LPG MANUAL FOR SALES STAFF

PROPERTIES, CHARACTERISTICS AND HAZARDS OF LPG

1. WHAT IS LPG?

The abbreviation "LPG" stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas(es)". It is a term loosely applied in
Petroleum Refineries to a number of light end hydrocarbon streams derived from crude-oil
distillation or other petroleum reforming processes which all have a RVP (Reid Vapour Pressure) of
18 p.s.i. or more. These light end streams exist as gas under normal atmospheric conditions.
They can be liquefied by a moderate increase in pressure or by cooling to temperatures below their
boiling point. The liquid evaporates rapidly under atmospheric conditions. Examples of such light
end streams are Propane, Propylene, Butane, Butadiene, Butylenes and Pentane.

1.1 Definition:

The term "Liquefied Petroleum Gas(es)", "LP Gas" and "LPG" are synonymous and include any
material having a pressure not exceeding that allowed for commercial Propane composed pre-
dominantly of the following hydrocarbons either by themselves or as mixture : Propane, Propylene,
Butane (normal butane and iso-butane) and Butylene (including isomers).

1.2 CONSTITUENTS

LPG mainly consists of the following:

(a) Commercial Butane

(b) Commercial Propane
(c) A mixture of Commercial Butane and Propane

LPG widely marketed in India falls under category (c), Commercial Butane and Commercial
propane. Commercial Propane and Commercial Butane, each, can either be a mixture of
saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. Their compositions are not rigidly specified and they
vary from one refinery to other, depending on the type of crude, refining process, etc. The
important specifications of any particular grade are:

(a) The upper vapour pressure at a given temperature.

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(b) The range of densities of liquid at 15 C.
(c) The mixture percentage of both light and heavy ends (i.e. Ethane, Ethylene, Pentane, etc.).

1.3 TYPICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

ISI specifications for LPG and typical properties and characteristics of LPG currently marketed in
India are given in ANNEXURE – I & II.

Typical values of properties of Propane and Butane are given in ANNEXURE - III.

2.0 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:

2.1 Density of liquids:

(a) It is identified as mass of unit volume of a substance at a given temperature. It, therefore,
implies that while reporting density, the units of mass, volume and temperature should be
stated. The density of a liquid is normally expressed in terms of gm/cm3.
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(b) Since the density of water is 1.0 gm/cm , and the density of liquid LPG is about 0.55
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gm/cm , the latter is half heavy as water.
(c) The liquid density of LPG is important to determine the safe level to which the container
can be filled, i.e. to calculate the maximum permissible filling density.
(d) The density of liquid LPG for various temperatures is as under:

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 0
Temperature C Density
Propane Butane

0 0.522 to 0.531 0.587 to 0.596

(+) 10 0.508 to 0.517 0.576 to 0.585
(+) 15 0.500 to 0.510 0.570 to 0.580
(+) 20 0.492 to 0.502 0.564 to 0.574
(+) 30 0.476 to 0.487 0.552 to 0.562
(+) 40 0.458 to 0.470 0.539 to 0.550
(+) 50 0.440 to 0.454 0.526 to 0.537

2.2 Density of vapours:

(a) It is identified as the mass of a substance occupying a unit volume at a stated temperature
and pressure. While reporting the density of vapour, the units of mass and volume used
and the relative temperature and the pressure must, therefore, be stated explicitly. The
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vapour density is normally expressed in terms of Kg/m , (at a given temperature and
pressure).

(b) Relative density used to indicate the density of gas in relation to that of air at the same
temperature and pressure. If the relative density is greater than the unit the gas is heavier
than air. LPG vapour is about 1 1/2 to 2 times as heavy as air. As a result of this
property, any leakage of LPG, tends to settle down at the floor level particularly in
depressions, pits, drains etc. Floor level ventilation to disperse leaking gas and
thereby prevent accumulation is, therefore, most important.

(c) The ranges of vapour density of Propane and Butane at different temperatures are given
bellow:

Temperature °C Vapour Density at a pressure of 760 mm of Mercury

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( 10.33 m Water) Kg/m
Propane Butane
0 1.8 to 2.0 2.40 to 2.7
(+) 15 1.7 to 1.9 2.30 to 2.6
(+) 20 1.7 to 2.9 2.25 to 2.5
(+) 30 1.6 to 1.8 2.20 to 2.5

2.3 Co-efficient of volumetric Expansion

(a) The co-efficient of volumetric expansion indicates the change in volume per unit volume
of liquid for each degree of temperature change its value varies slightly with temperature.

