Superabrasive
User Manual Original Language
Lavina® 30GEB
1/2021
11
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 ‐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.
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