| How safe is Auto LPG as fuel for vehicles?
Any kind of fuel is dangerous if it is not handled properly. Fuels are a source of trapped energy which is released by upon combustion. Just like all other fuels, gasoline is also a dangerous fuel, but over the years, we have learned to harness the energy, safely. The same is true of Auto LPG. LPG safely generates our electricity, heats our homes and cooks our meals. It can also be used as an auto fuel. However just like gasoline, LPG gas must be understood and respected to be used safely. The Auto LPG tank is made of a thick gauge material, and is much stronger than a Petrol or Diesel tank. Auto LPG tank is designed to hold fuel at a pressure of around 105 Lbs per sq. inch or psi. However, before it is approved for road use it must be tested to an internal pressure of up to 672 psi. All Auto LPG tanks are tested to these stringent standards, whereas Petrol or diesel tanks are tested much more lightly. The auto LPG tank is therefore many times stronger than an average Petrol or Diesel tank and is thus able to withstand much more pressure deviations from within itself. For instance, it is able to endure pressure changes from the expansion of its contents due to an increase in temperature, or survive an impact from outside if the vehicle is in a collision. Further to that, the Auto LPG tank does NOT rely on its mountings to retain its structural integrity - It will maintain its shape anywhere, and do so in any position. To put it plainly, (and please DO NOT try this at home!) if a full LPG tank and a full Petrol tank were dropped from an equal height, it is likely that the Petrol tank would burst open on impact with the ground. The LPG tank would probably just bounce, perhaps become dented, but NOT release its contents.
What happens if the fuel pipes are severed in an accident? Auto LPG systems provide for protection and safety against both events. This is because the fuel supply is connected to the existing inertia switch AND has shut - off valves provided on the tank outlet to stop any leakage of fuel, in case any (or all) of the pipes be severed. Indeed, if BOTH the fuel pipe from the filler to the LPG tank and the fuel pipe from the tank to the engine bay are cut, it will still not any release of fuel. (It is possible to undo the pipes leading to an LPG tank and remove it from the vehicle with negligible release of gas (again, please do NOT try this at home!).
What about fire risks?
What if the vehicle is burning and the fuel tank is heated by the flames? The auto LPG tank, however, is designed to slowly release its contents via a safety valve (much the same as those fitted to compressor tanks or steam engine boilers). If the pressure within the tank becomes greater than a preset level, the valve will 'blow off'. The preset level is much less than the pressure that would cause the tank to explode. Admittedly, the venting of gas will probably result in a jet of flame, but at least some control of its direction is afforded and an explosion is avoided.
Conclusion A dual fuel (e.g. Petrol and LPG ) vehicle cannot be any safer because it retains the original risk, but it is certainly no less safe than it was before the conversion was carried out. SAFETY TIPS
AUTO-LPG Fuelled Vehicles (DOs and DON’Ts) 2. Don’t carry out-welding, burning and other hot works on an Auto LPG vehicle within 1 meter of its tank on fuel lines without a heat resistant shield or before the parts have been emptied or gas freed. 3. Never undertake roadside repairs unless workers are trained and approved safe equipment are available in the site. 4. Don’t crush a vehicle until the LPG tank has been removed by a competent person. 5. Auto LPG vehicles due for scrapping or recycling should not be accepted unless procedure for safe removal and disposal of LPG system are in place.
DOs 2. Follow the vehicle manufacturers on system installers instructions and make sure workers are aware of locations of Auto LPG tank and fuel lines. 3. When working on open spaces, ensure safe places for parking and working on vehicles, e.g. away from drains, pits and other openings in the ground and all sources of ignition. 4. If LPG fuel is to be emptyed, simply switch over to Auto LPG and run the engine until it stops. 5. Wear protective equipment (PPE) to prevent cold burns, eye damage and discharge of static electricity those who may be carrying out hot work. 6. Carry out roadside check for leaks and other damages to the LPG system on vehicles involved in accidents. In addition, observe the following safety precautions in case of incidence of a leaking LPG system in a service station while filling and while on the road.
|
