Wednesday 1 August 2018

Effective Safety Monitoring in LPG Storage and Filling Plants




LPG is a combination of propane, butane, and various other organic gases which are utilized as an effective kind of energy. Companies dealing with LPG need highly experienced LPG tank manufacturers and technical experts for LPG tank installation, LPG filling stations installation and to ensure effective safety monitoring on site of LPG bottling plants.
Whenever stored under pressure, LPG turns into a dense liquid letting large volumes of gas to be stored in a compact area. In case the pressure is released, the liquid evaporates. LPG should be compressed above its vapour pressure at a specific ambient temperature to preserve it in liquid form.
For transfer and storage, the liquid state of LPG should be maintained. LPG could be shipped to distribution facilities through pipeline, train, or trucks. However, supply by road tankers continues to be the most popular transport options in several nations.
Some of the key challenges faced in an LPG storage and filling plant are as follows:
  • LPG is non-toxic in nature but high amounts of LPG vapour can dilute or reduce the oxygen in the air. This factor can have an anaesthetic effect so workers operating in such an environment have to be wearing the appropriate gear to avoid health issues due to inhaling the air.
  • The flammability of LPG is very high if it comes in contact with air. The flammability range depends on the volume of gas to air.
  • Due to limitations, there are places where LPG filling takes place manually for small LPG cylinders. Safety can be ensured by using meters and other engineering components provided by trusted LPG tank manufacturers and LPG vaporizer manufacturers.
Depending on the scale of the project, LPG filling stations require a number of technical experts and workmen. Any error can lead to denotation and unsurmountable damage. Every stage for LPG tank installation also needs particular attention when it comes to safety testing. Post installation, the LPG filling stations installation experts provide sufficient training for the operations team to ensure effective monitoring from time to time.
General Safety Monitoring Measures
UV/IR optical flame detectors and fixed gas detectors are installed for safety monitoring at LPG storage and filling plants. This safety measure helps to detect leakages in valves, flanges and other mechanical sealants used in pumps. The Infrared technology can raise an alarm on detection of high levels of gas in the surrounding area. The optical flame detector promptly alerts the personnel of flame in the filling area and prevents explosions.
Other safety monitoring actions at LPG Storage and filling plants are as follows:
  • Follow industry standard safety practices for LPG handling.
  • Take all the necessary actions needed to prevent and manage fire and explosion on the site.
  • Technology to automate and control safety monitoring devices can be extremely useful to quickly act in case of a gas leakage situation.
  • There should be proper documentation of all the tested devices used during installation.
  • Security cameras should be used by safety officers to stay vigilant and prevent intentional or accidental actions by people working on the premises.
  • Regular maintenance must be carried out as per a maintenance schedule to make sure that the components are working properly and displaying accurate readings. Timely replacement of worn out components can be done by performing regular checks of all components.
  • Health check-ups of personnel working on the site also help to protect people from health issues and manage it sooner.
  • Any mishaps on site should be reported to the authorities from time to time for ethically managing the LPG plant.
LPG Storage and Filling plants are extremely useful for fulfilling the energy requirements on residential, industrial and commercial premises. But catastrophes can be avoided if efficient safety monitoring of LPG bottling plant is strictly followed.
AEPL is a respected LPG tank manufacturer offering expertise to clients for effective safety management on site. Contact AEPL at +918097051488