A variety of liquid mixes of the volatile hydrocarbons propane and butane make up liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Its use as a portable fuel source dates back to 1860, and since then, production and consumption for domestic and industrial purposes have increased. Ethane, ethylene, and a strong odorant called mercaptan may also be present in a typical commercial blend as safety precautions. Maintaining a clean cooking energy is essential for protecting everyone and everything inside, especially during the chilly winter months. Although LPG is among the most effective fuels for furnaces and boilers, LPG distributors and consumers shouldn't just set it and forget it. When ignored, LPG can be quite harmful. Leaks can lead to poor air quality, fires and even explosions. It’s important to understand how your gas heating system works to prevent these issues from ever occurring.
A variety of liquid mixes of the volatile hydrocarbons propane and butane make up liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Its use as a portable fuel source dates back to 1860, and since then, production and consumption for domestic and industrial purposes have increased. Ethane, ethylene, and a strong odorant called mercaptan may also be present in a typical commercial blend as safety precautions. Maintaining a clean cooking energy is essential for protecting everyone and everything inside, especially during the chilly winter months. Although LPG is among the most effective fuels for furnaces and boilers, LPG distributors and consumers shouldn't just set it and forget it. When ignored, LPG can be quite harmful. Leaks can lead to poor air quality, fires and even explosions. It’s important to understand how your gas heating system works to prevent these issues from ever occurring.
What is gas piping System?
Gas piping also known as pipework is a piping system in your LPG commercial premises and house used to carry gas from the LPG tank directly to cylinders of various sizes, 50kg, 25kg, 12kg, 6kg, 3kg, or your cooking and heating system at home. The system consists of branch lines that connect to specific appliances spread across your home. Drop lines, which are vertical pipes that descend to the LPG cylinders or cooking and heating appliance, are connected to branch lines. How Do Gas Piping Systems operate?
Pressure is required to supply LPG through gas piping systems. From higher to lower pressure, gas flows. Following extraction, the natural gas flows via a highway-like network of pipes before entering distribution systems that provide the gas to your home. The ideal location for LPG piping is above ground, away from extreme heat or cold, and along a path that reduces the likelihood of physical damage, such as from automobiles. Protective barriers, bollards, etc. should be installed where damage can be predicted. If running the piping above ground is not an option, it may be buried underground. It is essential to recognise the way in such situations and to mark it so that others can see it. Protection, such as load-bearing slabs or covers, should be provided when vehicles or other heavy loads pass over the pipe. Standard polyethylene (PE) underground pipe is used by the Kiakiagas to construct a LPG piping system. Kiakiagas is an online gas company that uses the latest technology to facilitate the distribution and consumption of LPG across Nigeria and other Africa countries in a reliable manner. The company determines to continue unleashing its technological based facilities to create a clean environment by ensuring an efficient distribution of LPG through piping system. Our company is linked with international gas equipment manufacturers which include Casper, Southland, HOME-FLEX, LDR and STZ.
For above-ground pipes, one of two materials is used: copper or galvanised steel. Between the tank and the building, we ideally install underground pipework service in a trench. The trench needs to provide a minimum of 600mm of cover. You can see a typical trench diagram below. Our specialists will also provide you with a full specification of the trench requirements. And we offer advice on routing too. The shortest distance between the LPG tank and the building's entrance, in our opinion, is always the best option for cooking and heating. When the pipework reaches the outer walls, it comes to an end with an emergency control valve. We do not put in pipe within any buildings or above ground. Additionally, we never run plumbing beneath a building's footings.
Before entering your home, the gas is lowered in pressure via a pressure regulator. When you turn on your gas furnace or stove, the gas pressure rises slightly beyond the air pressure; as a result, the gas flows out of the burner and into the cooking and heating unit to ignite it. By observing the sort of regulators that are fastened to the piping, you can determine whether your pipework is under low or medium pressure. If there is only one regulator on the tank and one close to where it enters the building, the pipework is probably operating at a medium pressure. A second stage regulator at the tank is a sign that the pipework is experiencing low pressure. Consult Kiakiagas if you are unsure about the pressure in your plumbing.
Types of Gas Piping
Steel, black iron, PVC, HDPE, copper, and polyvinyl chloride are the most often used materials to create gas piping. Before installing any of these items, make sure to check with your local utility to find out what is permitted in your region as certain utilities prohibit some of these products. If you employ a pro to handle the work, they will be aware of the regional specifications.
Flexible Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing
Corrugated stainless steel tubing is adaptable and simple to install, and it works well in confined spaces and in places where there is a significant risk of natural disasters. Flexible corrugated stainless steel tubing can crack with time, despite the fact that its flexibility can reduce damage. Only use this material for gas piping within buildings.
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel gas pipes are strong and energy-efficient. Galvanized steel pipes are perfect for water supply lines and are frequently used for interior and external gas lines. Due to its labor-intensive nature in comparison to other materials, this material is typically seen in older homes and is not employed in modern building.
