LPG - A Hot Energy Option

Contractors, specifiers and commercial installers could be missing out on providing best advice to their clients if they fail to include cleaner, flexible liquefied petroleum gas as a fuel option for off mains gas areas.

That’s the view of Calor, the UK’s leading supplier of the cleaner burning, flexible fuel. The company’s Paul Riding says that LPG is an established fuel with an impressive environmental and safety record, and offers greater flexibility in powering heating equipment in commercial premises. “LPG provides cleaner, convenient power for a range of heating equipment, with advantages over fuel oil and electricity,” he adds.

This means that commercial premises can enjoy all the benefits of mains gas, in off mains areas, for water and space heating. LPG is available from a bulk tank supply as propane or butane and is ideal for powering boilers, space heaters, catering equipment and absorption cooling equipment.

The argument for Calor LPG

LPG provides significant economic and environmental advantages over oil, solid fuel and electricity. For example, based on its low carbon emissions figure, LPG is the only viable fuel choice for space and water heating in buildings after natural gas, to meet Part L of the Building Regulations.

LPG is suitable for all types and sizes of commercial and industrial installations. LPG bulk tanks can be installed underground, and compared to oil, Calor LPG is cleaner and more convenient to deliver, store and use. For example, LPG tanks generally require no containment area and LPG does not pollute soil.

The Calor system

A Calor LPG system generally consists of one or more storage tanks, with underground service pipework to the building and regulators which reduce the natural pressure of the gas to appliance working pressure. An emergency control valve outside the building, and installation pipework inside the building, serve the appliances. Storage tanks may be buried underground or installed on the surface.

Metered systems can be installed to deliver LPG to multi-occupancy sites with a central storage tank serving all users.

Calor’s technical specialists work with specifiers, contractors and installers to deliver the best solution based on the available space, gas off-take of the appliances and the amount of storage required.

Clean, flexible energy across the range

Generally, Calor LPG can be used in the same types of commercial and industrial space and water heating systems as natural gas, including radiator systems, warm air heating, strip and plaque radiant heaters, and industrial unit heaters. Calor LPG can also be used in gas powered absorption type air conditioning systems, replacing electric compressors. Calor LPG vapour has approximately 2.5 times the energy of the same volume of natural gas.

Environmental advantages over oil

Legislation governing the storage of oil and the risk of environmental contamination has recently tightened, with LPG representing a more secure, more flexible and less onerous energy option. “We’re seeing increased enquiries as oil storage becomes a major concern,” says Paul Riding. “The contamination of ground and water courses could see big fines levied – as well as unbearable hassle for the occupant of the premises. This is probably the greatest single concern over oil to emerge in recent years,” he adds.

The new regulations – brought in under the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations – cover all new installations as of March 2002. Oil tanks at “significant risk” have been covered by the regulations since September 2003 and the regulations will come into force for all existing oil storage systems from September 2005. Businesses face severe penalties for oil leakage, and are liable for such leakage whether due to failure, incorrect installation or vandalism.

For example, a regional water company was ordered to pay £17,000 in December 2003 when oil leaked from a storage tank into a nearby stream. The company had already been fined £27,000 in March 2003 for one pollution incident.

Reliable delivery from Calor

Calor also provides reliable and predictive supplies of LPG. The company operates Europe’s biggest LPG tanker network and boasts 65 years’ experience. Calor’s technical expertise coupled with predictive top-up and a new automated telemetry system where appropriate, ensures even greater peace of mind.

Technical Support from One Source

Calor is acknowledged as the LPG industry leader. The company has delivered LPG for 65 years and operates Europe’s largest LPG delivery network. Calor’s technical team is available to provide guidance and support on LPG, ensuring optimum installation based on project requirements.

Now the company has produced a new commercial heating brochure which outlines general guidance on LPG’s advantages over other fuels; tank siting and tank sizing; health and safety requirements; and supply pipework.

Supplies of the new brochure – Now You Can Get Gas Even Where You Can’t Get Gas – are available from Calor on 0800 121 4461 or enquiries@calor.co.uk

“By choosing LPG the heating and ventilating sector can be re-assured that clients can have gas – even where they think they can’t have gas,” adds Paul Riding.

World Famous LPG Solution

The world famous Gleneagles Hotel in northern Scotland has relied on Calor LPG for years for its heating and catering facilities.

Calor was chosen to assist with technical support, increased gas supplies and control equipment for the purpose built Braid House, a new two-storey luxury apartment block, the first stage of a major accommodation expansion project at Gleneagles.

The fuel requirements for the new development were technically demanding. Gleneagles required a completely new fuel system, as the existing fuel capacity was insufficient. Calor’s expertise for developing solutions helped to provide the new accommodation with a system that delivers heating and hot water round the clock as well as controllable cooking power.

The final plan saw three four-tonne Calor tanks, a vaporiser and a gas distribution network installed to provide energy to the new apartment block.

“What made this project particularly challenging was the need for a separate supply to the boiler house,” says Calor’s Paul Riding. He adds: “We decided that a three stage pressure breakdown would provide the best solution.”

Overall, the newly installed gas system was designed to supply a maximum of 10 million Btu/hr. A twin stream unit was installed to ensure continuity of supply – along with safety, this was a prime consideration in such a high profile business as Gleneagles.

“This project is just one example of the benefits of working with a recognised specialist such as Calor to meet customers’ needs,” adds Paul Riding.

“Those responsible for recommending heating and energy solutions should ensure that a full range of options is available to clients by taking a new look at liquefied petroleum gas.”

Further information:

Mark Simpson

Connect PR – 01902 714 957

Email: marksimpson@connect-group.co.uk

Click here to download this press release in Word format

Ref: CG109
Released: July 2004