Version: April 2018
6
manual number: 0009 0420EN
For the AP-1 and AP-3 it is sufficient to have one gas cylinder (11 kg or larger) per heater. For the AP-
2 a minimum of 1,5 gas cylinders (of 11 kg) per heater is needed for a guaranteed gas supply. For a 45-
kg gas cylinder a maximum of two AP-2 heaters is recommended. Having more heaters on the gas
cylinders as recommended above will give gas capacity problems, especially when it becomes colder.
Gas hose
In most installations, the heaters are not connected directly to the gas system but a gas hose is used.
Keep the hoses always as short as possible, especially for natural gas and low-pressure LPG. For high
pressure LPG, the maximum length (concerning capacity issues) is 5 meter.
The gas hoses must be inspected frequently and must be changed within the prescribed intervals. Check
the hose at least every 6 weeks. Avoid twisting or stress of the gas hose. Twisting or stress will shorten
the live time of the gas hose. During inspection, check the hose for damage, splitting, ageing and
cracking. Pay special attention to the connections. If a defect is seen directly change the gas hose by a
new one of the same type. Keep the hoses clean from dirt, moisture and dust.
Some countries have regulations that gas hoses must be replaced every 2 or 3 years. Please check
with your gas supplier. Always use official approved gas hoses, suitable for the pressure concerning.
Replace a gas hose always by a type of the same length, internal diameter and equivalent quality. For
safety reasons: never use air hoses or water hoses, these are very dangerous for gas transportation
and will leak soon!
The gas hose shall always be connected to the heater with the help of hose clips. Not using hose clips
at both ends of the gas hose is very dangerous. Make sure that the gas hose never is heated above 40
degrees Celsius.
Changing gas cylinders
In case gas cylinders are used, changing or connecting gas cylinders must be done preferably outside,
or in a well-ventilated area, in a flame-free environment and away from other people.
•
Check if there are no other operating heaters, other gas heaters, burning candles or people smoking
cigarettes in the area.
•
Be sure that the valve on the gas cylinder is closed and the burner of the heater is extinguished.
•
Unscrew the nut by which the gas regulator is connected to the gas cylinder valve. (Note that most
connections are with left-handed threads. They open in clockwise direction).
•
Before connecting the (new) gas cylinder, first check if the rubber seals on the cylinder valve or on
the regulator connecting nut are fitted properly and able to fulfil its function and are not damaged or
worn. If the last case is true, do not use it and replace the seals first.
•
After connecting the regulator firmly, open the cylinder valve and check with soapy water if the
connection is leak tight. If bubbles appear, the connection leaks. Do not use the heater unless the
system is sound.
Biogas
While biogas can be corrosive under certain conditions it is important that the biogas is clean before
entrance to the appliances. The gas shall be dry and free from dust, oily and greasy particles to avoid
internal blockage of the appliances. Also, halogens, chlorides, H2S and NH3 shall be removed to avoid
corrosion. The tolerance for proper combustion on biogas with a composition of CH4=60% is +/- 4%
CH4.
Soundness check
Before using a new built gas system, first make sure that the
installer made a careful and extensive check for gas leakage. After
executing a pressure drop test to determine that there are not large
leaks, check every connection with soapy water or gas detection
liquid with all gas valves open and with maximum gas pressure.
Pay special attention to the hose connections. Maintain maximum
air ventilation during the test. Repeat this check at least every year.
This soundness check shall be done by a competent installer only.
Gas leakage
When a gas leak is detected, immediately close the gas supply and disconnect electricity. Keep flames
away. Do not use the heater anymore. Contact an authorised gas technician, gas installer or gas service
agent to determine if the gas leakage can be repaired. Never try to do gas repairs by yourself. Do not
use the heater anymore until the problem is solved.