NFPA 58

Liquefied

Petroleum Gas Code

1998 Edition

National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, PO Box 9101, Quincy, MA 02269-9101 An International Codes and Standards Organization

Copyright National Fire Protection Association, Inc.

One Batterymarch Park Quincy, Massachusetts 02269

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58–1 Copyright © 1998 NFPA, All Rights Reserved

NFPA 58

Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code

1998 Edition

This edition of NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, was prepared by the Technical Com-mittee on Liquefied Petroleum Gases and acted on by the National Fire Protection Associa-tion, Inc., at its Annual Meeting held November 17-19, 1997, in Kansas City, MO. It was issued by the Standards Council on January 16, 1998, with an effective date of February 6, 1998, and supersedes all previous editions.

Changes other than editorial are indicated by a vertical rule in the margin of the pages on which they appear. These lines are included as an aid to the user in identifying changes from the previous edition.

This edition of NFPA 58 was approved as an American National Standard on April 2, 1998.

Origin and Development of NFPA 58

This first NFPA standard on LP-Gas was adopted in 1932. In the next 8 years, separate stan-dards covering various LP-Gas applications were adopted. In 1940, several standards were combined and adopted as NFPA 58.

Revisions of NFPA 58 were adopted in 1943, 1946, 1948, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1979, 1982, 1985, 1988, 1992, and 1995.

58–2 LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS CODE

Technical Committee on Liquefied Petroleum Gases

E. E. Linder, Chair Watsonville, CA [SE]

Theodore C. Lemoff, Nonvoting Secretary Nat'l Fire Protection Assn., MA

Connor L. Adams, Connor Adams, Inc., FL [SE] Paul N. Bogan, Sea-3, Inc., NH [U] Ronald G. Brunner, Gas Processors Assn., OK [M]

Rep. Gas Processors Assn.

John A. Cedervall, Deerfield, IL [SE] Carlos de León, Flama Gas, S.A. de C.V., D.F., Mexico [IM]

Rep. Asociación Mexicana de Distribuidores de Gas Luis Angel Gadea, YPF Gas S.A., Argentina [IM] William G. Haesloop, Ebara Int'l Corp., NV [M] Richard A. Hoffmann, Hoffmann & Feige Inc., NY [SE] Mike M. Israni, U.S. Dept. of Transportation, DC [E] Marshall Issen, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., IL [RT] Hugh F. Keepers, Texas A&M University, TX [SE] Charles C. Lamar, Lamar Consultants Inc., IL [SE] Jane I. Lataille, Industrial Risk Insurers, CT [I] Roger L. Maxon, BernzOmatic Division of Newell, NY [M]

Rep. Compressed Gas Assn.

William B. McHenry, Pro-Gas Sales & Service Co., MI [IM]

Rep. Nat'l Propane Gas Assn.

Samuel E. McTier, McTier Supply Co., IL [M]

Rep. Nat'l Propane Gas Assn.

Frank J. Mortimer, Federated Mutual Insurance Co., MN [I] Rep. The Alliance of American Insurers

Leonard Pakruda, Alabama Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board, AL [E]

Thomas D. Petru, LP-Gas Section, Gas Services Division, TX [E] Henry W. Renfrew, Compliance and Response Mgmt., CT [E]

Rep. Fire Marshals Assn. of North America John L. Ritzmann, Washington Gas, VA [IM]

Rep. American Gas Assn.

James H. Stannard, Jr., Stannard & Co., GA [SE] H. Emerson Thomas, Continental Tank Car Corp., NJ [IM]

Rep. Nat'l Propane Gas Assn.

Kenneth R. Van Hook, Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc., TX [M]

Rep. Industrial Truck Assn.

Frank R. Volgstadt, Perfection Corp., OH [M]

Rep. Plastics Pipe Inst.

William J. Young, Plant Systems Inc., OH [M] Herbert F. Zepp, Smith & Norrington Engr Corp., NH [SE]

Alternates

John O. Bigelow, III, Bigelow Assoc., NJ [SE] (Alt. to J. H. Stannard, Jr.)

