Following a decision by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior and in conjunction with the Civil Defence of Umm Al Quwain, domestic gas users in the northern emirate of Umm Al Quwain will have new LPG cylinder valves with enhanced safety features to replace the old design.

The new flat-top valves are being introduced following extensive research by Emirates Gas (EMGAS), a wholly owned subsidiary of ENOC. The redesigned valve has been manufactured to the highest quality standards, and in the interest of public safety will be executed with immediate effect by EMGAS in the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain along with Arab Gas distribution.

The new design flat-top compact valve offers distinct advantages in terms of safety and convenience compared to the the hand wheel screw type valve that has been in use for the past years. The advanced design was created specifically for LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) consumers in the UAE.

The most remarkable features of the new valve includes a short, one-piece body with high impact strength, a flat-top valve with protective gasket preventing entry of dust and water, self-closing valve avoiding accidental leak, potential for no-thread damage that could lead to leakages, and unique customised inlet dimensions to prevent any malpractices.

Hesham Ali Mustafa, Senior Director, ENOC Gas Marketing and General Manager of Emirates Gas LLC.said: Upholding the highest safety standards is a top-priority for us at EMGAS. The newly designed LPG cylinder valve will offer customers in the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain the best safety and protection solutions, underlining our commitment to public safety. We are honoured to work with the authorities for this enhanced safety feature, which also demonstrates our focus on innovation.

The gas cylinders equipped with the new valve will be operated by a regulator supplied by Emirates Gas or Arab Gas. The easy-to-fix regulator does not need any tools for fixing and has a non-adjustable outlet pressure of 30 mbar for domestic use. For customer safety the regulator is equipped with a fusible plug which will melt leading to closure of the cylinder valve in case of a fire. The regulator has a five-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

During the training session held at Umm Al Quwain, Lt Col Shuib bin Omeir, Head of Civil Security & Safety Department at UAQ Civil Defence, said: This new valve and regulators are an example of our pursuit of quality and excellence, further adding value and safety to all residents in the Emirate. The cooperation between Civil Defence, the bottling agencies and companies supplying the cylinders to the general public is crucial in achieving our joint goal of enhancing safety.

Domestic regulators of 30 mbar are available with all authorised LPG cylinder distributors at a price of AED 40. When empty, customers current cylinder will be exchanged by the distributor for a cylinder with the new valve.

Consumers are recommended to regularly check and change the rubber hoses as well as the regulators at least once in two years or whenever required based on the condition.

During the launch, Emirates Gas has distributed special safety shoes free of charge to all distributors, to confirm its commitment in following the safety standards at work, and to raise awareness among distributors to follow the best practices of security and safety in the distribution of cylinders.