2.5.6 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 2.5.6 Operating a Propane...

2.5.6 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council

2.5.6Operating a Propane Dispenser to Fill Vehicle-Mounted ASME Tanks

To safely and efficiently fill vehicle-mounted ASME tanks, operators must be familiar with each of the basic parts of the dispensing system, features of ASME tanks, and the filling procedures.

In this module you will learn to:

(1) Identify characteristics of propane dispensers

(2) Inspect the dispenser prior to propane transfer

(3) Identify features of ASME motor fuel tanks

(4) Identify features of ASME mobile fuel tanks

(5) Shut down and secure the dispenser

(6) Prevent and handle emergencies

2.5.6 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 1

Characteristics of Propane Dispensers

Figure 1. Diagram of a Typical Propane DispenserThe operating valves are shown as numbered circles.



Figure 2b. Integral Internal Valve Closed

(Lever is away from bracket.)

Internal Excess Flow Valve – The liquid outlet on the propane supply tank must be fitted with an internal excess flow valve. Excess flow valves must also be installed in the piping system where a reduction in pipe size or hose diameter occurs.

Figure 2a. Open Integral Internal Valve

(Lever is near bracket.)



Figure 3b. Emergency Shutdown

(Handle Pulled Out To Open Valve)

Figure 3a. Internal Valve Cable Linkage



Figure 3d. Emergency Shutdown

(Button and Handle Pushed In

to Close Valve)

Figure 3c. Fusible Link



Figure 4b. Closed ASME Tank Filler Hose End Valve

(Minimum Loss Valve)

Quick Closing Hose End Valves – As a safeguard against overfilling containers, hose end valves must be quick closing types.

Figure 4a. Open ASME Tank Filler Hose End Valve

(Minimum Loss Valve)


Propane Motor Fuel Vehicle Decal

A propane decal (Figure 5) is required on vehicles equipped with motor and/or mobile fuel tanks.

Figure 5. Propane Diamond Decal


Vehicle Propane Motor Fuel Decal

Figure 6a. Placement of Propane Diamond Decal for Motor Fuel

Figure 6b. Placement of Propane Diamond Decal for Concealed Mobile Fuel Tank on Recreational Vehicle


Features of ASME Motor Fuel Tanks

Figure 7. Liquid Service Valve Handwheel

If the tank does not have a data plate, or if its working pressure is not at least 250 psi, you must not fill it.

Liquid Service Valve



Figure 8. Cutaway of Double Backflow Check

Filler Valve

ACME Filler Valve.

Never fully remove the filling adapter from a filler valve until the gas has stopped venting



Figure 9. Motor Fuel Tank Cut-Away with

Stop-Fill Valve

Stop Fill Valve



Figure 10. Fixed Liquid Level Gauge

Fixed Maximum Liquid Level Gauge – When liquid vents from the hole, it condenses the moisture in air into a visible fog that indicates that filling must be stopped.



Figure 12. Data Plate, Valves, Gauges and Fittings of a Motor Fuel Tank



Figure 13. Vapor-Tight Valve Enclosure


Motor Fuel Tank Filling Procedures

Step 1: Open the liquid outlet valve on the storage tank and the valve in the by-pass return line. Be sure the valve connection on the storage tank is open to the meter vapor eliminator.

Step 2: Set the propane meter to zero.

Step 3: Connect the motor fuel hose to the tank fill valve.

Step 4: Open the vent valve on the fixed liquid level gauge.

Step 5: Open the valve on the end of the hose.

Step 6: Start the pump.



Step 7: When a steady white mist or fog is first emitted from the fixed liquid level gauge vent valve, this indicates the maximum permissible fill position has been reached.

Step 8: Immediately close the hose end valve

Step 9: Close the fixed liquid level gauge.

Step 10: Shut off the pump.



