Approval Standard

for
Liquefied Petroleum
Gas Vaporizers, Gas-Air
Mixers and VaporizerMixers

Class Number 7151, 7156 and 7157

January 1990

2002 FM Approvals LLC. All rights reserved.

Foreword
The FM Approvals certification mark is intended to verify that the products and services described
will meet FM Approvals stated conditions of performance, safety and quality useful to the ends of
property conservation. The purpose of Approval Standards is to present the criteria for FM Approval
of various types of products and services, as guidance for FM Approvals personnel, manufacturers,
users and authorities having jurisdiction.
Products submitted for certification by FM Approvals shall demonstrate that they meet the intent of
the Approval Standard, and that quality control in manufacturing shall ensure a consistently uniform
and reliable product. Approval Standards strive to be performance-oriented. They are intended to
facilitate technological development.
For examining equipment, materials and services, Approval Standards:
a)

must be useful to the ends of property conservation by preventing, limiting or not

causing damage under the conditions stated by the Approval listing; and

b) must be readily identifiable.

Continuance of Approval and listing depends on compliance with the Approval Agreement,
satisfactory performance in the field, on successful re-examinations of equipment, materials, and
services as appropriate, and on periodic follow-up audits of the manufacturing facility.
FM Approvals LLC reserves the right in its sole judgment to change or revise its standards, criteria,
methods, or procedures.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Purpose ................................................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.3 Basis for FM Approval ..................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.4 Basis for Continued Approval ............................................................................................................................................ 1
1.5 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.6 Effective Date .................................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.7 System of Units ................................................................................................................................................................. 2
II GENERAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Product Information ............................................................................................................................................................ 2
2.2 Application of this Standard ............................................................................................................................................. 3
2.3 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3
III APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS AND GLOSSARY .............................................................................................................. 3
3.1 Applicable Documents ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
3.2 Glossary ............................................................................................................................................................................. 3
IV GENERAL REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................................................................. 4
4.1 Markings ............................................................................................................................................................................ 4
4.2 Instructions ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5
4.3 Physical or Structural Features ......................................................................................................................................... 5
4.4 Drawings/Plans/Specifications Required .......................................................................................................................... 8
4.5 Other Requirements ........................................................................................................................................................... 8
V PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................................................... 9
5.1 Operation ........................................................................................................................................................................... 9
5.2 Voltage Range ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9
5.3 Pressure Relief Valve Operation ....................................................................................................................................... 9
5.4 Pressure Relief Valve Temperature, Direct-Fired Vaporizers Only ............................................................................... 10
5.5 Liquid Stop Device Operation ........................................................................................................................................ 10
5.6 Pilot Operation ................................................................................................................................................................ 10
5.7 Temperature Limit Control Waterbath Only ............................................................................................................. 10
5.8 Liquid Level Limit Control Waterbath Only ............................................................................................................ 11
5.9 Materials Suitability ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
VI OPERATIONS REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................................................... 12
6.1 Demonstrated Quality Control Program ......................................................................................................................... 12
6.2 Facilities and Procedures Audit (F&PA) ........................................................................................................................ 12
APPENDIX A: APPROVAL MARKS ...................................................................................................................................... 13
APPENDIX B: UNITS OF MEASUREMENT ........................................................................................................................ 14

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I INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose
This Standard states FM Approval requirements for Approval of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP-Gas) Vaporizers
(Class No. 7151), Gas-Air Mixers (Class No. 7157), and Vaporizer-Mixers (Class No. 7156).

1.2 Scope
1.2.1 This standard is concerned with the details of construction, operation and testing of LP-Gas vaporizers,
gas-air mixers, and vaporizer-mixers. LP-Gas vaporizers are intended to aid vaporization of LP-Gas by
supplying heat to liquefied LP-Gas. Mixers mix the resultant vapor with sufficient air to supply a mixture
of the necessary heating content for the application, often as a substitute for natural gas. Vaporizer-mixers
combine both functions in a single, integrally connected assembly. In vaporizers, heat may be provided by
direct application of flame to the portion of the vaporizer containing the LP-Gas, by electrically heating
the LP-Gas-containing portion, or by heating a transfer medium which is then used to heat the LP-Gascontaining-portion. Mixers may entrain atmospheric air or be connected to a compressed air source. This
standard may consider, as necessary, the suitability of portions of the equipment for Class I, Division 2
hazardous (classified) locations and does consider the suitability of the equipment for outdoor use.

