ELGAS Knowledge Hub

LPG Gas Bottle Dimensions

See our comprehensive range of LPG gas bottles below. We help new and existing customers with gas bottle setup and gas refills. ELGAS is one of the leading LPG gas suppliers in Australia and New Zealand.

LPG Gas Bottle Dimensions

See our comprehensive range of LPG gas bottles below. We help new and existing customers with gas bottle setup and gas refills. ELGAS is one of the leading LPG gas suppliers in Australia and New Zealand.

ELGAS LPG PRODUCTS

ELGAS offers a range of cylinder sizes, including 45kg, 90kg, 190kg, or 210kg LPG gas bottles. For larger-scale needs, we have LPG gas tanks ranging from 0.5 tonnes to 3 tonnes.

Not sure what size you need? Call your local ELGAS Team today on 131 161 and we’ll discuss your usage and recommend the best set up for you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

LPG & Propane: Are they the same thing?

LPG and Propane are generally considered to be the same. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and propane are used interchangeably, with propane being the preferred term in the US, while LPG is preferred in Australia and New Zealand.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) uses two to three hydrocarbon gases as fuel: Propane and Butane/Isobutane.

What’s the difference between LPG as Propane, Butane, and Isobutane?

Propane

The chemical formula for propane is C3H8, a flammable hydrocarbon gas liquefied via pressurisation. It is commonly used for heating and cooking, and it’s also found in Autogas and propane-butane blends. Larger industries use up tonnes of propane LPGs, the same gas supplied to most homes and businesses purchasing ELGAS LPGs in Australia.

Butane

Butane (n-butane) has a chemical formula of C4H10 (4 carbon atoms, 10 hydrogen atoms) and is commonly used as a propellant or refrigerant. It comes from natural gas processing and oil refining and is also used as a petrochemical feedstock and delivered to businesses that particularly require butane over propane. 

Isobutane

The chemical formula for Isobutane (i-butane) is C4H10, similar to butane but under a different arrangement of atoms. Aside from gas fuel, it’s also used as a refrigerant or propellant and has a significantly lower global warming and ozone depletion potential. Oil refineries use isobutane to increase the octane rating of gasoline and make it burn cleaner.

What safety tips should I follow when using LPG?

• Never store LPG cylinders (both spare and used bottles) indoors and in enclosed spaces, especially under buildings or in your basement.
• Store LPG cylinders and gas bottles upright and in well-ventilated spaces away from the open flames of gas appliances, electrical equipment, and direct sunlight.
• Only qualified personnel from ELGAS should handle the tank swap. We use proper equipment and have undergone training to conduct the swap safely.
• Use only approved LPG appliances, gas fittings, and gas hoses.
• Regularly inspect hoses for signs of gas leaks and damage as part of a routine gas safety check.
• When using SWAP’n’GO bottles on portable gas appliances, always turn off the gas cylinder valve before disconnecting the LPG bottle from the gas appliance.

How long do LPG bottles last?

Gas cylinder size, usage rate, and efficiency of your gas appliance all contribute to how long an LPG bottle will last. For instance, a 45kg gas cylinder may last more than 1 year if used only for cooking. Using it for hot water and cooking for a family of 4 may only last a few months. Include indoor heating in the usage list; you may find your cylinder lasting for about a month before needing a gas refill.

Contact us at 131 161 for general enquiries, and we’ll let you know how long you can expect your current LPG gas bottle set up to last given your current usage. 

Are LPG gas cylinders effective for outdoor heating?

Yes, several gas appliances use LPG cylinders rated for outdoor use, such as our SWAP’n’GO LPG Gas Bottles, which are perfect for patio and outdoor gas heaters.

However, aside from the LPG gas cylinder used, it’s also crucial to note that outdoor and indoor LPG heaters are not interchangeable. Using an outdoor gas heater indoors may be dangerous as it may produce Carbon Monoxide (CO), which could get trapped indoors.

Indoor LPG heaters are designed to eliminate the production of carbon monoxide and may pipe combustion gases outdoors using a gas flue pipe.

The most common outdoor heaters using SWAP’n’GO gas bottles are outdoor patio heaters, which often come as tall mushroom-styled appliances or round area heaters for small groups of people and outdoor camping.

