posted on August 11, 2008

The Globe and Mail: THE PERILS OF PROPANE

By: JOSH WINGROVE
Published: August 11, 2008
Source: The Globe and Mail

Propane is a volatile gas that is stored and transported in a compressed liquid form, vaporizing only when pressure is released.

At their fullest, propane tanks hold 80 per cent liquid and 20 per cent gas, said Richard Hawrelak, 75, a University of Western Ontario lecturer and former Dow Chemical plant design engineer. While the liquid can absorb heat when exposed to a fire, the gas heats up quickly and increases the pressure inside the tank.

For that reason, the tanks have safety valves, which should release and allow the pressure to be vented out safely. Storage areas also have sprinklers, which are meant to put out fires threatening tanks.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/subscribe.jsp?art=309153