LPG (Propane) and CNG
Standards for installation of LPG-Propane and CNG systems for Cooking, Heating, and Propulsion
LPG - Liquid Petroleum Gas:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquefied_petroleum_gas
CNG - Compressed Natural Gas:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compressed_natural_gas
The US Coast Guard does not have a standard for
LPG or CNG systems on recreational boats. However, if the boat is
used to carry six or less passengers for hire the boat must meet at
least the ABYC standard. If the boat is a passenger vessel under
100 gross tons and carrying more than six passengers then there are
standards in the USCG regulations for those boats.
For six pack boats see
http://www.uscg.mil/pvs/docs/UPV_GUIDEBOOK_under100GT_CGD11_2014.pdf
For larger passenger carrying vessels
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2008-title46-vol1/xml/CFR-2008-title46-vol1-sec25-45-2.xml
The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) has
standards specifically for LPG (propane) and CNG systems.
The ABYC standard is A-1,
Marine Liquefied Petroleum Systems or A-22
Marine Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Systems. Contact ABYC for a
copy.
http://www.abycinc.org/ There is a fee.
There are some other standards that may apply.
A-26 LPG and CNG Fueled Appliances .
A-30 Cooking Appliances With Integral LPG Cylinders
613 Third Street, Suite 10
Annapolis, MD 21403
Phone: (410) 990-4460
Fax: (410) 990-4466
Are there other standards for Propane and
CNG?
Canadian Office of Boating Safety has regulations
that apply in Section 7 - Fuel Systems. of TP1332
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/tp-tp1332-menu-521.htm
UK And EU. The Recreational Craft Directive
has two sections on LPG in A.5.5 and A.5.6.
RCD Download site (Requires a fee)
https://cemarking.net/recreational-craft-directive/
There is also an ISO (International Standards
Organization) Standard for Small Craft on which the RCD is based:
ISO 14895:2000 and ISO DIS 14895 for Liquid Fueled Appliances
https://www.iso.org/search.html?q=14895
LPG, and to some extent CNG, have become popular
because they have a much higher BTU content than traditional fuels such
as alcohol and kerosene. LPG is readily available almost everywhere and
is easily stored in portable containers. So they make good fuels
for cooking and heating. However, because of their highly volatile
nature they must be handled carefully and fuel systems must be installed
correctly to avoid leaks. LPG explosions can be catastrophic.
Additionally, the storage bottles are steel and
susceptible to corrosion so the compartment also must be water resistant
so that the bottles stay dry. Fortunately some bottles are now
being manufactured of fiberglass (GRP) which does not corrode.
The most important thing to remember is that
experience has shown that most leaks occur at fittings. Thus, the
fewer fittings the less the risk of a leak. Also LPG is heavier than air
so tanks, fittings and appliances need to be in well ventilated areas
and vented at the bottom of the compartment rather than at the top, with
the venting allowing the vapor to flow overboard. Some compartment
may need forced air ventilation to draw the LPG out and over board.
However, CNG is lighter than air so the opposite is true. Compartments
with CNG tanks, fittings and appliances should be vented at the top so
the vapor can escape naturally.
Even the storage of small LPG bottles for
torches, lanterns and portable cooking appliances, can be
problematic since they are steel and can rust and leak. There have
been instances of these small bottles leaking and causing minor
explosions. They need to be stored in a compartment that
ventilates overboard but is otherwise water resistant so that they are
not exposed to water.
References:
Safe Boat Propane installations:
http://www.pcmarinesurveys.com/Safe%20Boat%20propane%20Installation.htm
Cooking and Heating Appliances On Passenger Vessels Code Of Federal
Regulations eCFR Title 46 Chap I Subchap K Part 121 Subpart B
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-46/part-121/subpart-b
Boat Safety Scheme (UK) LPG Systems on Boats
http://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/boat-examination/non-private-boats/part-7-lpg-installations/
Boat LPG Systems (UK)
http://www.boatsurveyor.net/boat-surveyor-lpg-installations/
Maintaining Your Propane System: Cruising World.
http://www.cruisingworld.com/how/maintaining-your-propane-system
Propane 101 (this is more about using it than installing it, but is good
info)
http://theboatgalley.com/propane-101/
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reserved. Created 03/18/2015 Revised 02/07/2022
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