Understanding Heat and Calorific Values of Fuels
Heat
What is Heat?
It is the energy transferred between objects or systems at different temperatures.
Units of Heat
The unit of heat is the calorie. One calorie is the energy required to raise the temperature of one gram of water by 1 degree Celsius.
Calorific Value (PC)
Calorific value represents the energy content of a material or substance, released upon combustion.
Characteristic Values of Different Fuels
Gases
- Gas Flow: 4,000 Kcal/m3
- Liquefied Gas: 22,400 Kcal/m3
- Natural Gas: 9,500 (13,000) Kcal/m3
Maintaining Power Output
Maintaining the power output of a device involves adjusting the amount of gas combusted based on the fuel type.
Example:
- Switching from manufactured gas to natural gas requires reducing the gas flow volume.
- Conversely, switching to liquefied natural gas requires increasing the gas flow volume.
Solids
- Wood: 4,000-5,000 Kcal/kg
- Lignite: 6,000-6,800 Kcal/kg
- Anthracite: 8,200-9,500 Kcal/kg
Liquids
- Paraffin: 10,000 Kcal/kg
- Petrol: 10,200 Kcal/kg
Decree No. 66 of February 2, 2007
Regulation of Indoor Gas Facilities and Meters
Objectives and Scope
This regulation establishes minimum safety requirements for domestic and collective gas facilities, including gas meters, for residential, commercial, industrial, and public use.
Gas Categories
- First Family: Manufactured gases
- Second Family: Natural gases
- Third Family: Liquid Petroleum Gases
Regulated Activities
- Projects
- Implementation or construction
- Gas meters
- Installation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) equipment
- Installation of gas appliances
- Evacuation of gas combustion products
- Commissioning
- Operations
- Performance or construction of industrial gas facilities
General Provisions
The Superintendency of Electricity and Fuels oversees compliance with this regulation.
Gas Appliances
A gas appliance delivers heat energy through the combustion of gas.
Classification by Air Inlet/Outlet
- Type A: Non-connected
- Type B: Connected with open circuit
- Type Bs: Type B with natural draft
- Type C1: Connected with horizontal exit through ducts to a terminal
- Type C2: Connected with horizontal exit through ducts via a conduit adapter
Classification by Use
- Domestic: Residential use
- Collective: Commercial and industrial use
Classification by Mobility
- Fixed: Permanently installed
- Stationary: Fixed without direct contact with furniture or walls
- Portable: Designed for movement
Certification of Internal Gas Installations
New or modified gas installations, LPG equipment, gas meters, and accessories undergo inspection and testing.
Duct
A duct is typically made of sheet metal or other fire-resistant material, designed to convey air or gas combustion products.
Collective Flue
A vertical duct used to evacuate combustion gases from multiple appliances on different floors of a building.
Internal Gas Installation
The gas facility within a property, starting from the meter or pressure regulator, used to transport gas and evacuate combustion products.
Residential Installation
A gas installation serving a single room or dwelling.
Gas Installer
A registered professional authorized to design, implement, modify, and maintain gas facilities.
Administrative Duties and Responsibilities
Project Development
Gas installation projects require detailed plans, specifications, and procedures.
Project Documents
Technical documents must be signed by the gas installer and the facility owner.
Gas Installation Plan
The plan must include information such as pipeline location, dimensions, supply point, and enclosure volume.
Plan Contents
The plan should include illustrations, construction details, format, thickness, and color (black).
Pipes, Connections, and Accessories
Lead and cast-iron pipes are prohibited.
Allowable Pressure Drop
The pressure drop in the piping system must ensure sufficient pressure for proper appliance operation.
Installation of Gas Piping
Buried pipelines for LPG must maintain a safe distance from sewage chambers, wells, and underground constructions.
Safety Distances
Gas lines must be separated from other service pipes, with specific requirements for crossings and parallel installations.
Protection Against Mechanical Damage
The trench for buried pipes must provide proper support and be free of sharp objects. The filler material must also protect the pipe from damage.