*******************************************************
The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) received notification from the testing laboratory today (April 22) that the LPG samples taken on April 20 from Chevron's LPG filling station at Po Kong Village failed to meet the Auto LPG Specification in respect of the ratio of propane/propylene and butane/butylene contents.
According to the test results, the propane/propylene and butane/butylene contents of the LPG samples were 43% and 57% respectively, while it was specified in the Auto LPG Specification that the ratio should be 20-30% and 70-80% respectively.
The EMSD spokesman said, "EMSD is very concerned about the case and has already asked Chevron to submit a report within seven days on the cause and improvement measures. Upon notification of test results, Chevron has arranged to cease the sales of auto LPG. Although the ratio of propane/propylene and butane/butylenes contents of the LPG samples cannot comply with the Auto LPG Specification, it will not affect gas safety."
Different countries using auto LPG will specify different propane/propylene and butane/butylene ratios in view of their specific circumstances (e.g. weather). In general, deviation from this ratio will not affect the safety performance of vehicles.
EMSD has also collected today LPG samples for testing from the gas terminal and different LPG filling stations of Chevron, to collect further information on the case.
EMSD launched the LPG sampling scheme in early January 2010, under which samples have been collected on a random basis from auto LPG filling stations and LPG terminals every week for quality tests against the Auto LPG Specification by an accredited testing laboratory. Test results have been published on EMSD website.
Ends/Friday, April 22, 2011
Issued at HKT 20:21
NNNN
