Propane Explosion Expert - Propane Gas Explosion Expert

Fork Lift Propane Cylinder

Propane is a hydrocarbon that is typically stored under pressure as a liquid and used as a gas. Its properties allow it to be transported in a concentrated liquid form, and then easily converted for use in a gaseous form. Since commercial propane is not pure 100% propane (C3H8), it is more accurately referred to as liquefied petroleum gas (LP gas). Commercial propane can have a mixture of several hydrocarbons of various concentrations, but it is usually more than 90% propane. Thus, for practical purposes, both terms can and are used interchangeably.

Because of its favorable qualities, propane is sometimes transported in steel cylinders. The cylinders are filled to the proper level and transported to customers’ facilities for use, or small cylinders are brought to a propane dealer’s site for refill. Customers who use greater quantities sometimes have large, permanent tanks at their sites, which are filled with propane by bulk delivery trucks.

Safety Considerations with Propane Gas

Propane gas is odorized with a sulphur compound called ethyl mercaptan, which is added according to federal and industry safety requirements. Ethyl mercaptan gives the propane its recognizable gaseous smell, and its concentration can be measured and easily quantified by specialized laboratories to determine if the propane meets federal standards. Bison Engineering routinely obtains propane samples for laboratory evaluation. While this process is relatively simple, it can be dangerous, as well. DOT requires specialized training to take and ship propane samples. Few companies are equipped to properly obtain propane samples to determine odorant concentrations. Bison also works with leading chemists throughout the United States to determine additional qualities of the odorant if necessary.

Propane is transported by pipeline or truck to local storage facilities. The National Fire Protection Association writes guidelines for the transportation and use of propane gas in NFPA 58 (also known as the LP Gas Code). Once the gas enters a home or facility, another code—NFPA 54—provides specifications for the installation of gas lines and appliances. NFPA 54 is also known as the National Fuel Gas Code. Bison personnel work with these codes regularly and are familiar with their historical use and development. A number of other codes and standards apply to the use and handling of propane, and Bison experts are familiar with their content and applicability, as well.

Forensic Excellence in Propane Explosions

Bison Engineering’s qualifications are among the finest in North America, with a staff that includes Certified Fire Investigators and engineers with more than twenty years of experience in the examination and evaluation of propane fires and explosions. All investigations are approached with complete objectivity and awareness that any number things may have happened. If the cause is not immediately identifiable, Bison experts sift through all available materials to determine the smallest clues. They methodically go through a number of scenarios and, when possible, interview all available witnesses or service personnel familiar with the site or circumstances surrounding the propane explosion. Bison engineers base their findings only on scientifically provable information and do not speculate on any cause they cannot document. Bison has conducted many successful testing programs to duplicate the scenarios of incidents they have investigated. Fire and explosion tests are conducted at a remote facility maintained for that purpose, with results recorded by specialized computer monitoring equipment. As needed, results are illustrated for juror review using the highest quality computer graphics. Bison engineers are also available as expert witnesses who present facts clearly and with authority during courtroom testimony and cross examination. This combination of experience and expertise continues to be an invaluable resource for the company’s clients, and has resulted in many favorable judgments when findings have been presented to juries.

For comprehensive failure analysis of propane explosions, Bison experts are ready, 24 hours a day, to serve you with proven scientific expertise and integrity.

Facts About Propane

Propane boils at minus 44 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep it as a liquid at outside temperatures, it must be contained in pressurized tanks or cylinders. The vapor pressure in the tank varies with the outside temperature. For example at 70 degrees Fahrenheit the pressure of the propane vapor is 145 pounds per square inch, but at 130 degrees Fahrenheit, the pressure would be 315 pounds per square inch. Propane is ideal to provide adequate pressure for appliances at even relatively low temperatures. Properly designed regulators reduce the pressure from the tank to a useable pressure for appliances in the home. Propane liquid is less dense than water, but the vapor is 1.5 times heavier than air. For that reason, caution should be exercised if fugitive propane vapors are possible in low places. Propane vapors are still a gas, however, and are diluted and dispersed by wind or air movement.