3 Challenges: The Survival Of Cooking Gas Retailers In Nigeria

Refilling your gas cylinder bottles or tanks in some states and communities in Nigeria, is only possible though local LPG resellers shops, or black market. These local resellers use the tank-to-tank method for refilling gas cylinders. This method of refilling can be dangerous as gas leak may cause fires or explosions. Unlike in Western countries with great technology and innovations in LPG advancement and delivery, in Nigeria, the only options for refilling gas cylinders is through the gas skid filling system. However, building one complete LPG gas skid plant can be very expensive and required a lot of documents, licences, and government approval. This is why people prefer the reseller option.

Most times, refilling nozzle don't fit a domestic cylinders at times, because valves are different. So, adapters are used specifically for attaching nozzle to the gas cylinders. As a reseller, don't forget to replace adapters, valves, and regulators as recommended by the relevant regulations. It is also recommended for local LPG resellers to have all refilling kits for different valves.

For correct operation of the flow of gas, flow limiting gas supply house pipe length should be 1.5m at maximum. LPG resellers should also follow all safety precautions. In normal conditions, it is recommended that the valve rubber is changed every 2 weeks just in case if it is been damaged or slacked. If in case when refilling cylinder bottles and you noticed gas escaping through the valve, check if the O-ring rubber is inserted or too big for the passage of the refilling nozzle. 

You can solve this by replacing the the damaged O-ring rubber with a new one. Replacing the rubber will stop the gas from leaking from the Valve.

Before installing for tank-to-tank refill, the supply gas cylinder tank should be clean, placed in dry location protected from weather, atmospheric agents and direct sunlight. It must not be knocked on dented in anyway. The permanent piping must not be too long, it enables easy and smooth flow of gas to the receiving cylinder bottles. Fit the hose pipe if necessary, with the aid of soapy water. Fasten the hose using clamps with over-tighten to prevent damaging the hose. 

With the connected hose pipe to the gas tank (50kg), the end of the hose with attached filling nozzle. Just make sure that the inlet and the outlet of the regulator are correct and suitable for the gas cylinder valve and the application.