How gas explodes in an apartment: causes of explosions and tips for the safe use of gas

WHAT TO DO

If the problem is in the burners

If you smell gas due to an extinguished flame, and you discovered such a burner too late, turn off the supply and ventilate the kitchen. Feel free to open doors and windows. Then you have to wait until the burner cools down. Here you can blow out the holes, clean them of fat, food debris.

This cleansing is a must. The point is the remnants of salt, or rather sodium, which is contained there. When it heats up gives an intense color in the yellow part of the spectrum.This can be confusing, giving the appearance where it doesn't exist. When everything is ventilated, cleaned and set in place, you can light it again. In case of malfunction, a replacement is carried out with a new one.

If the stove is powered by a cylinder

If the check showed that the leak is coming from the cylinder, call the gas workers and, if there is a balcony, carefully relocate it there, covering it with dense wet sackcloth for greater safety. If the leak is at the connection and there is nowhere to pull the cylinder, you can also cover the hose with a wet rag while waiting for service 104 . By the way, if this thing is hot, it is better not to touch it at all.

Under the supply pipe ½ '', you can build a plug from an old wine cork. Cut it like a cone with a sharp knife and insert it tightly. By the way, you can later extract it with a corkscrew. Any open pipe should be plugged. Additionally, I note that the rag should be just wet, not damp. The fuel is supplied at low pressure and is not able to squeeze moisture out of the fabric. This works for almost any leak.

If the problem is in the hoses

The purchase of hoses should be carried out only in specialized certified stores. Visually, they are distinguished by a bright yellow braid. Do not forget that savings in this case is the price of life.

The hoses themselves can be metal corrugated in a yellow plastic sheath or rubber in a metal sheath. The first option is twice as expensive, but it will also last an order of magnitude longer. However, rubber is difficult to damage, it does not crack if accidentally bent. A good rubber hose will also last a couple of decades.

So, if the hose itself is damaged, it should be replaced with a new one. If isolation is the problem, it is restored.The thread is insulated with linen tow, which is impregnated with a special paste for gas equipment. Some put Teflon or fum tapes, but over time they will give an insignificant, but still dangerous leak. Leave this option for water pipes.

Safety rules when working with a gas stove

1. Be sure to install a hood and turn it on when cooking.
2. Watch the color of the gas. If it has changed, then immediately call the gas service. When fully burned, the flame is blue.
3. There should be no extra dishes on the stove to ensure maximum oxygen supply to the burner.
4. It is better not to turn on more than two burners at the same time.
5. Do not cook for more than two hours in a row. You need to take a break in order to air the kitchen.
6. Keep kitchen doors closed and windows open when cooking.
7. Do not dry laundry on the stove.
8. Do not heat the room with a stove.
9. If you have a gas oven, then before use, it must be ventilated.
10. Do not leave any hotplates or oven running overnight.
11. Do not sleep in the same room as appliances.
12. If you do not have electric ignition, then proceed in the following sequence: first light a match, and then turn on the supply of the substance.
13. Do not cover pipes with anything.

Actions in case of leakage of domestic gas

Natural household gas (which is based on methane) is lighter than air and rises when it leaks.
Natural household gas in cylinders (which is based on a mixture of liquefied gases propane-butane in various proportions) is heavier than air, therefore, when leaks form, it descends to the lower floors and fills the basement rooms. Natural household gas spreads quickly and can fill everything in a short time upper (or, in the case of gas cylinders, lower) rooms of a multi-storey building

It is important to identify the leak in a timely manner and report it to the appropriate authorities.

Ignition and explosion of gas occurs under the following set of circumstances:

• intake of a mixture of air and gas into an enclosed spaceDomestic
  natural gas due to its properties can explode in a certain room
  only if its concentration in the volume of that room, for example, the same kitchen,
  will reach 5-15 parts of gas per 100 parts of air. This is called "explosive limits".
• the presence in the immediate vicinity of a source of fire, which can even serve as a spark from an electrical appliance

Therefore, at the first sign of a domestic gas leak (a specific smell will appear), you need to:

1. open windows and doors to ensure good ventilation in the room
2. stop using gas and turn off the tap on the gas pipe
3. Eliminate all possible sources of fire that could start a fire. At the slightest suspicion of a domestic gas leak, under no circumstances should you use electrical appliances, open flames and other possible sources of ignition until the arrival of the gas service.
4. call the emergency gas service (the easiest way is to call the single emergency number “112”, because different mobile network operators have different numbers for calling emergency services)
5. all family members to leave the premises, warning as many people as possible about the possible danger along the way
6. if you find a leak at a gas cylinder, then you can do this: cover the leak with a wet rag and carefully take the cylinder outside, and then call the experts.