1.3 Basis for FM Approval

FM Approval is based upon satisfactory evaluation of the product and the manufacturer in the following major
areas:
1.3.1 Examination and tests on production samples shall be performed to evaluate
the suitability of the product; and
the proper operation and performance of the product as specified by the manufacturer and
required by FM Approvals; and, as far as practical,
the durability and reliability of the product.
1.3.2 An examination of the manufacturing facilities and audit of quality control procedures shall be made
to evaluate the manufacturers ability to produce the product which is examined and tested, and the
marking procedures used to identify the product. These examinations are periodically repeated as
part of FM Approvals product follow-up program.

1.4 Basis for Continued Approval

Continued Approval is based upon:
production or availability of the product as currently Approved;

the continued use of acceptable quality control procedures;

satisfactory field experience;
compliance with the terms stipulated in the Approval Agreement; and
re-examination of production samples for continued conformity to requirements.

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1.5 Requirements
1.5.1 The requirements of this standard correspond, in general, to those for vaporizers and gas-air mixers in the
National Fire Protection Association Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases,
NFPA 58-1989.
1.5.2 The requirements of this standard reflect tests and practices used to examine characteristics of LP-Gas
vaporizers, mixers, and vaporizer-mixers, for the purpose of obtaining FM Approval. These requirements
are intended primarily as guides, and strict conformity is not always mandatory. LP-Gas vaporizers,
mixers, and vaporizer-mixers having characteristics not anticipated by this standard may be Approved if
performance equal or superior to that required by this standard is demonstrated, or if the intent of the
standard is met. Alternatively, LP-Gas vaporizers, mixers and vaporizer-mixers, which do meet all the
requirements identified in this standard may not be Approved if other conditions which adversely affect
performance or safety exist or if the intent of this standard is not met.

1.6 Effective Date

The effective date of an Approval Standard mandates that all products tested for Approval after the effective date
shall satisfy the requirements of that standard. Products Approved under a previous edition shall comply with the
new version by the effective date or else forfeit approval. The effective date shall apply to the entire Approval
standard, or, where so indicated, only to specific paragraphs of the standard.
The effective date of this standard is July 1, 1991 for full compliance with all requirements.

1.7 System of Units

Units of measurements are U.S. customary units. These are followed by their arithmetic equivalents in International System (SI) units, enclosed in parentheses. Appendix B lists the selected units for quantities dealt with
in testing these products; conversions to SI units are included. Conversion of U.S. Customary units is in
accordance with ASTM E380.

II GENERAL INFORMATION
2.1 Product Information
2.1.1 An LP-Gas vaporizer is a device for converting LP-Gas from liquid to vapor, utilizing heating means other
than atmospheric heat transfer by conduction through the surface of the LP-Gas container. Some
vaporizers use electric power for operation.
2.1.2 A gas-air mixer mixes LP-Gas vapor with air to supply a vapor-air mixture of a certain heating content
within set pressures.
2.1.3 Vaporizer-mixers perform both of the above described operations. Vaporizer requirements within this
standard shall be applicable to the vaporizer portion of a vaporizer-mixer, and mixer requirements shall be
applicable to the mixer portion.

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2.2 Application of this Standard

The requirements of this standard shall be used to measure and describe the performance of LP-Gas vaporizers,
mixers, and vaporizer-mixers in response to exposure to controlled test conditions. The results of these controlled
exposures shall not be used to described or appraise actual exposure conditions, since such conditions will vary
widely.

2.3 Requirements
2.3.1 The manufacturer shall supply samples of the equipment to be used for testing purposes and shall include
at least one complete functional unit. Portions of the testing may be performed at the manufacturers
facility or designated test site. Certain tests may be performed on particular subassemblies or components
if test conditions can be maintained as they would appear under operation of a complete unit.
2.3.2 Controls and limit devices which are FM Approved for their applications on the submitted equipment need
not necessarily undergo redundant testing for those tests which were performed previously as part of the
Approval examination of the particular devices; however, proper operation as a part of the complete
vaporizer or mixer shall be verified.

III APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS AND GLOSSARY

3.1 Applicable Documents
The following are standards, test methods and practices referenced in this standard:
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
NFPA 58 Liquefied Petroleum Gases
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code
FM Approval Standard 3820 Electrical Utilization Equipment
FM Approval Standard 7411, 7412, 7413 Safety Shutoff Valves
FM Approval Standard 7610 Combustion Safeguards

3.2 Glossary
For purposes of this standard, the following terms apply. These definitions are not intended to contradict the
corresponding definitions in the above referenced documents.
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASME CODE The Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code: Division I of Sec. VIII for Unfired Pressure Vessels
(UG-125 through UG-136 do not apply)
DIRECT-FIRED VAPORIZER A vaporizer in which heat is furnished by a flame which is directly applied
to a heat exchange surface which is in contact with the LP-Gas to be vaporized.
ELECTRIC VAPORIZER A vaporizer in which heat is generated electrically and transferred to the LP-Gas
either directly or indirectly through a heat exchange surface.

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GAS-AIR MIXER A device or system of piping and controls which mixes LP-Gas vapor with air to produce
a mixed gas, normally for use as a substitute for some other fuel gas.
HEAT EXCHANGER The vaporizing chamber, tubing, pipe coils, or other heat exchange surface which
contains the LP-Gas to be vaporized.
INDIRECT-FIRED VAPORIZER A vaporizer in which heat is furnished by steam, hot water, or other
nonflammable heating transfer medium which is applied to a vaporizing chamber containing the LP-Gas; and in
which heating of the transfer medium is accomplished at a point remote from the vaporizer.
LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LP-GAS) Any material composed of flammable vapor hydrocarbons such
as propane and butane which have vapor pressure not exceeding that allowed for commercial propane.
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICE A device designed to prevent a rise of internal pressure in excess of a specified
value by discharging vapor when that value is reached. A pressure relief valve is a type of pressure relief device
designed to both open and close to maintain internal pressure.
WATERBATH VAPORIZER A vaporizer in which heat is furnished by a temperature-controlled bath of
water, water-glycol combination, or other nonflammable heated transfer medium into which a vaporizing
chamber, tubing, pipe coils, or other heat exchange surface containing liquefied LP-Gas to be vaporized is
immersed.

IV GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Markings
4.1.1 Label(s) containing the information below shall be permanently attached to all vaporizers and mixers in
a location where it is visible after installation.
the name and address of the manufacturer
the model name or number
the serial number or manufacturing date code

the maximum vaporizing capacity in gallons per hour (l/h) or the mixer output capacity, as applicable
the appropriate hazardous location suitability rating and outdoor suitability rating, as applicable
markings required by the ASME Code, if applicable
for direct-fired vaporizers only, the outside surface area in square feet (m2), the area of the heat exchange
surface area in square feet (m2), the rated heat input in Btu per hour (J/hr);
for indirect-fired and waterbath vaporizers only, the sum of the outside surface and the inside heat
exchange surface in square feet (m2), the allowable working pressure and temperature, for which
designed;
the electrical ratings, as applicable;
the FM Approval Mark.

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4.1.2 Labels shall be clearly legible and shall be resistant to deterioration caused by the environmental
conditions to which the vaporizer may be exposed.
4.1.3 All controls, indicators and pressure relief valves shall be clearly identified. Pressure relief valve markings
shall include manufacturers name, part or model number, start-to-leak pressure setting, and rated relieving
capacity.

4.2 Instructions
Each vaporizer shall be provided with an instruction manual, which shall contain the following information:
installation, start-up, and operating instructions;
details or operational limitations (maximum rated capacity, ambient temperature limits, voltage range if
applicable, etc.);
recommendations for periodic maintenance including monthly leak checks on vaporizer piping fittings and, if
applicable, yearly testing of fuel combustion safety controls;
a trouble-shooting procedure to determine the possible sources of malfunction and the corrective action to be
taken.

