The Nature of LPG

LPG has been formed over millions of years beneath the ground. Gas rigs produce the gases as a
mixture, which is then separated into methane (mains gas), liquefied petroleum gases (Propane
and Butane) and other gases.

LPG is also produced from crude oil at refineries.

LPG exists as a gas at normal atmospheric pressure, only existing in a liquid form at very low
temperatures or under pressure. When the pressure is released (eg when the gas supply valve is
turned on), the liquid will boil and form a vapour. It is this vapour (gas), which is used to fuel
appliances.

Heat is needed to convert the liquid to gas, known as the latent heat of vapourisation. As the
liquid boils, it takes heat energy from itself and its surroundings. This is why the containers feel
cold to the touch and if there is heavy gas off take, frost may appear on the outside.

Pressure increases with temperature, so if the temperature around the tank increases, so will the
pressure inside the tank as the liquid expands. Tanks are normally fitted with a pressure release
valve to release any extreme pressure build up safely.

Properties of LPG
LPG vapour is heavier than air, which has important safety implications.

Any leakage will sink to the ground and accumulate in low lying areas and may be difficult to
disperse, so LPG should never be stored or used in cellars or basements.

Like mains gas, LPG has no smell and so a strong "stenching" agent is added before delivery to
help detection of any leaks. LPG is flammable in air and although non-toxic, large quantities
could cause suffocation.

LPG is a high performance fuel, but will only ignite if mixed with air in a gas:air ratio of
between 1:50 and 1:10 (lower than the limit for mains gas). The low limit for flammability
means that even small leaks could have serious results.

The ignition temperature of LPG in air is around 500ºC – lower than that of mains gas but
actually requiring more energy to cause ignition. This means that some gas lighters may not
work with LPG.

The calorific value of LPG is about 2.5 times higher than that of mains gas so more heat is
produced from the same volume of gas.
LPG is chemically reactive and will cause natural rubber and some plastics to deteriorate. Only
equipment and fittings specifically designed for LPG should be used.

Propane & Butane

There are two types of LPG - Propane and Butane. They have similar properties but different
applications. They are not interchangeable due to the different operating pressures and burner
settings required. Valves and fittings are also different to avoid confusion or accidental use of the
wrong type of LPG.

Propane has a lower boiling point than butane so it will continue to convert from a liquid to a gas
even in very cold conditions, down to -45ºC. When stored as a liquid in a tank, it exerts a greater
pressure than Butane at the same temperature.

So Propane, as an LPG, is most suitable for exterior storage and use. Its ability to operate in low
temperatures makes it the most suitable LPG for many applications. Propane is widely used as a
fuel source for domestic and commercial heating, hot water and cooking. It also has a wide range
of uses in industry and agriculture.

Butane has the lower vapour pressure at equivalent temperatures and is suitable for interior use
or outside during the summer. Butane is a very common fuel amongst leisure users and owners
of portable heaters. Propane and butane are normally stored in either portable steel cylinders or
small bulk fixed storage tanks ready for use.

Health & Safety

Safety is of paramount importance and we've included basic safety information here, along with
the AvantiGas Health and Safety policy. There is also information on how to keep your bulk tank
installation safe.

In the unlikely event of a gas leak, follow the step-by-step guide below and contact AvantiGas
without delay.

Basic Safety

A few brief safety tips to help ensure a safe environment.

HSE Commitment and Policy

Safety is our number one priority.

Bulk Tank Safety

Ensure the tank location is safe and that the necessary safety devices are in place.

Dealing with a Gas Leak

A step-by-step guide to dealing with a gas leak.

Basic Safety
To help you ensure a safe environment while using LPG from AvantiGas, here are a few brief
safety tips.

Tips:

 LPG from AvantiGas is flammable like all petroleum fuels. It must be stored away from sources
of ignition and in a well-ventilated area.LPG from AvantiGas can be detected by a typically
unpleasant odour of gas
 LPG vapour is heavier than air. Any leakage will sink to the ground and accumulate in low lying
areas
 There are special tanks which are specifically designed for use underground
 LPG from AvantiGas expands rapidly when the temperature rises. So whenever a container is
filled, sufficient space is left for expansion
 LPG from AvantiGas will cause natural rubber and some plastics to deteriorate. Only use hoses
and other equipment specifically designed for LPG
 Although LPG from AvantiGas is non-toxic, it is an asphixiant and it’s abuse is highly dangerous
 Treat LPG with respect

Bulk Tank Safety

AvantiGas will ensure that the LPG tank is located in a safe place and that the necessary devices
are in place to protect the tank, pipework and appliances.