(b) The rate of expansion or contraction also varies depending upon the composition of the
product. In the case of Propane the expansion rate between 0°C and (+) 40 °C is approx.
13.2 %, whereas the expansion rate of Butane for the same temperature increase is
approx. 8.0 %. In general, it may be said that the lower the density of the liquid the greater
the rate of expansion or contraction.

(c) Since the co-efficient of volumetric expansion of LPG is about 100 times that of steel,
LPG container must only be filled to a certain volume in order to leave sufficient space
for LPG expansion in case of temperature rise.

(d) When filling LPG container or while measuring a specific volume of LPG liquid, it may be
necessary to determine the volume of liquid at a temperature other than the one that exists
at the time of filling, therefore through use of volume correction factors, volume of the

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 different products may be pre-determined at a base temperature or may be projected to
the volume at some other temperature. (ASTM table - 54 of metric edition can be used for
this purpose).

2.4 Melting or Freezing Point

LPG can exist as a liquid over a wide range of temperatures. The lowest temperature in
the range at which liquid assumes the solid state is known as the melting point. It is such a
low temperature that it is not encountered in normal operations/handling end, therefore,
does not have any practical significance.

2.5 Critical Temperature

The highest temperature at which a substance can exist is known as the critical
temperature. Above this temperature, the substance is gaseous irrespective of the
pressure applied.

2.6 Critical Pressure

(a) To obtain the substance in liquid form at the critical temperature a certain minimum
pressure is required which is known as the critical pressure.

(b) At temperatures below the critical temperature, the substance can exist either as a gas or
as a liquid. When the substance exists as a gas and liquid simultaneously it is stated that it
is a state of equilibrium between gas and liquid. At any temperature under these conditions
there will be a definite pressure.

2.7 Boiling Point

(a) The temperature at which the vapour pressure of a liquid becomes equal to the external
pressure is its boiling point. This temperature differs for the same liquid under different
pressures. The normal boiling point is the temperature at which the vapour pressure
reaches 760 mm of Mercury or one atmosphere.

(b) The boiling point of LPG presently marketed is very nearly 0 °C . At temperatures nearer
0°C or at sub/zero temperatures, the pressure inside the container will be almost the same
as atmospheric pressure. Therefore, this product cannot be used at places where the
ambient temperature is near or sub-zero.

2.8 Vapour Pressure

(a) The vapour pressure of liquid at a given temperature is defined as the equilibrium pressure
developed at that temperature in a closed container containing the liquid and its vapour
only. It is generally expressed in kgf/cm2.

(b) In a closed container containing liquid LPG the motion of the escaping molecules is
confined to the vapour space above. As an increasing number of molecules strike and re-
enter, the point of equilibrium is eventually reached when the rate of escape of molecules
from the liquid equals the rate of return to the liquid. The pressure exerted by the escaping
vapour at this point of equilibrium is vapour pressure.

(c) The vapour pressure of LPG depends upon the temperature of the liquid and the
composition in terms of the primary hydrocarbons present. The vapour pressure-
temperature' relationship for commercial Butane and commercial Propane and related
various mixtures is shown in DIAGRAM -1.

(d) Vapour pressure plays an important part in the manufacture of LPG containers as they are
designed to withstand the maximum vapour pressure likely to arise in actual use. In India,
LPG cylinders are designed for vapour pressure of 16.87 kgf/cm2 at the assessed
temperature of 65 °C whereas un-insulated storage and transport vessels (spheres/bullets)
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are designed for maximum vapour pressure at 55 °C (15.95 kgf/cm approx.)

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(e) Vapour pressure has no relation to the quantity of liquid present. If the temperature of
liquid LPG inside a container remains constant, the pressure inside the container when full
or when nearly empty will practically is the same.

2.9 Latent heat of vapourisation of liquid

The latent heat of vapourisation of a liquid at a particular temperature is defined as the

heat needed to change a unit mass of liquid to vapour without a change in temperature. It
is expressed in Kilocalories per Kg. of the substance (Kcal/Kg). The temperature should
also be stated since the value decreases somewhat with an increase in temperature.

