Propane ignites on contact with oxygen, producing water and carbon dioxide. Combustion requires a spark or hot air. Incomplete combustion can produce poisonous carbon monoxide. Propane is used in grills, engines, and various heaters, and can be cheaper and cleaner than gasoline. It is also used in petrochemical production, semiconductor manufacturing, and hot air balloons. Proper storage is important as propane is heavier than air and can ignite if it contacts an ignition source.
Ignition of propane occurs on contact with oxygen. Propane is a hydrocarbon called an alkane, which typically produces water and carbon dioxide when burned. Combustion occurs when propane becomes flammable; a spark is usually required for this to occur unless the air is hot enough. The temperature must be at least 920°F (about 433°C) for it to ignite spontaneously, and once ignited, propane can burn in cold weather down to -156°F (about -104°C). When exposed to air, propane should typically account for between 2% and 9.6% of the mixture to be burned.
If oxygen levels are low, the propane can ignite but suffer incomplete combustion. Water and carbon dioxide will be formed, as well as carbon monoxide which can be poisonous to humans. While generally a lot of heat is produced when burning propane, the process can create less waste material than when burning gasoline. The molecular bonds of propylene and butylene in propane make the flame visible.
Combustion of propane can occur without sparks if the air is hot enough. If the temperature reaches 3.595°F (about 1.979°C), however, propane combustion is unlikely to occur, and a propane flame will usually stop burning. Proper storage is important because propane is typically heavier than air. It will sink in a low-lying area, and propane combustion can be ignited if the gas contacts a pilot light or other ignition source.
Often stored in small pressurized containers, propane usually vaporizes when it hits the air. Barbecue grills can use propane to keep the flame going, so the burn is controlled. Alkane is sometimes used in the combustion engines of buses, trains and industrial equipment such as forklifts. Recreational vehicles, ovens, and various types of heaters can also use propane. 21st century cars also sometimes use propane, which can be cleaner than gasoline and can leave fewer deposits in the engine.
Despite its use in engines, propane to fuel air conditioning systems built to run on refrigerants can be dangerous. Burning propane, however, is often essential for petrochemical production, semiconductor manufacturing, powering theme park attractions, and fueling hot air balloons. Besides being useful in many applications, it is also relatively cheap and safe when used correctly. Propane is also non-toxic, but can cause choking if inhaled on purpose.
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