Domestic gas explosion warning

Knowing what most often causes gas explosions in apartments, you can draw up a list of actions to prevent accidents.

It will include:

• operation of permitted equipment that is within the expiration date;
• connection and installation performed by licensed professionals;
• proper storage and installation of cylinders;
• coordination of all project changes with the gas service;
• regular inspection of the gas pipeline, connections and equipment by gas workers;
• maintaining the ventilation system in working order;
• cooking on a gas stove with the constant presence of capable adults;
• use of equipment strictly for its intended purpose.

In addition, it is important to listen to smells and monitor the tightness of valves, taps, flange connections. At the slightest suspicion, contact the gas service that supplies fuel

Unfortunately, the reviews of those living in gasified houses contain many messages about a formal approach to servicing gas equipment. To avoid this, it is worth looking into the list of mandatory works and making sure that all the declared activities are carried out in full.

Since apartment buildings make residents dependent on each other, sometimes you have to take care of more than just your own gas equipment.In the event that neighbors violate safety regulations, it is necessary to write a statement to the gas service.

It must indicate the exact address, the reason for the appeal, the names of the residents who signed the application, information about the violators, the date of fixation. The reason may be the presence of prohibited equipment, violation of the rules of operation, the smell of gas.

Achieving security

By knowing the causes and consequences of a gas cylinder explosion, better safety can be achieved. For this you need:

Properly store and operate gas containers.
Take the utmost care when handling them.
Use composite-polymer versions.

The products indicated in clause 3 have the following advantages:

1. Corrosion resistance.
2. Gas permeability of walls at elevated temperature.
3. Modest mass.
4. High strength. This eliminates the appearance of cracks and breaks.
5. Resistance to aggressive influences and powerful loads.
6. transparent structure. The user can see the fuel filling level.
7. Existence of the valve for throwing off of excess pressure in capacity. The valve can be used multiple times.
8. A lead valve that protects the vessel from explosion in a situation of overheating. It can only be used once.
9. The presence of a polymer casing for easy carrying.

The smallest version (12.5 liters) costs about 7,000 rubles. Model for 30 l. - at least 10,000 rubles.

State of emergency with domestic gas

A gas leak from one stove can cause a powerful explosion and destroy an entire house. What is this terrible, accursed power?

- These are the physical properties of gas, when the gas has no outlet in a closed room, it has great explosive power. When converting equipment to gas, safety issues always arise.Many drivers even have a strong prejudice against gas engine equipment, although gasoline is dangerous. With proper security measures, gas, of course, is not one hundred percent (this does not happen in anything), but it is 99.9 percent safe.

Therefore, the whole country and the whole world actively uses gas in production and at home. Gas accidents are extremely rare. A thousand times more people die in road accidents, but no one cancels cars. Another thing is that there are problems with security issues related to gas.

Under what conditions does an explosion occur? And if a person smells gas, who should they call?

- Now the general system is 112, you can also call the gas service - 04. But you need to understand that gas is dangerous not only with an explosion, but also with poisoning. You need some kind of spark to provoke an explosion. More people die not as a result of explosions and fires, but as a result of gas poisoning. If there is a leak, and the person is sleeping, then he simply suffocates and dies in his sleep.

How to properly use gas cylinders

Violation of the rules for storing or using gas containers can often lead to an explosion, so you need to know the following:

1. Store the cylinder only in a well-ventilated area. Do not lay it down, it must be in a vertical position. A basement with high humidity is not suitable for storing it. Also, do not bury the balloon. In addition, the place of its storage should not be exposed to sunlight.
2. Do not start replacing equipment if there is an open flame or working electrical appliances nearby. The taps must be completely closed. Having changed the old cylinder, do not be lazy and check the tightness of the connections.To do this, prepare a regular soap solution and apply it to the pipe, if bubbles appear, then the joint should be tightened.
3. Any gas equipment should be checked and repaired only by a specialist.
4. Gas containers that you are not currently using should be stored in a separate room.
5. Clean your burners regularly. Don't let them get clogged.

Household gas and the causes of the explosion

How is the gas column arranged?

The term "geyser" is a legacy of the Soviet period. In those days when hot water supply was just getting better, during the construction of houses in apartments, simplified wall-mounted gas boilers were installed that were not equipped with automation and security systems.

