Why do gas cylinders explode in a car?

How to avoid a gas cylinder explosion in a car in 2019

The benefits of installing LPG on cars have long been proven. But many drivers are afraid to switch to gas, since the Internet is full of videos with the title “The cylinder exploded...”. However, if an explosion of a gas cylinder in a car occurs, it is due to a malfunction of the car or due to improper operation of the gas equipment. Let's study this issue and figure out what rules need to be followed so that even thoughts about an explosion do not arise.

Can LPG explode in a car?

A mixture of propane and methane with air is ideal for good detonation in the presence of a spark. Therefore, the goal of the developers of gas equipment was to create a system that would completely eliminate the possibility of an explosion and would “get” the best from gas to the maximum. With each new generation of HBO, driving becomes safer.

The cylinders are equipped with valves and valves that can withstand maximum pressure (and even with a margin). Fuel line gas pipelines are made from copper alloys, and in recent generations they have begun to introduce reinforced plastic and even thermoplastic pipes.

The risk of gas leakage is negligible, but it still exists, and this can be attributed to the disadvantages of gas equipment.

Even if the seal is broken in some place (which is rare with proper operation) and gas escapes, the driver will immediately feel a pungent odor. A special composition is added to the cylinder - an odorant, which enhances the smell so much that even with the slightest leak a person will feel it, take action and prevent the gas from reaching dangerous concentrations in the air.

The explosion limit of propane is 2.1-9.5%, propane-butane is 1.9-8.5%. This is why the propane-butane mixture is inferior in safety to methane. Another unpleasant “bonus” is that liquefied gas is heavier than air and, when leaking, settles closer to the ground. But even with these indicators, the odorant will let you know about a leak long before reaching the 2.1 mark.

Methane explodes at concentrations in air ranging from 5–16%, the most dangerous concentration being 9.5%. If the gas concentration is less than 5%, it does not explode, but burns, although combustion can occur very quickly, in the form of a pop, which is also very dangerous for people, but in itself will not lead to the explosion of the cylinder. Unless a fire starts and the cylinder explodes because the pressure in it has increased as a result of heating.

Methane is lighter than air, and after leaving the cylinder, its flows tend upward. It can only accumulate in enclosed spaces, under the ceiling.

Let's say events develop according to the worst-case scenario and there is enough gas in the air for a potential explosion. Without a good spark, detonation will not occur.

Unfavorable factors for HBO in the event of a leak are burning of wiring and other car parts. Therefore, an explosion can only occur under the influence of a mini-fire in other systems.

The gas cylinder itself is not explosive, provided that it is well manufactured, tested and equipped in accordance with the rules and requirements for gas equipment.

Why do explosions happen?

Destruction (explosion) of the cylinder is possible if the following malfunctions are present:

1. The appearance of microcracks as a result of metal corrosion (this is why the latest generations of equipment do not use metal containers and pipelines).
2. Loss of seal due to a powerful impact (this leads to a leak, but not necessarily an explosion).
3. The container overheats, as a result the gas tends to expand and creates enormous pressure. But you shouldn’t be afraid, because during development the cylinders are tested at extremely high temperatures (operating range is approximately from -40 to +650 C). One of the reasons why gas cylinders in a car explode due to overheating is a sharp temperature change. For example, in severe frosts, the driver parks the car in a warm garage, and even in such a way that the cylinder is in the most heated zone.

How to eliminate the possibility of an explosion

To prevent your car from becoming the hero of the video “A gas cylinder exploded in the car,” avoid inexperienced installers. Contact a service center or a specialized station staffed by experienced installers.

If the driver has chosen the LPG generation, which does not have a multi-valve, he must control himself so that at refueling more than 80% of the gas does not enter the cylinder, and also ensure that the fuel is of high quality. It is advisable to regularly check connections for leaks (using a soap solution).

If you smell gas on the road, stop immediately, turn off the engine, and open all the windows in the cabin. Do not start the car until you have determined the cause of the problem.

HBO explosion: video

Practicing lawyer with 10 years of experience. Specializations: criminal law, insurance law, administrative offenses.

How to avoid a gas cylinder explosion in a car

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of installing gas equipment (LPG), but the issue of safety in this case is especially acute. It is also no secret what damage an explosion of a gas cylinder in a car can cause not only to the vehicle, but also to the health and often the life of the driver and passengers. Of course, the causes of incidents are not always hidden behind the explosion of a cylinder, but owners of gas equipment must approach the issue of safety especially responsibly.

