GB1312961A - Method and apparatus for burning liquefied petroleum gas - Google Patents

Abstract

1312961 Liquefied petroleum gas burner SHELL-MEX & BP Ltd 19 April 1971 [13 Jan 1970] 1606/70 Heading F4T A method of burning liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) comprises delivering LPG under a pressure greater than its equilibrium vapour pressure to at least one liquid fuel burner, discharging LPG from the burner(s) in the liquid state, terminating the supply of LPG and purging LPG from the burner(s) with an inert, non- combustible gas. The apparatus for carrying out the above method comprises an LPG storage vessel 1, a pump 5 which supplies fuel from the vessel 1 to a liquid fuel burner 3 via a conduit 2, an isolating valve 29 located in the conduit for controlling the fuel supply, and an inert gas injection means positioned downstream of the valve 29 for purging the conduit 2 and burner 3 after closure of valve 29 has terminated the fuel supply. The LPG and inert gas are preferably butane and nitrogen respectively, the injection means comprising a nitrogen container 32 and isolating valve 38. A further valve 30 is located downstream of the injection means for trapping, after purging, a plenum of nitrogen in the conduit between itself and valve 29, thus preventing leakage of LPG to the burner 3. The conduit 2, and also a return flow conduit 15, further incorporate pressure reducing valves, pressure regulating valves, additional isolating valves, a filter 12, and, if pump 5 is of the reciprocating type, an accumulator 23. Ignition may be effected manually, Fig. 2, or automatically, Fig. 3, not shown. In the latter embodiment propane gas is used for a pilot flame, the pilot and main flames are monitored and the purge period is limited by a timer. (For Figures see next page)