2.10 Specific heat

(a) Specific heat is defined as the quantity of heat required to raise unit mass of a substance
through a unit temperature interval. Specific heat may also be expressed as the amount of
heat required to warm a substance in the solid, liquid or gaseous state.

(b) Specific heat is expressed as the number of Kilocalories required to warm 1 kg. of a
substance through 1 °C Specific heat depends, to a degree, upon the temperature of the
substance. For gases, moreover, it is necessary to indicate whether the pressure or the
volume is constant.

3.0 SENSIBLE PROPERTIES

3.1 Colour (sight)

Like air, LP gases are colourless, therefore, they cannot be seen. However, when liquid
LPG is released from a container or a pipe it vapourises almost immediately. This
produces a cooling of the surrounding air and may cause water vapour in the air to
condense, freeze and become visible. In this way, LPG leak may be detected even though
the gas itself is invisible.

3.2 Odour (smell)

LPG is distinctively odourised to give warning in case of leakage. LPG is generally

odourised by adding mercaptans. Its smell is detectable in air at concentrations down to
1/5th of the lower limit of flammability. In other words, it can be smelt sufficiently before it
becomes dangerous enough to catch fire.

3.3 Taste

LPG vapours are tasteless and non/toxic. Therefore, the presence of LPG vapours in the
atmosphere cannot be sensed by taste.

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4.0 VAPOURISATION PROPERTIES

General

(a) LPG is generally stored or contained as a liquid under pressure and then, by a relatively
simple process, is converted into a gas or vapour for ultimate consumption. This
vapourisation process of conversion from the liquid phase to the gaseous phase is
accomplished through the addition of heat.

(b) There are two basic methods of vapourising LPG. The most common method is carried
out within an LPG container, the product being withdrawn directly from the container in
gaseous form. In this method the heat is drawn primarily from the surroundings of the LPG
container although some of the heat comes from the LPG liquid and from the container's
body. The amount of gas which can be generated by direct vapourisation is limited by:-

(i) the size of the container;

(ii) the quantity and consumption of the product which it contains;
(iii) the ambient temperature surrounding the container;
(iv) the movement of air around the container;
(v) the exposure of the container to direct sunlight.

(c) The second method of vapourisation employs a special apparatus known as 'Vapouriser'.
IN this process, liquid product is removed from the storage container, delivered into a
Vapouriser where heat is applied to the liquid causing vapourisation within the device. The
product is drawn from the Vapouriser in gaseous form. Vapourisers are not described
within the Manual since they are involved with the utilisation of the product and are not
normally required at the bottling Plant.

5.0 COMBUSTION PROPERTIES

5.1 Combustion Process

(a) In simplest form, the combustion process in respect of LPG may be defined as the
oxidation of the product or the combination of oxygen, usually from air, with LPG vapour to
form carbon dioxide and water vapour.

(b) One volume of liquid LPG will produce about 250 volumes of LPG vapour and combined
with 6,500 volumes of air would form 6,750 volumes of inflammable mixture which would
cause combustion on application of a temperature in the range of 410 °C to 580 °C or
more.

5.2 Limits of Flammability

(a) The term is synonymous with "Limits of Inflammability". For the combustion process to take
place in the atmosphere, it is necessary that the proportions of LPG vapour and air be
within certain limitations. In case there is insufficient supply of LPG vapour mixed in the
atmosphere combustion again cannot take place. The minimum and maximum
concentrations of a fuel gas in gas/air mixture between which the mixture can be ignited
are temperatures falling between and covering upper and lower limits of flammability is
known as "Flammability range".

(b) The range of flammability for LPG is considerably narrower than for other common
gaseous fuels, but the lower limit of LPG is reached quickly in case of leakage. Upper and
lower limits of flammability for common gaseous fuels are as follows:-

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 Fuel Percentage of Gas by Volume in Air/Gas Mixture

Lower Limit Upper Limit

Propane 2.0 10
Butane 1.5 9
Coal Gas 4.0 29
Water Gas 5.0 46
Hydrogen 4.0 75
Acetylene 2.5 80

5.3 Ignition Temperature

For the combustion process or burning of LPG to occur it is necessary that an ignition
source is applied. The flammable mixture of LPG vapour and air will not ignite or explode
unless the ignition source is present. The source may be a spar, flame or heated material
possessing sufficient heat to equal or exceed the required ignition temperature, which is in
the range of 410 °C to 580 °C .

