You MUST know this about LPG

1. What is Liquefied Petroleum Gas?
Gas cylinders contain liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in liquid form. This liquid evaporates very rapidly and consequently when the cylinder valve is opened, gas is released under pressure. The Liquefied Petroleum Gas is colorless and weighs half the weight of water. In actual fact, this liquid is composed of a mixture of two other very flammable hydrocarbon liquids, which are propane and butane, in the proportion of 25% propane and 75% butane.

Since LPG has no smell, prior to shipment, the refinery adds a chemical called mercaptan, which has a strong pungent smell. This smell is a sign showing that gas is present in the air.

When the gas burns with a sufficient quantity of air, the gas produces carbon dioxide and water vapour. However, if the gas does not have sufficient air to burn, as one encounters in gas water geysers with blocked chimneys, carbon monoxide is produced. This is a toxic gas and has no smell. When one inhales this toxic gas he\she falls asleep and if one remains in that state the consequences can be fatal. For this reason it is necessary that such appliances are serviced regularly.

2. What is a gas cylinder?
In GRENIGAS LTD, all prospective suppliers have to submit a sample cylinder. Independent contractors are then appointed by the company to evaluate the quality of the sample, which includes pressure tests to ensure that the cylinder is made to withstand the designed pressures. This ensures that the cylinders ordered are safe and are not dangerous for consumers.
GRENIGAS LTD has standardized its cylinders. A 12.5Kg cylinder weighs 12.5 Kg when empty and has a capacity of 12.5Kg of gas. As such a full 12.5 Kg cylinder weighs 25 Kg. The 12.5Kg of liquid LPG in the cylinder evaporates to over 5,000 litres of LPG gas. For complete combustion of this gas, there is a requirement of no less than 150,000 litres of air.
Prior to leaving the GRENIGAS plant, each cylinder is usually examined and also passed through a testing tank to ensure absence of any leaks. We also certify that the gas cylinders we receive for distribution are in good condition.

3. Why does a gas cylinder have a valve?
There are two reasons why a gas cylinder has a valve. The first function of the valve is to permit the cylinder to be filled with liquid LPG at a fast rate at the Installation. The second function is to permit the gaseous LPG to flow out of the cylinder at a slow rate when the cylinder is connected to a home appliance.
The ‘old’ valves are of the type known as ‘screw valves’ and operate when the wheel is turned. As such gas can leave the cylinder even when the cylinder is not connected to a gas appliance. To connect the regulator to the valve a spanner is needed.
Valves that started to be used during these last years are of the type known as the ‘clip-on’. These do not require any spanners for connection to the regulator. With this type of valve, the gas leaves the cylinder only when connected to the regulator.

4. What is the function of the regulator?
For an appliance to function correctly, it is of supreme importance that it receives gas at a constant pressure. This is the function of the regulator. The gas pipe is connected to the regulator by means of a pipe clip. The regulators which are used on ‘clip-on valves’ incorporate internal security features and do not require spanners or washers for connection to the valve. In fact, the regulator can be fixed to the gas cylinder very easily.

5. What should I do to prevent a gas leak and what should I do if I suspect one?
You may suspect that there is a gas leak either from an abnormally strong smell of gas, or from an observation that a gas cylinder is showing signs of frost/ice on its outside.
If you suspect a gas leak inside the premises, make sure you follow the steps below,
1. Open doors and windows to allow fresh air to enter the area.
2. Check whether any appliance has been left on and turn it off.
3. Turn the gas cylinder off by turning the regulator handle to the ‘off position’.
4. If the gas cylinder is inside a premise, move it to the open air.
5. Never test for a gas leak with a flame. To detect a gas-leak use soap and water.
6. Contact GRENIGAS LTD +2347046161164, +2348089837270, +2348034578717.
sales@grenigas.com
www.grenigas.com
This Company responds to consumers requests for assistance in case of gas leaks.

6. What one should not do when a gas leak is suspected?
• Turn any electrical switches on or off (not even a doorbell)
• Smoke, use matches or lighters, or naked flames.
• Use mobile phones in the area of the gas leak.
• Never change the gas cylinder in the presence of any flames.
7. What should one keep in mind when deciding where to place the gas cylinder and when     replacing a gas cylinder?
Never store or make use of gas cylinders in a confined space or basement. Remember that LP gas is heavier than air and in case of leakage it descends to the lowest level.
Consumers should always ensure that they purchase good quality regulators.
A pipe clip is used to secure the pipe to the regulator and to the appliance, and no other material, for example string or wire should be used for this purpose. Appropriate tubing should be used for connecting the cylinder to the appliance, plastic or general use rubber tubing shouldn’t be used. For connections in excess of one meter, it is always recommended to use copper or brass tubing.
One should never make use of gas appliances in places with insufficient airflow and gas appliances shouldn’t be used or installed in areas liable to draughts.

8. What safety precautions should be taken when gas heaters are used in confined rooms?
One should be very cautious when using any gas heater at his/her own residence. First of all gas heaters must be serviced and well maintained by a qualified technician especially when it is going to be used for the first time after being stored for a long period. The connections of the regulator to the gas cylinder must always be checked prior to ignition. Another very important priority is to have good ventilation with an adequate circulation of fresh air into the room where the heater is being used. It is important to note that one-kilogram of LPG needs 12 cubic meters of air for complete combustion. Gas heaters should never be left unattended.

9. How can I make sure that my gas installation is safe?
Before buying your first cylinder you must ensure that a qualified gas technician has inspected your home gas system. When you install the gas cylinder ensure you use good quality regulators and ensure also that all gas appliances are turned off.
It is also recommended to have a comprehensive safety check of all connections, gas appliances and pipe work periodically