FEATURES
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LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS( LPG) Kevin Robertson, managing director of LPGSASA and chairman of South African Qualification and Certification Committee( SAQCC Gas), has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to the gas alternative.
How it works An LPG system can be used in virtually any application— domestic, commercial, or industrial— and is increasingly common in domestic and commercial use. When using an LPG water heater, there is no need for a large water tank or geyser to store and heat the water as is the case with an electric geyser. When the LPG water heater is activated, cold water passes through a pipe located just above a small flame( which is fed by the LPG) and this heats the water as it passes. Therefore, only the water that is needed is heated.
Cost The complexity of the installation determines the costs and an LPG water heater would generally be more expensive than a standard electric geyser to purchase and install. However, considering the effectiveness of the water heater and the fact that it only heats the water required, the running costs are far more efficient. The longer you keep and use it, the more it saves. There is a large number and a broad range of LPG water heaters available to suit various cost and application requirements, bearing in mind that only appliances that carry a Permit Verification number are approved for use.
Maintenance The system needs to be designed and installed according to the requirements and by properly trained and registered LPG practitioners. It should be noted that only registered practitioners( installers) are permitted to undertake the installation of any LPG appliances— including LPG water heaters. These practitioners should be trained by the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of South Africa( LPGSASA), which is mandated by the Department of Labour( DoL) to undertake this training. They should then be registered through an independent body( SAQCC Gas), which is also mandated by the DoL to do so. This is a requirement in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety( OHS) Act and the Pressure Equipment Regulations( PER). Like any working appliance, there is a need for maintenance, which should only be undertaken by a trained practitioner.
Challenges LPG is becoming the alternative energy source for many households in South Africa due to its increased availability, effectiveness, and efficiency. Both natural gas and LPG can be used for water heating. However, because natural gas is only available in certain areas it is not vastly used. LPG is portable and transportable; this makes it a friendlier alternative. Whether the water heater is in an upmarket suburb or a more rural environment, it would be possible to get an LPG
Impact With traditional geysers, all the water in the geyser is kept hot and when required for a bath or a shower, cold water flows through the tap until hot water flows. This means there was unused and therefore wasted water, noting that cold water still needs to be added to make the temperature comfortable for use. With an LPG water heater, the temperature of the water can be set to an acceptable limit so that it can be immediately used without moderating with additional cold water.
In current water heating models, once the water has been turned off, the flame automatically shuts off, so no gas is burnt unnecessarily, and you only heat the water that is used.
Kwikot
A Gasmate 20l unit.
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www. plumbingafrica. co. za February 2018 Volume 23 I Number 12