Propane (C₃H₈)

Features

An associated fire and explosion hazard. Highly combustible, having explosive limits in air between 2.2% to 9.5% by volume
Heavier than air - collects in low-lying areas such as drains or ducts
BOC propane is stenched to give a fish-like odour
Non-toxic - can cause dizziness at high concentrations
Supplied as a liquid in cylinders or bulk tanks
Available as a vapour or liquid withdrawal from cylinders

On a profile-cutting machine, oxy-propane gives fast, clean cuts on thick plate
Easily combustible, portable with clean burning characteristics and a high calorific value

Used in oxy-propane cutting and brazing. Often used as an alternative to acetylene for applications when high cutting speeds and efficiencies are not required
Oxy-propane is widely used for preheating components
Shrink-wrap applications
Space heating
Propane is used in the agricultural industry for:
- Drying crops
- Heating greenhouses and livestock sheds
- Flame-weeding
- Pest control
As a duel-fuel option on cars. Propane is often referred to as Autogas and is dispensed from bulk tanks usually situated at petrol stations
As a fuel to power fork-lift trucks and other industrial vehicles