Alessandro Cairoli, Agipliquigas S.A., Brazil [IM] (Alt. to L. A. Gadea)

John A. Davenport, Industrial Risk Insurers, CT [I] (Alt. to J. I. Lataille)

James P. Lewis, Project Technical Liaison Assoc., Inc., TX [SE] (Alt. to C. L. Adams)

Gerry E. Misel, Jr., Georgia Gas Distributors Inc., GA [M] (Alt. to S. E. McTier)

Phani K. Raj, Technology & Mgmt. Systems Inc., MA [SE] (Alt. to C. C. Lamar)

Mark F. Sutton, Gas Processors Assn., OK [M] (Alt. to R. G. Brunner)

Bruce J. Swiecicki, Nat'l Propane Gas Assn., IL [IM] (Alt. to H. E. Thomas)

Ramon S. Miguel Villarreal Reza, Equipos Para Gas S.A. de C. V. - Mexico [IM]

(Alt. to C. de León) Robert A. Zeman, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., IL [RT]

(Alt. to M. Issen)

Nonvoting

Lucian (Lu) Lyall, R W Lyall & Co., Inc., CA Chappell D. Pierce, U.S. Occupational Safety & Health

Admin, DC

Donald W. Switzer, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, DC

Theodore C. Lemoff, NFPA Staff Liaison

This list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on the text of this edition. Since that time, changes in membership may have occurred. A key to classifications is found at the back of this document.

NOTE: Membership on a committee shall not in and of itself constitute an endorsement of the Association or any document developed by the committee on which the member serves.

Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on the design, construction, installation, and operation of fixed and portable liquefied petroleum gas systems in bulk plants and commercial, industrial (with specified exceptions), institutional, and similar properties; truck transportation of liquefied petro-leum gas; engine fuel systems on motor vehicles and other mobile equipment; storage of containers awaiting use or resale; installation on commercial vehicles; and liquefied petroleum gas service stations.

8 Edition

CONTENTS 58–3

Contents

Chapter 1 General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58– 5 1-1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58– 5 1-2 Acceptance of Equipment and Systems . . . . . 58– 5 1-3 LP-Gas Odorization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58– 6 1-4 Notification of Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58– 6 1-5 Qualification of Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58– 6 1-6 Definitions, Glossary of Terms, and

Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58– 6

Chapter 2 LP-Gas Equipment and Appliances . . . . . . 58–10 2-1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–10 2-2 Containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–10 2-3 Container Appurtenances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–13 2-4 Piping (Including Hose), Fittings, and

Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–18 2-5 Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–20 2-6 Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–23

Chapter 3 Installation of LP-Gas Systems. . . . . . . . . . 58–23 3-1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–23 3-2 General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–24 3-3 Bulk Plant and Industrial LP-Gas

Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–34 3-4 LP-Gas Systems in Buildings or on Building

Roofs or Exterior Balconies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–35 3-5 Installation of Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–39 3-6 Vaporizer Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–39 3-7 Ignition Source Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–40 3-8 LP-Gas Systems on Vehicles (Other than

Engine Fuel Systems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–41 3-9 Vehicle Fuel Dispenser and Dispensing

Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–45 3-10 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–46 3-11 Alternate Provisions for Installation of

ASME Containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–46

Chapter 4 LP-Gas Liquid Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–47 4-1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–47 4-2 Operational Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–47 4-3 Venting LP-Gas to the Atmosphere . . . . . . . . 58–48 4-4 Quantity of LP-Gas in Containers . . . . . . . . . . 58–49

Chapter 5 Storage of Cylinders Awaiting Use, Resale, or Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–53

5-1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–53 5-2 General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–53 5-3 Storage within Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–53 5-4 Storage Outside of Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–53 5-5 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–54

Chapter 6 Vehicular Transportation of LP-Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–54

6-1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–54 6-2 Transportation in Portable Containers . . . . . 58–54

6-3 Transportation in Cargo Vehicles . . . . . . . . . 58–55 6-4 Trailers, Semitrailers, and Movable Fuel

Storage Tenders, Including Farm Carts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–56

6-5 Transportation of Stationary Containers to and from Point of Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–57

6-6 Parking and Garaging Vehicles Used to Carry LP-Gas Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–57

Chapter 7 Buildings or Structures Housing LP-Gas Distribution Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–58

7-1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–58 7-2 Separate Structures or Buildings . . . . . . . . . . 58–58 7-3 Attached Structures or Rooms within

Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–58

Chapter 8 Engine Fuel Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–59 8-1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–59 8-2 General Purpose Vehicle Engines Fueled by

LP-Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–59 8-3 Industrial (and Forklift) Trucks Powered by

LP-Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–63 8-4 General Provisions for Vehicles Having

Engines Mounted on Them (Including Floor Maintenance Machines) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–64

8-5 Engine Installation Other than on Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–64

8-6 Garaging of Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–65

Chapter 9 Refrigerated Containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–65 9-1 Provisions for Construction, Design, and

Testing of Refrigerated Containers . . . . . . . . 58–65 9-2 Refrigerated LP-Gas Container Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–66 9-3 Refrigerated LP-Gas Container

