Gas forklifts are widely used in warehousing, logistics and industrial fields, using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or natural gas (CNG) as the power source. Compared with electric forklifts and diesel forklifts, the fuel supply and storage of gas forklifts require special attention to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the forklift. Improper design of the storage and supply system of liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas may bring safety hazards and performance problems. Therefore, the fuel supply and storage requirements of gas forklifts need to strictly follow the relevant safety regulations and technical standards.
The fuel supply of gas forklifts requires a reliable gas source. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is usually stored in the form of gas cylinders. The gas in the gas cylinder is stored in liquid form and converted into gas form through a decompression device when used, while natural gas (CNG) is usually stored in compressed form in high-pressure gas cylinders. The fuel supply system must ensure the sealing of the gas cylinder to avoid gas leakage. To ensure safety, the gas cylinder should be checked regularly, especially during use, to check the pressure, appearance and valve function of the gas cylinder to ensure that the gas cylinder has not leaked or damaged. In addition, LPG and natural gas cylinders should be equipped with special valves and pressure reducing devices to control the flow of gas and prevent problems caused by excessive or low gas pressure.
There are also strict regulations for the storage of fuel. The storage location of LPG cylinders should be selected in a well-ventilated place to avoid gas accumulation in a closed space. If the gas leaks and mixes with air, an explosive mixture may be formed. Therefore, the fuel storage area should be away from fire sources, heat sources and electrical equipment, and have a good ventilation system. The storage of natural gas (CNG) also needs to ensure that the cylinders are not affected by high temperatures or drastic temperature differences, so the storage temperature should be within the specified range. The storage location of the cylinders should avoid strong vibration, extrusion and impact to avoid damage to the cylinders.
During the gas storage process of gas forklifts, the number and storage volume of the cylinders also need to be reasonably planned according to the use requirements. Generally speaking, large warehouses or production lines need to store multiple cylinders to ensure the continuous operation of the forklift. The capacity of each cylinder should be determined according to the power, working time and workload of the forklift. Gas cylinders should be placed vertically when stored, avoiding tilting or horizontal placement to prevent the liquid part of the cylinder from entering the gas flow system. Obvious warning signs should be set up around the gas cylinder storage area to remind staff to comply with safe operating procedures.
The fuel supply system of a gas forklift is not just the gas cylinder itself, but also includes connecting pipes, valves and pressure regulating devices. The gas pipeline must be made of materials that meet national standards to ensure that the pipeline is not easy to break or leak. Especially in the high-pressure part, the pipeline and connector should have sufficient pressure resistance, and should be checked before each use to ensure that there are no loose or damaged connections. The function of the gas pressure regulating device is to reduce the high-pressure gas in the gas cylinder to a pressure suitable for the gas forklift engine, so the performance of the pressure regulating device is crucial to the safety of the forklift.