Morally, technically and technologically obsolete units were inconvenient and dangerous. Modern equipment is fundamentally different from its progenitor. The devices are comfortable, beautiful and do not pose a threat to the health and property of the owners.

Geysers are manual, with piezo ignition and electronic ignition, equipped with sensitive sensors that interrupt the fuel supply in case of attenuation

Flowing gas water heaters are a metal structure with a heating system. Pipes are connected to it for inlet of cold and outlet of hot water, for the coolant circulating through the heat exchanger, as well as for gas. The igniter is located at the bottom of the equipment. It functions like a lighter.

The gas valve opens automatically immediately after turning on the water or activating the process of heating the coolant. Gas is supplied to the main burner, which ignites from the igniter and generates heat.Water enters the heat exchanger, which is a spiral tube, where it is prepared for supply to the heating circuit or to the hot water supply.

Hot water flows into the faucet. It heats up within 2-3 seconds after the burner is switched on. Its temperature depends on individual settings. To remove combustion products, a chimney is required.

Safety measures to become a habit when using city gas

You always need to remember about the safety rules that must be followed at a subconscious level.

Before lighting a gas stove, it is necessary to ventilate the room at least for a short time.
Follow the sequence of turning on gas appliances: first light a match, and then turn on the gas supply.
Before turning on the oven, it must be ventilated.
The gas should burn with a uniform blue flame. If there are yellow tongues in the flame, then the burner is clogged. Still the flame can break away from the burner. This indicates the intake of a large amount of air. In both cases, you need to call a wizard who will fix the problem.
Each user of gas equipment must conclude a contract for professional maintenance of appliances and renew it in a timely manner.
Homeowners should regularly check vents and outlets during the heating season for blockages and ice build-up.
Do not leave working gas appliances unattended if they do not have the appropriate automation and are not designed for continuous operation.
Constantly check the ventilation draft and / or keep the vents in the rooms where gas appliances are installed open.
Preschool children may not be allowed near gas appliances. As well as persons who do not give control to their actions and have not been pre-instructed.
It is forbidden to use gas appliances for other purposes: for drying things, heating the room, etc.
It is forbidden to sleep and rest in a room with working gas appliances.
At the end of the use of gas, it is necessary to close the taps on gas appliances, the valves in front of them, and when using cylinders, the valves of the cylinders.
It is advisable to place gas cylinders (working and spare) for household gas appliances outside buildings (in annexes, basement and basement floors) at a blank wall at a distance of no closer than 5 m from the entrances to the building

Outbuildings must be made of non-combustible materials.
To detect the presence of household gas leaks, a soapy solution is used, but not an open flame.
All work related to gas equipment or gas pipelines is carried out by special licensed organizations.
When leaving for a long time, you need to close all the valves on the gas pipe.
Be attentive to elderly neighbors who may forget to turn off the gas, and be wary of dysfunctional neighbors ... Although in which case this will not help much, unless, of course, you live in a communal apartment.

Timely checking of equipment significantly reduces the likelihood of dangerous situations (boilers and columns are checked once a year, and stoves - once every three years.

although if the plates are old, it is better to check every year).
The hose connecting the gas line to the stove must not be pinched by an object standing on it or stretched, bent, twisted. It is best to fix it with safety clips above the floor. Please note that the hose connecting the gas line to the stove must be specially made for this type of operation and be marked accordingly. In domestic conditions, as a rule, red hoses (with a red stripe) of class I are used. The hose for supplying oxygen to the gas appliance is marked in blue and belongs to class III. Extended information about the purpose of the hose is indicated in the product specifications.

Make sure the flexible hoses are tight on the faucet. The recommended length of such a hose is up to 2 meters, the service life is up to 4 years (optimally 2 years), after which it should be replaced.
After each use of the gas stove, it is recommended to close the valve on the pipe, blocking the gas supply.

Very good advice - if possible, set up an alarm against gas leaks. In the event of a leak, it will sound an alarm. And some will be able to turn off the gas.

Its disadvantage is the price and the need to periodically check and maintain.
Install the analyzer in the immediate vicinity of a window or ventilation duct, avoid installation in places where the sun's rays constantly fall. Exposure to high temperatures may cause the gas analyzer to become unusable. However, if there is no other suitable place, then sun protection must be installed on the device. An important condition for the operation of the gas detector is its constant cleanliness. Because even a slight contamination of the sensors can lead to unstable operation of the device.

Key reasons

Why do propane gas bottles explode at home? In this situation, the most common cause is due to improper, unsafe maintenance and use of such containers.