Impoundment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–67 9-4 Inspection of Refrigerated LP-Gas Containers and Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–67 9-5 Locating Aboveground Refrigerated LP-Gas

Containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–68

Chapter 10 Marine Shipping and Receiving . . . . . . . . 58–68 10-1 Piers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–68 10-2 Pipelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–69 10-3 Prior to Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–69

Chapter 11 Pipe and Tubing Sizing Tables . . . . . . . . . 58–70

Chapter 12 Referenced Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–75

Appendix A Explanatory Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–76

Appendix B Properties of LP-Gases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–79

Appendix C Design, Construction, and Requalification of DOT (ICC) Cylinders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–81 1998 Edition

58–4 LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS CODE

Appendix D Design of ASME and API-ASME Containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–83

Appendix E Pressure Relief Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–84

Appendix F Liquid Volume Tables, Computations, and Graphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–85

Appendix G Wall Thickness of Copper Tubing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–89

Appendix H Procedure for Torch Fire and Hose Stream Testing of Thermal Insulating Systems for LP-Gas Containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–89

Appendix I Container Spacing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–91

Appendix J Referenced Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–92

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58–94

Foreword

General Properties of LP-Gas. Liquefied petroleum gases (LP-Gases), as defined in this code (see Section 1-6), are gases at normal room temperature and atmospheric pressure. They liquefy under moderate pressure, readily vaporizing upon release of the pressure. It is this property that permits transportation and storage of LP-Gases in concentrated liquid form, although they normally are used in vapor form. The potential fire hazard of LP-Gas vapor is comparable to that of natural or manufactured gas, except that LP-Gas vapors are heavier than air. The ranges of flammability are considerably narrower and lower than those of natural or manu-factured gas. For example, the lower flammable limits of the more commonly used LP-Gases are 2.15 percent for propane and 1.55 percent for butane. These figures represent volumetric percentages of gas in gas–air mixtures.

The boiling point of pure butane is 31°F (–0.6°C), and pure propane has a boiling point of –44°F (–42°C). Both products are liquids at atmospheric pressure at temperatures lower than their boiling points. Vaporization is rapid at temperatures above their boiling points;

thus, liquid propane normally does not present a flammable liquid hazard. For additional information on these and other properties of the principal LP-Gases, see Appendix B.

Federal Regulations. Regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) are ref-erenced throughout this code. Prior to April 1, 1967, these regulations were promulgated by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). The Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C. 1261) requires cautionary labeling of refillable cylinders of liquefied petroleum gases distributed for consumer use. They are typically 40 lb (18 kg) and less, and are used with out-door cooking appliances, portable lamps, camp stoves, and heaters. The Federal Hazardous Substances Act is administrated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission under reg-ulations codified at 16 CFR 1500.

GENERAL PROVISIONS 58–5

NFPA 58

Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code

1998 Edition Metric equivalents in this code are approximate and shall not be used to lessen any provision.

NOTICE: An asterisk (*) following the number or letter desig-nating a paragraph indicates that explanatory material on the paragraph can be found in Appendix A.

Information on referenced publications can be found in Chapter 12 and Appendix J.

All pressures used in this code are gauge pressure unless otherwise indicated.

Chapter 1 General Provisions

1-1 Scope.

1-1.1* Liquefied Petroleum Gas. LP-Gas stored or used in systems within the scope of this code shall not contain ammo-nia. When such a possibility exists (such as resulting from the dual use of transportation or storage equipment), the LP-Gas shall be tested.

1-1.2 Application. This code shall apply to the operation of all LP-Gas systems including the following:

(a) Containers, piping, and associated equipment, when delivering LP-Gas to a building for use as a fuel gas

(b) Highway transportation of LP-Gas

(c) The design, construction, installation, and operation of marine terminals whose primary purpose is the receipt of LP-Gas for delivery to transporters, distributors, or users

Exception No. 1 to (c): Marine terminals associated with refineries, petrochemicals, and gas plants.

Exception No. 2 to (c): Marine terminals whose purpose is the deliv-ery of LP-Gas to marine vessels.

(d) The design, construction, installation, and operation of pipeline terminals that receive LP-Gas from pipelines under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Trans-portation, whose primary purpose is the receipt of LP- Gas for delivery to transporters, distributors, or users.

Coverage shall begin downstream of the last pipeline valve or tank manifold inlet.

Exception: to (d): Those systems designated by 1-1.3.

1-1.3 Nonapplication of Code.

