type of hose. Do not make up temporary connections.
- Keep cylinders secure during transport.
- Shut off cylinder valve before disconnecting cylinder from the appliance. Conversely when replacing an empty cylinder make sure the appliance isolation cocks are turned off.
How can I tell if my LPG gas cylinder is leaking?
Spray the fittings on the top of a cylinder with a bottle of soapy water when the line is pressurised. If your cylinder is leaking the gas will create bubbles in the soapy water. If this is the case you must turn off the gas supply and contact your gas supplier.
Can I substitute a 8.5kg BBQ cylinder if my 45kg LPG cylinder is empty?
No, you cannot as it is extremely unsafe! The house appliances (eg. hot water system, heater, etc) either will stop working or function very poorly. This poor functioning may lead to improper combustion and the generation of carbon monoxide. Carbon Monoxide is tasteless, colourless, odourless and highly toxic to the home occupants.
Cold Burns
Liquid LPG is extremely cold. It is for this reason we must ensure all PPE is strictly adhered to. LPG contacting the skin can cause severe cold burns.
Always take care when working with LPG.
To treat a a cold burn injury:
- Remove contaminated clothing
- Gently flush the affected area with tepid water for 15 minutes
- Seek immediate medical attention
LPG for BBQs
Is LPG the gas used in BBQs?
Yes, and it is straight propane gas. This gas is also used in heaters, water heating systems, cookers and other applications.
How can I tell if my LPG gas cylinder is leaking?
Spray the fittings on the top of a cylinder with a bottle of soapy water when the line is pressurised. If your cylinder is leaking the gas will create bubbles in the soapy water. If this is the case you must turn off the gas supply and contact your gas supplier.
LCC27 Valve
Why is the change happening?
The Type 21 POL connection is an older, basic, valve connection design. There are some more modern safety features which exist in other valves, so authorities legislated that these features should be made available in LPG cylinders under 25L water capacity. State legislation and Australian Standards were changed to make the new valve and connector a legal requirement. Supagas ensures all its activities comply with legislation and standards, therefore, we’ll be changing our BBQ cylinder valves soon.
What cylinders are involved?
LPG cylinders under 25 litres water capacity. For Supagas, that means our 8.5kg and 3.7kg SupaSwap cylinders, plus our Heatagas cylinders. Over the next ten years, as each cylinder’s test date expires, it will have the POL valve removed and a new LCC27 valve installed during the retest process. All new cylinders that Supagas purchases from cylinder manufacturers will come with the LCC27 valve already installed.
When is the change happening?
From October 1st, 2021, new LPG appliances like barbeques and patio heaters will begin appearing in stores with the new LCC27 appliance connection on the regulator end of the gas hose. To coincide with the release of the new appliance connection, Supagas will begin to stock SupaSwap cages with a combination of the existing Type 21 POL valve cylinders, and the new LCC27 valve cylinders.
What changes are happening to the connection?
The connector on the regulator end of the appliance hose will now incorporate a thermal fuse which will stop the flow of gas if the connection is subjected to a fire. The handwheel will now be a larger plastic, female handwheel, with a righthand thread, making it easier for a consumer to make a connection. The valve itself will incorporate an internal back-check valve that will prevent the outflow of gas from the valve unless an appliance hose has been securely screwed to the valve. The valve spindle and bleed screw will be encapsulated so that a consumer can’t screw them all the way out. A spindle or bleed screw that can be screwed all the way out can cause an uncontrolled release of gas that is extremely difficult to stop.
Will consumers need to buy new appliances to match the new valve?
No, there is no need for consumers to rush out and purchase new appliances. Cylinders with the existing Type 21 POL valve will still be readily available from every SupaSwap cage. Also, the existing Type 21 POL connection on the regulator end of their appliance hose will still safely screw into the new LCC27 valve.
Can a consumer use their existing POL cylinder on a new LCC27 appliance?
If a consumer purchases a new appliance after October 1st, 2021 and it has an LCC27 appliance connection, the consumer must purchase an LCC27 valve cylinder from their local SupaSwap retailer. If they mistakenly purchase a Type 21 POL valve cylinder, they must take it back to their place of purchase and swap it for an LCC27 valve cylinder.
How do I avoid confusion when purchasing a SupaSwap cylinder?
When the consumer purchases a SupaSwap cylinder, they simply need to match the cylinder valve with the appliance connection they have on their appliance at home. Colour-coded guidance material will be made available at the place of purchase to assist them with selecting the correct cylinder.
What do I tell a consumer who claims they need a cylinder with an LCC27 valve now?
To avoid a rush on cylinder demand, the authorities legislated that gas suppliers should start building their stocks of LCC27 cylinders from April 1st, 2021 (Supagas has been doing this). It’s also legislated that new appliances with the LCC27 connector must not be sold into the market until October 1st, 2021. Therefore, there are currently no LCC27 appliances in the market, so there is no need for a consumer to have an LCC27 cylinder until they purchase a new appliance from October 1st onwards.