ఆదివారం, నవంబర్ 20, 2011

ABOUT INDANE GAS CONNECTION



 Q. How do I get a new domestic (14.2 kg/5 kg cylinder)Indane connection? Where is my nearest LPG distributor located?

Ans: Indane is available for domestic use generally in 14.2 Kg capacity cylinders and is also available in 5 Kg capacity cylinders in select few cities primarily in hilly / rural areas in the country.

New LPG Connections are now available on demand across the country. In case you do not have an LPG connection from any of the PSU Oil Companies in your household and you have a separate cooking area in your house you can have an Indane domestic connection in your household. For a domestic connection, you can visit nearest Indane distributor serving in your area and register for the connection with a valid proof of identity and residence. One of the following documents can be produced for proof of residence: -

Ration Card 

Electricity Bill 

Telephone Bill 

Passport 

Employer's Certificate 

Flat allotment / possession letter 

House registration papers 

LIC policy 

Voter’s Identity Card 

Rent Receipt 

PAN card issued by the Income Tax department 

Driving License 

Note: In Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, as per the requirement of the State Government, Ration Card is a must for issue of new connection for prospective domestic LPG customer.

Accessories/Deposits

On registration, the distributor will send you an intimation letter through registered post. You need to carry the letter and the envelope to the distributor to avail the connection
The Indane connection will be released to you immediately. However before release of an LPG connection, you should be in possession of an ISI mark Hotplate conforming to IS:4246 and a Suraksha LPG hose confirming to IS:9573 (Type IV), so that after release of your Indane connection, it may be installed at your residence immediately. For release of your Indane connection you will be required to pay security deposit at the following rates: 

StatesCylinderPressure Regulator
North Eastern States of Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and ManipurRs 900/- for 14.2 kg cylinder. Rs 350/- for 5 kg cylinder.Rs 100/-
Rest of IndiaRs 1250/- for 14.2 kg cylinder Rs 350/- for 5 kg cylinder.Rs 150/-



Indianoil Corporation loans Indane equipment to you against the payment of the security. It remains Corporation’s property and its maintenance and statutory testing is taken care of by the Corporation. However, you remain responsible for its safe handling while it stays in your custody. Please read the terms and conditions written at the back of the subscription voucher carefully. 

Subscription Voucher

On payment of requisite deposit, you will be issued a Subscription Voucher [SV], which you must keep safely. You will require it at a later date when you desire to shift your connection from one distributor to another or when you surrender the connection.

Domestic Gas Consumer Card

The Indane Distributor will issue a booklet called the Domestic Gas Consumer Card (DGCC), containing particulars of your LPG connection. The distributor’s staff (delivery men) enters the details of Indane supplies and other allied services. Keep the booklet handy whenever you receive your Indane supplies. Distributor’s staff (delivery men) shall update your refill supplies details in the same. Please read the information on safety given in the DGCC book

The Indane distributor will provide necessary literature on LPG Safety and Conservation. At the time of installation of the connection in your kitchen, the Distributor's staff will demonstrate how to use the LPG equipment safely.

In case you need any further information, please contact the Indane Customer Service Cell Officer at the nearest Indane Area Office. Address and the contact phone numbers of the Indane Customer Service Cell covering your location is displayed at all Indane Distributors' showrooms.
 Q. What Are the Standard tariff Rates applicable for Indane Services?

Ans: Various approved Indane tariff rates are as follows :-

S.No.
Tariff Head
Rate (Rs.)
1 (a)
Security Deposit for Cylinder (14.2 kg) - in the rest of India, except North Eastern States In the seven North Eastern States
1250.00
1 (b)
Security Deposit for 7 NE States Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur
900.00
2.
Security Deposit for Cylinder (5 kg)
350.00
3.
Security Deposit for Cylinder (19 kg)
1500.00
4 (a)
Security Deposit for Pressure Regulator except for N.E. States
150.00
4(b)
Security deposit for PR in 7 NE States Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur
100.00

 
S.No
Nature of Services
Revised charges w.e.f. 1.3.2010 Unit Service Charges is Rs/- Population as per census 2001.


Towns with population < 10 lacs
Towns with population >10 lacs < 20 lacs
Towns with population  > 20 lacs
3.
Inspection of hotplate at the time of release of connection
200
230
250
4.
Mechanic visit charge other than leakage
50
60
70
5.
Installation/Demonstration charges of new connection
35
40
45
6.
Administrative charge for release additional cylinder
30
40
45
7.
Mechanic charges for mandatory inspection of domestic installation
50
60
70
8.
Administrative charges for issuance of DGCC including cost of DGCC
35
40
45
9.
Administrative charges for seeking confirmation of TV/CTA/TTV
35
40
45
10.
Damaged Safety Cap Replacement
2.00
2.00
2.00


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 Q. Do I need to buy a hotplate from the LPG distributor only?