5.4 Calorific Value

(a) Calorific value is defined as the amount of heat produced by complete combustion of unit
mass of the fuel. It is expressed in Kcal./kg. The calorific value of LPG is very high and
uniform which make it an ideal fuel.

(b) Typical figures for gross calorific value of LPG are given in ANNEXURE -II

6.0 BEHAVIOURAL CHARACTERISTICS

6.1 LPG vapour can be liquefied by compressing it. This change of state generates heat and
the product gets warmed up. The greater the pressure, the higher the temperature of the
product, and vice-versa.

6.2 LPG Vapour can also be liquefied by refrigeration. The lower the temperature, the lower
the pressure and vice-versa. This helps in storage of liquid LPG at near atmospheric
pressure by refrigeration.

6.3 When pressure is released and liquid LPG changes to vapour, the change of state requires
heat. This comes from the product itself and from the surroundings causing both to drop in
temperature. The evaporating product; especially in liquid form; can become cold enough
to cause trust burns on bare flesh, and to condense water vapour from the air, forming a
visible cloud.

6.4 LPG is stored and transported as liquid, either under pressure at an ambient temperature
(the normal method in marketing) or at a low temperature (refrigerated) and pressure.

6.5 The expansion of liquid LPG; is about 15/20 times greater than that of water and exceeds
that of most other general petroleum products. Sufficient allege space for expansion of the
liquid; MUST therefore, be left in all storage/transport containers.

6.6 One volume of liquid LPG will expand to approximately 250 volumes of vapour in air. Liquid
LPG leaks, therefor, create more hazards compared to vapour leaks.

6.7 Liquid LPG has a low viscosity and can leak in situations in which water/gasoline may not.
It is also a poor lubricant and leaks are, therefore, likely to occur at seals (on pumps,
compressors etc.), glands etc.

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6.8 Auto Refrigeration` of LPG

(a) The term `Auto Refrigeration` refers to the phenomenon, which occurs when the pressure
is rapidly released from a vessel containing liquid LPG.

(B) Liquid LPG boils or "Flashes" as the pressure is reduced. In the process, latent heat is
taken out of the liquid LPG as a result of some part of it changing its state to vapour; and
the residual liquid becomes increasingly LPG the pressure must be maintained in the
vessel unit all liquid has been disposed - off and only vapour remains.

(C) If "Auto Refrigeration" is allowed to occur, extremely low temperatures may result (below
the lower permissible designed temperature for the materials of construction) which may
result in embattlement of container metal. Any evidence of frosting on the outside of the
vessel is an indication that "Auto Refrigeration" is occurring.

6.9 Effects of water in LPG system

(a) If water in the product is in sufficient quantity it may cause rust and corrosion to a vessel
which might not otherwise be affected by product in any way.

(b) Water in a system, which is subjected to freezing temperature, may prevent the operation
of internal valves. This condition may prevent the product transfer with the formation of ice
block. Under certain conditions, the freezing of water may present the operation of self
closing valves and may lead to false assumption regarding the closure of `Excess flow
check valves`.

(c) A regulator "Freeze-Up" is perhaps the most noticeable effect of water in an LPG system.
It is the most undesirable occurrence and can lead to serious complications. Ice crystals
start to form in throat of the orifice, thus, plugging the orifice and stopping flow of gas. It is
also known that ice crystals have formed about linkages in the regulator causing the unit to
become inoperative.

(d) Realising that the atmosphere always contains certain amounts of water vapour or
humidity a container should always be sealed with respect to the outside atmosphere.
Even though the gas contents may have been exhausted all valves or openings in the
container should be closed and made gas-tight to the outside atmosphere. Manually
controlled valves should always be closed tight on a so-called empty container. The valves
without closure means, which are not manually controllable, should be capped, plugged or
covered by means designed for the purpose to prevent the entry of water from the
atmosphere.

6.10 Effects of Air in LPG systems

Presence of air in LPG system, air can form combustible mixtures creating a fire hazard.

(a) With LPG vapour in the system, air can form combustible mixtures creating a fire hazard.