When the valve is not tightly closed, the fuel comes out and fills the room. And any manifestation of flame, even a modest spark, can cause a serious explosion or fire.

Air is lighter than gas. And when the fuel leaves the cylinder, it concentrates near the floor. Therefore, a person cannot always smell a leak. And because of a small spark or static electricity, the gas can ignite.

The second most popular reason is that the balloon was in the cold for a long time, and it was brought into the room. With a sharp temperature jump, the gas expands, and the risk of its leakage increases significantly.

When the container was in the cold, the fuel in it was in liquefied conditions. When the container is located in heat, the gas rapidly passes into a gas-like state and expands significantly.

Therefore, it is forbidden to place such a container near a heat source. Pressure builds up inside her. This is a consequence of the expansion of the fuel. And the balloon could explode at any moment.

Bringing such a vessel from the cold immediately into a room where a high positive temperature reigns is also impossible due to condensation. At this point, it is formed on the balloon. There is a high risk of corrosion and an emergency. BUT if the container is not metal, there is no such threat.

In general, temperature metamorphoses do not pose a particular danger. Tanks can cope with a solid temperature range: from -40 to +50 C. Such a metamorphosis is just a trigger for an accident.

The third reason is related to corrosion and microscopic cracks in the tank.They may appear gradually and may not be visually noticeable. But they pose a significant internal threat.

In general, it is very difficult to monitor the gas level in metal vessels. And an explosion can also occur due to an abnormal ratio of fuel in the cylinder.

List of other popular reasons:

1. Gas tanks were not subjected to the necessary tests - re-examination.
2. When filling the cylinder, the fuel level in it was analyzed not by pressure, but by the mass of the vessel.
3. The balloon was placed in the premises of general use.

The most common causes of a gas explosion

By analyzing the most common causes that lead to an explosion, you can protect yourself from such situations. In the first place of the dangerous rating is the spontaneous installation of gas equipment. Considering this work simple, and calling the master an unnecessary exercise, devoid of any meaning, some "specialists" do it with their own hands. Unfortunately, the installation of equipment and its connection to the gas supply is carried out without professional skills and theoretical knowledge. We looked on the Internet, asked a neighbor, thought of something ourselves and got an explosion.

In second place, you can put the untimely replacement of equipment that has served its purpose for a long time. In a good way, a stove, boiler or column should be changed no later than after 15 years. Even if the appearance and performance are at a good level and you feel sorry for parting with your favorite devices, inside they can wear out decently and serve as a source of gas leakage. With new equipment, the likelihood of gas ignition is reduced by several times (due to the presence of automatic shutdown systems).

The third place is reserved for gas cylinders.There have already been so many explosions, warnings and explanatory conversations, and people still continue to bring cylinders filled with gas into their homes and store them on balconies after use. This is absolutely impossible to do, especially in the winter season. Due to temperature fluctuations in the street and in the house, gas cylinders become very explosive and uncontrollable. It is necessary to fill cylinders only on specialized equipment, store and transport in accordance with generally accepted rules.
 

Household gas safety rules and preventive measures

In order to recognize a methane leak in time, you can use a gas analyzer device. Its task is to demonstrate the presence of gas and warn by giving an appropriate signal. Unfortunately, such equipment will not help with a power outage.

The battery-operated sensor operates without recharging for 48 hours. The best of its kind is a system of instruments that reports the presence of an odorant mixture in the air and independently triggers a fire alarm.

Rules for using gas stoves

If a leak is found:

• open all windows and doors;
• turn on the gas valve;
• remove people and animals from the gassed premises, report the leak to neighbors;
• call the gas service.

To avoid situations that allow the spread of methane, precautions should be taken:

• restrict children's access to gas equipment;
• do not store cylinders for repairs in the apartment or on the territory of the house;
• refuel cylinders exclusively in specialized places;
• when using the stove, open the gas only after the match is lit;
• do not leave the room in which the gas stove is turned on;
• when leaving the dwelling, shut off the methane supply completely;
• monitor the serviceability of the equipment, periodically check it with a soapy solution.

Fundamentals of Safe Cylinder Handling

Before installing the cylinder and connecting it to gas appliances, the first thing to do is to make sure that there is no damage, rust on the body and the valve is in good condition.

Only certified cylinders supplied by specialized organizations, having a paper passport for all cycles of operation and the corresponding marking applied by the impact branding method, will be used.

The main technical requirements that must be observed during the operation of cylinders include:

1. All cylinders, with the exception of one (five-liter for connecting to a gas stove) must be installed in outbuildings outside buildings and at a distance not closer than 5 m from their entrance.
2. Avoid storage of cylinders in living rooms, basements and attics.
3. Do not place cylinders closer than 1 m from heaters and 5 m from open flames.

