Liquefied petroleum gases or liquid petroleum gases (LPG) are hydrocarbons or mixtures of these gases, which are mainly obtained during the distillation and decomposition of crude oil, mainly ethane, ethylene, butane, propane, butylene. LPG is also obtained from underground natural gas deposits. By taking advantage of its physical properties, it is now stored under pressure in tanks or tubes and can be easily transported. LPG has a wide usage area from homes to industry, from lighting to heating and even to vehicles. It has become an indispensable source of energy for today.
LPG is colorless and odorless. However, in order to be noticed in case of any leakage or leakage, especially in the refineries, odor is mixed into it. In the mixture of LPG gas used in our country, 30 percent propane and 70 percent butane are present. LPG has 92 combustion efficiency in percent.
Contrary to what is heard in the news, LPG is not a hazardous fuel when it is used in accordance with the conditions of use. LPG-related accidents or losses are usually caused by unauthorized and untrained installations, use of poor quality materials, end-of-life tanks and spare parts, and inadequate supervision of services. In recent years, there has been a significant decrease in accidents due to the increase in quality autogas conversion services, the increase of trained personnel working in these areas, the production and importation of quality products.
Liquefied petroleum gas tanks now meet the safety criteria defined as ECR 6701. When the pressure of the tank rises, this system discharges the gas by bypass or completely cuts off the gas when a tear or break occurs in the flow pipe and the flow rate increases. In addition, the tanks are manufactured to be resistant to impacts.
The date that LPG was started to be used in motor vehicles in the world is the years of 1940. Today, LPG is used in more than thirty countries by more than one million 4 vehicle owners. The use of LPG in motor vehicles in our country is permitted in 1995. LPG is used as an alternative fuel to gasoline. The first LPG powered motor vehicle was built in Russia in 1975. European Union countries are willing to increase their LPG usage rate to 2020 by 10. In our case, this rate is around 12 percent today.
For the safe use of liquefied petroleum gas tanks, establishment and operation activities must be carried out in accordance with the rules and regular checks and inspections should be carried out on time.
Control and Inspection Principles of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Tanks
In the Regulation on Health and Safety in the Use of Work Equipment issued to the year 2013, liquefied petroleum gas tanks are discussed in the article entitled Pressure Vessels and Installations. The standards to be considered in this framework are:
- For LPG and similar liquefied gas tanks (aboveground)
- TS EN 1442 + A1 Tubes for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
- TS 1445 Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG) - Transport Rules
- TS 1446 Liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) - Storage rules
- TS EN 12817 LPG equipment and accessories - Inspection and reassessment of competence
- TS EN 12819 LPG equipment and accessories - Re-evaluation of examination and competence
- For LPG and similar liquefied gas tanks (underground)
- TS EN 12817
- TS EN 12819
- For LPG cylinders in use:
- TS EN 1440 LPG equipment and accessories - Periodic inspection of portable refillable LPG cylinders
As many test and inspection organizations TÜRCERT Technical Control and Certification Inc. provides periodical control and inspection services for liquefied petroleum gas tanks. Our organization has a competent manager and employee staff and a strong infrastructure in this field.