Propane—sometimes known as liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG – is a gas normally compressed and stored as a liquid. It is nontoxic, colorless, and virtually odorless; an identifying odor is added so it can be detected. Propane is commonly used for space and water heating, for cooking, and as fuel for engine applications such as forklifts, farm irrigation engines, fleet vehicles, and buses; however, its applications are rapidly growing due to new technology developments. When used as a vehicle fuel, propane is known as Autogas.

Propane is primarily a byproduct of domestic natural gas processing, though some propane is produced from crude oil refinement. U.S. propane supplies are becoming increasingly abundant due in large part to increased supplies of natural gas.

Depending upon how it is used, it can be either. Propane is most often sold by the liquid gallon. Traditional uses in a home, BBQ, RV, camper, patio heater, and fire pit, are using the propane gas that rests on top of the liquid in a tank. The liquid is always vaporizing, as needed. A propane-powered vehicle and most forklifts use the liquid propane for more energy.

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 and has the lowest flammability range of any fossil fuel. In order to ignite, the propane/air mix must contain from 2.2 percent 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 will not 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.
• If liquid propane leaks, it doesn’t puddle but instead 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. Propane is a nontoxic, nonpoisonous fuel that doesn’t contaminate aquifers or soil.
• 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.
• Propane vehicle tanks are constructed from carbon steel in compliance with a code developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
• New propane cylinders are manufactured with an Overfilling Prevention Device (OPD) that shuts off the filling process when the tank reaches 80 percent of its liquid capacity. This allows for changes in fuel volume caused by temperature variations without any release of gas from the tank.
• Propane engine fuel systems are fitted with safety devices and shut-off valves that function automatically if the fuel line ruptures.

There are two safety devices that tell an attendant when a tank is full. Tanks and cylinders that have a triangle-shaped valve are equipped with an internal stop-full device that stops the flow of propane when full. There is also a thumb-screw (or outage valve) that is opened with a screwdriver or thumb and finger. When a steady stream of propane is released, the tank is full to the legal limit.

Tank capacities are measured in water capacity (w.c.) gallons – how much water they can hold. Propane tanks can only be filled to a 80% full level, in order to allow for vapor space and expansion and contraction based upon temperature.

Cylinders for your BBQ or patio heater, etc., are designed and built to a Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) code, and are designed for a safe life of 12 years from date of manufacture. They can be recertified for additional five-year increments if certain conditions are met. A propane bulk storage tank, propane-powered vehicle tank, most motorhome tanks, and catering truck tanks are built to an A.S.M.E code, where there is no expiration date if properly maintained.

No! It can be kept indefinitely.

Propane is the ideal fuel for cold conditions, since it freezes at -44 degrees Fahrenheit. Your appliance will work in minus zero temperatures.