Why do propane tanks explode when placed in fire?

Answer 1

It is not because of combustion in the tank: there is no free oxygen, so combustion is not possible. It is because the high temperature causes an increase in pressure. Propane in a tank is normally liquid (with the empty space above the liquid being gaseous propane). Raise the temperature high enough, and the liquid propane must evaporate, increasing the pressure substantially and certainly enough to cause the tank to explode. Now you have propane loose in the environment, in contact with fire, and now you have a mess.

Answer 2

This is not specific to Propane but any kind of flammable organic substance. When you put the tank on fire the chemical substance vepourises inside. And since these chemical substances have very low boiling point they boil at a very low temperature. So when the pressure inside the tank becomes high ebough to break the cylinder wall it explodes. And after the explosion the chemical becomes exposed to fire and it catches fire at the very moment.

Answer 3

because the heat from the fire causes pressure to build up inside the tank and when enough pressure builds up it needs to escape that is when the tank explodes

Answer 4

The gas inside the tanks expand and the presure also increases. Eventually the tanks rupture, causing the gas to escape. Sine alll the gas is exposed to flame it ignites and burns violently.

Answer 5

Yes and it causes a big bang. The buildup in pressure allows the flammable gas to escape through the pressure relieve valve. Then kaboom!

Look what happened in St. Louis in June 2006. (See link below).

Answer 6

Because someone was stupid enough to place it in fire?

Answer 7

are they empty?