Propane Cylinder

Propane is a colorless and odorless gas, an organic substance of the alkane class (the chemical formula is C3H8). Pure propane is odorless, but signal odor components may be added to the industrial gas. It is liquefied at a temperature of -42.1°C and freezes at a temperature of -188 °C. Propane is flammable and explosive, it forms explosive mixtures with air at vapor concentrations from 2.3% to 9.5% at a pressure of 0.1 MPa and temperatures from 15°C to 20°C. Propane is obtained during oil refining, separation of associated petroleum gas, condensate fractions of natural gas, as well as as a by-product in various chemical reactions.

APPLICATION:

Cylinders are not hazardous cargo until they are taken into use, but in any case they should be transported in conditions that exclude mechanical damage. Cylinders filled with propane shall be transported by rail, road and water transport in accordance with the regulations on transportation of dangerous goods, applicable to the relevant mode of transport. The cylinders shall be transported in a horizontal position with gaskets between the cylinders or in a vertical position necessarily with a guard against possible falling. The cylinders must be transported with caps screwed on.

Cylinders designed for storage and transportation of propane must not be used for storage and transportation of other gases, and it is prohibited to perform any operations that may contaminate their internal surface and degrade the physical and chemical properties of the gas. It is forbidden to make any modifications to the cylinder bodies using welding or mechanical tools, which can lead to damage to the integrity or appearance of defects that degrade the technical characteristics of the cylinders. When using propane cylinders it is not allowed to install them in the places of people passage, movement of goods and passage of vehicles. All industrial premises where propane is used must be provided with ventilation that meets the requirements of GOST 12.4.021. The content of chemical substances in the air of the working area should not exceed the sanitary and hygienic standards according to GOST 12.1.005. When working in environments slightly exceeding the maximum permissible concentration of propane, it is necessary to use industrial filtering gas masks with a filter box of grade A or boxes with protection against harmful substances marked AVER with the appropriate protection classes, at high concentrations - hose isolating gas masks with forced air supply or isolating air breathing apparatuses. When filling cylinders with propane, the mass of gas in the filled cylinder should not exceed 0.425 kg per 1 dm3 of the cylinder capacity. The gas in the cylinders must not be completely consumed when in use. The residual gas pressure in the cylinder must be at least 0.05 MPa (0.5 kgf/cm2). The use of cylinders with propane in the horizontal position is not allowed.

Cylinders filled with propane are stored in special warehouses or in outdoor areas under a shelter that protects the cylinders from precipitation and direct sunlight. Warehouses and outdoor areas must be located within the lightning protection zone. In the premises where propane-filled cylinders are stored, it is prohibited to handle open flame; electrical networks and artificial lighting must be of explosion-proof design. Do not use tools that produce sparks on impact. Cylinders designed for transportation and storage of propane must be protected against static electricity in accordance with GOST 12.1.018. It is forbidden to store propane and oxygen cylinders in the same room, it is forbidden to store cylinders in the room where the technological process of using propane contained in them is carried out. Storage of cylinders should be carried out with the caps screwed on.