What is Propane?
Propane comes out of the same well as natural gas and crude oil. These products are called "hydrocarbons" because they contain hydrogen and carbon.
At a fractionation plant or refinery, the substances are "cleaned up", heated, cooled and separated. The chemical formula for propane is C3H8.
Propane is shipped throughout North America by pipelines, trucks and tank cars (rail).
The "Propane Advantage"
The great characteristic of propane is that it can exist as a liquid or a gas.
It is stored and transported as a liquid, but can be used as either a liquid or a gas. A small amount of propane liquid produces a lot of propane gas (called vapour) and that reduces the size of storage containers required. It also enables propane to be stored and transported economically.
What does propane look like?
Just to look at propane, it would be difficult to tell it from water. Like water, propane can exist as a liquid or a gas.
In its natural state, propane is a clear, odourless, colourless, non-toxic liquid. As it changes from a liquid to a gas, it appears as bubbles.
Why does propane smell?
In its natural state, propane is odourless.As a safety precaution, an odourant called Ethyl Mercaptan is added so any presence of propane may be easily detected. And while most of us are able to detect even the slightest propane odour, some people are unable to.
Is Propane Dangerous?
Used with care, propane is a safe and convenient fuel. Propane gas is not toxic. However, should a leak occur, the build-up of propane gas can become dangerous. Because propane is heavier than air it tends to settle in the lowest available space. Very small amounts of propane are required to create a flammable mixture of gas and air. In the limited space of a recreation vehicle, for example, a propane leak can create a hazardous situation.
Living Safely with Propane Appliances
How Important is Ventilation?
Propane requires a large volume of air to burn properly. In fact, 23.5 cubic feet of air is needed to burn just one cubic foot of propane. With adequate ventilation, an operating burner gives off a number of harmless products such as carbon dioxide and water vapour. But a propane appliance starved of oxygen or poorly maintained appliance can quickly produce dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide. For safety sake, use your propane appliance only for the purpose for which it was designed. Don't for example; use a cooking appliance as a space heater. Never use an unvented heater, even for temporary heating, in a residence, in any enclosed space, or any place where sleeping accommodation is provided. Carbon monoxide poisoning could result. Never store propane cylinder indoors.
What are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and extremely toxic. Unconsciousness and death can result from prolonged exposure to the carbon monoxide produced by a malfunction or misuse of a combustion device. Poor ventilation will increase the risk. carbon monoxide detectors are available that sound an alarm when dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are present. If any of the following symptoms should develop, get into the fresh air immediately or seek medical attention.
1. Headaches and tightness across the forehead;
2. Weariness, weakness, dizziness, and nausea;
3. Loss of muscular control;
4. Watering and smarting of the eyes.
How is Propane Stored?
For recreational use, propane is generally sold and stored in a cylinder. Assuming it's kept in good condition, and within the 10 years inspection date, the cylinder can be refilled indefinitely. When properly filled, 80 per cent of the cylinders contains liquid propane. The space above the liquid, to the top of the cylinder, holds propane vapour. Enough space must be left in the cylinder to let liquid propane expand, if the cylinder is exposed to warmer temperatures. Without the space, the "relief valve" may open and release propane, creating a potential safety hazard. The collars of the propane cylinders have markings "TC", "CTC", or "DOT" showing the cylinders have been made to an acceptable specification.
The Regulator
A regulator is located between the cylinder or tank and the connection to the appliance. The regulator reduces the gas pressure from the cylinder and maintains a constant pressure for delivery to an appliance. A regulator should always be installed with its vent opening pointing downwards. If this isn't possible, cover the regulator with a proper cover to prevent the entry of rain, freezing snow or other liquids. The cover will also prevent the ice build up over the vent opening during the winter. A plugged regulator vent can cause excessive pressure resulting in high flames and explosions when the appliance is ignited or operating.
Check for Leaks
Before using a propane appliance, particularly if you have just connected a cylinder to it, check for leaks using the following method:
1. Make up a dishwater soap and water solution.
2. Turn the cylinder valve on with the appliance shut off.
3. Spread the soap and water solution over the hose and the connections with a paintbrush.
4. Any leaks will result in bubbles forming in the solution.
5. If a leak is indicated, shut off the cylinder valve.
6. Repair any leak [follow manufacturer's instructions].
7. Repeat a] b] and c] until no leaks are indicated before operating the appliance.
8. If you cannot stop the leaks, consult a certified propane fitter.
9. Never go over connections looking for leaks with a lighted match, cigarette lighter, or any other flame.
