Checking for leaks on small cylinder systems has now become an integral part of DVGW worksheet G 612 and therefore is also of interest to private individuals. In this article, we show you how to do the leak check quickly, simply and virtually while you’re doing something else, thanks to the pressure gauge on the pressure regulator.
Some people incorrectly view the pressure gauge on the pressure regulator as a gas cylinder filling level indicator. But it definitely isn’t. First and foremost, it is intended to reliably indicate the pressure present in the gas cylinder. If the pressure gauge has two pointers, a black one and a red one, the user can also make using their LPG system safe very easily and quickly.
Quickly checking the entire system for leaks without high-quality technical equipment in an absolutely straightforward manner, and while doing something else in the meantime. Does this sound unrealistic? But it’s true, thanks to a pressure gauge integrated into the pressure regulator. We’re going to do this in the following scenario:
The garden party is in full swing, however the sun has gone down and it will become considerably chillier in the next hour. While the host is still grilling the last steaks on the gas barbecue, his wife is already connecting the gas cylinder to the patio heater.
With a maximum of three additional movements, she checks for leaks in the entire LPG system at the patio heater and can still eat her steak in the meantime. We show you exactly how it works:
We may have to explain one or two things in a little more detail. On 3: The pressure gauge has a black pointer which shows the actual pressure in the gas cylinder. The red pointer, on the other hand, can be changed manually, as it is printed on the pressure gauge inspection glass. It can be rotated to the exact same position as the black pointer.
On 4:
The LPG is now enclosed in the system to a certain degree. However, due to the ambient temperature or strong sunlight, you should wait for two minutes to allow the temperature equalisation in the gas to take place.
If, within these two minutes, the black pointer drifts away from the red pointer due to temperature differences, simply return the red pointer to the position of the black one (on 5).
If the red and black pointers are still in the same position after ten minutes, the system is completely sealed and ready for use. In case of a larger deviation, you should repeat the leak check or look for the leaky connection directly using leak detector spray.
Incidentally, the LPG system can also be checked for leaks if the pressure gauge only has a black pointer:
This blog will never ask members of the public or unqualified persons to make changes to or fiddle around with technical systems themselves.
In accordance with the Industrial Safety Regulation (BetrSichV), a qualified person must take care of a system which requires monitoring.
A qualified person is someone who has the specific specialist knowledge required. This knowledge is gained by way of a professional apprenticeship, corresponding professional experience or current occupational activity.
Please note that the texts are based on information, regulations and standards for Germany. Please always check the rules and regulations in the relevant country of destination and consult specialists if necessary.