1-1.3.1 This code shall not apply to the following:

(a) Frozen ground containers and underground storage in caverns including associated piping and appurtenances used for the storage of LP-Gas

(b) Natural gas processing plants, refineries, and petro-chemical plants

NOTE: For further information on the storage and handling of LP-Gas at natural gas processing plants, refineries, and pet-rochemical plants, see API 2510, Design and Construction of LP- Gas Installations.

(c) LP-Gas (including refrigerated storage) at utility gas plants (NFPA 59, Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases at Utility Gas Plants, shall apply.)

(d) Chemical plants where specific approval of construction and installation plans, based on substantially similar requirements, is obtained from the authority having jurisdiction

(e) LP-Gas used with oxygen (NFPA 51, Standard for the Design and Installation of Oxygen-Fuel Gas Systems for Weld-ing, Cutting, and Allied Processes, and ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding and Cutting, shall apply.)

(f) Those portions of LP-Gas systems covered by NFPA 54 (ANSI Z223.1), National Fuel Gas Code, where NFPA 54 (ANSI Z223.1), National Fuel Gas Code, is adopted, used, or enforced

NOTE: Several types of LP-Gas systems are not covered by the National Fuel Gas Code as noted in 1.1.1(b) therein. These include, but are not restricted to, most portable applications;

many farm installations; vaporization, mixing, and gas manu-facturing; temporary systems, for example, in construction;

and systems on vehicles. For those systems within its scope, the National Fuel Gas Code is applicable to those portions of a system downstream of the outlet of the final pressure regulator, exclu-sive of line gas regulators.

(g) Transportation by air (including use in hot air balloons), rail, or water under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Depart-ment of Transportation (DOT)

(h) Marine fire protection (NFPA 302, Fire Protection Standard for Pleasure and Commercial Motor Craft, shall apply.)

(i) Refrigeration cycle equipment and LP-Gas used as a refrigerant in a closed cycle

1-1.4 Alternate Materials, Equipment, and Procedures. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the use of any material, method of construction, or installation proce-dure not specifically prescribed by this code, provided any such use is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. (See definition of Approved in Section 1-6.) The authority having juris-diction shall require that sufficient evidence be submitted to substantiate any claims made regarding the safety of such alternate use.

1-1.5 Retroactivity. The provisions of this code are consid-ered necessary to provide a reasonable level of protection from loss of life and property from fire and explosion. They reflect situations and the state of the art prevalent at the time the code was issued.

Unless otherwise noted, it is not intended that the provi-sions of this document be applied to facilities, equipment, appliances, structures, or installations that were in existence or approved for construction or installation prior to the effec-tive date of the document, except in those cases where it is determined by the authority having jurisdiction that the exist-ing situation involves a distinct hazard to life or adjacent prop-erty. Equipment and appliances include stocks in manufacturers’ storage, distribution warehouses, and dealers’ storage and showrooms in compliance with the provisions of this code in effect at the time of manufacture.

1-2 Acceptance of Equipment and Systems.

1-2.1 Systems, or components assembled to make up systems, shall be approved (see definition of Approved in Section 1-6) as specified in Table 1-2.1.

58–6 LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS CODE

1-2.2 Acceptance applies to the complete system or to the individual components of which it is comprised as specified in Table 1-2.1.

1-3 LP-Gas Odorization.

1-3.1* All LP-Gases shall be odorized prior to delivery to a bulk plant by the addition of a warning agent of such charac-ter that the gases are detectable, by a distinct odor, to a con-centration in air of not over one-fifth the lower limit of flammability.

Exception: Odorization, however, shall not be required if harmful in the use or further processing of the LP-Gas or if such odorization will serve no useful purpose as a warning agent in such further use or pro-cessing.

1-3.2* If odorization is required, the presence of the odorant shall be determined by sniff-testing or other means and the results shall be documented:

(a) Whenever LP-Gas is delivered to a bulk plant

(b) When shipments of LP-Gas bypass the bulk plant

1-4 Notification of Installations.

1-4.1 Stationary Installations. Plans for stationary installa-tions utilizing storage containers of over 2000 gal (7.6 m3) individual water capacity, or with aggregate water capacity exceeding 4000 gal (15.1 m3), and all rooftop installations of ASME containers, shall be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction before the installation is started. [See also 3- 4.9.1(e).]

1-4.2 Temporary Installations. The authority having jurisdic-tion shall be notified of temporary (not to exceed 6 months) installations of the sizes covered in 1-4.1 before the installation is started.

