Safe Gas Installation Practices and Types

Gas Installation Principles

An installation consists of containers (portable or stationary), pipe networks, connections, and control and safety devices. These components are essential for safely delivering gas from containers to consumption appliances.

Natural Gas Defined

Natural gas is a chemical compound that may contain impurities. These impurities, which can have value for purposes other than fuel, are typically removed before the gas is piped to consumers. Natural gas is also known as dry or sweet gas. It is obtained from underground deposits of gas, oil, or gas condensate, and can be found either alone or associated with petroleum. The typical working pressure for domestic appliances is 28 gr/cm².

Manufactured Gas

Manufactured gas is primarily of interest in countries that lack natural gas resources or have not yet sufficiently developed their petroleum energy resources.

LP Gas (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)

LP Gas, or Liquefied Petroleum Gas, is a high-power calorific fuel that burns with an exceptionally clean flame. It is primarily made up of propane and butane.

Gas Installation Groups by Application

• Group 1: Domestic installations with portable containers.
• Group 2: Domestic installations with stationary containers.
• Group 3: Commercial installations with portable containers.
• Group 4: Commercial installations with stationary containers.
• Group 5: Industrial installations for any container type.
• Group 6: Internal combustion engine applications.

Classification of Gas Installations

• Class A: Domestic facilities with portable or stationary containers.
• Class B: Part of an installation for buildings with multiple apartments, specifically for a single apartment.
• Class C: Business types such as restaurants, tortilla shops, dry cleaners, etc. – essentially, all local establishments without a manufacturing process.
• Class D: Part of a domestic installation in apartment buildings, specifically concerning containers and meters.
• Class E: Carburetion facilities used for internal combustion engines.
• Class F: Industrial applications for any type of container.

Gas Supply and Storage Types

• Natural Gas Installation
• Installations with Stationary Storage Types
• Installations with Portable Cylinders or Containers

Essential Materials for Gas Facilities

• Pipes
• Container Connections, Valves, and Keys
• Regulators

Stationary Containers

A stationary container is named for its fixed position within the installation site or area. Due to its volume, weight, and shape, it is typically filled via tank car or pipes.

Portable Containers

Portable containers are vessels suitable for domestic or commercial use. Their shape, weight, and dimensions allow for easy transfer, exchange, and refilling at gas stations.

Shut-off Valves (Step Keys)

Shut-off valves, also known as 'step keys,' are manual closure devices. They are installed to control the gas supply to individual equipment or consumption appliances, or to isolate specific sections of an installation.