Propane Tank

Propane, is a fossil fuel and one of the nation's most versatile source of energy. It is an approved, alternate clean fuel that supplies 3-4% of total energy. Propane as a fuel is being sold at a record pace for a variety of industrial and non-industrial usages, rather the sales have out-paced charcoal, electric, and natural gas combined.

At normal atmospheric pressure and temperature, it is a non-toxic, colorless and odorless gas and under moderate pressure, it transforms into a liquid that vaporizes into a clean-burning gas when released from its storage container. These storage containers or propane gas cylinders or propane tanks, are primarily used to fuel gas grills, camping equipments, like, stoves, lanterns, heaters and torches.

Propane Tanks
Propane tanks can be separated into two categories :-

• Refillable Propane Tank, &
• Single-Use Tank

They come in several sizes, but the most common size is the refillable 20-pound cylinder used for gas barbecue grills. Propane is stored in these tanks in its liquid form. It remains a liquid under pressure because of its physical characteristics. As the gas is used from these tanks, it gets replaced by more gas due to the fact that the pressure inside the tank drops and the liquid propane boils, releasing propane gas from its surface. Since, propane is a liquid one can easily make out how full the propane gas tank is, be it the small hand held tank or a larger tank for the gas grille or camper.

Hazards Involved
Propane is flammable and can explode. Tanks containing fuel under pressure may explode if tank integrity is altered and result in big losses. Even, previously used propane tanks have some amount of gas left in them, which makes it an explosion hazard.

Since, propane is a hazardous material, it must be handled or disposed of properly. The following Precautions should be taken while handling Propane Tanks :-

• Always transport and store a propane tank in the upright position so that the valve is at the uppermost part of the tank. Never store tanks on their side or upside down.
  
  
• Use up all residual gas, for non-refillable (disposable) tank.
  
  
• If the tank becomes corroded or any parts become loose, replace the tank immediately.
  
  
• Do not leave valve open, because escaping gas is a fire hazard as well as a source of air pollution.
  
  
• Keep tanks away from flames and sources of heat.
  
  
• Do not store a propane tank at home.
  
  
• Never put an obsolete propane tank at a dumpsite or in any kind of disposable container.
  
  
• Never attempt to remove valve (Special safety equipment) from the tank.
  
  
• When transporting any more than 25 tanks, the transporting vehicle must be placarded with the international propane symbol.