ELGAS Knowledge Hub

Residential LPG Cylinder Sizes

27 Mar, 2023 | Residential LPG

In this article:

With a range of LPG bottle sizes to suit a gamut of needs, here's a quick guide on what size would work best for your residential needs.
Residential LP gas bottle sizes

LPG gas cylinder sizes for every situation

The grouping of LPG cylinders is by size and application. Here are some products available from ELGAS.

LPG for homes and businesses: 45kg, 90kg, and 210kg cylinders delivered by truck, forklift, or trolley. It is best practice to have two cylinders on-site. When one gets empty, swap it for the full one and order a replacement cylinder from ELGAS. 

Industrial gas LPG cylinder: High-volume users are supplied with a large Industrial LPG Cylinder or have LPG (propane gas) delivered by tanker and pumped directly into an on-site gas storage tank. Larger LPG tanks can hold up to 50 tonnes or more. One kilogram of LPG is approximately equal to 1.96 litres of LPG.

SWAP’n’GO cylinders: Handy 3.7kg and 8.5kg gas cylinders are perfect for BBQs, camp stoves, cooktops and more. They are available in convenient SWAP’n’GO retailers Australia-wide.

What is LPG cylindered gas?

Cylindered gas is a flammable hydrocarbon gas (LPG) liquefied through pressure and stored in gas cylinders. LPG is the same as propane but shouldn’t be confused with other gas types like butane. Butane has a higher boiling point and is mostly used for propulsion and refrigeration. While LPG is used for heating, hot water, cooking, and many other applications.

Cylinder capacity weight and height

The most common measurement units of cylinder capacity are litres or kilograms. One kilogram of LPG is approximately equal to 1.96 litres of LPG. The formula to calculate cylinder capacity is the formula for cylinder volume. Cylinder capacity volume = πr²h. However, because of the LPG 20% allowance for ullage, you must subtract 20% from the overall cylinder volume. So, the formula changes for LPG: LPG cylinder capacity volume = (πr²h)×.80

A 45 kg LPG cylinder height is 1250mm. A 90 kg LPG cylinder height is 1300mm, whilst a 210 kg LPG cylinder height is 1450mm. LPG gas cylinder height also varies by manufacturer.

LPG gas cylinders come in several sizes from small portable BBQ gas cylinders to large tanks. All LPG gas cylinders contain a regulator for a consistently safe gas supply. LPG tanks for commercial applications contain liquid and gas, with LPG liquefying under relatively low pressure. LPG tank sizes range from 0.5 tonnes up to 50 tonnes or more.

Using more than one 45 kg gas cylinder

The typical gas cylinder setup for homes and small businesses is to have two 45 kg gas cylinders fitted with gas regulators. The two gas cylinders are linked by a changeover valve. When one cylinder is empty, you flip the valve over to the full cylinder. This also serves as a to order a fresh 45 kg gas cylinder. Your ELGAS LPG delivery driver will then come to your home and exchange a full cylinder for your empty one.

Our 45 kg gas cylinder price is contingent on the world benchmark price that changes monthly. It also depends on your distance from our depot. Please connect with our friendly customer service team on 131 161 to get the best available LPG price.

45kg Gas Cylinder Dimensions

45kg gas cylinder dimensions and weight include:
• 45 kg gas cylinder height = 1250mm
• 45 kg LPG cylinder diameter = 375mm
• 45 kg LPG cylinder capacity = 88 litres
• 45kg gas cylinder tare weight = 33 kg
• 45 kg LPG cylinder full weight = 78 kg

A 45kg gas cylinder can be exchanged or refilled onsite or via LPG delivery and refill tanker trucks. The larger 90 kg gas cylinder dimensions are approximately 510mm diameter, 1380mm height and 176L cylinder capacity. The largest domestic 210kg gas cylinders are 765mm diameter, 1460mm height and 411L cylinder capacity.

How long will a 45 kg LPG cylinder last?

LPG cylinders are a compact way to store long-lasting gas. Here are some examples of typical LPG usage.
• 16 L/min Hot Water used for 20 minutes per day lasts 52 days.
• A 9 MJ Cooktop Burner used for 60 minutes per day lasts 244 days.
• A 15 MJ Gas Heater used for 3 hours per day lasts 49 days.
• A 25 MJ Gas Fireplace used for 2 hours per day lasts 44 days.
These estimates are based on running at maximum setting/rate. A gas cylinder lasts longer on lower settings.

8.5kg gas cylinder

An 8.5kg gas cylinder is considered the standard-size BBQ gas cylinder. An 8.5kg gas cylinder weighs approximately 17.5 kg, although weight may vary according to the manufacturer. 8.5kg refers to the weight of the cylinder when empty.

Every time you turn on one of your gas appliances, the high-pressure liquid in the cylinder starts to boil (vaporise) just like water. The big difference is that LPG boils at -42°C. To boil, the liquid LPG draws heat from the steel walls of the LPG gas cylinder. LPG liquid boils and turns into compressed gas vapour when you release pressure in the gas cylinder by turning on your gas appliance.

 

New Residential LPG customer?

New Business LPG customer?

Existing ELGAS customer?