Is HBO explosive?

Modern gas equipment for a car is not always affordable for the average car owner and, despite the guarantees provided by specialists from a certified center, motorists prefer to save money by choosing low-quality gas equipment and irregular maintenance. In this case, it is impossible to exclude an incident, which is confirmed by the statistics of explosions of gas cylinders in cars that occurred in 2017. For example, in the spring, in the north of Moscow, due to the explosion of low-quality cylinder equipment in a Gazelle, eight more neighboring cars were damaged, most of which contained people.

However, statistics show that gas is not much more dangerous than gasoline, moreover, its disadvantages are not so significant compared to its advantages. In addition, fourth-generation installations are now actively used, the absolute safety of which is achieved through electronic control. The gas used in the cylinder can be of two types:

In both versions, it has neither a pronounced odor nor color; its consistency is liquid and compressed. Methane is less dangerous than propane, but the second system is ultimately safer, which is achieved due to the lower pressure level. Various odorants are added to any of the fillers in bottled gas. In this case, the advantage is achieved due to the fact that it becomes possible to recognize a gas leak in the cylinder long before a critical situation arises.

Causes of gas cylinder explosion

Now it’s worth figuring out why gas cylinders explode and what you should pay attention to first. The fact is that even air maximally saturated with propane or methane cannot ignite in a cylinder without cause; a strong and long-lasting spark is needed. That is why the explosion hazard of a cylinder cannot be considered separately, but only in conjunction with the general condition of the car and the serviceability of all systems.

A separate cylinder without external influence simply cannot ignite due to the very thick outer shell. In theory, of course, it is possible for the balloon to diverge at the seams, but in practice this is a very rare exception rather than the rule.

The components, elements and connections included in gas equipment are the most dangerous, therefore it is very important that gas cylinders are checked carefully and in a timely manner. Particular attention should be paid to safety valves and pressure. The most common causes of possible accidents:

• use of low-quality equipment and cylinder parts;
• incorrect installation and configuration of HBO;
• microcracks and corrosion, causing gas leaks from the cylinder;
• problems with gas tightness;
• violation of the temperature regime for the use of HBO;
• exceeding the permissible rate of filling the gas cylinder.

The closest attention should be paid to the first two points, which provide 80% security. Of course, public safety precautions should not be neglected; use only in accordance with available technical instructions.

How to avoid danger

There is no need to create illusions; if a cylinder explodes in a car, then only a miracle will help the owner, as well as everyone present. The fact is that the explosion of an LPG is practically no different from the explosion of a bomb, and the fire that instantly breaks out destroys everyone. Therefore, as mentioned above, it is necessary that LPG checks on cars be carried out regularly, and this should be approached as responsibly as possible. Moreover, you should not save on equipment and installation - subsequent use will pay for all costs in full.

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Installation and testing should always be carried out at specialized stations, and close attention should be paid to the process of filling the cylinder. Firstly, the gas must not be counterfeit and, secondly, the possible filling volume in the LPG must not be exceeded. In no case should you ignore testing the connections of cylinder lines - regular checking of LPG parts with a soap solution is mandatory.

We should not forget that transportation of gas cylinders in a passenger car is possible only if the established standards for volume, type of gas, and fastening are observed. If a gas leak is detected from the cylinder while the vehicle is moving, the vehicle must be stopped immediately. Then you should turn off the engine, open the doors and windows, and leave the cabin. It is prohibited to start the car again until the cause of the gas leak from the cylinder is identified and corrected.

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Why do cylinders explode in cars with methane and propane gas equipment?

Before making a final decision on installing gas equipment on their car, in addition to the issue of payback, car enthusiasts are also concerned about the safety of cars with gas equipment.

The network is littered with videos and comments about them about gas cylinder explosions in a car.

In this article, we will try to figure out whether a gas tank on a car can explode, how often, for what reasons and under what circumstances this happens.

Is it possible for gas equipment to explode in a car?

Indeed, cases of explosions and burning of cars have become more frequent recently. We were unable to find any specific statistics, but there are plenty of such cases. The Internet is flooded with similar photos. This is largely due to the development and popularity of gas systems on cars. Also with the owners trying to reduce transport costs as much as possible.

