8.5How much does your LPG cylinder weigh?
When Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is used in the home, the gas is typically measured in kilograms. LPG gas in gas bottles is weighed and the price is based on the weight of the gas (e.g. 45kg) – let’s explore some more about LPG gas cylinder weight.
Storing LPG in cylinders
Storing LPG in cylinders allows it to be transported in a smaller physical volume than would be required if the gas was distributed in its natural state. Gas cylinders have internal pressures that are higher than atmospheric pressure. LPG must have a boiling point below 20 degrees Celsius in order to be considered a gas. Elgas has the gas cylinder and tank sizes you’re looking for.
Gas Cylinder Weight
Gas cylinder weight is the empty gas cylinder weight (tare weight of the gas bottle) plus the net weight of the gas cylinder contents. The net gas cylinder weight is the reference weight. For example, a 45kg gas bottle has 45kg of net content weight. The total weight of gas in a cylinder can be determined if you know both the weight of an empty LPG gas cylinder and the weight of the cylinder when filled with gas. The difference between the two measurements is the weight of LPG in the cylinder. LPG can also be measured in tonnes and litres of LPG.
Weight of an empty gas cylinder
The empty gas cylinder weight is called the tare weight. The empty gas cylinder weight is stamped into the neck ring or painted on the cylinder. Tare weight is sometimes abbreviated to T.W. The tare weight of gas bottles can vary slightly as there are different gas bottle manufacturers. In other words, empty 8.5kg or 45kg gas cylinders may fall within a range.
The empty LPG gas cylinder weight variances can be due to differences in cylinder dimensions, thicknesses of steel, and other manufacturing differences, and not the cylinder capacity.
Domestic Gas Cylinder Weights
The full gas cylinder (propane bottle) weight equals the cylinder weight plus the weight of contents. A8.5kg BBQ gas bottle, for example, can weigh around 16.3kg -19kg when full. The weight variation is in the empty 8.5kg gas bottle weight, as 8.5kg refers to the weight of the contents only.
Gas volume can also be calculated in litres with some basic mathematics.
For LPG (propane) 1kg = 1.96L. Therefore, 14.2kg = 27.832L
For LPG (butane) 1kg = 1.724L. Therefore, 14.2kg = 24.48L
For a 75:25 butane/propane mix, 1kg = 1.783L.
Unlike water, 1kg of LPG doesn’t equal 1L of LPG. This is because the density of LPG is less than the density of water. In Australia, where LPG is propane, 1kg of LPG has a volume of 1.96L.
Conversely, 1L of LPG weighs 0.51kg.
Gas Bottle Sizes available
LPG gas bottles for residential and small business use are available in 45kg, 90kg and 210kg sizes. There are also smaller gas bottles used for BBQs, camp stoves, mobile outdoor lighting and other applications. These 8.5kg and 4kg portable gas bottles are available from thousands of SWAP’n’GO centres all around Australia.
Domestic LPG cylinders can be delivered full and ready to go. These cylinders are the alternative to natural gas and are a common sight with the Elgas delivery service. Larger gas bottles are delivered and placed in position using a forklift. For industrial use, LPG is delivered to on-site LPG tanks.