(b) If LPG cylinders containing air are connected to consuming appliances these first off-take
of vapour may be incombustible mixture of LPG vapour and air. Hence, the ignition would
not be possible initially. This could create a hazard if the cause is not detected.

(c) If not removed, the air builds up much higher pressure than the normal vapour pressure,
thus causing unnecessary pumping effort during the filling operations.

(d) In view of adverse effects of presence of air in LPG systems as explained above, it must
be ensured that air is purged from LPG systems before commissioning a new facility or
before re-commissioning a facility after repairs or pneumatic tests. This should not be
limited to LPG cylinders only but any pressurised system/equipment handling LPG such as
storage vessels, transport bullets, pipelines etc.

From above points it can be concluded that:

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(a) LPG is safe provided it is kept within a properly designed and sealed system.
(b) LPG becomes hazardous when released to the atmosphere and mixed with air.
(c) Leakage of product, especially liquid, must be prevented.
(d) Presence of water and air in the LPG systems must be eliminated.
(e) Sources of ignition MUST be eliminated.

7.0 BEHAVIOUR OF LPG IN CLOSED CONTAINERS

The quantity of LPG that may be filled in a given container depends on the size of the
container, the temperature of liquid in the container and the maximum permitted filling
density. LPG containers MUST not be completely filled with liquid; adequate vapour space
MUST be left. The LPG vapour exerts a pressure on the walls of the container. The
pressure is dependent on the temperature and the composition of LPG in the container.
Propane has a much higher vapour pressure than Butane; and mixture of the two have a
vapour pressure between that of Propane and Butane depending upon the vessel is
independent of the amount of liquid within it as long as it is neither full nor empty of liquid.
For any given LPG, the temperature is the only variable governing the pressure.

As more LPG is added into a container, the liquid level rises and the vapour space
becomes smaller. This compresses the vapour, condensing some of it to the liquid state.
This condensation produces heat which warms the remaining vapour resulting in an
increased pressure. Thus the addition of liquid has disturbed the temperature and
consequently the pressure equilibrium. It is, however, only temporary; When filling ceases,
the production of heat ceases \and the systems soon returns to its former temperature and
consequently to its former pressure. Now the vessel has more liquid in it than before but
there has been no increase in pressure

The reverse of the above will occur when liquid or vapour is withdrawn from the container.
There is first reduction in pressure and more vapour is formed by vapourisation requires
heat, which is obtained by absorption of the heat results in some pressure drop, but unless
the container is emptied, it again returns to its former pressure and temperature soon after
withdrawal ceases.

Should the container be completely filled with liquid LPG leaving no vapour space, even a
slight rise in temperature will cause the liquid to expand and exert an excessive pressure
on the container; because liquids are practically non-compressible. Under these
circumstances, a relief valve on the container opens to discharge liquid and relieve the
excessive pressure. However, if there is no pressure relief device, as in the case of a
cylinder, or if it fails to operate, the vessel itself may be distorted or ruptured. If liquid LPG
escapes, either from the relief device or form a ruptured container, a fire or explosion may
result if a source of ignition is present.

A sparing actuated safety valve would re-set itself when the pressure is reduced below the
valve setting and thus prevent further escape of product to the atmosphere.

From the above details it could be summarised that vapour-pressure has no relation to the
quantity of liquid present. If the temperature of liquid LPG inside a container remains
constant the pressure inside the container when full or when empty would be practically the
same.

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8.0 EFFECTS OF LPG UPON MATERIALS

8.1 Effects upon metals

(a) Commercial LPG has no harmful effect upon steel or the majority of metals in common
use.
(b) Aluminum may be affected by traces of caustic remaining in the LPG after the refining
processes.
(c) Odourants added to LPG are non-corrosive.

8.2 Effects upon Non-Metals

(a) The effect of LPG upon non-metallic materials can not be generalised.
(b) Some plastic materials become either soft or spongy, others become hard or brittle.
(c) Natural rubbers are usually affected whereas many synthetic rubbers and plastics are
unaffected.
(d) An indication may be obtained of the effect of LPG upon a particular material in liquid
Pentane for 72 hours. Any change in weight or volume or evidence of any swelling or
brittleness indicates that the material would be unsatisfactory for long term usage.

