Propane Terminology Guide:
Acetylene – A chemical compound that is a hydrocarbon with the simplest makeup. It is found in propane gas and other fuel sources naturally.
Alkane – In organic chemistry, an alkane is an acyclic saturated hydrocarbon. It is also known as paraffin, which is a which is a waxy solid used in several industrial and product purposes. Alkane is collected in many natural gas or propane collection processes and used for other industrial and home good uses.
Ammonia – Anhydrous ammonia is used in propane to give it a smell so it can be detected in gas leaks. Propane is naturally unscented, so most propane companies add a sulfur or skunk like smell for safety purposes.
Appliance Supply Line – The line that connects the appliance to the propane tank or supply. It is important to check the propane supply line when purchasing a new home. Leaks that occur along the supply line can be dangerous.
Automatic Delivery – Automatic delivery is a convenient service for propane tank owners where the refill is done as soon as the tank reaches a certain point on the empty level. A provider, like Valley Propane, can install a gauge in the tank that relays the fill level to the main office and will send out a refill as soon as the tank needs it.
BTU – Stands for British Thermal Unit and represents the amount of energy required to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. One gallon of liquid propane contains 91,560 BTU’s.
Combustion – A rapid combination of a substance with oxygen that results in heat and light production. Propane reaches the combustion stage at the ignitor inside a stove, fireplace or other propane using device.
Container Purging – All new propane containers need to be purged of the water and air that exist in the container from manufacturing. If purging does not occur, a new container will have regulator failure.
Carbon Monoxide – Is a colorless, odorless gas that effects the central nervous system. The gas can seep out of propane appliances that are not hooked up or vented correctly.
Maximum Permitted Filling Density – The max level a propane container or tank can be filled too safely. It is important to never fill a tank past the maximum permitted filling density. The total allowed filling density is based on the temperature and the temperature of the propane.
Enjoy this propane terminology guide? Let us know on our contact page!