LPG – liquefied petroleum gas – has huge potential as a realistic alternative to natural gas in off mains areas. Yet with the benefits on offer, it’s time to shake off outdated images of camping stoves and improve awareness of LPG’s true capability as a unique energy solution for commercial installations. Here, Calor’s Paul Riding confronts the myths and explains the advantages of the cleaner fuel for industrial and commercial heating projects.
If you’re specifying the heating system for an off mains project, it’s understood that your fuel choices are somewhat limited. Oil is perceived to be economical, but it has its limitations and environmental regulations governing its storage are tight. Electricity is clean at the point of use, but its generation at the power plant has an impact on carbon emissions and it is widely recognised as being an expensive fuel choice.
But the fact is that there is a fuel for off mains areas that provides all the flexibility of mains gas. It has an enviable environmental and safety track record. It allows the full package of heating, water heating and catering to be run from a single source. Its recent technical developments further reinforce a dependable supply with innovations such as The Think Tank® telemetry and underground bulk storage.
That’s the case for LPG, which quite simply gives you gas where you can’t get gas. Yet to those of us in the fuel sector – Calor supplies LPG to tens of thousands of business customers – it’s amazing that these arguments are either misunderstood or simply not recognised.
What is LPG?
LPG – liquefied petroleum gas – is the generic name for commercial propane and butane, both hydrocarbon products produced by the oil and gas industries. It is available in liquid or gaseous form and is stored in bulk tanks or cylinders, depending on the required usage. Calor is the UK’s largest LPG supplier, operating one of Europe’s biggest delivery fleets and accounting for over half the UK market.
LPG means gas bottles and camping stoves – can it power a full scale heating project?
Yes! LPG gives you gas where you can’t get gas, with commercial premises in off mains areas enjoying all the benefits of mains gas for heating and hot water. LPG is available from a bulk tank supply in capacities ranging from 1200 litres to 24,000 litres and can power boilers, space heaters, water heaters, catering equipment and absorption cooling equipment from a single fuel source.
LPG can be used in the same types of commercial and industrial space and water heating systems as natural gas, including warm air heating, strip and plaque radiant heaters, radiator systems and industrial unit heaters. Calor LPG can also be used in gas powered absorption type air conditioning systems, replacing electric compressors. Metered systems can be installed to deliver LPG to multi-occupancy sites with a central storage tank serving all users. In fact, whatever the scale of the project, LPG can provide the required energy solution.
Isn’t LPG expensive?
No – in fact as a fuel used in areas where natural gas is unavailable, Calor LPG represents an economically viable choice, offering substantial benefits compared to the alternatives, including cost, when the full lifecycle costs of the heating system are considered.
In terms of capital cost, Calor LPG compares favourably with mains gas as bulk tanks are rented from Calor. This also removes any maintenance issues and confronts the commonly held belief that LPG is expensive. So it’s not just about ‘pence per litre’ – if you compare the costs of installation, equipment and servicing it’s clear that LPG stacks up as a realistic alternative in off mains areas. Couple that with the fact that safety and maintenance of the fuel tank remain with the LPG supplier and not the end user, and you’ve got added peace of mind.
Isn’t LPG difficult to install?
No – It’s no more difficult than the installation of a mains gas system. In fact, many manufacturers of heating equipment supply easy-to-fit LPG conversion kits as standard, or factory fitted LPG models as part of their range. Training is readily available for CORGI registered installers to acquire the relevant ACS module. And when it comes to the specification of the system, Calor for example, has a dedicated team of specialists to assist and support heating professionals ensuring a smooth process.
Isn’t LPG dangerous?
On the contrary, LPG has an impressive safety record. Calor bulk tanks are extremely robust and are typically protected by barriers and fencing. The LPG industry is one of the most tightly regulated in terms of health and safety and indeed Calor plays a leading part in formulating health and safety approved codes of practice.
Importantly, in contrast to oil tanks, the responsibility for the maintenance and safety of the bulk tank remains with the LPG supplier and tanks are inspected and approved for safe refuelling every time a delivery is made.
That means you can install LPG with confidence and without the concerns associated with oil pollution and the tight environmental regulations governing oil tanks.
What if I run out of fuel?
That’s a concern, whatever fuel is used from a bulk tank source – but with Calor LPG you shouldn’t need to worry. In addition to a predictive top-up system based on customers’ usage, Calor has also launched The Think Tank® telemetry system, which communicates gas levels to Calor and arranges deliveries so your client should never run out. In addition, Calor’s technical team is available from the outset to assist with the specification of the bulk tanks’ capacity, based on likely fuel usage.
Aren’t LPG bulk tanks unsightly?
No more unsightly than any bulk fuel tank. However, here again, Calor can address this concern with the installation of tanks underground if required – an option that is proving increasingly attractive to specifiers and end users alike.
Doesn’t LPG have a limited range of options?
Far from it. In fact there has been a dramatic increase in the choice available from leading manufacturers, most of whom now offer LPG models in their product ranges. Whether it’s Ambi-Rad or Reznor supplying radiant, space or blown air equipment, Andrews or Lochinvar providing water heaters/boilers, or Falcon supplying catering equipment, specifiers, contractors and installers can be reassured that LPG allows the full range of relevant equipment available.
Indeed, LPG’s flexibility sees its use as an established fuel for applications beyond heating and cooling. LPG powers forklift trucks, ATV’s and road vehicles as well as groundcare and agricultural equipment. In the leisure sector, LPG, in addition to providing the single energy package of heating and catering for pubs, hotels and restaurants, also powers patio heaters and barbecues.
Finally, it’s worth bearing in mind that your clients depend upon you to provide the best solution for their energy needs. LPG combines tried and tested technology with technical innovation. When it comes to reducing capital costs, running costs and maintenance, as well as meeting environmental requirements, it’s clear that LPG delivers.
Paul Riding is Calor’s Commercial Market Controller
ENDS
Issued on behalf of Calor by Connect PR, Chubb Buildings, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT. Telephone 01902 714957. For further information please contact Hazel Crawford-Upton at Connect PR or email hazel@connect-group.com.
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