Step 11: Slowly loosen the filler adapter to vent liquid propane trapped between the filler adapter and the motor fuel tank filler valve. Wait until propane stops venting and pressure is relieved between the adapter and the filler valve, before completely disconnecting the adapter.

Step 12: When venting has stopped, disconnect and stow the hose assembly.


Mobile Fuel Tank Filling Procedures

Figure 14. Mobile Fuel Tank Valves and Fittings



Before the filling procedure is started, shut off the service valve to eliminate the fuel supply to the pilots of the gas appliances. Notify the vehicle operator that you are turning the propane fuel supply off at the service valve and verify with him or her that appliance pilots are off. Allow ample time to ensure pilots are extinguished.

Be sure that everyone has exited the vehicle before beginning the filling procedures.



Step 1: Shut off the vapor service valve on the mobile fuel tank.

Step 2: Be sure the vapor valve on the storage tank is open to provide an equalizing/return line to the meter vapor eliminator.

Step 3: Set the propane meter to zero.

Step 4: Connect the motor/mobile fuel hose to the tank fill valve.

Step 5: Open the vent valve on the fixed liquid level gauge.

Step 6: Open the valve on the end of the hose.



Step 7: Start the pump.

Step 8: When a steady white mist or fog is first emitted from the fixed liquid level gauge vent valve, this indicates the maximum permissible fill position has been reached.

Step 9: Immediately close the hose end valve.

Step 10: Close the fixed liquid level gauge.

Step 11: Shut off the pump



Step 12: Slowly loosen the filler adapter to vent liquid propane trapped between the filler adapter and the motor fuel tank filler valve. Wait until propane stops venting and pressure is relieved between the adapter and the filler valve before completely disconnecting the filler adapter.

Step 13: When venting has stopped, disconnect and stow the hose assembly.


Shutting Down and Securing the Dispenser

When the dispenser is not in use, or at any time that a qualified dispenser operator is not in attendance, the dispenser should be shut down and secured in keeping with company operating procedures.

The shut down procedure should ensure that:

Dispenser operating valves are closed.

Transfer hoses are secured in storage cabinets or their designated locations, and the disperser cabinet or fence gates are closed and locked.


Preventing and Handling Emergencies

Precautions in the Event of an Emergency

1. Avoid becoming trapped within the dispenser area if there is an uncontrolled release of propane.

2. Keep other people away from the area.

3. Move and stay upwind of a propane leak or fire.

4. NEVER enter a propane vapor cloud.

5. Eliminate sources of ignition.

6. Activate the plant fire/emergency notification system.

7. Send someone to call the fire department to report the nature of the emergency.

2.5.6 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Pages 13 & 14


Preventing Dispenser Emergencies – An emergency exists at a dispenser if there is an uncontrolled release of propane, or a fire. Emergencies can be prevented by strictly following the safety rules and procedures provided in LP-gas safety codes and company procedures.

1. Periodically inspect and properly maintain the components of the dispenser. Keep other people away from the area.

2. Never fill a container that is unsafe or does not meet inspection criteria for continued service.

3. Strictly enforce dispenser operating safety rules. Be polite and tactful with customers. Explain the safety rules and the reason for the rules, but do so in a firm manner if necessary

4. Don’t ignore obvious irregularities and abnormal operation conditions.



Propane Fires and Emergencies – In any propane emer-gency where there is fire, flames should be extinguished ONLY BY SHUTTING OFF THE FLOW OF GAS.

You should take the following steps in the event of a fire or emergency (unless a fire is near the storage tanks or valves):

1. If there is an emergency shutdown on the container piping, activate it.

2. Close all accessible valves in the liquid and vapor lines.

3. Shut off the electrical power at the main power supply.

4. Stay away from the dispenser and keep others away from the area.

5. Do not operate a dispenser that has been exposed to fire.

2.5.6 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Pages 15 & 16

Time to See If You Got the Key Points of This Module…

• Complete the Review on page 15.

• See if you are ready for the Certification Exam by checking off the performance criteria on page 16.

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