OAR 603-027-0395: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

(1) As used in this rule, "Liquefied Petroleum Gas," "LP Gas," or "LPG" means a petroleum product composed predominantly of any of the hydrocarbons propane, propylene, butane (normal or iso), butylene, or mixtures thereof, maintained in the liquid state. (2) Method of Sale. Liquefied petroleum gas shall be sold by weight or liquid measure determined from legal devices as provided in ORS 618.121 and 618.141. Customer charges for LP gas purchased at retail shall be computed only on the basis of the net weight or liquid measure received by the purchaser but may, for deliveries of two gallons or eight pounds or less, include an additional "bottle filling service charge" if the retailer so chooses and has clearly disclosed the use of the additional service charge. "Clearly disclosed" for bottle filling service charge means that both: (a) The additional dollar amount for the filling charge; and (b) The conditions under which the additional bottle filling service charge applies, are displayed by the retailer in a clear and conspicuous manner on both the dispensing device and on all signs advertising the price of LP-gas at that site. Minimum transaction charges based solely on the size of the customer’s LP-gas container or set at flat or fixed dollar amounts without regard to the actual quantity of LP-gas remaining in or delivered by the retailer into the customer’s container(s) are prohibited. (3) Pressure Differential System. In the process of measuring liquefied petroleum gas for the purpose of sale whenever a meter is used for the purpose of determining the quantity, a pressure differential between vessels shall not be obtained by use of a vapor pump or compressor, unless the vapor being transferred to the dispensing vessel is accurately measured by means of an accepted and approved vapor meter and the quantity of such vapor is deducted from the LPG delivered. (4) Use of External Heat Source. The use of an external source of heat or energy which contributes to the thermal expansion of the liquefied petroleum gas immediately before or during the process of delivery, when the basis of settlement for such sale is liquid volume, is prohibited. (5) Marking of Cylinders and Bottles. When liquefied petroleum gas is sold by weight and delivered in a cylinder or bottle, such cylinder or bottle must be legibly and conspicuously marked with, in addition to any other marking or labeling required by state or federal law, the following: (a) The tare weight expressed in pounds or other identified unit of weight including all permanently attached fittings but not the cap; (b) The water capacity expressed in pounds or other identified unit of weight if a refillable container; (c) The name or identity symbol of the manufacturer or dealer. (6) Vapor-Return Lines. Vapor return lines are only permitted for metered delivery of liquefied petroleum gas from a supplier's tank to a receiving container under special circumstances, as provided for in section U.R.2.3. VAPOR-RETURN LINE (of NIST Handbook 44). When use is permitted, these vapor return lines must be of the portable type and must be physically disconnected from both the supplier's tank and the receiving container after each delivery. [Publications: Publications referenced are available from the agency.]