1-5 Qualification of Personnel. Persons who transfer liquid LP-Gas, who are employed to transport LP-Gas, or whose pri-mary duties fall within the scope of this code shall be trained in proper handling procedures. The training shall be docu-mented.

1-6 Definitions, Glossary of Terms, and Abbreviations.

Actuated Liquid Withdrawal Excess-Flow Valve. An excess-flow valve for liquid withdrawal applications where the valve is in a closed position until actuated by a pipe nipple or adapter, as recommended by the manufacturer, and is used with a shut-off valve attached to the actuator.

AGA. American Gas Association.

Anodeless Riser. A transition assembly where polyethylene pipe or tubing is permitted to be installed and terminated above ground outside of a building. The polyethylene pipe or tubing is piped from at least 12 in. (300 mm) below grade to an aboveground location inside a protective steel casing and terminates in either a factory-assembled transition fitting or a field-assembled service head adapter-type transition fitting.

The gas-carrying portion of the anodeless riser after the tran-sition fitting shall be at least Schedule 40 steel pipe.

ANSI. American National Standards Institute.

API. American Petroleum Institute.

API-ASME Container (or Tank). A container constructed in accordance with the pressure vessel code jointly developed by the American Petroleum Institute and the American Soci-ety of Mechanical Engineers (see Appendix D).

Approved.* Acceptable to the authority having jurisdic-tion.

ASME. American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

ASME Code. The Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (Section VIII, "Rules for the Construction of Unfired Pressure Vessels") of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Division I of Section VIII of the ASME Code is applicable in this code, except UG-125 through UG-136 shall not apply. Division II is also permitted.

ASME Container (or Tank). A container constructed in accordance with the ASME Code. (See Appendix D.)

ASTM. American Society for Testing and Materials.

Authority Having Jurisdiction.* The organization, office, or individual responsible for approving equipment, an installa-tion, or a procedure.

Bulk Plant. A facility, the primary purpose of which is the distribution of gas, that receives LP-Gas by tank car, tank truck, or piping, distributing this gas to the end user by portable con-tainer (package) delivery, by tank truck, or through gas piping.

Such plants have bulk storage [2000 gal (7.6 m3) water capacity or more] and usually have container-filling and truck-loading facilities on the premises. Normally, no persons other than the plant management or plant employees have access to these facilities. A facility that transfers LP-Gas from tank cars on a pri-vate track directly into cargo tanks is also in this category.

Table 1-2.1 Containers

Containers Used

Capacity Water gal (m3)

Approval Applies to

Cylinders Up to 120 (0.454) Container valves and connectors (1000 lb, 454 kg) Manifold valve assemblies

Regulators and pressure relief devices ASME containers 2000 (7.6) or less Container system* including regulator, or container assembly* and regulator separately ASME containers Over 2000 (7.6) Container valves

Container excess flow valves, back flow check valves, or alternate means of providing this protection such as remotely controlled manual or automatic internal valves

Container gauging devices Regulators and container pressure relief devices

*Where necessary to alter or repair such systems or assemblies in the field in order to provide for different operating pressures, change from vapor to liquid withdrawal, or the like, such changes shall be permitted to be made by the use of approved components.

GENERAL PROVISIONS 58–7

Bureau of Explosives (B of E). An agency of the Associa-tion of American Railroads.

Cargo Tank. (Primarily a DOT designation.) A container used to transport LP-Gas over a highway as liquid cargo, either mounted on a conventional truck chassis or as an integral part of a transporting vehicle in which the container constitutes in whole, or in part, the stress member used as a frame. Essen-tially, it is a permanent part of the transporting vehicle.

CGA. Compressed Gas Association, Inc.

Charging. See Fill, Filling.

Compressed Gas. Any material or mixture having, when in its container, an absolute pressure exceeding 40 psia (an abso-lute pressure of 276 kPa) at 70°F (21.1°C) or, regardless of the pressure at 70°F (21.1°C), having an absolute pressure exceed-ing 104 psia (an absolute pressure of 717 kPa) at 130°F (54.4°C).

Container. Any vessel, including cylinders, tanks, portable tanks, and cargo tanks, used for the transporting or storing of LP-Gases.

Container Appurtenances. Items connected to container openings needed to make a container a gastight entity. These include, but are not limited to, pressure relief devices; shutoff, backflow check, excess-flow check, and internal valves; liquid level gauges; pressure gauges; and plugs.

Container Assembly. An assembly consisting essentially of the container and fittings for all container openings. These include shutoff valves, excess-flow valves, liquid level gauging devices, pressure relief devices, and protective housings.

Cylinder. A container constructed in accordance with U.S.

