How to use liquefied gas cylinders safely

　　In the first half of 2020 alone, there were 237 gas leaks, explosions, and fire accidents nationwide, resulting in 55 deaths and 373 injuries. Among such accidents, nearly 80% of the accidents are due to: improper use of liquefied petroleum gas.

　　Liquefied petroleum gas (hereinafter referred to as liquefied petroleum gas) is a high-quality, high-efficiency and clean energy that brings many conveniences to our lives and meets our daily cooking and thermal energy needs. However, if used improperly, it is extremely prone to explosion hazards. So, how to use liquefied gas safely in daily life?

　　What is liquefied gas?

　　Liquefied petroleum gas is a by-product in the process of oil extraction and processing. A colorless gas and liquid mixture composed mainly of propane, propylene, butane, and butane is originally odorless. However, when we use liquefied gas in our lives, we often smell pungent odors. This is because of the safety of use and the addition of "odors". The odorization of liquefied gas helps people to detect and take measures in time when the liquefied gas leaks. Liquefied gas is flammable and explosive, and its explosion limit is 1.5% to 9.5%. When the concentration of liquefied gas is within this range, even if there is no open flame, it will explode if it encounters a certain amount of energy.

　　Liquefied Gas Cylinder

　　Liquefied gas cylinders are a widely used pressure vessel. According to the national standard of "Liquefied Petroleum Gas Cylinders", the cylinders are made of smelted killed steel (completely deoxidized steel) and have a service life of 8 years. Steel cylinders that have reached the design service life can be used for a period of no more than one periodical inspection after passing the safety assessment. The date of manufacture of the cylinder is generally located on the cylinder guard, and some are located on the base of the cylinder. Cylinders are inspected every 4 years. To check whether the cylinders are within the validity period, just check the cylinder inspection marking ring.

　　At present, the specifications of liquefied gas cylinders used in large quantities in the market are mainly 15 kg and 45 kg cylinders. 15 kg cylinders are mostly used by civilian users and small restaurants, while 45 kg is basically used in restaurants, canteens and places requiring centralized gas supply.

　　When using liquefied gas cylinders in daily life, when the angle valve is opened, the liquefied petroleum gas will be vaporized by the pressure reducing valve, enter the gas stove through the hose, and spray out from the nozzle of the gas stove. When vaporizing, it absorbs a lot of heat from the surrounding area. Therefore, when using LPG cylinders, “water droplets” are often hung on the cylinders. If the amount is too large for a while, the vaporization speed is too fast, and the LPG cylinders may also be frosted.

　　Precautions for the use of bottled liquefied gas

　　Safety qualified liquefied gas cylinders must be used. Cylinders should be used within the validity period of regular inspections. Cylinders that do not meet safety requirements, such as incomplete safety accessories, damage, severe corrosion, and deformation, are not allowed to be used.

　　When using liquefied gas, someone should look after it to prevent the soup from boiling over and extinguishing the flame, causing the liquefied gas to escape and causing fire and explosion accidents.

　　It is strictly forbidden to dismantle and repair the gas cylinder valve, pressure reducing valve, excavation and welding repair without authorization. It is strictly prohibited to dispose of the residual liquid in the gas cylinder without authorization, and it is strictly prohibited to lie down, stand upside down, knock and collide with the gas cylinder.

　　After using the liquefied gas, turn off the switch of the cooker in time, and close the valve of the liquefied gas cylinder before going to bed or going out.

　　It is strictly forbidden to use any heat source such as boiling water or flame to heat the gas cylinder and use a lighter, match or other open flame to detect leaks, and it is strictly prohibited to expose the gas cylinder to the sun. It is strictly forbidden to approach an open flame or a place with high temperature, and keep a distance of more than 1 m from the stove.

　　Be sure to purchase stoves with flameout protection devices and standardize installation. Once the liquefied gas leaks (with peculiar smell) in the cooking appliances, steel cylinders and connecting parts, the first thing to do is to do not switch any electrical appliances or use an open flame. Under the condition of ensuring safety, close the cylinder valve, open the doors and windows for ventilation, and call the rescuer in a safe place.

　　Disposal measures after bottled liquefied gas catches fire

　　Once the bottled liquefied gas catches fire, different disposal measures can be taken according to the site conditions.

　　1. When the valve of the liquefied gas cylinder is intact, the first choice is to close the valve. When the valve is closed, the fire will be extinguished. The “fire first, then close the valve, otherwise it will backfire and cause an explosion” circulating on the Internet will not happen when the liquefied gas cylinder catches fire. The body and mouth of the liquefied gas cylinder are relatively small, and the pressure is relatively small, and there will be no pressure difference, and the pressure in the liquefied gas cylinder is greater than the outside.

　　2. If the valve of the burning liquefied gas cylinder is damaged, it is not necessary to extinguish the fire. First carry the liquefied gas cylinder to stand in an open area, then cool the bottle with water and wait for the burning of the liquefied gas to complete; if the burning liquefied gas cylinder is in Residents cannot be transferred to their homes. They can put out the fire first, then block the bottle mouth with wet rags and other items, and send them to a professional liquefied gas station for disposal.

　　3. If the liquefied gas cylinder falls to the ground and burns laterally, the cylinder is easy to be heated by the flame. After reaching a certain temperature, the liquefied gas in the bottle will be heated and expand, and the cylinder body is prone to physical explosion. When it is unpredictable and incapable of disposal, it is necessary to dial "119" as soon as possible and wait for firefighters to arrive at the scene for disposal.