Safe Dispensing of Propane - Propane Dispensing Unit Operator Training Manual



		SECTION 2
		Safe Dispensing of Propane
		PROPANE PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

WHAT IS PROPANE?
Propane, LP gas, bottled gas, butane, and propylene are some of the names used to identify liquefied petroleum gas. LP gases are in the family of hydrocarbons, but not all hydrocarbons are liquefied petroleum gases.

Propane is normally stored in a pressure vessel as both a vapor and a liquid under moderate pressure. In its natural state it is colorless, tasteless, odorless and non-toxic. It is produced through the oil refining process or is stripped out of natural gas. In most cases an odorant is added to serve as a warning agent of a possible gas leak. The odorant most commonly used is Ethyl Mercaptan.

PROPANE EXPANDS
Propane liquid will expand 270 times as it changes from a liquid state to vapor state. For example, 1 gallon of liquid stored under pressure in a container will expand to approximately 270 gallons of vapor if released to the atmosphere. Consequently, a small amount of liquid propane has the potential to create a serious hazard. This rapid expansion ratio of 270:1 makes propane an effective refrigerant.

PROPANE TEMPERATURE
Propane boils at 44 degrees below zero (-44 ° ). Through this refrigeration process, heat is rapidly absorbed. If your skin should come in contact with propane liquid, a severe freeze burn or frostbite may occur. First aid treatment for frostbite is the application of lukewarm water to the affected area. As with any serious burn, immediate medical treatment should be sought.

PROPANE SPECIFIC GRAVITY
Specific Gravity is the weight of a product compared to the weight of water or air.

The specific gravity of propane vapor is 1.50; air is 1. This means that propane vapor weighs one and one-half times more than air. The specific gravity of propane liquid is 0.504; water is 1.

Therefore, we know that propane liquid is lighter than water. Since propane is heavier than air, it will normally seek out low areas.

This behavior, however, can easily be affected by air currents.

PROPANE IS HEAVIER THAN AIR
The facts that propane is heavier than air also creates the hazard of a simple asphyxiate. Oxygen needed to sustain life can be displaced by propane. If a large accumulation of liquid or vapor is present, always remain upwind. Never enter a concentrated area of propane vapor. Inhaling vapor can cause dizziness, anesthesia, and respiratory arrest.