9.0 HAZARDS OF LPG

9.1 Health Hazards

(a) Inhalation - Vapour Phase

LPG contains no toxic components such as carbon monoxide and is, therefore, non-
poisonous. If leakage of large amount of LPG occurs in a closed space, difficulty in
breathing and asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen can be caused but is improbable in
practice. LPG is slightly anesthetic when high concentrations are breathed in sufficient
quantities over a period of time, resulting in stomach-upset and headache, which in
themselves are excellent warning symptoms.

(b) Inhalation - Products of Combustion

Assuming the products of combustion which are being inhaled have been discharged into
confined area and further the combustion process is being properly controlled, the
individual would be exposed to an increased concentration of water vapour and carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere. The water vapour naturally increases humidity within the
atmosphere and in case it is excessive, the unpleasantness associated with excessive
humidity would be noticeable. The liberation of carbon dioxide by the combustion process
may result in deficiency of oxygen in the atmosphere.

(c) Burns by Freezing

LPG in liquid form should not come in contact with the surface of the body. It is particularly
important that liquid propane or a product with relatively high vapour pressure be avoided.
In the event that LPG in liquid form comes in contact with the skin, the product immediately
vaporizes. During this vaporization process heat will be absorbed directly form the skin
and flesh causing a freezing effect. The ultimate result of the freezing is usually referred to
as a burn. The results may be serious. Therefore, if the possibility of exposure to Liquid
LPG exists, suitable safety gloves, safety goggles and protective clothing should be used.

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(d) Burns by Fire

Burns may result from exposure to LPG flames or by exposure of clothing directly to
appliance flames or by mis-handling of portable devices such as torches and burners. In
the type of exposure in which the LPG flames acts as an ignition, the severity of the burns
may be dependent upon the time required to extinguish the burning clothing. In the event
of exposure of an individual to a flash fire or explosion of LPG vapours accidentally
discharged, the burns may be direct result of LPG flames compounded by clothing if they
are highly flammable such as those made from synthetic fiber. In general, clothing which
is not highly flammable may provide a degree of protection when exposed to a flash fire.
For example, shirt of cotton or wool material may provide protection against the possibility
of freezing burn and likewise, may provide a type of barrier against the flame of flash fire.
As a precaution to avoid exposure to flash fire or an explosion, an awareness of the odour
of the product, the observance of "NO SMOKING" regulations and the elimination of
possible ignition sources within the area in which possible flammable mixture may exist,
can reduce and perhaps eliminate the possibility of burn injuries.

9.2 Fire Hazards

(a) Product Discharges - Liquid Phase

LPG has been described as a safe fuel because of the fact that so long as it is contained
within a cylinder, vessel, or a pipeline, a fire hazard is non-existent. It is only the accidental
discharge of the product from the container, which creates a hazard. In the event of an
accidental discharge it is possible that either liquid or vapour may discharge. A liquid
discharge is always more serious than a discharge in the vapour phase. In the first place
the volume of product which may discharge may be considerably less in the vapour phase
than the liquid phase through the same size of opening. As liquid discharges and
vapourises, the volume of liquid changes into a vapour volume approx. 250 times greater,
therefore a greater hazard exists.

It is always important to arrange equipment so that if an accidental discharge does occur it

will be in the vapour phase.

(b) Product Discharge - Vapour Phase

The accidental discharge of vapour from a container or a pipe may result in the
vapourisation of liquid within the container or pipe. This process will require heat and will in
effect have a cooling action upon the container. If a container is exposed to surrounding
fire, the cooling effect caused by the vapourisation within the container can aid in the
development of excessive temperature of the container.

(c) Ignition Source

(i) Flame - As a general rule it may be said that if a flame is visible it has sufficient heat to
be used as a source of ignition for the combustion of an inflammable LPG vapour mixture.
A match flame will suffice and will provide ignition source. Likewise heat of a lighted
cigarette or a bidi is sufficient to provide the ignition source.
(ii) Heat - A piece of metal heated to 600°C may not be particularly noticeable and might
not attract attention. However, so long as the metal on its surface has a temperature in
excess of the ignition temperature of flammable LPG vapour mixture it can provide ignition
source. Likewise heat of a lighted cigarette or bidi is sufficient to provide the ignition
source.
(iii) Electric - Source of ignition may be developed electrically through resistance in
electrical circuit which heats an element or a portion of the circuit to a temperature equal to
or in excess of the required ignition temperature. The making or breaking of an open
switch or the disengagement of a plug from a receptacle may causes a "Spark" which
has sufficient temperature to cause ignition.
(iv) Static Electricity and Friction Sparks Static electricity or `Friction sparks may be source
of ignition for a flammable mixture of LPG vapour within the atmosphere. Static electricity