4.3 Physical or Structural Features

4.3.1 General Requirements
A. Vaporizers and mixers utilizing electrical power, other than direct-fired or indirect-fired vaporizers
with an attached or adjacent gas-fired heat source, shall be suitable for Class I, Division 2, Group D
hazardous locations, as verified per applicable FM Approval requirements.
B. Vaporizers and mixers shall be suitable for installation in outdoor locations. The manufacturer shall
specify the intended NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) rating. Testing appropriate to that rating shall be conducted.
C. Access to or operation of all vaporizer and mixer controls shall require a key or tool. This requirement
may be waived if the instruction manual contains a recommendation that vaporizer or mixing equipment be located or provided with physical protection so as to prevent unauthorized access to controls
which may affect the operation or safety of the equipment.
D. Vaporizers shall be provided with a suitable automatic means to prevent LP-Gas liquid from passing
from the vaporizer to the vapor discharge piping (see Paragraph 5.5).
E. Pressure containing portions of vaporizers and mixers shall have ratings consistent with intended use
conditions (see Paragraph 5.10).
4.3.2 Pressure Relief Valves
A. Direct-fired vaporizers shall be equipped, at or near the discharge, with a spring-loaded pressure relief
valve providing a relieving capacity in accordance with Paragraph 5.3. The relief valve shall be located
so as not to be subject to temperatures in excess of 140F (60C) during normal operation (see
Paragraph 5.4).
B. Indirect-fired vaporizers shall be equipped, at or near the discharge, with a spring-loaded pressure relief
valve providing a relieving capacity in accordance with Paragraph 5.3.
C. Heat exchangers for waterbath vaporizers shall be equipped at or near the discharge with a springloaded pressure relief valve providing a relieving capacity in accordance with Paragraph 5.3.
D. Mixed gas storage tanks on mixers shall be equipped with a spring-loaded pressure relief valve or
equivalent to prevent pressure build-up.

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E. Pressure relief valves start-to-discharge setting shall be 100 percent of the design pressure of the
container (see Paragraph 5.3).
F. The minimum rate of discharge for pressure relief valves for all LP-Gas vaporizers shall be calculated
by using the sum of the surface area of that part of the vaporizer shell directly in contact with the
LP-Gas and the heat exchanger area in contact with the LP-Gas, and using Table I to obtain the rate of
discharge in ft3/min (m3/sec) for that value of surface area (see Paragraph 5.3).
G. The direction of the relief valve discharge shall be vertically upward.
4.3.3 Direct-Fired Vaporizers
A. Direct-fired vaporizers shall be designed and constructed in accordance with applicable requirements
of the ASME Code for their intended working conditions.
B. Direct-fired vaporizers shall be equipped with a means for manually turning off the gas to the main
burner and pilot.
C. Direct-fired vaporizers shall be equipped with an automatic safety device to shut off the flow of gas
to the main burner if the pilot light is extinguished. If the pilot flow exceeds 2000 Btu/hr (2 MJ/h), the
safety device shall also shut off the flow of gas to the pilot (see Paragraph 5.6).
4.3.4 Indirect-Fired Vaporizers
A. Indirect-fired vaporizers with an inside diameter of more than 6 inches (152 mm) shall be constructed
in accordance with the applicable provision of the ASME Code for a design pressure of 250 psi
(1.7 MPa). Those having an inside diameter of 6 inches (152 mm) or less are exempt from the ASME
Code, but shall be constructed for a minimum of 250 psi (1.7 Mpa) design pressure.
B. If the heating system of an indirect-fired vaporizer provides heat to other areas in addition to the
vaporizer, the transfer medium lines to and from the vaporizer shall be provided with suitable means
for preventing the flow of gas into the heating system in the event of tube rupture in the vaporizer. If
the heating system is for the vaporizer only, then it must contain a pressure relief valve to relieve the
excess pressure in the event of a tube rupture.
4.3.5 Waterbath Vaporizers
A. Heat exchangers for waterbath vaporizers shall be constructed in accordance with the applicable
provisions of the ASME Code for a minimum design pressure of 250 psi (1.7 MPa). Those heat
exchangers having an inside diameter of 6 inches (152 mm) or less are exempt from the ASME Code,
but shall be constructed for a 250 psi (1.7 MPa) minimum design pressure.
B. Waterbath sections of waterbath vaporizers shall be designed to eliminate a pressure build-up above the
design pressure. The means used shall be evaluated.
C. The immersion heater which provides heat to the waterbath may be electric or gas-fired, and shall be
installed so as not to contact the heat exchanger.
D. A control to limit the temperature of the waterbath shall be provided (see Paragraph 5.7).
E. Gas-fired immersion heaters shall be equipped with an automatic safety device to shut off the flow of
gas to the main burner in the event of flame failure. Gas-fired immersion heaters with an input of
400,000 Btu/h (422 mW/h) or more shall be equipped with an electronic flame safeguard and
programming to provide for pre-purge prior to ignition, proof of pilot before main burner valve opens,
and full shutdown of main gas and pilot upon flame failure. The device shall be evaluated per the
applicable FM Approvals combustion safeguard Approval requirements, Class No. 7610.
F. A means shall be provided to shut off the source of heat in case the level of the heat transfer medium
falls below the top of the heat exchanger.

