Description
LPG is a colorless, noncorrosive, odorless gaswhen pure. A foul-smelling odorant is usually added.Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas (a mixture of propane, butanes, propylene, and butylenes). Boiling point≥6℃; 42-44℃(propane);-1℃(butane); Flash point =(flammable gas): -104℃ (propane); -60℃ (butane).Explosive limits: LEL=2.1%;UEL=9.5% (propane);LEL = 1.9%; UEL=8.5% (butane);Autoignition temperature=about 400℃:466℃ (propane);405℃ (butane).Hazard Identification (based on NFPA-704 M RatingSystem): Health 1, Flammability 4, Reactivity 0. Insolublein water.
Chemical Properties
LPG is a colorless, noncorrosive, odorless
mixture of gases when pure. A foul-smelling odorant is
usually added. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas (a
mixture of propane, butanes, propylene, and butylenes)
Uses
As fuel; in production of chemicals
Definition
Liquefied petroleum ges is a complex combination of hydrocarbons produced by the distillation of crude oil. It consists of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly in the range of C3 through C7 and boiling in the range of approximately -40.degree.C to 80.degree.C (-40.degree.F to 176.degree.F).
General Description
A mixture of butane, isobutane, propane, propylene, butylenes and other hydrocarbons of low molecular weight that is refined from petroleum. Maintained as a liquid under pressure. Leaking vessels can release either the liquid, which quickly vaporizes, or the gaseous mixture. The gas is heavier than air-- a flame can flash back to the source of the leak very easily. Under prolonged exposure to heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket. Used as a fuel, an aerosol propellant, in cigarette lighters, and to make other chemicals.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. No reaction with water.
Reactivity Profile
Saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, contained in LPG, may be incompatible with strong oxidizing agents like nitric acid. Charring may occur followed by ignition of unreacted hydrocarbon and other nearby combustibles. In other settings, mostly unreactive. Not affected by aqueous solutions of acids, alkalis, most oxidizing agents, and most reducing agents.
Health Hazard
Concentrations in air greater than 10%; cause dizziness in a few minutes, 1% concentrations give the same symptom in 10 min. High concentrations cause asphyxiation.
Fire Hazard
EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Will form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. CAUTION: Hydrogen (UN1049), Deuterium (UN1957), Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid (UN1966) and Methane (UN1971) are lighter than air and will rise. Hydrogen and Deuterium fires are difficult to detect since they burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.) Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
Flammability and Explosibility
Extremely flammable
Potential Exposure
LPG is used as a fuel propellant; in
metal cutting; and in the production of petrochemicals.
Incompatibilities: May form explosive mixture with air.
Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides,
permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine,
etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep awayfrom alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, and epoxides. Contact with chlorine dioxide may
cause fire and explosions. Attacks some plastics, rubber
and coatings
First aid
Skin Contact: Do not rub. Seek medical attention. Breathing: Remove the person from exposure. Beginrescue breathing (using universal precautions, includingresuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. If frostbite has occurred, seek medical attentionimmediately; do NOT rub the affected areas or flush themwith water. In order to prevent further tissue damage, doNOT attempt to remove frozen clothing from frostbittenareas. If frostbite has NOT occurred, immediately and thoroughly wash contaminated skin with soap and water.
storage
Color Code—Red Stripe: Flammability Hazard:Store separately from all other flammable materials. Priorto working with this chemical you should be trained on itsproper handling and storage. Before entering confined spacewhere this chemical may be present, check to make surethat an explosive concentration does not exist. Store intightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated areaaway from strong oxidizers (such as chlorine, bromine, andfluorine). Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of liquefied petroleum gas should be groundedand bonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closingvalves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters.Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, areprohibited where liquefied petroleum gas is handled, used,or stored. Wherever liquefied petroleum gas is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electricalequipment and fittings. Procedures for the handling, use,and storage of cylinders should be in compliance withOSHA 1910.101 and 1910.169, as with the recommendations of the Compressed Gas Association.
Shipping
UN1075 Petroleum gases, liquefied or Liquefied
petroleum gas; Hazard Class: 2.1; Labels: 2.1-Flammable
gas. Cylinders must be transported in a secure upright position, in a well-ventilated truck. Protect cylinder and labels
from physical damage. The owner of the compressed gas
cylinder is the only entity allowed by federal law (49CFR)
to transport and refill them. It is a violation of transportation regulations to refill compressed gas cylinders without
the express written permission of the owner
Incompatibilities
LPG is used as a fuel propellant; in
metal cutting; and in the production of petrochemicals.
Incompatibilities: May form explosive mixture with air.
Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides,
permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine,
etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep awayfrom alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, and epoxides. Contact with chlorine dioxide may
cause fire and explosions. Attacks some plastics, rubber
and coatings
Waste Disposal
Return refillable compressed
gas cylinders to supplier. Flaring using smokeless flare
designs