Ans: It is not compulsory to buy hot plate from the Distributors. A customer can buy BIS approved Stove from any source of his choice. However Distributors are advised to keep high thermal efficiency i.e. fuel saving and better quality LPG Stoves for offering to existing and prospective customers. For availing of a LPG connection, a customer should be in possession of an ISI mark hotplate and rubber tube. 

Incase you have an ISI mark hotplate available with you, the distributor shall check it at your premises against a nominal payment (as per the table given above) The distributor has to complete such an inspection within 7 days from the date of such a payment by the customer.
 
 
 Q. What do I need to check when I receive my refill?

Ans: You may undertake simple checks at the time of your refill receipt :- 

Check the seal of the cylinder 

Check the safety cap. It should not have any cracks 

Remove safety Cap and check for leakage from the valve. Usually in case of any leakage from the Cylinder valve, the safety cap will pop off at the time of removal. This can be further reaffirmed by placing your thumb on the cylinder valve 

Get the new cylinder connected with the hotplate and make sure that no leakage is observed. 

Pay the cash and acknowledge the 2nd copy of the cash memo / refill voucher
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 Q. How should I maintain my domestic LPG installation?

Ans: The following steps may be followed as a part of regular maintenance

a) Clean the hotplate after each cooking
b) Clean the Suraksha LPG Hose with wet cloth periodically 

d) Keep the pressure regulator knob closed when not cooking

e) Clean up the choked holes of the burner, when it is cooled off
 Q. Whom can I contact in case I need some assistance?

Ans: For any assistance pertaining to supply of Indane supplies your distributor is always at your service to help you, however if you desire you may contact our Customer Service Cell or our Officer. At Indane Showroom name and telephone number of our officer is displayed.

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 Q. Do I have to get my domestic installation checked?

Ans: Safety audit of the domestic installations should be carried out once in every two years. Your Indane distributor’s trained mechanic carries out such an audit at your place. You need to pay a nominal charge of Rs. 40/- to your distributor, for which a cash memo is issued to you. The mechanic carries an identity card with him confirming his identity as an authorized person from your distributor for carrying out such an inspection. case of doubt, you may ask him to identify himself.
 Q. How do I transfer my Indane connection?

Ans: In case you are shifting your residence, you may follow either of the following options :-

Within the same distributor's area of operation -- 

Advise your distributor your new address with supporting proof of residence so that he effects the change in his records and your future supplies shall then be sent to your new place of residence.

Within the same town --

In case your present distributor does not service your new place of residence, you may approach your Indane distributor with your original Subscription Voucher (SV). The distributor shall prepare a transfer termination voucher (TTV) for the place of your new residence. You can then approach the nearest Indane Distributor serving your new place of residence along with proof of residence, TTV and DGCC booklet (Domestic gas consumer card) The distributor shall prepare a Transfer Subscription voucher (TSV) against your TTV and shall provide you a new consumer number. These details will be updated in your DGCC booklet, (Domestic gas consumer card) .

In this case of a shift of residence within the same town you are not required to surrender your equipment. Hence you need to carry your Indane domestic cylinder and pressure regulator to your new residence.

While getting transferred out of town -- 

In case you are transferred outside the town, you are required to surrender your Indane equipment viz. cylinder and pressure regulator to your Indane distributor. In such a case, you may approach your Indane distributor with your Subscription Voucher (SV) or Transfer Subscription Voucher (TSV) as the case may be & Domestic Gas Consumer Card (DGCC) along-with your Cylinder/s and Pressure Regulator. The distributor in turn will prepare a Termination Voucher (TV) in your name for your new place and refund the deposit held against the Cylinder/s and Regulator. You will also be guided to the nearest Indane distributor for future service. At the new place you can approach the nearest Indane distributor for resuming your Indane supplies.

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 Q. How do I get a new connection for non-domestic, i.e. commercial/industrial (19 kg cylinder) use?

Ans: In case you intend to have LPG supplies for commercial or Industrial use, you can avail Indane connection in 19 kg or 47.5 kg capacity cylinders. Non-Domestic connections are released at following security deposit rates: -

19 kg Cylinder with SC valve Rs. 1700/- per cylinder 
19 kg Cylinder Rs with LOT valve 3200/- per cylinder

47.5 kg Cylinder with SC valve Rs. 4300/- per cylinder 
47.5 kg Cylinder with LOT valve Rs. 5800/- per cylinder 

5 kg NDNE Cylinder with SC valve Rs. 350/- per cylinder 

Pressure Regulator (PR) Rs. 150 per PR ( for North East Rs .100) 

As per the rules laid down by Department of Explosives, LPG can be stored up to 100 Kgs without an explosive license in unconnected cylinders. Hence, in case your requirement is up to 100 Kgs you can have a gas connection from your nearest Indane dealer for your industrial / commercial usage. 

