SAFETY AT HOME: YOUR GAS (LPG) CYLINDERS

Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) is the most used source of energy at homes in modern time. The gas is a mixture hydrocarbons – butane and propane. The gas is highly volatile and possesses explosion potential being stored under pressure. This work looks at the how to detect leakage in LPG cylinder, taking care of odourless LPG and users with inability to perceive, and what to do in the case of actual leakage.

The soapy water leak test allows for tell-tale gas leak soap bubbles that are indicative of a gas leak. You just coat all of the gas transmission gear (pipes, hoses & valves) with soapy water and then pressurise the system. If you see gas leak soap bubbles or smell rotten eggs, you know you have a leak.

It is important to know how do you check for gas cylinder leaks and regularly leak test your BBQ gas bottle (LPG gas cylinder), regulator and hose using the soap bubble test for gas leak.  

Leaks from these items are frequently the cause of BBQ gas fires. 

How to Detect LPG Gas Leakage

Using your nose is the first step to detect LPG gas leakage. The first hint would be the smell of rotten cabbage or rotten eggs. An odourant - Ethyl Mercaptan – is added to the naturally odourless LPG for the aid in detection of leaks.

Soap Test for Gas Leak - Gas Leak Detector Soapy Water

Apply soapy water to the entire hose assembly, including the tank's valve and regulator, using a spray bottle or sponge. Pressurise the system without turning on any appliances. If you see bubbles or smell rotten eggs, you have a leak.

How Do You Check for Gas Cylinder Leaks & for Natural Gas Leaks? Soapy Water Leak Test

It is important to how do you check for gas cylinder leaks and for natural gas. One of the safest ways is something commonly called the "soapy water leak test" or soap bubble test for gas leak.

The soapy water leak test allows you to search for tell-tale bubbles that are indicative of LPG or Natural Gas leakage.

In this very simple test, you just coat all of the gas transmission gear (pipes, hoses, valves, etc.) with soapy water and then pressurise the system.

If you see bubbles, you know you have a leak.

Soap Test for Gas Leak - Gas Leak Check Solution

To make the solution for the soap test for gas leak, simply mix dish detergent with water. The soap can be put in a spray bottle or placed in a bowl for sponging on. Dish washing soap is formulated to make lots of bubbles so it works better for the soap test for gas leak.

Liquid laundry detergent doesn't work as well as dish soap, as it is formulated to be low sudsing.

Remember to cover the entire hose assembly from the gas bottle valve to the hose attachment to the BBQ or heater with soap solution. Open the valve to pressurise the system, without turning on the burners, and look for soap bubbles or sniff for the rotten egg smell.

This quick 60 second video shows how to perform the soap bubble test for gas leak - soapy water leak test:

How to Do Soapy Water Leak Test - How to Detect a Gas Leak in Your Home

♦ To detect a gas leak in your home, start by putting some soapy water in a spray bottle or a dish.  

♦ Turn on the LPG 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.  

♦ Soap 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 soapy water leak 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.

What is the gas is manufactured odourless or when the user has inability in detecting odour?

Special Cases with No Odourant:
There are certain applications where the odourant is not added.
Facilities that use odourless gas must have the same gas detection equipment as the gas terminals.
For example, Butane is commonly used as an aerosol propellant.
Needless to say, we wouldn’t want things like hair spray and deodorant to smell like rotten cabbage!

Some People Can't Smell The Odour:
Some people cannot smell the odour added to LPG.
This can be due to illness or if they have been continuously exposed to the smell.
If you know that you can’t smell gas, have problems with your sense of smell or just want an extra layer of protection, you might consider installing a gas detector.
Gas detectors emit an audio alarm when gas is detected, similar to a smoke alarm.

What to do in the case of leakage

An LPG cylinder is common in all households. If you ever suspect a leak, follow these steps. A gas leak at home can be an extremely scary affair. Once that pungent smell hits the nostrils, panic sets in because any flame might spark an explosion.

1.   Do not panic. Panicking will only hinder a clear thought pattern and may actually be harmful in this case. Maintain a sense of calm, and convey the same message to other occupants of the house as well.

2. Extinguish any fire in your house, no matter how small. Yes, even the innocuous incense sticks! Keep away the matches/lighters, or anything even remotely flammable.

3. Next, shut down the appliance and turn off the LPG regulator. Then, put the safety cap on the cylinder after the regulator has been switched off.

4. Immediately open all the doors and windows to your house so that the gas can escape. Never open electrical fans or even an exhaust fan. Let the gas escape naturally. Once you do that, go outside the house and isolate the main electric supply. Be sure to evacuate yourself and others from the area.

5. If you or your loved one have inhaled an excessive amount of gas, move yourself or the person to a place where there is fresh air circulating. Rest in a comfortable position, and relax.

6. If the gas has made contact with your clothes and skin, remove the contaminated clothing immediately and rinse the affected area with a lot of water, for at least 15-20 minutes. Seek medical help if required.

7. If the gas enters the eyes, it causes itching and burning. Resist the temptation to itch, and rinse the eyelid and eye with a lot of water for around 15-20 minutes. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before flushing your eyes.

8. If the cylinder happens to be in flames, do not worry. Take a soaking wet towel or a long piece of cloth, and wrap it around the cylinder. The supply of air to the flame will be cut off, and the fire will subside.

Once you have performed all the above steps, call the helpline number, and intimate them of the leak so they may come and help you. Most importantly, do not try and move the cylinder, as this might cause issues. A gas leak is avoidable if you check your regulators and safety valves, but if one does happen, you now know what to do!

References

Hahn, E. (2019): Soapy Water Leak Test: How Do You Check for Gas    Cylinder Leaks, How to Detect a Gas Leak in Your Home - Gas Leak      Soap Bubbles - Soap Test for Gas Leak. Elgas LPG Blog.      https://www.elgas.com.au/blog/505-bbq-gas-leak-test-gas-grill-     barbecue. Accessed, 11/11/2019

Prakash, G. (2916): How do you find LPG & Natural gas leakage?         https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-find-LPG-Natural-gas-leakage.         Accessed, 11/11/2019.

Rayomand Engineer (2018): Suspect a LPG Gas Leak? 8 Steps That    Can Avoid Disaster & Ensure Your Safety!    https://www.thebetterindia.com/151557/lpg-gas-leak-safety-      precautions-india-news/ Accessed, 11/11/2019.