Code Approval of Composite Propane Cylinders for Indoor Use ...

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Code Approval of Composite Propane Cylindersfor Indoor Use – Phase II Final ReportFebruary 2007IntroductionThe purpose of this project was to assist the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) in thedevelopment of a proposal to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for the acceptedindoor use of propane composite cylinders. This project was divided into two phases. The scopeof Phase I was to investigate the market viability for indoor composite propane cylinders, reviewprevious work performed by the NPGA to gain approval for indoor use, review internationalexperience with indoor propane cylinders (specifically composite cylinders), and meet with firefighting professionals to identify potential concerns regarding indoor use.The scope of Phase II was to continue our interaction with the fire protection community, assistthe NPGA in development of code language for submission to the NFPA 58 Committee, andperform fire testing of the composite propane cylinders. Phase II included the following tasks:• Task 1 – Continue Liaison Activities with the Fire Protection Community• Task 2 – Conduct Preliminary Composite Cylinder Fire Testing• Task 3 – Provide Administrative Support to the Gas Appliance Manufacturer’sAssociation (GAMA) Task Force for American National Standards Institute (ANSI)Standard Development• Task 4 – Support the NPGA in Development of Code Language for Submission to theNFPA 58 Committee• Task 5 – Develop Detailed Fire Performance Test Plan• Task 6 – Perform Detailed Fire Testing of the Composite Propane Cylinders.This report details the activities conducted for each task.Task 1 – Continue Liaison Activities with theFire Protection CommunityThe purpose of Task 1 was to continue our dialog and meetings with contacts on the regionalNFPA committees, the NFPA 58 Technical Committee, and the Fire Protection ResearchFoundation (The Foundation) through year end 2006. Over the course of this project Battelle hasdisseminated information to these contacts regarding composite cylinder fire testing data as wellas invited them to witness some of the detailed fire testing at the Underwriters Laboratories’Large-Scale Fire Research Facility. Through this dialog, Battelle has identified a number ofconcerns from the fire protection community that has led to an alternative detailed fire test plan.Composite Propane Cylinders 1 February 2007for Indoor Use — Phase IIBattelle
Phase I Meetings (PERC Docket # 11328)Battelle attended the following NFPA Committee meetings to discuss the indoor propanecomposite cylinder effort and obtain feedback. During these meetings, Battelle presented a briefoverview of the composite cylinders and plans for testing. A video was also shown of firetesting conducted by several manufacturers.• NFPA 58 Technical Committee Meeting, August 24-25, 2004• NFPA Regional Fire Code Development Committee, Southern Region – Little Rock, AK,September 9, 2004• NFPA Regional Fire Code Development Committee, Northcentral Region – JacksonHole, WY, September 21, 2004The members of each Committee were given the opportunity to provide feedback, ask questions,and discuss concerns regarding indoor use of composite propane cylinders. During these initialdiscussions, many of the fire professionals expressed opposition to the indoor use of compositepropane cylinders. Many of the fire professionals questioned the assumption that there was alarge demand for the use of indoor appliances equipped with composite propane cylinders. Sincethey couldn’t see the need for such appliances, they were quite against the potential added risk ifpropane cylinders are approved for indoor use. However, there was an indication that if it couldbe demonstrated that such appliances are as safe as or safer than natural gas appliances, then theymight be more likely to agree with potential code changes.General concern was expressed about the possibility for consumer misuse, tampering, andadapting the connection on a standard steel cylinder for use with the indoor appliance, basicallybypassing “composite cylinder only” connections. In fact, two attending state Fire Marshalsstated that they would not accept any changes to NFPA 58 if it permitted indoor use of 20-poundcomposite propane cylinders. During these meeting, the fire professionals mentioned that theyhave to deal with life-threatening situations everyday and most of their experiences with propanecylinders have been negative (gas-grills catching fire, the use of gas-grills on decks and ingarages that cause fires, etc.).Phase II MeetingsWith the initiation of Phase II of this project, Battelle continued their liaison efforts with the fireprotection community.Composite Propane Cylinders 2 February 2007for Indoor Use — Phase IIBattelle
Page 3: Battelle does not engage in researc
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Page 19 and 20: Table 1. Summary of Concerns and Co
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Page 25 and 26: Table 2. Preliminary Composite Cyli
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Page 35 and 36: ResultsResults were obtained to qua
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Code Approval of Composite Propane Cylinders for Indoor Use ...

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