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Table I
Relieving Capacity for Relief Valves on Vaporizers
Surface
Area
ft2
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
100
105
110
115
120
125
130
135
140
145
150
155
160
165
170
175
180
185
190
195
200
210
220
230
240
250
260
270
280

English Units
Surface
Flow
Area
Rate
ft2
ft3/m
air
626
290
751
300
872
310
990
320
1100
330
1220
340
1330
350
1430
360
1540
370
1640
380
1750
390
1850
400
1950
450
2050
500
2150
550
2240
600
2340
650
2440
700
2530
750
2630
800
2720
850
2810
900
2900
950
2990
1000
3080
1050
3170
1100
3260
1150
3350
1200
3440
1250
3530
1300
3620
1350
3700
1400
3790
1450
3880
1500
3960
1550
4050
1600
4130
1650
4300
1700
4470
1750
4630
1800
4800
1850
4960
1900
5130
1950
5290
2000
5450

Flow
Rate
ft3/m
air
5610
5760
5920
6080
6230
6390
6540
6690
6840
7000
7150
7300
8040
8760
9470
10170
10860
11550
12220
12880
13540
14190
14830
15470
16100
16720
17350
17960
18570
19180
19780
20380
20980
21570
22160
22740
23320
23900
24470
25050
25620
26180
26750
27310

Surface
Area
m2
1. 0
1. 5
2. 0
2. 5
3. 0
3. 5
4. 0
4. 5
5. 0
5. 5
6. 0
6. 5
7. 0
7. 5
8. 0
8. 5
9. 0
9. 5
10. 0
10. 5
11. 0
11. 5
12. 0
12..5
13. 0
13. 5
14. 0
14. 5
15. 0
15. 5
16. 0
16. 5
17. 0
17. 5
18. 0
18. 5
19. 0
19. 5
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

Metric Units
Surface
Flow
Area
Rate
m2
ft3/m
air
0.1776
27
0.2477
28
0.3136
29
0.3766
30
0.4373
31
0.4962
32
0.5536
33
0.6098
34
0.6648
35
0.7188
40
0.7720
45
0.8244
50
0.8760
55
0.9270
60
0.9774
65
1. 027
70
1. 076
75
1. 125
80
1. 174
85
1. 222
90
1. 269
95
1. 316
100
1. 363
105
1. 409
110
1. 455
115
1. 501
120
1. 547
125
1. 592
130
1. 636
135
1. 681
140
1. 726
145
1. 770
150
1. 813
155
1. 856
160
1. 900
165
1. 943
170
1. 987
175
2. 029
180
2. 072
185
2. 156
190
2. 240
195
2. 324
200
2. 406
2. 488
2. 569

Flow
Rate
ft3/m
air
2.650
2.730
2.810
2.889
2.970
3.046
3.124
3.201
3.278
3.658
4.029
4.392
4.479
5.100
5.447
5.788
6.125
6.458
6.787
7.112
7.435
7.754
8.071
8.385
8.696
9.005
9.311
9.616
9.918
10. 22
10. 52
10. 81
11. 11
11. 40
11. 69
11. 98
12. 27
12. 56
12. 84
13. 12
13. 41
13. 69

