Choosing the right type of tank

There are a number of options to consider when choosing an LPG tank and which type of tank is best suited will ultimately depend on the vehicle type and customer requirements.

Single or 4 Hole tank?

For safe operation and to meet the relevant legislation requirements, each LPG installation must use tanks that are designed and constructed to exceed a number of industry approved standards.  Each tank is required to have an outlet connection with an electronically operated flow shut-off safety valve, an overpressure blow-off valve and an electronic gauge interface filling point connection that prevents filling above 80% capacity (to all for gas expansion).

A Cylindrical 4-Hole Tank

The flow shut-off safety valve is controlled by the LPG computer system such that it is only open when the engine is running and LPG is being injected. The over-pressure blow-off valve provides an extra level of safety, ensuring that the pressure in the tank remains within safe limits at all times. In extreme circumstances, such as a vehicle fire, the valve will prevent any build up of pressure by periodically venting.

The filler connection has an internal valve that prevents tank filling above 80% capacity. This allows the gas to expand as the temperature increases, while maintaining an internal tank pressure that is well below the tank’s rated pressure limits. The level gauge interface consists of a float inside the tank, connected to magnets that pivot behind a non-magnetic brass plate and an electronic pick-up on the outside of the tank to sense the movement of the magnets. This eliminates the need for wires to pass through the tank body, simplifying the design and helping to improve the integrity of the tank as a sealed pressurised vessel.

4 hole tanks have one gauge valve, one blow-off valve, one fill point valve (with fill stop) and one outlet valve with an electromagnetic cut off.  A single hole tank incorporates all of these features in one valve and benefits from reduced cost, a more accurate gauge, faster filling and higher flow output for vehicles with high fuel-demand.

Toroidal Tank – Single Hole

Cylindrical or Toroidal?

Cylindrical tanks can be fitted inside the vehicle or underneath larger 4X4 vehicles. Toroidal tanks, also known as ‘doughnut’ tanks are most commonly installed in the location of the spare wheel. This can be in the boot floor, under the boot floor or they can be stood upright inside the boot. Tanks fitted inside the vehicle must be fitted with an airtight connection enclosure that contains an outside vent to allow any leaks to escape safely outside of the vehicle.