To understand the reason for this ending, it is necessary to clarify that in a car with a gas cylinder installation, it is the cylinder that explodes, and as you know, there are containers for methane and propane. You can find out more about this here. The propane-butane mixture is in a tank under a pressure of 12-15 atmospheres in a liquefied state, and methane is 200 atmospheres. in a compressed Therefore, the design of the cylinders is different, as well as the causes and consequences after their explosion.

Why cylinders explode and cars with gas equipment burn out

An incident like this is always a confluence of certain circumstances. In addition, the class of installed equipment does not matter; fires and gas explosions occur on vehicles with 4th and 2nd generation gas equipment.

INvideo collection about how gas equipment explodes in a car:

Propane tank

The main safety system of a propane installation is located in the cylinder fittings (multi-valve). The developers of the modern device specifically calculated all possible scenarios, equipping it with multi-level protection:

1. shut-off valve - works together with the float, limits the overflow of fuel during refueling (according to the standard, when filling the cylinder, 20% of the empty volume should remain in it to allow gas expansion.)
2. emergency pressure relief valve – relieves pressure exceeding 27 atmospheres
3. high-speed valve – operates when the flow line is broken
4. fire-resistant fuse-link - the valve is activated on an open fire after reaching the set temperature
5. mechanical valve for manually shutting off the fuel supply to the evaporator reducer
6. solenoid valve – prevents gas supply when the ignition is off

In addition to the multifunctional device, the gas equipment system is protected from leaks by an additional electric valve, which is placed in front of the reducer or is included in its design (together with a coarse gas filter).

A remote filling device is mounted on the filling line side, which operates on the principle of a check valve and prevents possible leakage.

The cylinder itself consists of steel with a thickness of at least 3 mm. Its factory pressure testing occurs at a pressure of 30 atm, and tensile testing is more than 70 atmospheres .

Thus, it would seem that the HBO system is protected from all sides. So why do propane tanks explode and cars burn out?

An explosion of a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder occurs due to excess critical pressure. Let's consider the options that are most often the starting point for an accident.

First case

HBO installer (intentionally or due to inexperience):

• the multivalve was adjusted incorrectly
• put “whatever was available” (the cartoon is selected according to the type of container).
• removed the shut-off valve and float in order to be able to fill to capacity

Now imagine that after filling a gas cylinder with such a protective device, the car is parked in the sun or in a warm garage in winter. When the tank heats up, the gas pressure will increase and an explosion will occur if:

• in pursuit of savings, outdated class fittings were installed that did not have sufficient degrees of protection
• used multivalve installed
• a multivalve from an unknown manufacturer is installed (fake)

With proper installation, the protection of the cylinder fittings will work, and the propane will simply escape through the ventilation duct.

But there is also a danger here, since the propane-butane mixture is heavier than air, and in enclosed spaces it settles (the case with a garage, especially if it has an inspection hole). A dangerous concentration (2.3-9.5%) can detonate from any spark, for example when turning on a light or a cigarette.

Second case

The car caught fire, for example, due to an electrical short circuit. As a result of the fire, the pressure in the cylinder will increase and an explosion will occur, igniting the propane.

In the correct multi-valve, the safety or fire valve will operate. After which the fuel will come out without any consequences or will burn in flames (depending on the extent of the fire), but there will be no explosion.

Fire hazard of propane gas equipment

Propane by itself is not flammable. A gas fire in a car can only occur due to a leak and a spark. And also because of reverse clap (the latter is typical for 2nd generation HBO, read about it here).

Leaks may be caused by improper installation/operation of gas equipment, namely:

1. use of used components
2. low quality parts
3. mounting the cylinder without fastening (wiping the container)
4. installation of vessels with expired expiration date
5. untimely re-examination of the tank
6. violation of maintenance schedules

Gas often leaks out at the connections, through the air intake unit or the solenoid valve under the hood.

Installing a cylinder shut-off valve with a solenoid valve, which shuts off the gas supply when the engine is stopped, will help prevent fuel from escaping.

It is also necessary to install a ventilation chamber to remove gas fuel outside the vehicle.

In addition, the cause of a fire may be failure to comply with basic safety measures at a gas station (static electricity, smoking).

Explosiveness of a methane cylinder

Due to high pressure, a methane explosion in a car occurs with more destructive consequences. This happens especially often at gas stations.

Methane tanks come in 4 classes, the most reliable are 1-2 types. They are made of metal with a thickness of 7 to 23 - the first type, 4.8-6 mm - the second type. Class 3 and 4 - consist entirely or partially of composite materials (carbon fiber).