Department of Transportation specifications (Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations).

Design Certification. The process by which a product is evaluated and tested by an independent laboratory to affirm that the product design complies with specific requirements.

Direct Gas-Fired Tank Heater. A gas-fired device that applies hot gas from the heater combustion chamber directly to a portion of the container surface in contact with LP-Gas liquid.

Dispenser, Vehicle Fuel. A device or system designed to measure and transfer volumes of LP-Gas into permanently mounted fuel containers on vehicles. (This serves the same purpose as the gasoline dispenser in a gasoline filling station.)

Dispensing Station. Fixed equipment where LP-Gas is stored and dispensed into portable containers. The public can be permitted access to the dispensing station area.

DOT. U.S. Department of Transportation.

Emergency Shutoff Valve. A shutoff valve incorporating thermal and manual means of closing that also provides for remote means of closing.

Excess-Flow Valve (or Excess-Flow Check Valve). A device designed to close when the liquid or vapor passing through it exceeds a prescribed flow rate as determined by pressure drop.

Excess-Flow Valve, Internal. An excess-flow valve con-structed and installed so that the seat remains in the container so that damage to valve parts exterior to the container will not prevent effective seating of the valve.

Fill, Filling. Transferring liquid LP-Gas into a container.

Filling by Volume. See Volumetric Filling.

Filling by Weight. See Weight Filling.

Fixed Liquid Level Gauge. A type of liquid level gauge using a relatively small positive shutoff valve and designed to indicate when the liquid level in a container being filled reaches the point at which this gauge or its connecting tube communicates with the interior of the container.

Fixed Maximum Liquid Level Gauge. A fixed liquid level gauge that indicates the liquid level at which the container is filled to its maximum permitted filling limit.

Fixed Piping System. Piping, valves, and fittings perma-nently installed in a location to connect the source of the LP- Gas to the utilization equipment.

Flexible Connector. A short [not exceeding 36 in. (0.91 m) overall length] component of a piping system fabricated of flexible material (such as hose) and equipped with suitable connections on both ends. LP-Gas resistant rubber and fabric (or metal), or a combination of these, or metal only are used.

Flexible connectors are used where there is the need for, or the possibility of, greater relative movement between the points connected than is acceptable for rigid pipe.

Float Gauge. A gauge constructed with a float inside the container resting on the liquid surface that transmits its posi-tion through suitable leverage to a pointer and dial outside the container, indicating the liquid level. Normally the motion is transmitted magnetically through a nonmagnetic plate so that no LP-Gas is released to the atmosphere.

Gallon. U.S. Standard. 1 U.S. gal = 0.833 Imperial gal = 231 in.3 = 3.785 L.

Gas. Liquefied petroleum gas in either the liquid or vapor state. The more specific terms liquid LP-Gas or vapor LP-Gas are normally used for clarity.

Gas–Air Mixer. A device or a system of piping and controls that mixes LP-Gas vapor with air to produce a mixed gas of a lower heating value than the LP-Gas. The mixture thus cre-ated normally is used in industrial or commercial facilities as a substitute for another fuel gas. The mixture can replace another fuel gas completely, or can be mixed to produce sim-ilar characteristics and then can be mixed with the basic fuel gas. Any gas–air mixer that is designed to produce a mixture containing more than 85 percent air is not subject to the pro-visions of this code.

GPA. Gas Processors Association.

ICC. U.S. Interstate Commerce Commission.

ICC Cylinder. See Cylinder.

Ignition Source. See Sources of Ignition.

Industrial Occupancy. Includes factories that manufacture products of all kinds and properties devoted to operations such as processing, assembling, mixing, packaging, finishing or decorating, and repairing.

58–8 LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS CODE

Industrial Plant. An industrial facility that utilizes gas inci-dental to plant operations, with LP-Gas storage of 2000 gal (7.6 m3) water capacity or more, and that receives gas by means of tank car, truck transport, or truck lots. Normally LP- Gas is used through piping systems in the plant but also can be used to fill small containers, such as for engine fuel on indus-trial trucks (e.g., forklifts). Since only plant employees have access to these filling facilities, they are not considered to be distributing points.

Internal Valve. A container primary shutoff valve where the seat and seat disc remain inside the container so that damage to parts exterior to the container or mating flange will not pre-vent effective seating of the valve. An internal valve has provi-sion for the addition of a means of remote closure. An internal valve closes when flow through the valve exceeds its rated excess-flow capacity or when pump actuation differential pres-sure drops to a predetermined point.

