3/4/2014. Propane Autogas. Domestically Produced. Domestically Produced

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1 Propane Autogas A Safe, Economic, and Environmentally Friendly Option for Fleet Vehicles Emergency Responders: What You Need to Know Stuart Flatow, PERC Paula Cowart, Oklahoma Oklahoma LPGas Marketing & Safety Commission Domestically Produced Approximately 90 percent of propane consumed in the U.S. is produced domestically An additional 7 percent is produced in Canada Domestically Produced Propane Distribution Network 1

2 History of propane autogas ~1910- Propane discovered- Dr. Walter Snelling 1913 First Propane vehicle in USA 2006-Liquid Propane Injection system in US CleanFuel USA unveils GM 8.1 GMC Blue Bird Propane Vision Roush introduces LPI into F- 150 Today: Roush CleanTech CleanFuel USA Blue Bird Collins Alliance AutoGas Propane Autogas as an Alternative Motor Fuel ~270,000 propane vehicles in US ~15M propane vehicles worldwide Referred to as Autogas Move in US to use propane autogas for propane used in on-road applications. Types of Autogas Vehicles and Users Public Sector Fleets Private Sector Fleets Government Entities Taxis Landscape Contractors FTA and Para Transit Vans School Districts Hotel and Airport Shuttle Buses Delivery Companies 2

3 Emergency Responders: What You Need to Know Propane properties Vehicle identification Vehicle components Fuel lines, tanks, mounting systems and brackets Approaching and assessing an incident Risk assessment, types of leaks, extrication Propane Properties Stored and transported as a liquid (under pressure) and can vaporize under the proper conditions Vaporizes at approximately -44 degrees Fahrenheit One cubic foot of propane will boil off (expand) into 270 feet of vapor If liquid propane contacts skin, immediate frostbite results Propane Properties Tasteless, colorless, and naturally odorless Propane manufacturers add odorant (ethyl mercaptan) Capable of being either liquid or gas; in ambient conditions, it is a gas Flammability range of 2.2 percent to 9.6 percent Approximate ignition temperature of 920 degrees Fahrenheit Specific gravity: 1.5 3

4 Safety Advantages of Propane Autogas Flammability Range Among alternative fuels, propane has the narrowest flammability range It May Not be Propane Chattanooga school bus fire started in left front wheel area Vehicle Identification Propane identification decals are mounted on the lower right rear of the vehicle (above the bumper) Decal is black, diamond shaped with a luminous light silver or white border, and with the word PROPANE 4

5 Vehicle Components Fuel tank Fuel tank mounting and bracket system Fuel system and line Pressure relief valve Fuel Tanks Potential for BLEVE Propane liquid expands 1.5 times for every 10 degree rise in temperature in a pressurized tank or vessel Potential for BLEVE to occur if external fire causes extreme heat and pressure build-up Built-in safeguards exist to reduce risk of BLEVE Pressure relief valves Tanks manufactured to withstand high pressure Cooling tank with water helps to reduce internal temperature and pressure build-up Truck Hits Island Explorer Bus. Route 3 in Trenton was shut down Wednesday afternoon, June 13, 2012, while firefighters tried to make sure an Island Explorer bus didn't explode after it was struck by a small pickup truck. Island Explorer buses are powered by propane gas, and this one was struck where its tank is located. Bangor Daily News 5

6 Fuel Tank Durability Propane tanks are more durable than gasoline or diesel tanks. If in the rare instance a tank were to get punctured as the result of an accident, it doesn t mean that the vehicle would explode like you might see in a Hollywood movie. James Mays, Jr., Vice President and Interior Firefighter Sheridan Fire Department, New York Myths Abound James Bond Shoots Propane Tank Explodes!!! Myth Busted!!! 6

7 Fuel Tanks Built in several shapes and sizes Installed in a variety of locations (depending on the type of vehicle) Vehicles may have more than one tank Tanks rated for 312 psig Pressure-relief valves vent to outside of vehicle 20 times more puncture-resistant than a gas tank Equipped with manual shutoff, excess flow, and automatic closure features Fuel Tanks The location of manual shutoff valves are typically marked on many vehicles Fuel Tank Mounting & Bracket Systems Enlarged View Exterior mount on DRW cabin chassis Images courtesy of Roush CleanTech 7

8 Fuel Tank Mounting & Bracket Systems Enlarged View Images courtesy of Roush CleanTech Exterior mount on pickup truck bed Fuel Tank Mounting & Bracket Systems Enlarged View Interior mount in van Images courtesy of Roush CleanTech Safe Crash Test 4, MPH Angled Side and Rear Impact 220 PSI Tank Pressure CMVSS Protocol No Leakage or No Pressure Drop in 30 Minute Test 8

9 Fuel Tank Mounting & Bracket Systems Larger vehicles and buses may have bracket systems Buses utilize a bracket system that provides added protection Tanks located between bus frame rails Fuel Systems and Lines Two types of fuel systems 1. Vapor fuel injection system Stored in tank in liquid form at low pressure Passes through fuel line to engine, converted to vapor by a regulator Vapor mixes with air and enters combustion chamber Similar to a traditional vehicle carburetor system Fuel Systems and Lines 2. Liquid fuel injection system New and popular technology Liquid propane is directly injected into the combustion chamber Improves engine durability and power output Image courtesy of Roush CleanTech 9