To take care of your installation, you should:

 Keep rubbish and anything combustible well away from the tanks and ensure weeds/grass
are kept down. Don’t use chlorate based weedkiller as this can be a fire hazard.
 Ensure your tank is kept clean by removing any leaves, excess debris or dirt and ensuring
all safety signs are clearly visible. Wash tanks using warm water and washing-up liquid,
ideally ammonia-free. Avoid using any
harsh chemicals.
 Keep any security fences provided for the tank in good condition. Keep the gate(s) locked
shut. If there is no fence, keep the tank valve cover locked and keep the keys in a handy
place.
  Only let AvantiGas or an AvantiGas authorised engineer work on the installation.
 Be familiar with the operating instructions and the emergency actions. Make sure that
everyone in the property is aware of them.
 Keep people not involved with the installation well away from it.
 Keep vehicles well away from the installation.
 Don’t do any modifications which may affect the installation eg altering fire walls,
erecting sheds or fences, or installing electrical equipment near the tank. If in doubt, ask
AvantiGas for advice. The tank must not be painted by anyone other than AvantiGas
authorised personnel.
 Don’t let anyone smoke or have any electrical equipment, vehicles, bonfires, barbeques
or other sources of ignition near the installation. Make sure the “No Smoking“ signs and
any other notices are maintained.
 Ensure that any above ground pipework from the tank to the point of use is protected
against accidental damage and is properly supported. For underground piping, make sure
you know the route it takes and avoid putting anything in the ground which may damage
the pipework or the tank.
 Industrial and Commercial LPG users have a responsibility for the checking and
maintenance of external LPG pipework.

Dealing with a Gas Leak

Gas Leak Indoors

If you smell gas:

1. Switch off the emergency valve on the outside wall of the building and turn off the gas at the
main shut off valve under the tank hood.
2. Extinguish all naked flames immediately.
3. Do not operate any electrical equipment and be aware of any equipment which may switch on
or off automatically.
4. Open all doors and windows to ventilate the building.
5. Contact your installer or the engineer who maintains your appliances.

Gas Leak Outdoors

1. Turn off the gas at the main shut off valve under the tank hood.
2. Extinguish all naked flames immediately.
3. Call AvantiGas on 0870 753 9999.

Major Leak or Fire

1. Call out the fire service and advise them that the leak or fire involves LPG.
2. If the leak or fire is indoors, get everyone out of the premises.
3. If the leak or fire is outdoors, evacuate people from the area and keep upwind of any leak.
4. Call AvantiGas on 0870 753 9999.
Storage & Supply
Bulk Tank Installation and Supply

Quick and simple to install, bulk tanks have fast become the most economical way to enjoy all
the advantages of bulk gas from LPG tanks.

LPG tanks are small, compact and at the heart of your cleaner-burning LPG home-supply
system. These neat, below ground or aboveground storage tanks are kept supplied by regular
road tanker deliveries.

AvantiGas installs bulk tanks in compliance with all your local Health & Safety regulations. We
ensure all LPG tanks are the optimum distance from your house and its boundaries; positioned
for best protection from accidental damage; easy access for our LPG refilling vehicles.

What are my storage tank options?

AvantiGas provide a variety of bulk tank options to suit you and your lifestyle. We offer both
above ground and underground tank options in a range of sizes, dependant on your LP gas usage
and available storage space. Most households and businesses would find that an above ground
LPG tank is suitable, however it is not always the most desired option if you wish to keep your
garden or land looking picturesque. With AvantiGas, our trained representatives and engineers
can help you every step of the way from advising you on the size of your tank to the best position
for your tank dependent on your requirements.

Above Ground Tank Option

This is the visible bulk tank that sits on a concrete base in a carefully selected area of your
garden or land. There is less preparation work needed with this option compared to the
underground tank. The concrete base the tank sits on needs to be flat and level with the ground
and in accordance with current legislation. The dimensions for the base on a typical 1410 sized
tank are 2mx1.5mx150mm. There also needs to be a minimum separation distance between the
tank, buildings, boundary and fixed source of ignition of 3.0M on 1400 and 2250 tanks for safety
reasons. The only other work to be carried out for above ground tank is a trench for the pipe
work. Once the preparation work has been carried out correctly, the pipe work and tank can be
easily installed by AvantiGas and once this is done you are ready to take delivery of LPG.
With the above ground tank you can screen it should you wish to. Materials that you can screen
the tank with include evergreen shrubs such as laurel and holly or a non-flammable open
branched, ranch style fence. A screen is only allowed on one side of the tank and should be 1M
away (for tanks sized 5,000 litres or below), so consider carefully which side would work best
for you whilst still complying with safety regulations.

To find out more about how AvantiGas can assist you, if you're new to LPG or simply wishing to
switch your gas supply, call us on 0808 208 0000
or if you would like to arrange a FREE site survey contact us by filling out our form here

Underground Tank Option

Should the look of your landscape be of high importance to you, you may wish to consider the
underground tank option from AvantiGas. This involves more preparation work for the
installation of the tank, but once installed will be out of sight .There are two size options for an
underground tank; 2400L or 4000L. The AvantiGas representative will advise you on the best
option dependent on your requirements. As an example to the scale of excavation needed in
order to install a typical 2200L underground tank you would need to excavate the following
dimensions: 3000mm long x 2000mm wide x 1550mm deep. The AvantiGas representative will
also agree the most practical and shortest route for your underground pipework that will need to
go from the end of the base to the premises.