Propane is a FLAMMABLE HYDROCARBON GAS and it is commonly used for burning, cooking, vehicles, and heating, etc. This gas can be easily converted into liquid form by applying low pressure.
Important facts about propane gas: (1)
- Propane can be LPG but all LPG can not be propane. LPG is the abbreviation is of liquified petroleum gas.
- It is a flammable gas and it is most commonly used for cooking and as a fuel in liquified form
- When natural gas is processed and petroleum is refined, propane is obtained from it.
- Propane falls under the label of LPG.
- It can be easily converted into liquified form with low pressure.
- It is also used in hot water and vehicles
- It can be stored in vessels in liquid form and used in gas cylinders for BBQ.
Different names for propane gas:
Following names are used for propane in AUSTRALIA:
- LPG
- LPG gas
- LP gas
- BBQ gas
- Autogas
“PROPANE” is the common name used in the United States of America. While in the UNITED KINGDOM it is usually called PROPANE or LPG.
Working of Propane:
Propane can be stored in gas bottles in liquified form. When you turn on the appliance it will come out in the form of gas vapor. Propane is used in the form of gas vapor more than liquified form.
Properties of propane:
Following are the main properties of propane:
The boiling point of propane:
Propane requires -42 degrees Celsius to become gas vapour. It can be stored in the cylinder with pressure in liquid form. When propane is in the form of liquid it looks like water. When found in its natural state it is colourless and odourless.
Odour is added for safety:
Propane is odourless in a natural state. A specific odour is added to the propane for safety reasons. It is added so people can detect if any leakage happens from the cylinder or pipe. If no odour is present, propane leakage can result in a small blast.
Avoid direct contact- cold burns:
Precautionary measures should be followed about the direct contact with propane. Propane in liquid form can cause severe cold burns on the skin when it is exposed.
The specific gravity of propane- density:
The density of propane or specific gravity of propane is half of water. The volume of 1.96L propane is one kilogram. If propane is one litre it will weigh around 0.51 kilograms.
Propane gaseous expansion:
When propane is converted into the gas from the liquid it can expand 270 times from the original state. If propane is 1 litre in liquid form it is equal to 270 litres of gaseous form.
Flame temperature of propane:
Propane flame burns at the temperature of 1980 degrees Celsius. When propane is burning it appears blue. If the flame of propane is yellow or red it indicates INCOMPLETE COMBUSTION.
Flammability limits of propane:
The lower and upper limit of flammability is present in PERCENTAGE FORM in the mixture of propane. It should be present from 2.15 percent to 9.6 percent, so propane can be combustible.
Flashpoint of propane:
Propane has a flashpoint of 104 degrees Celsius. It is the least temperature that is needed by propane to burn upon ignition. If the temperature is lower than 104 it will not burn.
Dissipation:
Propane is heavier as compared to the air and it can easily sink and gathered at the lowest level. When you vent propane in the air it will dissipate rapidly in the air with little movement. In contrast to air, when propane is vented into the sealed bottle or structure without any movement of air it will be collected at the bottom of the structure and rise upwards.
How much does propane tank cost?
Propane prices vary from location to location and state to state. On average it cost you around eight hundred dollars to install a tank. Refilling of propane cost you from 3$ to 5$ per gallon in the United States. For filling of 100 gallons, it can cost you up to 500 dollars on average. You can gather information about the price from nearby contractors so you get the best price for the propane tank.
How to safely store a propane tank? (2)
Storing and transporting the propane tank is always asked by consumers. Guidelines are available that help you to store a propane tank every season. First of all, make sure all the storing tanks are safe and intact. They should be constructed with high-quality material to ensure safety. Pressure valves should be intact, safe, and easy to use for consumers. Usually, propane cylinder accidents are due to a valve that is left open accidentally. When the valve is left open, gas in the cylinder will escape through the valve and gather in the surrounding. It can reach the ignition source causing accidents.
How and where should the propane tank be stored?
Following guidelines should be followed for proper storage of propane tanks:
- Propane tanks should be store outdoors
- While storing their position should be upright
- Propane tanks should be stored on a flat surface
- The area should be covered and avoid direct sunlight exposure.
- The storage area of propane tanks should be at least ten feet away from any flammable materials.
- If the tank is attached to the grill, after finishing it should be disconnected from the grill.
Where to get a propane tank filled?
To get your propane tank filled, you can contact your supplier nearby. You can buy a new tank or get your previous tank filled by a local contractor. For filling your propane tank, place the tank near your vehicle or outside the gate. Ask the store member to fill your tank according to your requirement. The team at the store will take your tank to the dispensing area to fill the tank. For your safety, you should stay at least 25 feet away from the dispensing area. When your tank is filled you will receive a slip to pay the bill.
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