esv.vic.gov.au
LPG safety valve
coming to Victoria
By Jason Treseder, Senior Gas Engineer, Type A Gas Appliance & Component Safety
In previous editions of energysafe, we discussed the
introduction of a new and safer LPG cylinder connection.
The product itself will be in the market in 2020.
Early next year, the LPG cylinder valve
connection on leisure cylinders will be
modified from the current Type 21 'POL'
design to a CGA 791 Quick Connect
Coupling, commonly known as safety
valves, or quick close coupling (QCC).
These smaller cylinders range from
3kg to 9kg and are used with portable
gas appliances such as barbecues and
patio heaters. Larger cylinders are not
affected by the upcoming change.
The Victorian Coroner recommended
the introduction of the QCC valve
following the death of a 24 year old
Footscray man in December 2015.
The Coroner found that leaking gas
from partly open LP gas cylinders was
the major cause for an explosion in a
van that killed the young man.
The current Type 21 outlet connection
has been the default LPG cylinder
connection for many years.
However, the number of incidents
involving the cylinder valve connection
has made it clear that this connection
is no longer a suitable connection
for leisure use. The QCC valve has
additional safety advantages over
the current Type 21 connection.
These include:
» » A check valve that will only enable
gas to flow when a gas tight connection
is made, reducing the risk of high
pressure gas escaping if the cylinder
valve is opened during transportation,
or disconnected during use.
» » A large diameter right-handed thread that
is operational without the use of tools.
» » Perishable rubber seals all located within
the body of the gas valve, which means
they can be assessed by a competent
assessor as part of the refilling process,
and, replaced with the cylinder valve
every 10 years as part of the cylinder
test process.
» » A thermal fuse that will melt when
exposed to heat. This enables the
internal check valve to close, shutting
off gas flow in the event the connection
is exposed to a fire.
» » Compatibility with existing appliances
that use the Type 21 connection, which
will support the transition process.
» » The connection is readily available as
it is used internationally in USA and
New Zealand.
These additional safety features are
expected to significantly reduce the
number of incidents and injuries involving
leisure LPG cylinders.
In addition to the Victorian Coroner’s
recommendation, the QCC valve is
mandated through Australian Standards.
A coordinated approach to the
introduction of QCC valves to the market
by updating Standards accordingly,
will ensure the transition minimises any
impact on current cylinder owners.
The transition will start with the
progressive introduction of cylinders
with QCC cylinder valves.
Since, the QCC valve is compatible
with both QCC hose connections and
Type 21 hose connections, owners
of existing appliances do not need
to get appliances adapted when the
new cylinder valves arrives. All new
appliances will be supplied with a QCC
hose connection, which requires a
cylinder with a QCC cylinder valve.
Overtime, all leisure cylinders and
associated gas appliances will operate
with a QCC connection.
Leisure LPG cylinders have a 10-year
test cycle, so it is expected that full
transition to QCC cylinders will be
completed within this timeframe.
Further details will be provided once
transition timing is finalised.
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