Propane
Facts
What Is Propane?
Propane is a hydrocarbon
(C3H8) and is sometimes referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, LP-gas or LPG.
Propane is produced from both natural gas processing and crude oil refining. It
is nontoxic, colorless and virtually odorless. As with natural gas, an
identifying odor is added so the gas can be readily detected.
Propane Is a Safe Fuel
The
propane industry has developed numerous methods to make the transport and use
of propane safe:
·
Propane
equipment and appliances are manufactured to rigorous safety standards.
·
Propane
has a narrow range of flammability when compared with other petroleum products.
In order to ignite, the propane/air mix must contain from 2.2 to 9.6 percent
propane vapor. If the mixture contains less than 2.2 percent gas, it is too
lean to burn. If it contains more than 9.6 percent, it is too rich to burn.
·
Propane
won't ignite when combined with air unless the source of ignition reaches at
least 940 degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, gasoline will ignite when the source
of ignition reaches only 430 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
·
The
odds of a person dying from a direct result of a propane transportation or
storage accident involving loss of cargo are about the same as those of getting
struck by an airplane falling from the sky.
·
If
liquid propane leaks, it vaporizes and dissipates into the air.
·
Because
it is released from a pressured container as a vapor, propane can't be ingested
like gasoline or alcohol fuels.
·
Because
propane is virtually odorless and colorless in its natural state, a commercial
odorant is added so propane can be detected if it leaks from its container.
Safety Starts with
Education
The propane industry is
also engaged in ongoing efforts to increase safety in the handling, use and
maintenance of propane and propane equipment:
·
NPGA
offers an award-winning preventive maintenance program called GAS CheckŪ
(Gas Appliance System Check). Trained technicians inspect entire propane systems
and appliances to ensure they are running safely and efficiently, so consumers
can save money and enjoy a healthy environment. The program also educates
homeowners on the proper maintenance of propane appliances and how to safely
handle propane.
·
The Certified Employee
Training Program (CETP) is a nationally recognized training program for
people involved in the handling of propane, equipment and appliances. The CETP
is being used extensively throughout the country and is continually updated and
expanded.
·
Each
year, thousands of industry employees and firefighters attend service and
safety schools sponsored by the industry. The sessions provide important
training in how to quickly control and safely handle a propane emergency.
·
NPGA,
with funding from the Propane Education & Research Council, has developed a
new comprehensive training program for America's public safety agencies and
propane retailers. The educational package includes a 220-page textbook, Propane
Emergencies, which has been sent free to every fire department in the
country. The objectives of the emergency response program are to increase the
level of responder safety, improve efficiency to mitigate emergencies and to
encourage propane marketers and local emergency responders to develop working
relations before an accident occurs. In addition to the textbook and
training materials, there is a website (www.propanesafety.com)
dedicated to the program that is continually updated, with interactive
scenarios utilizing real world emergency situations. Firefighters can
also get information by calling a toll free number (800/968-9484).
Propane Is an
Environmentally Friendly Fuel
·
Propane
is an approved, alternative clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act as well
as the National Energy Policy Act of 1992.
·
Propane
is one of the lightest, simplest hydrocarbons in existence, and, as a result,
is one of the cleanest burning of all alternative fuels. New propane-fueled
vehicles can meet the very tough Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards,
and one model even meets the Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standards.
·
Burning
coal to generate electricity releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into
the atmosphere. Per pound of fuel burned, coal emits more than twice the amount
of carbon dioxide as does propane. By using propane gas instead of electricity,
consumers can cut emissions and help preserve the environment.
·
Propane
gas is nontoxic, so it's not harmful to soil and water. Because propane does
not endanger the environment, the placement of propane tanks either above or
below ground is not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
·
According
to the EPA, much of the sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere, which produces acid
rain, is attributable to coal-fired, electricity-generating facilities. In
contrast, neither the process by which propane is produced nor the combustion
of propane gas produces significant acid rain contaminants.
Propane Is a Good Value
·
According
to the U.S. Department of Energy, it could cost consumers twice as much to
operate their range, water heater, dryer or furnace with electricity than with
propane gas.
·
Overall
propane costs for fleet vehicles typically range from 5 percent to 30 percent
less than conventional or reformulated gasoline. Many states offer fuel tax
incentives to encourage the use of clean fuels, thus further reducing operating
costs.
Propane Is a Versatile
Fuel
·
Propane
is used by millions of people in many different environments-homes, industry,
farming and more.
·
More
than 14 million families use propane to fuel their furnaces, water heaters, air
conditioners, outdoor grills, fire places, dryers and range tops.
·
Because
propane produces minimal emissions, it is safe to use indoors. As a result,
nearly 500,000 forklift trucks are powered by propane. Millions more choose
this clean-burning alternative for bus, taxi, delivery and other fleets to
minimize air pollution in metropolitan areas.
·
Propane
is used on 660,000 farms for irrigation pumps, grain dryers, standby generators
and other farm equipment. It is an essential fuel for crop drying, flame cultivation,
fruit ripening, space and water heating and food refrigeration.
·
Propane
is easy to transport and can be used in areas beyond the natural gas mains.
Because it is 270 times more compact as a liquid than as a gas, it is
economical to store and transport as a liquid.