Propane Safety Information - Minuteman Mirage M220028K17X Parts And Instruction Manual

PROPANE SAFETY INFORMATION

Facts about LP Gas Propane
As a fuel, Propane gas is unmatched for both safety and dependability; it has been used as a domestic household
fuel for over half a century, and for over thirty years as an internal combustion engine fuel. Propane is a highly
flammable fuel that is contained under pressure as a liquid. Vaporized gas has a similar explosive force to gasoline
and mixtures as low as 2% LP Gas to air may be ignited in a closed environment. Care should be exercised to avoid
escaping vapor as it can freeze skin and cause frost bite. Vaporized fuel is heavier than air and will collect in the
lowest confined space available.
Facts about Propane Cylinders
Propane cylinders are constructed according to ASME or Federal DOT #4ET20 pressure safety codes. All valves and
fittings are UL Listed. Propane gas is noncorrosive and will not rust the inside of a cylinder. Should the cylinder
exterior become damaged or rusted, discontinue use. DO NOT tamper with cylinder gauges or safety relief valves.
NEVER use a cylinder not intended for use with a propane powered engine. DO NOT substitute cylinders that are
used with a barbecue grill, etc. It is recommended to have propane cylinders tested once a year by an authorized
National LP Gas Association propane dealer. The fuel cylinder is supplied directly from the manufacturer and is
void of propane. This cylinder must be purged at the time of the first fill. Local propane vendors should be familiar
with this operation and will provide this service.
RECOMMENDED PURGE PROCEDURES
How to purge new LP Gas Powered Engine cylinders equipped with the Overfill Prevention Device: New containers
may contain vapor, air, or other contaminants. It is essential that these be removed before filling the cylinder and
placing it into service. Air in the cylinder will cause abnormally high pressure, with the result that the pressure
relief valve may open. Air in the system is also likely to cause lean mixture, making ignition difficult. If a cylinder is
suspected of being depressurized or open to the atmosphere for a period of time, it must be re-purged as if it were
a new cylinder.
To purge a cylinder, the following steps should be taken.
1. Purging of containers should be performed in an approved area (see NFPA 58) using NPGA #13 3.89(a)
procedure.
2. Determine if the cylinder pressure is zero. Should the cylinder contain only pressurized air, the air may be
vented directly to the atmosphere through the service valve using an adapter and the outage valve. Pressurize
the container to approximately 15 psig with LP-gas vapor. Never purge with liquid LP-gas! To do so will cause
the moisture vapor to chill and remain in the cylinder. LP gas liquid also expands 270 times in volume as it
vaporizes making the purge process ineffective. Use LP-gas vapor only!
3. Make the connection to the quick coupler (A purge manifold system is most effective). Fully open the cylinder
service valve as well as the outage valve. Vent to a safe atmosphere. A vent stack is recommended.
4. On Overfill Prevention Device cylinders, the purge time is increased as a result of the new valve design.
Opening the outage valve will help improve the speed of the purge.
5. Repeat #3 and #4 for a total of FIVE purges.
6. Re-pressurize the cylinder with odorized LP-gas vapor to 15 psig.
7. The cylinder is now ready to be filled with LP-gas.
8. Once filled, check all fittings and cylinder openings for leaks using an approved leak detector solution.
9. The cylinder is now ready to be placed in service. Add DOT and OSHA labels.
Symptoms of a non-purged cylinder:
 Relief valve opens due to over pressurized cylinder creating hazardous situation.
 Moisture in the cylinder.
 Powered engine operates initially but shuts down when propane mixture becomes too lean.
Parts and Instruction Manual - Mirage 27" Propane Burnisher
Page 7