Due to their weight, the most common containers in passenger vehicles are second class. The strength of the thinner walls is achieved by an annular fiberglass wrap. Breaking load 670 kg/cm2 (Atm).

The function of the safety system for methane gas equipment is performed by the automatic shut-off valve of the cylinder, which, during installation, is tightened with a torque wrench with a torque of 320-340 kg (data are indicated in the passport). A high-quality valve has several levels of protection:

1. emergency pressure relief valve
2. cut-off device in case of line break
3. valve with fusible link rated for 110°C

The system also uses a certified steel line with a wall thickness of 1 mm.

Causes of a methane cylinder explosion:

• installation of used tanks
• installation of containers with expired service life
• installation of a valve without the required degrees of protection
• installation of a tank from an unknown manufacturer (without a passport and appropriate certification in the Russian Federation)
• installation of a cylinder without reliable fixation (without frame)
• installation of a damaged vessel
• abrasion of the cylinder under vibration loads (corrosion, microcracks, dents)
• untimely re-examination

Methane (CNG/CNG - compressed natural gas) is lighter than air, so it does not accumulate like propane if it leaks. In a sense, this is its advantage. The explosive concentration of methane in the air is 5-16%.

Which is safer gas or gasoline?

A gasoline tank can also explode. And without any pressure.

Video experiment, setting a gasoline tank on fire:

Danger of HBO in an accident

One of the well-known gas equipment manufacturers conducted an experiment with simulating car accidents. Both cars are equipped with 4th generation propane gas equipment, only with different cylinders. The main blow was directed at a car with a toroidal tank. During the collision it did not even break; on the contrary, the cylinder acted as a trunk amplifier.

Experiment with a car accident on gas fuel:

Explosion of an HBO cylinder - causes. Is it possible to prevent a gas cylinder explosion?

I bet that before installing gas equipment, each of you heard a horror story that gas is dangerous, it is fraught with an explosion of the cylinder and death. But, as practice shows, this kind of phenomenon is very rare and in most cases it is we who are to blame for this.

Why cylinders on cars explode, who or what causes this and whether it is possible to avoid an explosion of gas equipment, you will learn from my article today.

When installing gas equipment, almost everyone is worried about how the explosive substance will behave in the car. Will it “bang”? Is it possible to smoke in a cabin with HBO? What if there is a spark? What if there is a gas leak? In general, there were a lot of questions, some found answers, some simply got used to the fact that there is gas and we need to be more careful, and there are those who are still afraid of everything.

But, as practice shows, gas in cars is absolutely safe; moreover, it has been proven that gasoline is more dangerous than LPG. Also, statistics inexorably show that gas gas explosions occur in most cases, if not all, due to violations of operating rules, or violations committed during the installation of gas on a car.

So, the reasons for the explosion of a gas cylinder in a car with gas equipment

1. Low quality HBO. By buying cheap analogs of spare parts and components, you risk creating a time bomb in your car with your own hands. Cheap “no-name” parts are not of proper quality, have not been tested for compatibility and safety, so you can expect anything from them. If the gas cylinder turns out to be a fake or it is some very budget option of unknown origin, during operation such a tank may not withstand the pressure and detonate. The same applies to the multivalve, which determines how the system behaves in the event of excess pressure. Ideally, a full-fledged high-quality multi-valve relieves excess pressure by emergency releasing gas into the atmosphere. If the cartoon is of poor quality or has defects. the discharge will not occur, and the cylinder will burst from the pressure.
2. Experiments and modification. In pursuit of savings and convenience, owners often resort to all sorts of tricks that allow them to get even more benefits from HBO. Various experiments with multivalve sometimes end sadly. Removing or bending the float, turning off or removing the safety valve and other perversions that people perform at their own peril and risk result in the cylinder exploding. The float does not shut off the supply, which means more fuel enters than it should, some people manage to fill it to capacity. As a result, when the air temperature rises, the cylinder cannot withstand the pressure and an explosion occurs. If the multivalve is modified and the safety valve is removed, emergency relief is not possible. Therefore, on hot days, the pressure inside the gas cylinder increases to a critical state, after which the tank simply bursts.
3. Service life and damage. Many people mistakenly believe that after installing an LPG, it can be used almost until the end of the car’s service life. This is wrong! The cylinder must be pressure tested every 2 years of operation, and after 10 years it must be completely replaced. In addition, the condition of the cylinder and other equipment should be regularly inspected for integrity. There are other factors that influence equipment wear, such as corrosion. If the cylinder begins to rust intensively, you cannot be sure of its reliability. You should also take into account various physical damages (scuffs, impacts, cracks, etc.), which can also lead to a violation of the integrity of the tank and ultimately lead to the explosion of the cylinder.
4. Violation of safety regulations. There are those who are terrified of HBOT and avoid them, and there are others who neglect all the known rules of TB. As a result, an explosion occurs due to negligence in handling explosive substances. This could be body work that was carried out using a gas torch or straightening work, during which the cylinder was damaged. It is also not uncommon for a cylinder to explode due to critical heating or a gas leak that was not repaired in time.

