Ker frickin boom !!

[BIGdaddy]

so, is there anything other than not bringing propane on a trip, that would mitigate this type of accident?

I usually bring the smaller green bottles on trips, since our classic coleman stove was made when their quality was high and SIPS the propane.

I can often get a weeks worth of meals out of one green canister when used with that stove.

 

[maXTERRA]

If you can store the propane cylinders in the open, say in a truck bed is best. Never have them hooked up while not in use is good sense (less chance of a leak).

 

[BIGdaddy]

If you can store the propane cylinders in the open, say in a truck bed is best. Never have them hooked up while not in use is good sense (less chance of a leak).

ah, i see.

For example, a 20lb'er on the front tongue of a trailer?

(so that if it does leak, the gas doesn't accumulate, and then ignite if there's a spark?)

 

[Mamontof]

Big bum :Wow1:

 

[Malcolm3.4]

Anybody notice the for sale sign in the neighbors yard? Would have been a nice day for an open house. lol

 

[maXTERRA]

Propane is heavier than air and will accumulate in an enclosed area, so outside mounted as described is the best.

Also, as in most compressed gas cylinders, when opening the tank valve for use, be sure to open it fully so the valve hits the hard safety seat so you're not just relying on the integrity of the stem seat to hold the tank pressure within.
Fully close the valve when not in use.

 

[kjp1969]

Propane is heavier than air and will accumulate in an enclosed area, so outside mounted as described is the best.

Also, as in most compressed gas cylinders, when opening the tank valve for use, be sure to open it fully so the valve hits the hard safety seat so you're not just relying on the integrity of the stem seat to hold the tank pressure within.
Fully close the valve when not in use.

What he said. Also, use only in-date cylinders in good condition, with proper pressure relief. Mount outside or ventilate well, and from the bottom so leaking propane can't pool.

Another kind of failure is called a BLEVE (Boiled Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) It's more of a bursting, like when you threw that aerosol can in the campfire to see what would happen. It's also the reason that propane cylinders are designed to be filled no more than 80% full, to allow for expansion. Of course, once a propane tank BLEVEs, the propane is a cloud of flammable goodness, just looking for a source of ignition, when it will instantly turn into a fireball of hellish proportions. Have a nice day! :wavey:

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Your BLEVE sounds to me like the propane has gone into it's "Supercritical" phase. Neither a gas, nor a liquid. It's the state where the pressure is too high to be a gas, but the temp is too high to be a liquid.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercritical_fluid

So for Propane, above 96°C (about 205°F) and 600 PSI.

 

[gabepari]

Your BLEVE sounds to me like ...

Anytime I see acronyms it reminds me of R.O.U.S.'s (Here's a hint: "Have fun stormin' da castle") :victory:

Had a friend who's car and garage were completely destroyed by a NOS tank. I guess sometimes the safety measures (relief valves, etc...) don't work the way they were intended. It's not the one that was plastered all over the inter-web a few years ago, but very similar.

 

[BigAl]

Wow!

BTW, am I the only one who admires the clean symmetry of a well tiled roof? :sombrero:

Hehe, I was thinking the real trajedy is the way those people live on top of each other.:Wow1:

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Hehe, I was thinking the real trajedy is the way those people live on top of each other.:Wow1:

Nah. You should see some of the neighborhoods up here. I don't know why people bother with a "house" when they are so close. Sometimes they have to offset the eavestrough height so that they don't touch.

 

[allnew2me]

Here are a few more pictures.

http://members.cox.net/~n7twt/acetylene_bottle_accident.htm

Sure did a job on the neighbor's car.

 

[ntsqd]

Something the approximate size and shape of a human body was blown through the bushes and hit the side of that silver car to the left. Chilling.

 

[AmericaOverland]

It reminds me of this one. I've NEVER forgotten it. The balloon was to be taken to a party to be exploded in celebration. The driver and passenger went to the hospital with shrapnel wounds and broken eardrums.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fWBINa7cxI&NR=1

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Yow!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gsCuQthy60&feature=fvw