Propane - C3H8
Propane - C3H8
This page brings together the main information on propane (C3H8) or " dimethylmethane ", its physical characteristics, its effects on health, the means of detecting it ( C3H8 gas detector ) as well as the appropriate respiratory protection equipment (self-contained breathing apparatus or air supply system).
Main characteristics of propane (C3H8)-
Propane (C4H8) or " dimethylmethane ", is a gas of the alkane family mainly used as a source of energy by combustion in internal combustion engines or boilers. It is mainly produced from the purification of natural gas or the separation of liquefied petroleum gases. In the industrial environment, propane is also used as a reactive agent in the synthesis of, for example, ethylene, benzene, toluene or xylene.
Health Effects of Propane
Pure propane (C3H8) is a colorless and odorless gas, however, an odoriferous agent – ethanethiol – is added to it in order to detect its presence in the event of a leak. Propane is a gas that is harmful if inhaled and is mainly linked to the rarefaction of oxygen (risk of suffocation). It is found in a gaseous state at room temperature but can liquefy at a pressure of around ten bars. Its combustion is clean and generates water and carbon dioxide.
C3H8 (Propane) gas detection
Indistinguishable by smell, only a C3H8 gas detector can accurately measure the concentrations of this explosive gas, so we will move towards detecting propane in explosiveness with a measurement in percentage of LEL ( explosimeter ).
For the calibration and gas testing of your fixed or portable gas detectors, propane standard gas cylinders are available.
Propane (C3H8) respiratory protection
Propane is an asphyxiating gas with significant risks of suffocation, so we will opt for an open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus (ARICO) or an air-supplied system for long-term interventions.