However, in case your LPG requirement for industrial/ commercial usage warrants higher storage of LPG, you will be required to install a manifold where all the cylinders are to be kept connected for supplying LPG to the end usage area through a network of LPG pipelines. The design, installation, testing and operation of such LPG installations should confirm to IS: 6044 (Part 1-2000). Such industrial / commercial connections, requiring LPG manifold installations are normally released after a safety audit by the IndianOil officer for the benefit of the consumer. 

For all necessary technical help and release of connection you can contact nearest Indane Area Office in this matter.
 Q. How can I buy bulk LPG?

Ans: In case you require bulk LPG for your industrial/ commercial uses, you may contact the nearest Indane Area Office for necessary assistance.

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 Q. What are high thermal efficient LPG stove and what are the advantages of high thermal efficient LPG stoves marketed by Indane distributors?

Ans: LPG stoves marketed by the Indane distributors are of high thermal efficiency which is min 68% and is conforming to IS 4246. The other advantages are as follows: 
1. It is manufactured in a dedicated production line with stringent quality control checks. 
2. Each piece is serially numbered and properly documented 
3. Each thermal efficient LPG stove carries a copy of BIS certificate and sold in a special packaging as per laid down specifications. 
4. Warranty on Thermal efficient LPG stove is for 3 years as compared to 1-year warranty on other LPG stoves
 Q. What is Suraksha LPG hose and what are its special features ?

Ans:Suraksha LPG hose is patented and manufactured by LERC (LPG Equipment Research Centre, Bangalore ) approved and BIS approved manufacturers as per IS - 9573: 1998 Type-4. It is manufactured under stringent quality control checks on raw materials and during its processing stage and on finished products. Its salient features are: 
1. Three layered construction i.e. inner and outer layers are made of special quality rubber and middle layer made of braided Copper / Brass coated high carbon steel wire mesh which eliminates various deficiencies of rubber tube. 
2. Suraksha LPG hose has longer life of 5 years. 
3. Suraksha LPG hose is crack proof, rodent cannot cut through steel braided wire mesh. 
4. Outer layer is fire resistant and Weather & abrasion resistant. 
5. Each tube carries the details of batch no., month/year of manufacture, replace before Month/year. 
6. Each tube is packed and sold in a specially designed pouches. Details such as manufacturer, MRP, Length of piece, instruction card and safety tips for usage of LPG & Suraksha LPG hose are printed on each pouch.
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 Q. What are the value added services offered by Indane Distributors to their customers:

Ans: Indane Distributors are offering value added services to their customers by way of offering products / services at highly competitive prices under one roof such as high Thermal efficient LPG Stoves, Higher safety longer life Suraksha LPG Hose, Fire Retardant Suraksha Kitchen Aprons, BIS approved Portable Fire Extinguishers for homes, e booking of Railway tickets Flame type LPG Gas lighters, domestic cylinder trolleys etc. Few more value added products / services for the benefit of the customers are being planned.
 Q. What is LPG?

Ans: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a mixture of hydrocarbons, which are in gaseous state at ambient temperature and pressure but these are liquefied under pressure for easy storage, handling and transportation in pressurized vessels. It is obtained through Crude Oil refining or from Natural Gas through fractionation. Butane and Propane are the main constituent hydrocarbon's in LPG. Others present in traces or small fractions are Iso-butane, butylene, n-butane, propylene etc.

LPG is highly inflammable. LPG is odourless , color less and is heavier than air. Ehtyle Mercaptan is added as odouriser for detection of any leak. LPG as per IS: 4576 is being marketed in India.
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 Q. What are the uses of LPG?

Ans: LPG is one of the safest, economical, eco friendly healthy cooking fuels for all. LPG is being used a cooking fuel's in most urban and semi urban household's. The rural population is also increasingly using it.