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 may be caused by the agitation or pumping of liquid; venting liquid to the atmosphere; sand
blasting; non-conductive belts; the contact of separation of materials such as synthetic
clothing and action of foot gear on certain type of floorings. Static electricity is also
produced by natural causes. Static charge is induced from lightening discharges, by
thunder clouds either directly overhead or in the distance; by dust storms; or, in rare
instance from a large volume of charged air. Friction sparks are usually caused by the
striking hardened of one hard object against another as in the case of striking a hardened
steel tool against a pipe or a casting ; hitting of a cylinder against a steel structure etc.

(d) Combustion

(I) Explosion - Rapid oxidation; or rapid burning is the cause of explosion. It may also be
accompanied by such a release of energy that structural damage may result. The rate at
which energy is released, rather than the amount of energy released, is the criteria of an
explosion.

The distribution of LPG vapour within the atmosphere in proper proportions and within a
confined space can create an explosion should the source of ignition be provided following
an LPG explosion a fire may continue caused by the elongation of other flammable
materials or a continuing discharges of gas may burn. In some cases, if the discharge of
gas has been stopped prior to the explosion, there may be no fire following the explosion.

(II) Fire - Depending upon the circumstances, the accidental LPG fire may take on any
number of forms. IN general, a fire fed by a liquid discharge will be seen at ground level
and may be remote from the point of actual discharge. A fire fed by a vapour discharges
may be elevated and not impinging upon tanks, buildings, etc. The vapour fed fire would
normally burn relatively close to the point of discharge.

(III) BLEVE - `Boiling liquid Expanding vapour Explosion` (BLEVE) occurs when LPG
containers are accidentally surrounded by fire. Vapour pressure in the container rises with
the increase in temperature. At the same time, temperature of the container wall in contact
with the vapour phase also rises. The wall strength deteriorates and eventually even
though a pressure relief valve may be operating, the stress imposed by the vapour
pressure exceeds the reduced strength of the wall. The container then ruptures and
superheated liquid is released, expands and vapourise, in fraction of a second. As the
contents of the container are flammable, they form explosive mixtures with the air.
Catastrophic damage usually results from the spread and/or ignition of the vapour. This
phenomenon is true for any pressure vessel storing LPG, be it a storage vessel, tank
wagon bullet, tank truck bullet, or a cylinder. However; larger the vessel, larger would be
the catastrophe.

9.3 OTHER HAZARDS

(a) LPG is usually stored as a liquid under pressure. Leakage to atmosphere, specially of
liquid, will result in rapid vapourisation creating large volumes of flammable vapour.
Because LPG is heavier than air it will tend to flow along the ground or through drains, and
will sink to the low level of the surrounding. Unless efforts are quickly made to disperse
the accumulation it may under normal conditions remain there for a long time, with the
possibility of fire through a source of ignition some distance away from the source of
leakage.

(b) A very small proportion of vapour in air gives a flammable mixture that can cause fire if
source of ignition is present.

(c) (i) Thermal expansion of LPG can lead to very serious hazards. LPG streams under
pressure in pipelines and temperature. For example, the sun shining on blocked lines full
of LPG, not provided with a relief valve to protect against thermal expansion, can lead to
excessive pressures being built up within the line eventual fracture of the pipe.
(ii) The problem of thermal expansion also applies to laboratory sample bombs were
instructions must be clearly given not to completely fill the container. The container should
be filled to a limit, which permits liquid expansion due to a normal rise in temperature

11
 without danger of over-stressing the container. The maximum liquid level is usually
marked on the sampling bomb.

(d) The low boiling point of LPG is liable to create a number of operating hazards a under:
(i) The vapourisation of LPG results in considerable cooling and can lead to temperatures
below the freezing point of water. This must be clearly recognised while depressurising
equipment's containing liquid LPG and while draining water from vessels containing liquid
LPG.
(ii) While draining water from LPG storage vessel, vapourisation of LPG resulting from the
pressure drop across the throttle valve may result in the freezing of water making it
impossible to close the valve. The procedure for draining water from LPG storage's
vessels is described in greater detail in

(e) The relatively low viscosity of LPG adds to the problem of containing it within the
pressurised system. LPG will leak through flanged joints, and glands more readily than
Kerosene or Naphtha.

