Refueling

Objective

• To develop the student's skill and knowledge of refueling techniques and developing the highest safety standards while handling propane

Elements

• Propane Facts
• The propane tank and its components
• Filling methods
• Safety considerations

Equipment

• BFA Propane Systems Handbook
• Propane tank

Instructor’s Actions

• Discuss the properties of propane including specific density as gas and liquid, expansion due to temperature change, boiling point - compare to water, and other information in the BFA Propane Manual
• Demonstrate the function of all components of a propane tank and the importance of information listed on the tank
• Demonstrate filling method and how to determine when tank is safely filled
• Discuss safety factors

Student’s Actions

Demonstrate knowledge of the properties of propane to include:

• Specific gravity of liquid is .509 and its importance
• Specific gravity of gas is 1.52 and its importance
• Temperature change of 1 degree F equals 17 degree increase in volume
• Why propane is better than butane
• Pressure versus temperature
• Weight of one-gallon propane is 4.2 pounds
• Use of methanol
• Why ice forms on valves and hoses and the need for burner preheating coils
• What happens when tanks are heated?
• What happens when tanks are nitrogen charged?

Demonstrate the function of component parts of a propane tank

• Vapor service valve
• Vapor regulator
• Liquid service valve
• Pressure relief valve
  • The pressure relief valves are different for different size fuel tanks, a 10
    gallon tank is set for 375psi and if there are no contaminates in the tank,
    the valve usually shuts down and seals automatically
• Fixed liquid level gauge (spit valve)
• Tar weight
• Other information on label
• Magnetic float gauge
• 0-ring and its purpose
• Volume of tank versus safe volume of fuel
• Tank warmer
• Tank cover

Demonstrate filling propane tanks after a flight

•  Connect and reconnect hoses
• Operation of valves
• Know when tank is full by weight and volume
• Wears gloves
• Knows difference between pressure and quantity gauges
• Refers to flight manual to determine minimum fuel need to launch
• Fuel only one tank at a time

Demonstrate safety factors to include-

• Removal of strikers
• Pooling of propane gas on floor of confined area, pickup or trailer
• Protective clothing
• Fuel from outside basket
• Limit number of crew at fueling
• Nylon and static electricity
• Danger when aluminum tanks blevy
• Danger when propane tank goes hydrostatic
• At what pressure will pressure relief valve open on your tanks. Will it close automatically?
• The sniff test and the use of soapy water to test for a leak/li>

Completion Standards

The student will have knowledge of the properties of propane, propane tanks and how their components work.  The student will be able to safely fill a propane tank and recognize the hazards associated with handling propane.