Black Iron
The most typical material for gas pipes, both inside and outside, is black iron. Strong and heat-resistant, the material may fit together to create an airtight seal. Black iron, however, is susceptible to corrosion and sealant degradation with time. If you need routine maintenance done on your black iron gas pipes, think about contacting a professional.
PVC
PVC gas pipes are sturdy and resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for underground outside gas lines. Although PVC pipes are a cheap choice, some places won't let you use them since they can break while being installed.
HDPE
HDPE pipes are excellent for subterranean external lines, just as PVC pipes. Although these flexible, low-cost plastic pipes are susceptible to damage from subsurface objects like pebbles and tree roots.
Copper
Given that certain localities forbid them, copper gas pipes have just a few applications. Copper pipes must adhere to severe code requirements because their projected lifespan is only 20 years.
Gas Piping Problems
Fires, explosions, and poor air quality can all result from gas piping issues. Consider hiring a professional to evaluate your heating system and perform any necessary repairs before turning it on for the season. Common indications of a gas pipe issue include:’
The majority of authorities forbid using gas piping as a method of electrical service grounding. But in many countries, bonding the gas piping to the electrical grounding system is necessary. This is often accomplished by joining the gas piping to the supply water piping near the water heater (provided it is grounded). We want to maintain the gas pipe at zero electrical potential by attaching it to the grounding system in order to prevent an electrical potential buildup that could result in arcing and ignite gas.
Inspection and maintenance
Whether it is above or below ground, service pipework must be constantly inspected and maintained. The pipework's owner is in charge of making sure it is routinely inspected and maintained. Despite the fact that it may have originally been placed by a supplier, this is most likely the site's owner and not the LPG provider. Considering the time since the pipework's last inspection and any actions taken since, it is necessary to invite the Kiakiagas to examine the pipework's condition and determine how long it can be used safely before its next examination. Excavating the pipe for inspection, especially if it is metallic, is currently the only really practical inspection option for buried pipes. When digging around pipes, caution should be taken to protect the pipe's corrosion protection. We would also evaluate the condition of any buried metallic pipework that is likely to deteriorate before excavation. Other tests are available for investigating the state of the pipework at the time of the test but these cannot give any assurances about its condition in the longer term.
Replacement
It is known that buried metallic pipework, even if it was protected when it was first installed, will corrode over time. Corrosion can result in LPG leaking from the pipe and can lead to a fire or explosion if ignited. Buried metallic pipework will therefore need to be replaced with pipe made from non-corroding material such as polyethylene. The suppliers of LPG have developed a prioritised replacement programme for buried metallic pipes. If you are contacted by your supplier about replacing buried metallic pipework then you should discuss this with them and make the necessary arrangements to have the pipework replaced.
Entry into premises
Pipework should enter a building above ground and it should be contained in a sleeve sealed to the structure. This will protect the pipe and help to stop any passage of LPG vapour into the building should the pipe develop a leak. Within the building, any pipework should ideally not travel through any unventilated void (eg underfloor space, cellar or basement). Where it passes through a cavity wall it should be sleeved to prevent gas entering the cavity should it leak.
When underground metallic pipework emerges from the ground to enter a building, it should be covered with a glass-reinforced plastic sleeve if it is made of polyethylene, the material of choice. This shields the pipe from physical harm and UV rays that may eventually cause it to become brittle. There should be an above-ground entrance from the riser into the building. This should be verified to see if it was previously covered by construction from earlier projects. If the buried pipe is made from polyethylene, then before it enters the building there should be a transition to steel or copper piping which then enters the building.
The safest course of action is to hire a professional to install or repair your gas lines. A expert will know exactly how to handle gas, which is extremely combustible and potentially fatal. If you are unsure whether a cheaper offer is a good idea or not, don't take it. Because installing an LPG gas system might be hazardous, you need ensure that your safety is in the hands of a seasoned expert. Choosing Kiakiagas as your engineer for the LPG piping system, your safety is our number one priority. It is necessary to lower tank vapour pressures to the working pressure of appliances. In order to maintain the ideal supply pressure, regulators are installed. These have safety features that turn on automatically when necessary. Although there are numerous gas fitters available, it is usually preferable to work with a reputable specialist. Most specialists will buy their own gas piping because they have preferred brands of their own, but some will let you buy the supplies on your own. Kiakiagas conforms to all recognised international standards for LPG pipe engineering. We engage in the dimensioning and supply of full LPG piping systems that ensure the highest level of safety at a competitive price. We only work with HOME-FLEX, LDR, and STZ, Southland providers of LPG piping components that are well-known on a global scale. Our experts will handle the design to provide a sufficient supply of gas that complies with all applicable regulations.
KiakiaGas Limited is a leading Gas business in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in carrying out feasibility study/Business plan on all forms of gas, including oxygen and other non-natural gas and LPG retailing, New Gas Market development, Building of Gas Plants and Gas strategy advisory. Supply by KiakiaGas provides LPG and Non LPG Gasses products and equipment for corporate and institutional clients for the project and operational needs. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the Nigerian Gas space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly mail hello@kiakiagas.com to learn more.to learn more.