Well Gas Notice
HRA - Phill is designed and certified for use with pipeline quality natural gas only. Having launched Phill in
February 2005, we are still in the early stages of production and do not have enough testing and field data to
endorse the use of natural gas other than pipeline quality natural gas delivered by a gas utility. Our warranty
policy clearly states that repairs required as a result of damages caused by the use of non-pipeline quality gas
are not covered.
VRA - VRAs are also designed and certified for use with pipeline quality natural gas only, however, based on customer
experiences in the field over the last fifteen years, it appears the product may operate on natural gas supplied
from sources other than gas utilities. The main issues surrounding the use of non-pipeline quality natural gas
are:
1. Odorant - Natural gas is odorized by gas utilities to make leaks detectable by the average user. Non-pipeline
quality natural gas may not have sufficient odorizing to make it detectable.
2. Gas Composition - The composition of pipeline quality natural gas is strictly regulated and constantly monitored
by gas utilities. This ensures there aren't excessive levels of elements in the gas that can cause corrosive or
acidic reactions affecting the integrity of piping, cylinders and gas equipment. Non-pipeline quality natural gas
may not meet these requirements. An analysis of the gas is highly recommended.
3. Moisture & Debris - Unprocessed natural gas contains moisture & debris which may promote metal degradation
as mentioned in item 2. In addition, when unprocessed natural gas is compressed, moisture may condense out and
create hydrates resulting in blockages (i.e. freeze-ups) in the delivery system or vehicle fuel system. Pipeline
quality natural gas is processed to a recognized moisture level prior to distribution by gas utilities. Non-pipeline
quality natural gas may not meet this level.
These issues must be dealt with by a user contemplating the use of non-pipeline
quality natural gas in a VRA and furthermore, must be resolved to the satisfaction of the local authority having
jurisdiction over the use of such gas. Regardless of the above, FuelMaker Corporation will not be held responsible
for the consequences of using VRAs supplied by non-pipeline quality natural gas and does not warrant damages to
its equipment caused by non-pipeline quality natural gas.
Vehicle Refueling Appliances - Gas Quality
Natural gas shall conform to the following quality. It shall:
(1) not contain sand, dust, gums, crude oil, impurities or other objectionable substances in such quantities as
may be injurious to pipelines or may interfere with the transmission or commercial utilization of natural gas;
(2) not contain more than 23 milligrams per m3 of hydrogen sulphide;
(3) not contain more than 230 milligrams per m3 of total sulphur (hydrogen sulphide and mercaptan sulphur);
(4) not contain more than 4.5% by volume of carbon dioxide and Nitrogen;
(5) be free of water and hydrocarbons in liquid form and shall not contain an amount of moisture exceeding that
corresponding to saturation at the temperature and pressure of the natural gas at the meter outlet header located
at the delivery point, provided the natural gas shall not contain more than 110 milligrams per m3of water vapour,
or, in the case of Phill, when equipped with its integral Dryer, not contain more than 630 milligrams per m3 of
water vapour; and
(6) not contain more than 1% by volume of oxygen;
(7) not contain more than 12 % ethane;
(8) not contain more than 3.5 % propane;
(9) not contain more than 1 % butane or other "condensables";
(10) not contain more than 21% hydrogen;
(11) not contain Glycol, Methyl Hydrate, Methanol. |
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