Propane Safety Information - Nilfisk PBU 56381410 Manuel D'utilisation

PROPANE SAFETY INFORMATION

Facts About LP Gas - Propane
As a fuel, Propane gas is unmatched for both safety and dependability. It has been used as a domestic household fuel for over half a century, and for over
thirty years as an internal combustion engine fuel. Propane is a highly fl ammable fuel that is contained under pressure as a liquid. Vaporized gas has a similar
explosive force to gasoline and mixtures as low as 2% LP Gas to air may be ignited in a closed environment. Care should be exercised to avoid escaping vapor
as it can freeze skin and cause frost bite. Vaporized fuel is heavier than air and will collect in the lowest confi ned space available.
Facts About Propane Tanks
Propane tanks are constructed according to ASME or Federal DOT #4ET20 pressure safety codes. Including the tank, all valves and fi ttings are UL Listed.
Propane gas is noncorrosive and will not rust the inside of a tank. Should the tank exterior become damaged or rusted, discontinue use. DO NOT tamper with
tank gauges or safety relief valves. NEVER use a tank not intended for use with a propane buffer. DO NOT substitute tanks that are used with a barbecue grill,
etc. We recommend having propane tanks tested once a year by an authorized National LP Gas Association sanctioned propane dealer.
The fuel tank is supplied directly from the manufacturer and is void of fuel. This tank must be purged at the time of the fi rst fi ll. Local fuel vendors should be
familiar with this operation and will provide this service.
Recommended Purge Procedures
How to purge new LP-Gas Buffer cylinders equipped with the Overfi ll Prevention Device:
New containers may contain vapor, air, or other contaminants. It is essential that these be removed before fi lling the container and placing it into service. Air
in the container will cause abnormally high pressure, with the result that the pressure relief valve may open. Air in the system is also likely to cause lean
mixture, making ignition diffi cult. If a cylinder is suspected of being depressurized or open to the atmosphere for a period of time, it must be re-purged as if it
were a new container.
To purge a container, the following steps should be taken.
Purging of containers should be performed in an approved area (see NFPA #5 8) using NPGA #13 3.89(a) procedure.
1. Determine if the container pressure is zero. Should the cylinder contain only pressurized air, the air may be vented directly to the
atmosphere through the service valve using an adapter and the outage valve.
2. Pressurize the container to approximately 15 psig with LP-gas vapor. Never purge with liquid LP-gas!
to chill and remain in the cylinder. LP gas liquid also expands 270 times to vapor making the purge process ineffective. Use LP-gas vapor only!
3. Make the connection to the quick coupler (A purge manifold system is most effective). Fully open the cylinder service valve as well as the
outage valve. Vent to a safe atmosphere. A vent stack is recommended.
4. On Overfi ll Prevention Device cylinders, the purge time is increased as a result of the new valve design. Opening the outage valve will help
improve the speed of the purge.
5. Repeat #3 and #4 for a total of FIVE purges.
6. Repressurize the container with odorized LP-gas vapor to 15 psig.
7. The container is now ready to be fi lled with LP-gas.
8. Once fi lled, check all fi ttings and tank openings for leaks using an approved leak detector solution.
9. The container is now ready to be placed in service. Add DOT and OSHA labels.
Symptoms of a non-purge cylinder:

Relief valve opens due to over pressurized cylinder creating hazardous situation.

Moisture in the cylinder.

Buffer operates initially but shuts down when fuel mixture becomes too lean.
Refi lling & Storing Propane Tanks
The NFPA Technical Committee prohibits the storage of such containers in buildings. There are few exceptions to this rule. In other words, propane tanks should
NOT be stored in buildings used by the public or frequented by anyone passing through or who is working in the building. Full or empty, never leave tanks in small
enclosed areas. The tank(s) must be in a secure, tamper-proof storage enclosure that provides safety from accident or vandalism. PROPANE TANKS SHOULD
ALWAYS BE TRANSPORTED, INSTALLED AND USED IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION.
OVERFILLING PROPANE TANKS IS HAZARDOUS.
The tank should NEVER be completely fi lled with liquid propane. 80% of the total tank volume is to be considered at ALL times as full. EXPANSION MUST BE
ALLOWED FOR. Propane Buffer tanks are equipped with a fi xed liquid level gauge which contacts the liquid level at 80% of container capacity, allowing 20%
for expansion. The top part of this device must be unscrewed counterclockwise so that vapor can escape through the small hole it its side, as the tank is refi lled.
When the escaping vapor starts to give way to liquid, the device must be quickly closed and the propane nozzle turned off.
**IMPORTANT** The engine and the fuel system on your fl oor care machine are designed to run on fuel vapor, not fuel liquid. Overfi lling the propane
tank will result in damaging the lockoff and/or regulator. This will VOID the WARRANTY on these components.
To do so will cause the moisture vapor
FORM NO. 56091024 - PBU Propane Stripper - A-11
ENGLISH / A-11