Public cautioned vs. LPG anti-leakage device

CEBU CITY - The Department of Energy (DOE) has warned household consumers to be wary of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) anti-leakage devices that are being sold house-to-house.

It said besides the lack of proof that such devices actually prevent LPG leaks, using them in households may encourage consumers to disregard basic safety practices, said Engr. Jose Rey Maleza, Officer-incharge of the Doe–visayas Lighting and Appliance Testing Division.

Maleza explained that the anti-leak device is a mechanically operated gadget technically termed as “excess flow limiter.” A steel ball automatically blocks off the passage of gas by 40-50% of the normal flow when there is a sudden surge through the regulator. However, this does not work when there are pinholes and small cracks on the LPG hose, he said.

He also warned the public against using Lpgrefilled butane canisters. The disposable canisters are made for one-time use only and are not intended to be refilled. LPG varies from butane in terms of pressure, and butane canisters refilled with LPG have higher chances of leaking and exploding.

According to DOE records, at least six fire incidents caused by explosions of Lpg-refilled canisters had been reported in the Visayas and Mindanao since 2015. The only containers allowed to hold LPG are the transportable and refillable welded steel cylinders for LPG (PNS 03:2014) and the refillable composite gas cylinders and tubes.