LPG bottles - laying on side

Submitted: Wednesday, Oct 08, 2003 at 22:01
ThreadID: 7691 Views:9655 Replies:6 FollowUps:7
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I haven't visited for quite a while and just read an old post on laying LPG bottles on their side.

This is a major no-no. It has nothing at all to do with the rubber seals etc. The PRV (pressure relief valve) is at the top of the cylinder. In the event that there is a major pressure build up (usually from over filling or extreme heat) the PRV will release and gas vapour will come out until the pressure has dropped back down to an acceptable level. If the bottle is laying on it's side the PRV is in the liquid section, not the vapour. If there is a major pressure build up the vapour cannot escape through the PRV. The PRV will not activate and the only way out for the vapour is through the side of the cylinder, that is, it will explode. This is known as a BLEVE.

Legally the amount of LPG that can be stored in the passenger compartment of a vehicle is 25.4 litres. There are approximately 2 litres to every kg of LPG. This is set out by the Australian Dangerous Goods Code. There used to be a ruling in AS1596- Storage and Handling of LPG which stated (from memory) 2kg. This was taken out in 1996 (from memory). To me, personally 25.4 litres seems crazy. I wouldn't carry any inside a vehicle if I could help it. You can buy plastic plugs to screw into the cylinder valves from camping shops.

Hope this helps.
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