10 Fuel Systems and Lines Propane autogas fuel lines are typically routed through the vehicle in the same location as the original factory fuel lines Fuel lines are typically made of stainless steel to handle the varying temperatures and pressures of liquid propane An automatic shutoff valve prevents the flow of fuel to the engine when it is not running, even if the ignition switch is in the on position Vehicle Components Pressure Relief Valve: Equipped on every LPG fuel tank Internal spring type valve Opens automatically to vent vapor if internal tank pressure exceeds the relief valve start-to-discharge pressure setting Designed so spring and valve seat portion are inside the tank: Helps to protect the tank Reduces chance of fuel loss in case outer part of valve is sheared off in an accident Pressure relief valve. Source: Engineered Controls International Inc. Propane Bus Catches Fire in Ellsworth, ME. Three of the propane tanks on the burning vehicle were venting as designed when firefighters arrived, spraying jets of burning propane from the bottom of the bus toward the pavement. There were explosions from the fire, but not because tanks were rupturing, as firefighters had at first feared. The loud booms coming from the bus were from tires that were exploding from the heat. 10

11 LPG INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT STATIONS, AND HANDLING Fueling Infrastructure Options Permanent & Mobile Infrastructure 11

12 Breakaway fueling hose FIRST RESPONDER PROCEDURES Equipment and Gear Structural Firefighters Protective Clothing Firefighters responding to gaseous fuels incidents must wear the following SFPC: SCBA meeting NFPA 1981 requirements Protective ensemble meeting the applicable NFPA 1971 requirements Turnout pants and coat Flame retardant hood Boots Helmet Face shield or goggles Fire resistant or extreme low temperature gloves (LNG) Structural firefighters protective clothing. Source: DOE 12

13 Approaching and Assessing Incident a Vehicle It s difficult to change a perception without first understanding the facts. Through public education and quality training, emergency responders and citizens in our communities can see the benefits of propane autogas and understand that it is safe. Mark Holloway, Volunteer Fire Chief West I-10 Fire Department, Texas Approaching an Incident Approaching and Assessing a Vehicle Incident Teamwork and communication are essential for an effective operation Risk assessment is a critical first step Treat each incident and situation as unique Park apparatus approximately 100 feet away Approach vehicle from upwind and uphill Determine if the vehicle is fueled with propane Check right rear of vehicle for diamond label 13

14 Approaching and Assessing a Vehicle Incident Determine if there is a propane leak Use gas indicators or detectors if they are available Do you smell or hear gas? Where is the leak located? Liquid or vapor? Isolate fuel from potential ignition sources Never walk through a propane vapor cloud Approaching and Assessing a Vehicle Incident If the vehicle is on fire, identify the source and area of concentration Is it electrical or engine fire? Does it involve propane? If safe to do so, allow fire to burn itself out while protecting exposures When necessary, use water to extinguish fire Approach vehicle with an extended and charged hose Cool down the tank as soon as possible Direct water to the top of tanks Securing Gaseous Fuel Vehicles When securing an gaseous fuel vehicle that has been involved in an incident: Follow standard operating procedures Immobilize, stabilize, and disable If on fire or a leak is detected, DO NOT approach the vehicle Secure the scene with nonsparking markers or cones 14

15 Securing Gaseous Fuel Vehicles When approaching a LNG, CNG, or LPG vehicle: Approach at a 45 angle when possible Helps avoid direct exposure in the case of a pressure relief device (PRD) release Gas that escapes from a PRD vent is under high pressure and may ignite Approach vehicle at 45 degree angle Source: NAFTC General Firefighting Measures To extinguish a propane fire, first responders should: For small fires use dry chemical or carbon dioxide For large fires use water spray or fog Move containers from fire area if possible Ensure that the fire has been successfully suppressed Remember that propane fires burn at very high temperatures and can smolder These types of fires may continue to burn after it appears the fire has been successfully suppressed Keep in mind if the flame is extinguished without stopping the fuel flow, the air / fuel mixture may reignite General Firefighting Measures Application of foam to a tanker truck fire. Source: DOE 15

16 Approaching and Assessing a Vehicle Incident How much time do you have to extricate passengers? Each situation is unique Use of Jaws of Life and other cutting tools Know the location of vehicle components Tanks Fuel lines Manual shutoff valves Extrication Before attempting a rescue: Make sure the vehicle is not leaking fuel Determine if dangerous vapors could ignite If passenger extrication is necessary, follow standard operating procedures Take care to consider possible leakage and/or vapors Also consider fuel system components Hydraulic extrication tools. Source: Hurst Jaws of Life Extrication Cutaway of LPG vehicle. Source: DOE 16

17 Approaching and Assessing a Vehicle Incident Summary Teamwork and communication is critical at the scene of the incident Each situation is unique Important to understand the basic principles and properties of propane Proper training will help emergency responders effectively handle propane autogas vehicle incidents 17