How to Prevent BBQ Gas Fires
There has been a bit of news recently regarding BBQ gas fires.
So, it’s worth taking the time to review BBQ safety.
The media is fond of reporting “exploding gas cylinders”.
The reality is thatLPG gascylinders rarely explode.
In fact, it would be quite difficult to make one explode.
Preventing Gas Fires & Explosions
In summary:
• Always check for leaks, using the soapy water test, if you smell gas and every time you connect a new bottle
• Inspect the hose for cracks and other degradation on a regular basis
• Replace the hose and regulator assembly every 5 years
• Keep gas bottle upright at all times to help ensure the proper operation of the Pressure Relief Valve
• Check the gas bottle valve assembly for leaks before transporting a gas bottle in a vehicle
Pressure Relief Valve Protects You
Why is this?
Well, gas cylinder valves are equipped with pressure relief valves.
If the cylinder is exposed to excessive heat, the pressure relief valve allows the gas to vent and keep the pressure within safe limits.
The worst thing that can happen is the venting gas ignites and you have a plume of flame.
This will self-extinguish when the cylinder runs out of gas.
This is why you always want to use your BBQ outdoors and away from your home or other flammable materials.
Hoses & Regulators – The Usual Suspects
So what is all the media hype about?
Typically it’s about gas fires, not explosions, which result from poorly maintained BBQs.
The real culprit is typically the hose or regulator.
Hoses and regulators deteriorate with age and can start leaking.
It’s the gas coming from these leaks that ignites and causes the vast majority of BBQ fires.
Some experts recommend replacement of the hose and regulator assembly as often as every 5 years.
It should cost no more than $50 at your local BBQ store.
Check Your BBQ
How can yoube sure your equipment is in good shape?
You should visually inspect the hose for cracking, splitting or other damage.
You should inspect the regulator for damage, paying special attention to the part that screws into the gas cylinder.
It should be clean, undamaged and if it has rubber O-rings, they also need to be undamaged.
BBQ Gas Leak Test
It is important to regularly leak test your BBQ gas bottle, regulator and hose.
Leaks from these items are frequently the cause of BBQ gas fires.
Common Problem Areas
Main Connection:
The standard BBQ regulator in Australia is a POL regulator.
The male connector of the regulator, which screws into thePOL gas valveon your gas bottle, may have a rubber O-ring seal or it may rely on a metal to metal contact seal.
You should always inspect the regulator for damage, paying special attention to the connector, which screws into the gas bottle.
If it has a rubber O-ring, it also needs to be undamaged.
The connector and the female valve opening should both be clean and undamaged.
Pieces of dirt, nicks and scratches can prevent the two components from sealing, resulting in a leak.
Gas Hose
The gas hose is attached to the regulator on one end and the BBQ on the other end.
It can become damaged or deteriorate with age.
Dogs and other animals can also cause damage by chewing on the dangling hose.
Visually inspect the hose for cracking, splitting or other damage.
You should replace the hose if it shows any signs of damage or degradation.
It is good practice to replace the entire regulator and hose assembly, if it is old enough for the hose to have deteriorated, as regulators also wear with age.
Valve Stem
In Australia, BBQ gas bottles must be tested every ten years.
The gas valve is changed upon inspection and the valves are expected to last for the full ten years.
However, occasionally the valve will fail prematurely and start leaking from around the valve stem. This is rare but it can happen.
Please seeGas Bottle-Cylinder Testing Factsfor more information on the ten year testing process.
Bleed Screw
The bleed screw is a small slotted screw on the side of the valve that lets gas vapour bleed off during the decanting refill process.
The refill technician opens it during the filling process and closes it, when done.
The screw can develop a slow leak if it becomes loose.
How To Do The Test
什么时候测试
The BBQ gas bottle, regulator & hose assembly should be checked for leaks, using the soapy water leak test, every time youreconnect your regulatorto the BBQ gas bottle.
You should also test after any long period of non-use, such as at the beginning of BBQ season.
Soapy Water Solution
You will need a soapy water solution to check for any leaks.
Mixing liquid hand soap with water should work fine.
Place the solution in a liquid spray bottle.
It’s a good idea to leave the spray bottle with the BBQ, so it’s always a handy reminder to perform the leak test.
No Ammonia
Your BBQ valve and fittings are made from brass.
You must never use any soapy water solution that contains ammonia, when you do your testing.
Ammonia can cause brass to become brittle and crack.
Be aware that ammonia is found in many pre-prepared glass and surface cleaners, so make sure you read the label before use.
Doing the Soapy Water Test
Put some soapy water in a spray bottle or a dish.
Turn on the gas bottle without turning on the BBQ.
This pressurises the system.
Next, spray the entire valve, regulator and hose assembly with the soapy water.
Alternatively, you can apply the soapy water with a paint brush, basting brush or it can even be sponged on.
Bubbles will form if there is a gas leak and you may also smell the gas.
You need to test the entire assembly from the gas bottle valve all the way to where the gas hose attaches to the BBQ.
When done, rinse with clean water to remove the soap solution.
Remember to always test the lot every time you re-connect your gas bottle.
If you find a leak, turn off the gas bottle immediately!
Do not turn back on or attempt to use the BBQ until the problem is rectified.
Extra Safety Tip
The best practicegas safety adviceis that gas bottles should only be in a vehicle for the minimum required transport time.
When you do transport a gas bottle, you should consider one added precaution.
After making sure that the valve is firmly closed, you should spray the entire valve assembly to check for any possible leaks, prior to transport.
DO NOTleave BBQ bottles in enclose vehicle unnecessarily.
此外,你应该总是把气cylinder off, when not in use.
In fact, you shouldturn the BBQ off at the cylinder first, when you are done cooking.
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The information in this article is derived from various sources and is believed to be correct at the time of publication. However, the information may not be error free and may not be applicable in all circumstances.