Obvious, but often forgotten safety measures when using vessels with gas, the following should be attributed and taken for strict execution:

1. Do not bring a lit match or lighter near the cylinder to check for gas leaks.
2. Categorically exclude the use of open fire to heat the gearbox or valve. For these purposes, only hot water is allowed.
3. If gas is detected in the room, do not turn on any electrical appliances, including lights, and do not turn them off. The temperature of a spark in a socket or switch can reach up to a thousand degrees.
4. Do not attempt to repair valves and other structural elements of the cylinder yourself.

In addition, you must strictly follow the time frame prescribed by the manufacturer for the use of cylinders. Vessels manufactured before December 2014 can be used for 40 years.

In the absence of information on the permitted period of use of gas cylinders manufactured after this date and not having accompanying documentation for them, Rostekhnadzor recommends taking 20 years as the cylinder's shelf life.

It is strictly forbidden to carry gas cylinders using the valve as a holding device. This can cause depressurization or breakage of the locking device.

A safe alternative to steel gas cylinders are more modern polymer-composite vessels - eurocylinders. Their flasks are protected by a plastic casing, do not accumulate static electricity. The explosion safety of composite cylinders is ensured by equipping them with a new generation of safety devices - a fusible link and an overpressure relief check valve.

Scenarios of the consequences of a cylinder explosion

The above reasons for the explosion or fire of gas vessels can, in various ways, provoke the following dangerous scenarios.

Cylinder rupture and flame ejection

The explosion of a cylinder and the ignition of propane-butane are dangerous due to the following factors:

• a column of strong flame, rapidly increasing the area of ​​the fire;
• high temperature of the fire in the explosion;
• toxicity of combustion products.

The defeat can also come from suffocation, due to a significant decrease in oxygen with a sharp concentration of harmful gases.

Conducted studies have shown that the sealing of a 50-liter gas vessel with liquefied gas caught in the fire is broken in less than 5 minutes. As a result - a flash fire with the release of a "fireball" reaching a diameter of 10 m

Usually, the rupture of the vessel occurs along its lateral part.

Secondary damaging effects from the explosion

Secondary, but no less serious damaging effects in the explosion of a cylinder are:

• valve separation;
• the impact of a compression wave or shock wave;
• damage from shell fragments.

Fragments from the cylinder and its detached elements can scatter very far, causing damage in a radius of up to 250 m, and rise to a height of thirty meters.

Danger of gas leakage

The danger of propane leakage from a damaged tank lies in the fact that an explosive concentration of a mixture of hydrocarbon and oxygen is created in the room very quickly, and in large volumes - much faster than with leaks of liquid combustible substances.

A strong leak of a mixture from a flask or a faulty shut-off valve can be determined by smell or by ear - a sound similar to what we hear when we quickly deflate a balloon.

If a gas leak is suspected or in order to control its absence, it will be enough to apply a soapy solution to the cylinder with a sponge and determine the place of depressurization by the bubbles formed.

If there is a gas leak, then it is necessary to cover the place of depressurization with a wet rag, carefully take the vessel outside and call the gasmen.Since 2016, the technical regulations provide for the mandatory installation of gas alarms in new homes

For previously built housing, this norm is advisory in nature, but the benefits of this device, especially in houses where bottled gas is used, are undeniable

Since 2016, the technical regulations have provided for the mandatory installation of gas alarms in new homes. For previously built housing, this norm is advisory in nature, but the benefits of this device, especially in houses where bottled gas is used, are undeniable.

The fact is that the density of the hydrocarbon mixture is greater than the density of air. If the sealing of the flask, shut-off equipment or connecting hose is broken, the gas begins to accumulate at the bottom, and its smell may not be immediately detected. That's why a propane mixture released into the air from a damaged gas cylinder often explodes in houses from any spark without being noticed.

Storage of gas cylinders

This was said a little above, but I will make a few more additions.

• The gas cylinder must stand on a solid surface evenly, at an angle of 90 degrees.
• The gas cylinder must be at least 1.5 meters away from the stove, stove or radiator.
• Do not change the gas cylinder if there is a fire nearby or electrical appliances are turned on.
• Every time you change the gas cylinder, you must also change the gasket between the cylinder valve and the regulator.
• It is impossible to store more than two cylinders in one room.
• It is forbidden to store cylinders in a room where the temperature rises above 40–45 ° and under direct sunlight.