Oil Contaminated Gas
Over the past 5+ years there has been a dramatic increase in gas contamination, affecting gas equipment and appliances. The presence of an ‘oil-substance’ emanating from the gas system (cylinders, pigtails and/or gas line) causes damage to gas regulators and any gas appliance connected. This oil permanently deforms the rubber diaphragms causing units to either operate inconsistently or not at all. The diaphragm loses its flexibility and its ability to regulate gas flow and pressure, causing the system or appliance to fail. Paloma units have built-in protections to safeguard the user, but repair will be required to get the system functioning.
To remedy: the entire gas system will need to be cleaned and pigtail/regulators changed.
The Paloma Gas Water Heater will need to be repaired – the Proportional Flow Gas Valve will need to be replaced and any further oil remaining cleaned out.
This problem has occurred in other countries, but the measures below were put in place and have largely eliminated the problem.
Use Genuine Gas Supplies
It is important to use only reliable, clean and genuine gas supplies. Cylinders should be sourced from a reputable dealer with genuine branded seals with serial numbers corresponding to the gas cylinder. The use of ‘Rogue’ or black market gas is a primary cause of gas contamination – rogue gas supply has escalated significantly, therefore it is extremely important to insist that only genuine sealed and packaged gas is ordered and supplied. Ask your supplier to confirm and provide pictures/proof that genuine sealed product is supplied.
Good Practice Gas System Installation
It is strongly advisable to have gas filters and drip-legs (oil drains) installed on gas systems. A drip-leg can catch heavy ends and oil residue as it develops and help safeguard appliances from damage. The use of gas filters can provide further protection by catching oil deposits after the gas regulator.
Pigtails have been definitively identified as a common cause of oil forming plasticisers in gas systems. Rubber used in pigtails can react with LPG causing oil to be leached. Pigtails should be changed to Nitrile Rubber NBR based hoses, under the standard AS1869 (Class F) or BS EN 16436 Class 3.
It is good practice to have your gas system checked and pigtails replaced regularly by your installer, to safeguard appliances from damaging oil residue. High-Low pressure gas systems should be set no higher than 90kPa and the high-pressure line piped in nothing smaller than 1620PEX or 15mm Class 2 copper. Users should also take care when changing cylinders – opening all valves slowly to avoid regulators failing or pushing through high pressure bursts.
Warranties
Unfortunately, the presence of oil in any gas equipment will invalidate warranty repair. Paloma units are certified in South Africa and globally for use in all gas installations. All rubber components contained within Paloma Gas Water Heaters are certified NBR type, specifically manufactured not to react with LPG and leach oil in gas systems. Oil affected units can easily be repaired, but gas systems will require full cleaning with pigtails and regulator replacement.
Contact your installer ASAP should you think there is oil in your gas.
