2006-07-02 16:42:47 · 16 answers · asked by twots4u 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
A propane tank at my work leaked one day. It's been sitting in the sun for a while. Then something popped out (it was loud and shot out and hit the wall), I think it was a safety valve. I was afraid to approach the tank fearing a spark (possibly from electrical equipments nearby) can cause it to explode. I think that there must be some kind of valve to prevent ignited gas to travel directly back through the nozzle to cause explosion. Otherwise this would be a dangerous situation.
2006-07-02 18:12:58 · update #1
Propane tanks, not in use, are prohibited from being stored indoors by fire codes & OSHA regs. Store them outdoors.
The relief is set @ 240 PSI on most cylinders. Overfilling or excessive heat can cause the relief valve to do its *proper* job....relieve the interior pressure to prevent bursting of the tank.
The vented gas can/will explode if it finds a source of ignition.
The cylinder itself can/will explode in the resulting fire.
ALWAYS store cylinders which are not in use OUTDOORS in a secured place.
2006-07-03 04:11:04 · answer #1 · answered by DaBrain 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can A Propane Tank Explode
2016-11-11 07:35:41 · answer #2 · answered by tito 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A propane tank is filled with liquid propane. If the tank becomes hot enough the liquid will change state to a gas. This change of state will increase the pressure in the tank dramatically. This can cause the tank to explode. That said, the temperature required is well above any outside ambient temperature.
This happens for all liquids stored under pressure. For example the new R410 refrigerant has a change of state at about 140 degrees. Bottles have exploded that were left in hot vans that reached over 140 degrees. Pretty rare occurance, but it has happened.
2006-07-02 17:11:01 · answer #3 · answered by lovingdaddyof2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. The propane is stored at an extremely high pressure. The pressure is high enough to force the gas into a liquid state.
Any damage to the tank or degradation of the tank's lining can eventually cause a rupture. If there is any ignition source nearby, the expelled gas is ignited and an explosion occurs.
2006-07-02 16:50:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tanks for pressurized gas should not be subjected to excessive temperatures because they will weaken the metal to render the tank not repairable and useless. Damage is a function of temperature and time at that temperature. If the valve is open to allow the contents to escape, no explosion. If the valve was shut on an empty tank the explosion potential is almost zero. If the valve is shut on a tank full of pressurized gas, the blow out plug may (MAY) release excessive pressure to reduce explosion potential. If the gas under pressure is itself flammable (such as acetylene or hydrogen) when combined with air a fireball will result. If the gas under pressure is a poison (chlorine) an environmental disaster will result. CONCLUSION: keep tank away from fire or ignition.
2016-03-27 01:58:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, if you heat the gas inside a completely sealed tank to a high enough temperature, the tank will rupture (i.e. "explode"). This holds true for all gasses in a sealed container.
2006-07-02 16:50:00 · answer #6 · answered by Sirdrewh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you were to drag the tank out the back of a car, causing friction and spark, yes it could ignite.
2006-07-02 16:47:47 · answer #7 · answered by bmx22590 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if not properly stored away from heat or direct sunlight
2006-07-02 18:06:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if it gets hot enough. Radiant heat from the sun.
2006-07-02 16:46:15 · answer #9 · answered by jdc591 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it will leak if it is ruptured, it will not explode without oxygen and a spark. so.. without oxidation it will not explode. Why do you ask?
2006-07-02 16:55:14 · answer #10 · answered by Emee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