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Clarke
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Operator's Manual (EN) - DC Propane Burnisher - 13 -
Facts About LP Gas - Propane
As a fuel, Propane gas is unmatched for both safety and
dependability. It has been used as a domestic household
fuel for over half a century, and for over thirty years as an
internal combustion engine fuel. Propane is a highly
flammable fuel that is contained under pressure as a
liquid. Vaporized gas has a similar explosive force to
gasoline and mixtures as low as 2% LP Gas to air may be
ignited in a closed environment. Care should be
exercised to avoid escaping vapor as it can freeze skin
and cause frost bite. Vaporized fuel is heavier than air and
will collect in the lowest confined space available.
Facts About Propane Tanks
Propane tanks are constructed according to ASME or
Federal DOT #4ET20 pressure safety codes. Including the
tank, all valves and fittings are UL Listed. Propane gas is
noncorrosive and will not rust the inside of a tank. Should
the tank exterior become damaged or rusted, discontinue
use.
DO NOT
tamper with tank gauges or safety relief
valves.
NEVER
use a tank not intended for use with a
propane buffer.
DO NOT
substitute tanks that are used
with a barbecue grill, etc. Clarke recommends having
propane tanks tested once a year by an authorized
National LP Gas Association sanctioned propane dealer.
The fuel tank is supplied directly from the manufacturer
and is void of fuel. This tank must be purged at the time of
the first fill. Local fuel vendors should be familiar with this
operation and will provide this service.
Recommended Purge Procedures
How to purge new LP-Gas Buffer cylinders equipped with
the Overfill Prevention Device:
New containers may contain vapor, air, or other
contaminants. It is essential that these be removed before
filling the container and placing it into service. Air in the
container will cause abnormally high pressure, with the
result that the pressure relief valve may open.
Air in the
system is also likely to cause lean mixture, making
ignition difficult.
If a cylinder is suspected of being
depressurized or open to the atmosphere for a period of
time, it must be re-purged as if it were a new container.
To purge a container, the following steps should be
taken.
Purging of containers should be performed in an approved
area (see NFPA #5 8) using NPGA #13 3.89(a) procedure.
1. Determine if the container pressure is zero. Should the
cylinder contain only pressurized air, the air may be vented
directly to the atmosphere through the service valve using an
adapter and the outage valve.
2. Pressurize the container to approximately 15 psig with LP-
gas vapor.
Never purge with liquid LP-gas!
To do so
will cause the moisture vapor to chill and remain in the
cylinder. LPgas liquid also expands 270 times to
vapor making the purge process ineffective.
Use LP-
gas vapor only!
3. Make the connection to the quick coupler (A purge manifold
system is most effective). Fully open the cylinder service
valve as well as the outage valve. Vent to a safe atmo-
sphere. A vent stack is recommended.
4. On Overfill Prevention Device cylinders, the purge time is
increased as a result of the new valve design. Opening the
outage valve will help improve the speed of the purge.
5. Repeat #3 and #4 for a total of FIVE purges.
6. Repressurize the container with odorized LP-gas vapor to 15
psig.
7. The container is now ready to be filled with LP-gas.
8. Once filled, check all fittings and tank openings for leaks
using an approved leak detector solution.
9. The container is now ready to be placed in service. Add
DOT and OSHA labels.
Symptoms of a non-purge cylinder:
• Relief valve opens due to over pressurized
cylinder creating hazardous situation.
• Moisture in the cylinder.
• Buffer operates initially but shuts down when
fuel mixture becomes too lean.
Refilling & Storing Propane Tanks
The NFPA Technical Committee prohibits the storage of
such containers in buildings. There are few exceptions to
this rule. In other words, propane tanks should NOT be
stored in buildings used by the public or frequented by
anyone passing through or who is working in the building.
Full or empty, never leave tanks in small enclosed areas.
The tank(s) must be in a secure, tamper-proof storage
enclosure that provides safety from accident or vandalism.
A propane tank can be transported either on or off of the
machine. In either case it should be secured to the
vehicle in its upright position with the service valve closed.
Never leave your tanks in a vehicle unsecured or lying on
their side.
PROPANE TANKS SHOULD ALWAYS BE
TRANSPORTED, INSTALLED AND USED IN AN
UPRIGHT POSITION.
OVERFILLING PROPANE TANKS IS HAZARDOUS.
The tank should NEVER be completely filled with liquid
propane. 80% of the total tank volume is to be considered
at
ALL
times as full. EXPANSION MUST BE ALLOWED
FOR. Propane Buffer tanks are equipped with a fixed
liquid level gauge which contacts the liquid level at 80% of
container capacity, allowing 20% for expansion. The top
part of this device must be unscrewed counterclockwise
so that vapor can escape through the small hole it its side,
as the tank is refilled. When the escaping vapor starts to
give way to liquid, the device must be quickly closed and
the propane nozzle turned off.
**IMPORTANT** The engine and the fuel system on
your floor care machine are designed to run on fuel
vapor, not fuel liquid. Overfilling the propane tank will
result in damaging the lockoff and/or regulator. This will
VOID the WARRANTY on these components.
Propane Safety Information