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4.3.6 Gas-Air Mixers and Vaporizer-Mixers

A. Mixers and mixer portions of vaporizer-mixers shall be designed for the pressure to which they are
subjected. If the mixer contains a storage tank for the mixed gas, that tank shall be constructed in
accordance with the ASME code, if applicable.
B. Mixer portions shall either be designed to prevent formation of combustible mixtures or be equipped
with safety interlocks on the LP-Gas and air supply lines to shut both lines if combustible limits are
approached.
C. Means shall be provided to prevent air from entering LP-Gas lines or LP-Gas from entering air supply
lines.
D. When it is possible for condensation to occur between the vaporizer and mixer portions, means shall
be provided to prevent liquid LP-Gas from entering the mixer portion.
E. Gas-air mixers which utilize the kinetic energy of the LP-Gas vapor to entrain air from the atmosphere,
and are so designed that the maximum air entrained is less than 85 percent of the mixture, need not
include the interlocks specified in B. above but shall be equipped with a check valve at the air intake
to prevent the escape of gas to atmosphere when shut down. However, gas-air mixers of this type
receiving air from a blower, compressor, or any source of air other than directly from the atmosphere,
shall also include a method of preventing air without LP-Gas, or mixtures of air and LP-Gas within the
flammable range, from entering the gas distribution system accidentally.
4.3.7 Materials
A. Materials used in the fabrication of vaporizers and mixers, and which may come into contact with the
LP-Gas during operation, shall be resistant to the action of LP-Gas over the range of specified
operating conditions (see Paragraph 5.9).
B. Vaporizers shall not be equipped with fusible plugs.

4.4 Drawings/Plans/Specifications Required

The manufacturer shall provide complete documentation, including general assembly drawings, piping and
electrical schematics, materials lists, nameplate and label formats, brochures, specifications, instruction manual,
and quality control manual. This information shall be submitted at the inception of the Approval examination.

4.5 Other Requirements

4.5.1 Vaporizers and mixers utilizing electrical power shall meet the requirements of FM Approval Standard for
Electrical Utilization Equipment, Class Number 3820.
4.5.2 Wiring in vaporizers and mixers shall conform to the requirements of the National Electrical Code,
NFPA 70.

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V PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
5.1 Operation
5.1.1 Requirement
Vaporizers and mixers shall perform as specified by the manufacturer when operated according to the
manufacturers instructions over its intended parameters. Tests shall be performed at nominal specified
supply voltage, at an ambient temperature in the range of 45 to 95 F (7.2 to 35C), and over a range
of flows equivalent to 10%, 50% and 100% of rated capacity, unless otherwise specified. Mixers shall
maintain mixture Btu/ft3 (J/dm3) content within 10% of nominal value throughout operation. An entire
vaporizer or mixer prepared as for normal service shall be used for these tests as described below.
5.1.2 Test/Verification
A. The vaporizer or mixer shall be subjected to simulated abnormal conditions causing actuation of each
control or limit device. The devices shall operate as specified. Devices used to shut off flow of LP-Gas
or air shall meet applicable FM Approvals Safety Shutoff Valve Approval requirements, Class Nos.
7411, 7412 and 7413.
B. The vaporizer shall be operated at its maximum specified capacity until it reaches stable operation as
determined by the output vapor temperature and pressure. The duration of this test shall not be less than
1 hour. There shall be no actuation of any controls or limit devices indicative of abnormal operation.
C. The vaporizer or mixer shall be capable of proper operation at its maximum specified ambient
operating temperature and at its minimum specified temperature. There shall be no operation of any
control or limit devices indicative of abnormal operation at these temperatures. Additionally, at each
temperature extreme, each control or limit device shall be intentionally actuated and shall operate as
specified. It is anticipated that testing the operation of the complete vaporizer or mixer at those
extremes will ordinarily not be considered feasible. In these cases, operation of mechanical and
electrical controls and components shall be verified.

