Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the dimensions of a regular tank?
(POL) H = 0.5m, D = 0.33m ; (AS) H = 0.52m, D = 0.33m
2. What is the diameter of a regular hose?
The diameter for a regular LPG hose is ¼".
3. Is it okay to expose an LPG tank to the sun or rain?
It is fine to expose an lpg tank to the sun and rain. However, this will result to fading of the tank paint and will contribute to wear and tear of the LPG hose causing it to become brittle.
4. Is it safe to have a spare tank at home?
It is always ideal to have a spare tank to ensure availability of LPG for continuous cooking.
5. Why is a universal valve or POL more expensive than an AS valve?
Isla LPG is encouraging the use of an AS valve, exclusively used by Solane, because of its safety feature called “Auto Shutoff”. The universal valve or POL does not have this safety feature and is used by illegal refillers.
6. Is it safe to use a filled tank if it is stored/not used for several months or years?
Yes, but check the requalification period or "expiration" date of the tank. The requalification date signifies the date the LPG is due for testing. LPG itself has no expiration date.
7. Is it safe to have a Y connection on LPG?
A "tee" connection is preferred. Make sure to also heck if the material is for LPG use (B.I. or G.I.).
8. Why does an LPG cylinder sweat when in use?
The formation of water droplets on the surface of the cylinder is commonly referred to as “cylinder sweating.” This normally indicates that the customer is a heavy LPG user. LPG is kept in its liquid state in the cylinder through a very high pressure. Heavy consumption of LPG may cause heavy LPG withdrawal inside the tank causing a tendency for the pressure to drop. This dropping of pressure produces a cooling effect that results to water droplet formation on the surface of the cylinder.
9. How long does an LPG cylinder gets empty if it is used continuously?
This would depend on the number and type of burners used. The safe estimate would be 1.5 - 2 months.
10. Does an LPG cylinder blow up or explode? How and when is this possible?
Yes, an LPG tank can possibly explode but this is quite rare and unlikely. It also doesn't just explode on its own. Most experts would even say that it is extremely difficult to get a propane tank or LPG tank to explode even when it is attempted intentionally.
When an lpg tank causes an explosion, it normally has nothing to do with the tank itself. LPG explosion is almost always caused by two things: a gas leak due to a build up of gas in large amounts in a closed space, or through a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion, or BLEVE, which may happen when the pressure of the tank exceeds the pressure it can safely vent.
A gas leak occurs when a tank is left alone for too long and then is exposed to flame or high heat igniting the gas and causes a fire.
A BLEVE occurs when the tank is exposed to extremely high temperatures, like that of a fire.
Again, with safe and responsible practices, it is very rare for an lpg cylinder to explode.
11. How long can we use an lpg tank, hose, and regulator before they reach expiration?
An LPG tank lasts until its next requalification date. An AS / POL regulator on the other hand lasts up to 5 years while an LPG hose lasts up to 3 years.
12. Is it possible that a Desalpak Regulator shuts off automatically even when no gas leak has been detected? How is this possible?
Yes, this is possible. When the equipment requirement of the customer has exceeded the flow rating, the regulator will shut off.