Besides domestic usage, LPG is often used as an efficient source of energy in various industrial and commercial applications. Some of the important areas where LPG is used extensively are:

 
Usage Sector
Applications
Metal cutting
Provides stable high temperature required for the purpose. Also provides clean cuts.
Kiln and Furnaces
Used In incinerators, crematoriums, ceramic and brick kilns, For heat treatment etc.
Process Industries
Extensively used in Glass, automobile and textile industries for glass blowing, paint drying/ surface coating and singing activities. Also used by Electronics industry involved in TV picture tube manufacturing etc.
Fabrication
Used for providing homogeneous temperature bath required for melting operations with lead, sulphur and carbon free burning ensuring high quality of production specification
Poultry
Used for used in Poultry rearing with accurate temperature controls
Aerosol
Used as an propellant in aerosol cartridges
Industrial processing
Used for instant and controlled drying processes right from curing of fibre glass to tea leaves drying and dry roasting of nuts
Radiant Heating
Used for heating purposes both in homes and industrial and commercial complexes
Generators
Used as a clean eco friendly fuel for running the generators even in the closed premises
Hotels and Cook Houses
Used for all possible cooking skills from boiling, stewing, simmering, baking, grilling and roasting to braising

 Q. Why do I find sweating on the cylinders? 

Ans: If the rate of withdrawal of LPG is higher than the designed rate, the cylinder starts sweating and you would see condensation on the body of the cylinders. If the cylinders in the manifold are regularly sweating, it is advisable to check your LPG consumption rate vis-à-vis the Cylinder manifold design. Consult your nearest Indane Area Manager or a technical consultant, you may require to increase your cylinder manifold bank.
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 Q. Why does the flame lift from the burner port?

Ans: The right mix of LPG and air is required to give you the best blue coloured flame at your burner port. In case of any imbalance of Air-LPG mixture such things can happen. If air is more in the combustible mixture, the flame will lift off the burner port. You may get your burners checked as they may require a little repair or cleaning etc to ensure right combustible mixture at the burner port. In case the pressure is higher than the designed rating, the flame may lift off the port. Please get the pressure regulator checked.

 Q. Are there any design specifications for the LPG cylinder manifold?

Ans: LPG cylinder manifold should be designed and tested as per IS – 6044 (Part 1) : 2000
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 Q.What is the procedure to maintain the quality of cylinders? 

Ans: LPG Cylinders are manufactured as per BIS 3196 through manufacturers approved by the Chief Controller of Explosives, Nagpur (CCOE) and having BIS license. Each and every new LPG cylinder is checked at various manufacturing stages and marked by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) after various tests carried out as per the BIS codes and Gas Cylinder Rules, 2004, before putting them into circulation by the Public Sector Oil Companies.

Thereafter, each LPG cylinder is checked at the LPG Bottling plants and only the ones which are meeting the Standards as specified in the Gas Cylinder Rules are filled, checked and sent to the Distributors for distribution to the customers. All new LPG cylinders are required to be put to first Statutory Testing after 10 years. Thereafter, the cylinders are put to statutory testing every 5 years. Such testing of LPG cylinders is done through agencies approved by CCOE as specified in The Gas Cylinder Rules 2004 and once again put into circulation only if the cylinders pass the required Pressure Tests.
 Q. What is the procedure for repairing/replacing damaged cylinders?

Ans: LPG cylinder found requiring repairs is put to Hot repairs once in its lifetime as per IS code of practice. Each and every Hot repaired cylinder is also certified for use by BIS and is accordingly put into circulation. Any LPG cylinder which has undergone one Hot repair, if it is found damaged subsequently, is scrapped.

IOC strictly follows the above and introduces new LPG cylinders as replacement to the cylinders scrapped.

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 Q.Is it possible to know when a particular cylinder is scheduled for testing? 

Ans: On one of three vertical stay plates (side stems) of the LPG cylinder, the date is coded alpha numerically as A or B or C or D and a two-digit number following this e.g. D10. The alphabets stand for quarters - A for Qtr. ending March (First Qtr), B - Qtr. ending June (Second Qtr), C-Qtr. ending Sept (Third Qtr), & D for Qtr. ending December (Fourth Qtr). The digits stand for the year when the cylinder is due for Statutory testing as explained above. Hence D10 would mean that the particular cylinder is to be taken for the next Statutory Testing by December 2010.

In any case, this is not the date of EXPIRY of PHYSICAL LIFE of the CYLINDER

It is further clarified that, during service, every empty LPG cylinder when it comes from the Distributor to the Bottling Plant for filling, is checked for its condition including the marked date for Statutory Testing due. Cylinders due for testing are segregated and sent for testing.

Every cylinder after its filling with LPG is checked for correctness of its weight and soundness, before despatch to the Distributors. Every care is taken to ensure that cylinders which are safe for use are only sent to our Distributors for further distribution. It means if a customer gets a cylinder in June 2010 with marking as B10, it does not indicate that the physical life of the cylinder has expired. It only means that this cylinder is due for Statutory testing by end June 2010.