5.2 Voltage Range

5.2.1 Requirement
Vaporizers or mixers utilizing electric power shall be capable of proper operation over the range of 85 to
110 percent of nominal rated voltage.
5.2.2 Test/Verification
A. The vaporizer or mixer shall be operated at 85% and at 110% of rated supply voltage. There shall be
no actuation of any control or limit devices indicative of abnormal operation. Additionally, while at
both voltage extremes each control or lmit device shall be intentionally actuated and shall operate as
specified. Any change in flow capacity over the voltage range shall be as specified by the manufacturer.
B. Electrical power to the vaporizer or mixer shall be interrupted for various durations from 0.1 seconds
to 5 minutes. LP-Gas flow to the vaporizer, and gas and air flow to the mixer, shall be halted if any
control or limit devices are adversely affected by the power interruption. In the event of such a
shutdown, intentional manual action shall be required to start the vaporizer.

5.3 Pressure Relief Valve Operation

5.3.1 Requirement
Pressure relief valves shall have sufficient discharge capacity for vaporizers as described in
Paragraph 4.3.2, and shall operate so as to reliably discharge vapor under specified conditions.
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5.3.2 Test/Verification
A. A source of increasing pressure shall be applied to the relief valve. The initial start-to-discharge
pressure shall not be less than 100% nor greater than 110% of the design pressure of the valve.
B. For vaporizers, the pressure applied to the relief valve shall be set to 120% of the maximum permitted
start-to-discharge pressure. At that pressure, the rate of discharge shall be as shown in Table I.

5.4 Pressure Relief Valve Temperature, Direct-Fired Vaporizers Only

5.4.1 Requirement
Ambient temperature at the relief valve shall not exceed 140F (60C).
5.4.2 Test/Verification
The vaporizer shall be operated over the normal range of its operating parameters allowing the temperature
measured at the pressure relief valve to stabilize under each set of conditions. During this test the
temperature measured at the pressure relief valve shall not exceed 140F (60C).

5.5 Liquid Stop Device Operation

5.5.1 Requirement
Liquid LP-Gas shall be prevented from escaping to the vapor distribution system.
5.5.2 Test/Verification
The device for preventing liquid LP-Gas from escaping through the vapor discharge shall be operated
through 5,000 cycles of operation. The device shall continue to operate as specified at the end of that
period.

5.6 Pilot Operation

5.6.1 Requirement
Loss of pilot flame shall result in vaporizer shutdown.
5.6.2 Test/Verification
A. With the vaporizer operating, the pilot flame shall be extinguished. The automatic safety device shall
shut off the flow of further gas to the main burner and, if applicable per Paragraph 4.3.3 C., to the pilot.
B. The device shall be subjected to 20,000 cycles of operation. The device shall continue to operate as
specified.

5.7 Temperature Limit Control Waterbath Only

5.7.1 Requirement
The temperature limit control shall not operate prematurely, and shall limit waterbath temperature to its
set point.

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5.7.2 Test/Verification
A. The control shall be operated for 72 hours at 10F (5.5C) below the set point without false actuation.
B. The control shall be operated through 500 cycles of operation by raising the waterbath temperature to
the set point. The device shall continue to operate as specified by the manufacturer.

5.8 Liquid Level Limit Control Waterbath Only

5.8.1 Requirement
The liquid level limit control shall withstand pressure exposures throughout and in excess of the range of
normal operating conditions, and shall continue to operate properly over an extended period.
5.8.2 Test/Verification
A. The device shall be operated through 500 cycles of operation with no change in operating characteristics over that period.
B. The device shall be subjected to 150% of maximum rated pressure for 1 hour with no change in
operation.

5.9 Materials Suitability

5.9.1 Requirement
Materials used in vaporizers and vaporizer-mixers exposed to LP-Gas shall be resistant to deterioration.
The methods used to ensure suitability will vary, and shall be determined based on the type of material and
exposure conditions. One method is provided herein.
5.9.2 Test/Verification
Samples of nonmetallic materials used in the fabrication of vaporizers and which may come into contact
with LP-Gas during operation shall be exposed to LP-Gas vapor in a closed vessel. The test shall be
conducted at the maximum rated operating temperature of that portion of the vaporizer containing the
material and shall continue for 150 hours. The hardness of the material shall not change by more than 10%
over the course of the test.
5.10 Hydrostatic Pressure
5.10.1 Requirement
Pressure containing portions of vaporizer and mixer equipment shall prevent external leakage.
5.10.2 Test/Verification
Pressure containing portions of vaporizers and mixers shall be subjected, either individually or as an
assembly, to a hydrostatic pressure of 200% of intended maximum operating value without external
leakage.
EXCEPTION: ASME CODE VESSELS SUBJECT TO HYDROSTATIC TESTING AT 150% OF RATED
PRESSURE DURING MANUFACTURE SHALL NOT BE TESTED.

