TUNAP News
Technology Information: Residues in LPG systems
January 27, 2009, 02:43 PM
With this information we want to give answers to frequently asked questions.
Where do residues in occur LPG systems?
Residues can occur in all components between vaporisation of the LPG and the combustion chamber. We could find residues in the vaporiser, the gas filters, the gas lines and on the injectors.
What residues are found in LPG systems?
We have, in the meantime, analysed a large quantity of residues from LPG systems. Typical components are alkanes with more than 18 carbon atoms (also paraffins gen.) and alkenes (also olefine gen.), esters from plasticisers and long-chain oxidations products. We have also, however, found organic acids, long-chain alcohols or inorganic solids in individual cases. These results were also, in the meantime, confirmed by investigations conducted by external laboratories.
Can the TUNAP - system agent produce residues?
No. The core agent must be transported through the whole plant from the vaporiser to the combustion chamber so that it can work on the valves. The agent is dragged into the gas stream in the process; this occurs under normal conditions without creating a residue at any particular location. We were able to verify this in many trials. The core agent is dissolved in the hydrocarbon compounds related to the LPG in order to obtain good mixing with the LPG.
Because of the complexity of the chemical components usually dissolved in LPG, one has observed a build-up since the beginning of use of LPG as a fuel of longer-chained hydrocarbon compounds (> C18) which are deposited as oily, partially resin-type residues in the vaporiser and the downstream components. That is why there were technical devices on older types of LPG system to remove these residues at regular intervals.
It is possible, under certain circumstances, that the agent is no longer optimally carried along by the system and can be held back in the already existing deposits. Such circumstances can already occur when there is heavy loading with residues, if the tank was refilled with gas polluted with unsuitable chemical components, where there is strong overdosing occurring or the gas system is not set up in an optimal manner. It is possible to quantitatively verify the amount of TUNAP agent in the overall residues by analysis; it has always, so far, been found to be a very small part of the total pollution.
Does the TUNAP system agent contain paraffins or can paraffins be created by the agent?
The TUNAP system agent does not contain any paraffins. There also no mechanisms, such as catalysis or chemical reactions, with which our system agent can contribute to the production of paraffins. Paraffins and olefines come exclusively from the gas or other external sources.
Does the TUNAP system agent contain fumaric acid?
No, the agent does not contain any fumaric acid and its is also not possible for the additive to create fumaric acid. Fumaric acid comes exclusively from the gas or other external sources.
Can the TUNAP system agent "carry" residues from the tank?
No, the agent does not have any tenside effect (cleaning effect) in LPG. The agent cannot emulsify or carry any residues from the tank or the LPG lines for the recommended metering quantities.
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