In fact, there may be many more reasons, but it is simply impossible to describe them all. In many ways, everything depends on the specific case and the series of events that subsequently lead to an explosion.

To avoid such a scenario, follow these rules:

• Install and maintain gas equipment only from professionals;
• Regularly inspect the operating mechanisms of the gas equipment;
• Perform timely maintenance and replacement of consumables;
• At the slightest sign of malfunction, contact a specialist;
• Always follow safety rules when operating a car with LPG.

That's all I wanted to say! Follow the safety rules, as well as the operation of gas equipment, and do not believe fairy tales! Take care of yourself and your car.

Why can a gas cylinder on a car explode?

01/05/2018 2,284 Views

Nissan Murano 1st generation, a bitter experience from owning this monster Nowadays, gas installations are considered very popular among car enthusiasts, and many are confident in the safety and relevance of such equipment, although both positive and negative aspects of such an addition can be highlighted.

The biggest fear of any driver using LPG is an explosion of the cylinder. Mechanics claim that these fears are groundless, because LPG is much safer than a simple gasoline tank. Let’s try to figure out how true this statement is.

When does a cylinder become explosive?

Theoretically, LPG is really no more dangerous than a tank of gasoline, but there are certain factors that can affect the properties of the gas system. Experts identify several reasons why a cylinder on a car can explode:

• Incorrectly selected installation, which ideally should correspond to the vehicle’s power, engine cubic capacity and other indicators. If the installation is chosen incorrectly, this can be noticed by a significant loss of power, when the car simply “does not pull”, and rapid wear of parts;
• With low-quality equipment, which is often inferior in price to modern installations and is therefore considered quite in demand. Modern gas equipment is distinguished by a multilayer tank structure and a safety valve, which, if filled incorrectly, releases excess gas until the pressure inside the cylinder is optimized. In addition, they are shock-resistant and are not afraid of temperature changes. At the same time, outdated handicraft versions are made of simple metal, which is susceptible to corrosion, may have cracks and explode when heated, refilled, or impacted;

• When mixing fuel is irrelevant, when propane is combined with butane. The explosion hazard in this case is explained by different temperature requirements. To save money, propane is often mixed with cheap butane, but this gas can only be used in the warm season, since in cold weather such raw materials become inoperative. If you mix these two types of fuel in winter, then when heated, the container may burst and even explode;
• Excessive filling can also lead to an explosion, because the gas tank is provided for filling no more than 80%; when overfilling, the pressure in the cylinder increases greatly and an explosion occurs. For more modern polymer-composite options, excess fuel is not a problem, because such installations are equipped with a pressure relief valve, but even such devices can malfunction and open the valve untimely;
• If there are cracks in the fuel tank, an explosion can also occur, so to check the integrity of the cylinder, it is recommended to periodically go through the seams with a soap solution - this makes it possible to detect holes in a timely manner;
• Improper maintenance is often the cause of rupture; HBO requires timely cleaning of condensate, checking the patency of the tubes and performance; inspection must be carried out by specialists.

How to protect your car from explosion

So that your desire to save on fuel does not turn into a threat to life, first of all, the selection and installation of gas equipment should be trusted to professionals. At the same time, always request that you be provided with a service booklet for installation.

Monitor temperature changes and the quality of fuel raw materials and do not forget to monitor the condition of the gas fuel system, carry out inspections at the service center on time. If during operation you notice a decrease in the vehicle’s performance level or smell gas, immediately switch to the classic type of fuel and contact a service center.

And most importantly: be careful on the road, because emergency situations threaten an explosion for any fuel system.