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VI OPERATIONS REQUIREMENTS
6.1 Demonstrated Quality Control Program
6.1.1 A Quality Control Program is required to assure that each subsequent vaporizer, mixer, or vaporizer-mixer
produced by the manufacturer shall present the same quality and reliability as the specific samples
examined. Design quality, conformance to design, and performance are the areas of primary concern.
Design quality is determined during the examination and tests.
Conformance to design is verified by control of quality in the following areas:

existence of corporate quality control guidelines

incoming assurance, including test
in-Process assurance, including test
final inspection and test
equipment calibration

drawing and change control

packaging and shipping
handling discrepant materials.
Quality of performance is determined by field performance and by re-examination and test.
6.1.2 The manufacturer shall establish a system of product configuration control to prevent unauthorized
changes, including, as appropriate:
engineering drawings
engineering change requests
engineering orders
change notices
These shall be executed in conformance with a written policy and detailed procedures. Records of all
revisions to all Approved products shall be kept.
6.1.3 The manufacturer shall assign an appropriate person or group to be responsible to obtain FM Approvals
authorization of all changes applicable to Approved products. FM Approvals Form 797, Approved
Product Revision Report or Address/Contact Change Notice, is provided to notify FM Approvals of
pending changes.

6.2 Facilities and Procedures Audit (F&PA)

6.2.1 An inspection of the product manufacturing facility shall be part of the approval investigation. Its purpose
shall be to determine that equipment, procedures, and the manufacturers controls are properly maintained
to produce a product of the same quality as initially tested.
6.2.2 Unannounced follow-up inspections shall be conducted to assure continued quality control and product
uniformity.

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APPENDIX A
APPROVAL MARKS
REPRODUCTION ART: FM Approval Marks
For use on nameplates, in literature, advertisements,
packaging and other graphics.
1) The FM Approvals diamond mark is acceptable
to FM Approvals as an Approval mark when
used with the word Approved.
2) The FM Approval logomark has no minimum
size requirement, but should always be large
enough to be readily identifiable.
3) Color should be black on a light background or a
reverse may be used on a dark background.

For Cast-On Marks

4) Where reproduction of the mark described
above is impossible because of production
restrictions, a modified version of the diamond is
suggested. Minimum size specifications are the
same as for printed marks. Use of the word
Approved with this mark is optional.

NOTE: These Approval marks are to be used only in conjunction with products or services that have been
FM Approved. The FM Approval marks should never be used in any manner (including advertising, sales or promotional
purposes) that could suggest or imply FM Approval or endorsement of a specific manufacturer or distributor. Nor should
it be implied that Approval extends to a product or service not covered by written agreement with FM Approvals. The
Approval marks signify that products or services have met certain requirements as reported by FM Approvals.

Additional reproduction art is available through

FM Approvals
P.O. Box 9102,
Norwood, Massachusetts 02062
U.S.A.

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APPENDIX B
UNITS OF MEASUREMENT
LENGTH:

in. inches
(mm millimeters)
mm = in. 25.4
ft feet
(m meters)
m = ft 0.3048

AREA:

ft2 square feet)

(m2 square meters)
m2 = ft2 0.0929

PRESSURE:

psi pounds per square inch

(kPa kilopascals)
kPa = psi 6.8948

MIXER CAPACITY: Btu/hr British thermal units per hour

MJ/hr megajoules per hour
MJ/hr = Btu/hr 1.055
FORCE:

lb = pounds
(N newtons)
N = lb 2.205

TEMPERATURE:

F - degrees Fahrenheit
(C - degrees Celsius)
C = (F - 32) 59

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