power sources handling l What is LPG?
LPG has been formed over millions of years beneath the ground. Gas rigs produce the gases as a mixture, which is then separated into methane (mains gas), liquefied petroleum gases (Propane and Butane) and other gases. LPG is also produced from crude oil at refineries.
LPG exists as a gas at normal atmospheric pressure, only existing in a liquid form at very low temperatures or under pressure. When the pressure is released (eg when the gas supply valve is turned on), the liquid will boil and form a vapour. It is this vapour (gas),
cylinders. Quite simply your LPG supplier by delivering in bulk won’t have to go to the costs of filling cylinders, delivering them to a bottle supplier who then delivers the cylinders to his customers (the bottle supplier will take his margin). All this adds to the total cost of the LPG. With bulk LPG, the gas is delivered directly from one of AvantiGas’ depots to you. AvantiGas’ bulk customers have the peace of mind of not having to worry about running out of gas. At AvantiGas, we have various ways of delivering to our customers ranging from telemetry (AvantiGas know exactly how much gas is in our customers bulk storage vessels) to top- up order forecasting, or you can simply order your gas by phone or online. With cylinders, you have to keep a constant check on how many cylinders need replacing, then ordering them from your bottle supplier.
Having your LPG stored in bulk saves issues of having to offload and load cylinders on to your fork lift trucks. You simply pump the LPG into the specifically designed LPG cylinder which stays connected to your fork lift truck, so no need to manage cylinders day-in, day-out.
ShD: What about bulk LPG vs. electric trucks? JP: LPG trucks operate with no loss of power throughout the shift. They also have the power to operate where the floor levels have steep gradients. It is far quicker to refuel a fork lift truck using LPG than electric is to charge. Batteries for electric fork lift trucks can also be difficult to dispose of, and can be an expensive capital purchase.
ShD: And bulk LPG vs. diesel? JP: LPG fork lift trucks can be used inside and outdoors, moving easily and efficiently between two environments, eliminating the need for running two separate fleets on
which is used to fuel appliances. Heat is needed to convert the liquid to gas, known as the latent heat of vapourisation. As the liquid boils, it takes heat energy from itself and its surroundings. This is why the containers feel cold to the touch and if there is heavy gas off take, frost may appear on the outside. Pressure increases with temperature, so if the temperature around the tank increases, so will the pressure inside the tank as the liquid expands. Tanks are normally fitted with a pressure release valve to release any extreme pressure build up safely.
different fuels.
LPG rivals diesel, as due to the high calorific value there is no compromise on lifting heavy loads on steep gradients at full capacity; and as it’s a cleaner burning fuel produces less carbon build up resulting in less maintenance. LPG emits fewer pollutants so it’s ideal for industries governed by strict hygiene laws such as food and pharmaceuticals. Together with less vibrations and reduced noise pollution, this creates a better working environment for forklift operators.
ShD: What are the health & safety challenges, and how do you overcome them? JP: AvantiGas’ HSE commitment and policy states that we play a leading role in promoting best practice in our industry. Also stated is that we share openly information on our HSE performance.
LPG and AvantiGas have an excellent track record on health and safety. When siting bulk storage vessel(s) on a customer’s premises, we will ensure that all Codes of Practice guidelines are fully adhered to. We also have in place procedures to ensure that all AvantiGas bulk storage vessels are to Codes of Practice. For example, our delivery drivers check the vessels every time a delivery is made and will report any concerns immediately.
Health & Safety
To help you ensure a safe environment while using LPG from AvantiGas, here are a few brief safety tips.
LPG from AvantiGas is flammable like all petroleum fuels. It must be stored away from sources of ignition and in a well-ventilated area.
LPG from AvantiGas can be detected by a typically unpleasant odour of gas. LPG vapour is heavier than air. Any leakage will sink to the ground and accumulate in low lying areas.
There are special tanks which are specifically designed for use underground. LPG from AvantiGas expands rapidly when the temperature rises. So whenever a container is filled, sufficient space is left for expansion. LPG from AvantiGas will cause natural rubber and some plastics to deteriorate. Only use hoses and other equipment specifically designed for LPG.
Although LPG from AvantiGas is non-toxic, it is an asphixiant and its abuse is highly dangerous. Treat LPG with respect.
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ShD: What is your ambition for the fork lift truck sector in the UK? JP: AvantiGas’ ambition is to be the number one choice in the fork lift truck market. We work with our customers to offer the best possible service, whether it is innovations in gas deliveries such as telemetry (allowing AvantiGas to know how much gas is in a customer’s storage), health and safety (always our number one priority at AvantiGas) and customer service.
ShD: Are you looking to put in place the facilities to supply other aspects of a business’s energy needs, for example generators and heating systems? JP: Definitely. AvantiGas has a diverse range of uses, from auto gas for cars, aerosols, melting glass (an energy intensive process that require precise temperature control and fuel purity), to catering and heating.
ShD: What will you be showcasing at IMHX 2013? JP: We are exhibiting at IMHX 2013, and after an excellent and successful event in 2010, we’re really passionate in showcasing our new brand and offers to the materials handling industry, plus the opportunity to interact and partner with associates in the industry. ●
www.avantigas.com
ShD: With the environmental impact of fuels becoming an increasing pressure on businesses, how could LPG benefit? JP: Being cleaner-burning, LPG as a fuel emits fewer harmful greenhouse gases and pollutants such as un-burnt fuel compared to diesel. As it’s dispensed from a sealed unit, there are no evaporative pollutants nor spillage risks and contamination. In increasingly environmentally focused industries, this could help contribute to reducing a company’s carbon footprint without compromising on performance.
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