Superabrasive
Owner’s manual original language – Lavina
®
V20GE
01/2020
14
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.
5.15.1 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 nomore 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 -44
o
F (-42
o
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.
5.15.2 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.
5.15.3 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.
