LP Gas, January 2012

World of difference Composite cylinders net high sales in Europe but remain a niche in the U S A lthough they are popular in Europe and elsewhere around the globe composite constructed propane tanks have yet to catch on in the American cylinder marketplace Safety concerns and higher cost appear to be the key factor inhibiting widespread adaptation in the United States Wariness over the concept of composite technology is another drawback thats stifling sales according to a senior manufacturing executive who requests anonymity No one has the foresight to see outside the box the executive laments The industry has no insight or imagination to try something different They dont think beyond their nose Bob Jones Ragascos North America sales manager in Florida cites the failure to get the necessary domestic fire code changes to allow composite cylinders to be used in cabinet heaters and other indoor uses Several efforts to push the code changes through have failed in recent years and eventually lost the support of the National Propane Gas Association Europe for years has seen the advantages of composites and understand the safety attributed to these cylinders which permit their indoor use for cooking water heating and other uses Jones says Ragasco claims that the composition of its fiberglass mesh product RAGASCO prevents a violent release of the fuel under pressure when exposed to continuous flames When the exterior plastic casing melts AND gas seeps through numerous fissures to produce a controlled burn AMTROL that doesnt explode The company notes that its cylinder displays the same fire safe OF behavior independent of any pressure relieving device whether COURTESY the tank is vertical horizontal or upside down Ragasco has about 10 million cylinders in use worldwide and PHOTOS is very proud of its outstanding safety record Jones says Our seamless blow molded one piece composites with load carrying www LPGasmagazine com January 2012 LPGas 23 COMPOSITE CYLINDERS BY JAMES E GUYETTE Contributing Editor Composite cylinders bring ease of transport and end use handling Continued on page 24