Labeled. Equipment or materials to which has been attached a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of an orga-nization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains peri-odic inspection of production of labeled equipment or mate-rials, and by whose labeling the manufacturer indicates compliance with appropriate standards or performance in a specified manner.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP-Gas). Any material having a vapor pressure not exceeding that allowed for commercial propane composed predominantly of the following hydrocar-bons, either by themselves or as mixtures: propane, propylene, butane (normal butane or isobutane), and butylenes.

Listed.* Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization that is acceptable to the author-ity having jurisdiction and concerned with evaluation of prod-ucts or services, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic eval-uation of services, and whose listing states that either the equipment, material, or service meets identified standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.

Load, Loading. See Filling.

Low Emission Transfer. Establishes a maximum fugitive emissions standard for certain product transfer operations.

Low emission transfer specifications might be employed to comply with environmental regulations or to determine cer-tain minimum distance requirements.

LPG. See Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

LP-Gas. See Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

LP-Gas System. An assembly consisting of one or more con-tainers with a means for conveying LP-Gas from the con-tainer(s) to dispensing or consuming devices (either continuously or intermittently) and that incorporates compo-nents intended to achieve control of quantity, flow, pressure, or state (liquid or vapor).

Magnetic Gauge. See Float Gauge.

Mobile Containers. Containers that are permanently mounted on a vehicle and are connected for uses other than engine fuel.

Mounded Container. An ASME container designed for underground service installed above the minimum depth required for underground service and covered with earth, sand, or other material, or an ASME container designed for aboveground service installed above grade and covered with earth, sand, or other material.

Movable Fuel Storage Tenders, Including Farm Carts. Containers not in excess of 1200 gal (4.5 m3) water capacity, equipped with wheels to be towed from one location to another. These are basically non-highway vehicles but can occasionally be moved over public roads or highways for short distances for use as fuel supplies for farm tractors, construc-tion machinery, and similar equipment.

Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle. A motor vehicle with motive power, with the exception of a trailer, designed to carry 10 or fewer persons that is constructed on a truck chassis or with special features for occasional off-road operations.

NFPA. National Fire Protection Association.

NPGA. National Propane Gas Association.

Overfilling Prevention Device. A safety device that is designed to provide an automatic means to prevent the filling of a container in excess of the maximum permitted filling limit.

Overpressure Shutoff Device. A device that shuts off the flow of LP-Gas vapor when the outlet pressure of the regulator reaches a predetermined maximum allowable pressure.

Permanent Installation. See Stationary Installation.

Piping, Piping Systems. Pipe, tubing, hose, and flexible rubber or metallic hose connectors with valves and fittings made into complete systems for conveying LP-Gas in either the liquid or vapor state at various pressures from one point to another.

Point of Transfer. The location where connections and dis-connections are made or where LP-Gas is vented to the atmo-sphere in the course of transfer operations.

Portable Container. A container designed to be moved readily, as distinguished from containers designed for station-ary installations. Portable containers, designed for transporta-tion, filled to their maximum filling limit include "cylinders," "cargo tanks," and "portable tanks," all three of which are defined separately. Containers designed to be readily moved from one usage location to another, but substantially empty of product, are "portable storage containers" and are defined separately.

Portable Storage Container. A container similar to but dis-tinct from those designed and constructed for stationary installation, designed so that it can be moved readily over the highways, substantially empty of liquid, from one usage loca-tion to another. Such containers either have legs or other sup-ports attached, or are mounted on running gear (such as trailer or semitrailer chassis) with suitable supports that can be of the fold-down type, allowing them to be placed or parked in a stable position on a reasonably firm and level surface. For large-volume, limited-duration product usage (such as at con-struction sites and normally for 12 months or less), portable storage containers function in lieu of permanently installed stationary containers.

Portable Tank (or Skid Tank). A container of more than 1000 lb (454 kg) water capacity used to transport LP-Gas han-dled as a package — that is, filled to its maximum permitted filling limit. Such containers are mounted on skids or runners and have all container appurtenances protected in such a manner that they can be safely handled as a package.

GENERAL PROVISIONS 58–9

Pressure Relief Device. A device designed to open to pre-vent a rise of internal fluid pressure in excess of a specified value due to emergency or abnormal conditions.

Pressure Relief Valve. A type of pressure relief device designed to both open and close to maintain internal fluid pressure. Pressure relief valves are further characterized as fol-lows.

External Pressure Relief Valve.* A relief valve that is located entirely outside the container connection except the threaded portion, which is screwed into the container connection, and that has all of its parts exposed to the atmosphere.

