Superabrasive User Manual Original Language Lavina®13G-X
1/2018
10
PROPANE CYLINDERS
The Propane cylinders are constructed of either aluminum
or steel. We recommend aluminum because it is lighter
and guards against rusting. The cylinder used on propane
powered floor machines is classified as a 4E240 cylinder.
Its rated capacity is 20 lbs. and this designation refers to
the model of the cylinder. Actual propane capacity
achieved during filling can be less than, equal to, or
slightly more than 20 lbs. Use only UL, CTC/DOT listed
cylinders.
The propane cylinder used on the floor machine is a motor
fuel cylinder as listed by the Department of
Transportation. Unlike the common 20-lb propane
outdoor grill cylinders (which are not legal for use on
propane floor machines), the motor fuel cylinder has a
number of safety systems designed into it to ensure your
safety at all times.
There are two types of 20 lb. motor fuel cylinders.
Liquid draw
Vapor draw
The liquid draw cylinder is used on larger vehicles like
forklifts. These machines have special vaporizing
carburetors to allow the propane to change from a liquid
to a gas before being burned in the combustion chamber.
The vapor draw cylinder is used on small machines like the
propane powered floor care machines. The vacuum
generated by the engine draws up the Propane gas vapor
through the fuel system. The propane powered floor care
machine does not have an evaporating system and will
freeze up if liquid propane is introduced to it. It is
necessary that special attention be paid to ensure that
neither the liquid nor the vapor draw cylinders be
overfilled.
REFUELLING CYLINDERS
The proper filling of propane cylinders is a subject so
important that it warrants special attention. Propane
cylinders should only be filled by qualified propane
dealers.
Most important, propane cylinders should be filled no
more than 80% of their rated capacity. The other 20%,
which is about 4” (10 cm) from the top of the cylinder, is
called the vapor space or headspace. This vapor can be
compressed without causing the pressure relief valve to
open and vent gas to the area around the cylinder. If there
is no headspace to allow for fuel expansion, the pressure
relief valve will open, releasing propane gas into the
atmosphere. This is a very dangerous and volatile situation
as there is always the possibility that enough of the
vented gas could find its way down to the floor and come
in contact with a pilot light from a furnace, hot water
heater, or other source of ignition. Propane changes into a
gas,
is -44º F (-42º C).
Exposing unprotected skin to
propane gas or liquid could result in frostbite injury.
All new cylinders should be vented and purged of air per
manufacturer’s instructions before use. Never bleed
propane cylinders indoors.
STORAGE CYLINDERS
When not in use, propane cylinders always should be
stored outside in an upright position in a secure,
tamperproof, steel mesh storage cabinet. This cabinet may
be located next to the building but with at least five feet
(1.5 m) of space between the cabinet and the nearest
building opening (door or window), also away from heat
and direct sunlight.
Do not install the cabinet near a stairway or street elevator
as vented propane gas will seek a lower level since it is
heavier than air and could find its way into the basement
of the building. Do not store cylinders full or empty inside a
building or inside a vehicle. Although it is unlikely that
propane will vent from a stored cylinder, if it should, the
vapor could come in contact with an ignition source such
as a spark from a power tool or other appliance and create
a flash fire.
Do not smoke or use a device with an open flame when
handling or transporting propane cylinders.
TRANSPORTING CYLINDERS
When transporting cylinders to a propane dealer or to a
job, make sure the cylinders are securely fastened and
standing in an upright position with the service valve
closed.
A cylinder rattling around in the back of a vehicle and
banging into other objects constitutes a hazard. Avoid
dropping or banging cylinders against sharp objects.
The propane cylinders are sturdily constructed but a series
of hard jolts could cause damage.
Please note that any cylinder that has been filled is always
considered full, no matter how little propane gas remains
in it. This is because even when all liquid has evaporated
into vapor there is still some propane gas vapor left in the
cylinder. Because this remaining fuel is flammable, an
empty cylinder should be treated with the same careful
procedures as one that is filled to the 80% level with liquid
propane. The only time that a cylinder is considered empty
is when it is new, before it has been filled with propane.
When transporting a propane powered floor machine, the
propane cylinder may be strapped onto the machine as
long as the machine itself is firmly secured in the vehicle.
Of course, spare cylinders should always be secured in an
upright position