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 ANNEXURES

ANNEXURE NO : 1

ISI SPECIFICATIONS ( LPG ) - ( EXTRACTS FROM IS 4576 )

SL Characteristic Commercial Commercial Commercial

NO Butane Butane - Propane Propane
Mixture

I) Vapour Pressure at 65°C 10 Max 16.87 max 26 Max

kgf/cm2 (g)

ii) Volatility evaporation 2 2 - 38

temperature in °C, for 95 %
by volume at 760 mm Hg
pressure Max

iii) Total volatile sulphur, % by 0.02 0.02 0.02

weight, Max

iv) Copper strip corrosion ......Not worse than No. 1.......

v) Hydrogen Sulphide Absent Absent Absent

vi) Dryness No free No free entrained Shall pass the

entrained water water test

vii) Odour Level 2 Level 2 Level 2

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 ANNEXURES

ANNEXURE NO : II

TYPICAL PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF LPG CURRENTLY MARKETED

The important typical properties and characteristics of LPG currently marketed are as follows :
(a) Density of liquid at 15° C, 0.54 - 0.57

(b) Specific volume of Gas at 15° C, 760 mm Hg

-- litre / g of gas 0.44
-- gm / lit of gas 2.26

(c) Boiling Point : (-) 18°C to (+) 0°C

(d) Gross Calorific Value of LPG ( Typical figures )

BTU / Kg 46,800 Kcal/Kg 11,400
BTU / litre 122 Kcal/litre 308

(e) Limits of Flammability Lower 1.8 %

(gas, in air/gas mixture) Upper 9.0 %

(f) Dry air required for complete combustion( m3 / m3 ) 31

(g) Theoretical Maximum Flame Temperature in air - °C 2000

(h) Theoretical Maximum Flame Temperature in oxygen - °C 2850

(I) Minimum ignition Temperature °C 410

Typical conditions ( by % volume ) of LPG presently filled in cylinders. ∗

Ethane & Ethylene 0.1 – 0.5

Propane & Propylene 30 – 40
Normal Butane and Iso - Butane 55 - 70
Pentane & Higher 0.2 – 1.0

∗ Whereas LPG marketed would confirm to Is : 4576, the composition is not guaranteed ince the
% varies for different crudes and even for same crude from batch to batch. The composition
should, therefore, be taken only as a general guide.

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 ANNEXURES

ANNEXURE NO : III

TYPICAL VALUES OF PROPERTIES OF PROPANE AND BUTANE

Specification Propane Butane

• Formula C3H8 C4H10

• Liquid Density @ 15° C 0.508 0.584

• Coefficient of volumetric Expansion per °C
-20°C and + 20°C 0.0028 0.0018
0 and 40°C 0.0033 0.0020
• Melting Point, °C - 187 - 137
• Critical Temperature °C 97 152
• Critical Pressure at (Kg/cm2) 43 39
• Boiling Point at 760 mm Hg, °C - 42.1 - 0.5
• Vapour Pressure ( Kg/cm2 )
at - 40 °C 1.11 0.17
at - 20 °C 2.4 0.45
at 0 °C 4.8 1.04
at + 20 °C 8.3 2.1
at + 40 °C 14.0 3.9

• Heat at vapourisation Kcal/Kg

at - 20 °C 96 96
at 0 °C 90 92
at + 20 °C 82 87

• Specific Heat at 0 °C ., Kcal/Kg/ °C 0.57 0.54

• Relative Density
Air = 1.00 1.561 2.091
• Density Kg/m3n 2.019 2.703
• Specific Heat at 0 °C
Cp Kcal/kg/0 °C 0.39 0.38
Cp/Cv 1.15 1.11
• m3 of fresh air required to burn 1m3 of LPG vapour 23.86 31.02
• Flash Point °C 104.4 N.A.
• Ignition Temperature in Air °C 490 - 550 480 - 540
• Limits of inflamability
Lower Limit % 2.0 1.5
Upper Limit % 10.0 9.0

15