Flush-Type Full Internal Pressure Relief Valve.* A full internal relief valve in which the wrenching section is also within the container connection, except for pipe thread tolerances on makeup.

Full Internal Pressure Relief Valve.* A relief valve in which all working parts are recessed within the container connections, and the spring and guiding mechanism are not exposed to the atmosphere.

Internal Spring-Type Pressure Relief Valve.* A relief valve in which only the spring and stem are within the container con-nection, and the spring and stem are not exposed to the atmo-sphere. The exposed parts of the relief valve have a low profile.

Sump-Type Full Internal Pressure Relief Valve.* A relief valve in which all working parts are recessed within the container con-nection, but the spring and guiding mechanism are exposed to the atmosphere.

psi. Pounds per square inch.

psig. Pounds per square inch gauge.

psia. Pounds per square inch absolute.

Quick Connectors. Devices used for quick connections of the acme thread or lever-cam types. This does not include devices used for cylinder-filling connections.

Refrigerated LP-Gas. LP-gas that is maintained as liquid at temperatures at below ambient temperature to reduce the storage pressure. This includes fully refrigerated LP-Gas for pressures near atmospheric pressure but not exceeding 15 psi (103 kPa) and semirefrigerated LP-Gas for pressures above 15 psi (103 kPa).

Regulator, Automatic Changeover. An integral two-stage regulator that combines two high pressure regulators and a second-stage regulator into a single unit. It incorporates two inlet connections and a service-reserve indicator and is designed for use with dual or multiple cylinder installations.

The system automatically changes the LP-Gas vapor with-drawal from the designated service cylinder(s) when depleted to the designated reserve cylinder(s) without interruption of service. The service reserve indicator gives a visual indication of the cylinder(s) that is supplying the system.

Regulator, First-Stage. A pressure regulator for LP-Gas vapor service designed to reduce pressure from the container to 10.0 psi (69 kPa) or less.

Regulator, High Pressure. A pressure regulator for LP-Gas liquid or vapor service designed to reduce pressure from the container to a lower pressure in excess of 1.0 psi (6.9 kPa).

Regulator, Integral Two-Stage. A pressure regulator that combines a high pressure regulator and a second-stage regula-tor into a single unit.

Regulator, Second-Stage. A pressure regulator for LP-Gas vapor service designed to reduce first-stage regulator outlet pressure to 14 in. w.c. (4.0 kPa) or less.

Regulator, Single-Stage. A pressure regulator for LP-Gas vapor service designed to reduce pressure from the container to 1.0 psi (6.9 kPa) or less.

Rotary Gauge. A variable liquid level gauge consisting of a small positive shutoff valve located at the outer end of a tube, the bent inner end of which communicates with the container interior. The tube is installed in a fitting designed so that the tube can be rotated with a pointer on the outside to indicate the relative position of the bent inlet end. The length of the tube and the configuration to which it is bent are suitable for the range of liquid levels to be gauged. By means of a suitable outside scale, the level in the container at which the inner end begins to receive liquid can be determined by the pointer posi-tion on the scale at which a liquid–vapor mixture is observed to be discharged from the valve.

Service Head Adapter. A transition fitting for use with poly-ethylene pipe or tubing that is recommended by the manufac-turer for field assembly and installation at the aboveground termination end of an anodeless riser (see definition of Anodeless Riser in Section 1-6). This fitting makes the transition from poly-ethylene pipe or tubing to a gas-carrying Schedule 40 steel fit-ting.

Skid Tank. See Portable Tank.

Slip Tube Gauge. A variable liquid level gauge in which a relatively small positive shutoff valve is located at the outside end of a straight tube, normally installed vertically, that com-municates with the container interior. The installation fitting for the tube is designed so that the tube can be slipped in and out of the container and so that the liquid level at the inner end can be determined by observing when the shutoff valve vents a liquid–vapor mixture.

Sources of Ignition. Devices or equipment that, because of their modes of use or operation, are capable of providing suf-ficient thermal energy to ignite flammable LP-Gas vapor–air mixtures when introduced into such a mixture or when such a mixture comes into contact with them, and that will permit propagation of flame away from them.

Special Protection. A means of limiting the temperature of an LP-Gas container for purposes of minimizing the possibility of failure of the container as the result of fire exposure.

Where required in this code, special protection consists of applied insulating coatings, mounding, burial, water spray fixed systems, or fixed monitor nozzles that meet the criteria specified in this code (see 3-10.3) or any means listed for this purpose. (See definition of Listed.)

Stationary Installation (Permanent Installation).