Who should install my LPG appliances?

Always seek our licensed gas fitters when conducting gas projects, including gas appliance installations, LPG hose repairs, and maintenance.

We strongly advise against performing gas work yourself, as having an unlicensed person do the job may expose you to unexpected safety risks and could potentially void your appliance’s insurance cover/warranty.

Make sure you only use licensed gas delivery personnel and gas fitters that have a gas fitter number issued by the respective State regulatory authority. Australian States have unique endorsements for various gas fitting work and appliance conversions.

Always check the gas fitter’s number to confirm that they are qualified to install LPG cylinders and gas appliances or do any other gas work you require.

How do I store my LPG bottle safely?

• LPG cylinders must be stored in a well-ventilated area outside of the household/business premises, and should only be stored upright at all times.
• Avoid storing flammable materials and aerosols near LPG cylinders and gas bottles.
• When using LPG bottles on outdoor portable gas appliances, make sure that the LPG valves are turned off firmly when the appliance is not being used.
• Never place LPG bottles near artificial heat sources and electrical systems.
• LPG valves must always be firmly closed when the gas bottle is detached from the gas appliance, even if you believe the bottle is empty.

Are there downsides to using LPG?

Since LPG is often delivered upon request or under bespoke gas planning, households and businesses will require planning and monitoring to avoid running out of gas or paying for urgent LPG delivery.

LPG is also heavier than air, so it tends to fall and accumulate closer to the floor in case of a leak. We advise opening doors and allowing for good ventilation to allow the gas to dissipate and contact ELGAS emergency hotline at 1800 819 783 as soon as possible.

LPG is delivered in gas cylinders and large storage tanks. That means you need to have adequate storage space outside of your home or workplace that meets our safety criteria.

Should I use LPG or Natural Gas?

The biggest difference between LPG and natural gas is that LPGs are transported in gas bottles, cylinders, and tanks, while natural gas is conveyed to households and business premises via pipeline.

Here are other major differences between LPG and natural gas to help you pick the ideal gas for your heating, cooking, and industrial needs.

• LPG fuels have higher calorific values or energy content, requiring less fuel than natural gas to produce the same heat
• LPG requires more oxygen to burn, with an oxygen-to-gas ratio of 25 to 1, while natural gas operates at a ratio of 10 to 1.
• LPG is made of propane, butane, and isobutane, while natural gas uses methane fuel.
• LPG is heavier than air, accumulating near the floor in case of a leak. Natural gas is lighter than air and tends to dissipate faster.
• Propane and butane are liquefied into LPG via pressurisation, while natural gas is liquefied cryogenically to produce liquefied natural gas (LNG).
• LPG appliances (flat top BBQs, gas stoves, camp kitchens) operate at 2.75 kPa, while natural gas appliances operate at only 1.1 kPa.

What should I do if I suspect an LPG gas leak?

A harmless chemical called Mercaptan is added to Natural Gas and LPG to produce a rotten egg smell so you can detect and act quickly in case of a gas leak.

If you notice a sulfuric smell or a rotten egg odour at home or at work, follow these steps immediately:

When indoors:

• Eliminate any sources of ignition (electrical appliances, smoking, mobile phones)
• Leave the building immediately
• Call our emergency hotline at 1800 819 783. We’re ready to service all ELGAS equipment.

When outdoors:

• Stay away from the source of the odour, but try to determine where the smell is the strongest.
• Call our emergency hotline at 1800 819 783
• Eliminate any sources of ignition (electrical appliances, smoking, mobile phones)
• If possible, turn off the gas safety valve at the cylinder.

If you think there is a massive gas leak that may be immediately dangerous to life or property, call emergency hotline 000.

Why choose ELGAS for your LPG needs?

ELGAS can design, install, and maintain bulk LPG equipment for your home and business, ensuring that your property is LPG compliant, has a capacity that suits your needs, and can be safely supplied by our equipment.

We are one of Australia’s largest LPG providers, offering an easy online ordering service for households and businesses. Our LPG delivery staff will bring your LPG cylinders to your doorstep from the nearest ELGAS stockist.

You also get 24/7 online and phone assistance. Call your local ELGAS Team on 131 161 for all your general LPG queries.

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