Why do propane gas cylinders explode?

Why do gas cylinders explode?

The main reasons for the explosion of household gas cylinders are:

Violation of norms and rules for refilling household cylinders
Violation of the rules for storing and operating gas cylinders

According to the standards, gas cylinders must be filled at specialized stations , where they are filled strictly by weight on special weighing units. This filling of cylinders is carried out to a maximum of 85% of their volume. 15% - buffer zone, intended for the transition of part of the liquid phase into the gaseous phase.

According to statistics, the majority of explosions occur in the cold season due to the large temperature difference between refueling and operation. However, the temperature difference itself cannot lead to an explosion, since these products have an operating temperature range from -40 to 50 degrees C, and the main reason is a violation of the rules for operating gas vessels operating under pressure. Such as:

lack of timely examination (once every 5 years),
refueling at non-specialized points, where refueling is carried out from a conventional gas dispenser, and the degree of filling is controlled by pressure,
refilling cylinders with expired service life (40 years),
placement of gas containers during storage and operation in common areas.

If the cylinders are not filled at a specialized station, then they are filled to capacity. If such refueling is carried out in the summer, then the temperature of the refueled gas is almost equal to the ambient air temperature. In winter, refilling propane cylinders requires special adherence to temperature conditions.

If a cylinder is filled to capacity in the cold and then brought into a warm room, the pressure in it increases sharply, because LPG is characterized by a high coefficient of thermal expansion. If there is no buffer zone in a gas cylinder, the excess pressure has nowhere to go, and it begins to have a destructive effect on the walls of the cylinder and ultimately leads to explosions of gas cylinders in homes.

Gas leakage through the valve causes gas to gradually fill the room. This is why to store gas cylinders outside, in cabinets specially designed for this purpose, with holes for ventilation. Such storage does not allow household cylinders to overheat, and the presence of ventilation holes prevents the creation of an explosive concentration of propane-butane mixture even in the presence of gas leakage through the connecting fittings.

Very often, people, especially summer residents, neglect safety and store gas cylinders indoors, next to gas stoves. This leads to overheating of gas cylinders and, as a result, rupture of their walls and explosions. Also, if there is a leak in the hoses or fittings, then the gas, being heavier than air, accumulates in places below the floor level and an explosive mixture is formed in the room, which, when gas burners are working, leads to unpleasant consequences, because gas has the same destructive power as TNT.

As a result of the rupture of a gas flask in the presence of an open flame or an accidental spark, fires occur. Due to fires that occurred as a result of spontaneous depressurization of containers with liquefied hydrocarbon fuel, not only the perpetrators of the incident suffer, but also neighbors and passers-by.

When the gas in the cylinder runs out, condensate remains behind, which must be drained at special stations. Some people drain it themselves, which also leads to dangerous consequences.

The presence of a large number of victims and significant destruction in a gas explosion is explained by the fact that fires are characterized by the occurrence of a volumetric flash (explosion), during which excess pressure is generated, leading to injury to people and destruction of building structures. The explosion causes the destruction of windows and the opening of doors, which contributes to the unhindered spread of the flame, and the flame front leads to the ignition of flammable objects, forming secondary fires.

Causes and consequences of a gas cylinder explosion

Gas cylinders are not the safest products, but in some cases they are the only possible way to obtain heating, cook food, etc.

Although modern polymer composite cylinders are much safer than outdated metal ones, many people are still wary of them. It must be said that their fears are not unfounded. Gas cylinders do sometimes explode, although much less often than it might seem.

The explosion of a gas cylinder in a car or apartment is an emergency that can lead to very serious consequences, especially if there are other products near the exploded vessel. Such an emergency can lead not only to the destruction of property, but also to human casualties. Therefore, if you have to deal with gas cylinders, you should know why this happens.

Causes of gas cylinder explosion

The main reason for such incidents is violation of the rules for storing and operating cylinders. If the valve is not closed well enough, gas begins to escape and fill the room. Any accidental spark leads to an explosion and fire in the room.

Therefore, under no circumstances should you place a gas cylinder near a heat source. The build-up of pressure inside the balloon, which is created by the expanding gas, increases the risk of rupture of the vessel.

Microcracks or corrosion of the metal cylinder can form over time. Such damage may not be noticeable from the outside, but from the inside it creates a great danger.

This is another reason not to bring the cylinder from the cold into a very warm room - condensation forms on its surface, which also increases the risk of corrosion and a subsequent accident. If the cylinder is not made of metal, there is no such danger, but this does not mean that the gas cylinder can be handled carelessly.

Dependence of explosion on temperature

Winter is the most dangerous time of year for gas cylinders.
As mentioned above, sudden temperature changes are one of the main enemies of such containers. The gas, which has the strongest destructive power, almost as good as TNT, can destroy an entire apartment, and the explosion can put people's lives in great danger. Not only the residents of the apartment, but also their neighbors and even just passersby, who at the time of the incident will be in close proximity to the explosion, can be exposed to danger. If the cylinder was left in the cold, the gas in it is in a liquefied state. If you bring the cylinder into the heat immediately, the gas it contains will quickly turn into a gaseous state and expand greatly. The increased pressure can rupture the container, and since the gas ignites easily, it may not even require additional contact with the flame.

The problem with metal cylinders is that it is extremely difficult to control the gas level in them. An explosion is also caused by the fact that the ratio of gas in the cylinder does not meet the standards. An incorrectly filled cylinder, when exposed to a higher temperature, will certainly be ruptured by gas, which, when expanding, will simply have nowhere to go.

But the simplest and one of the most common causes of explosions is an insufficiently closed valve. The gas is heavier than air - when it comes out of the cylinder, it accumulates at the bottom near the floor, so at human height the leak may be detected too late. Even the smallest spark, static electricity or the contact of two solid objects can cause it to ignite.

How often do cylinders explode?

Every year in our country there are about three hundred accidents caused by the explosion of gas containers.
According to statistics, such incidents occur much more often in the cold season due to refueling at low temperatures and subsequent transfer of the cylinder to a warm room. The drop itself is not so dangerous. The cylinders can withstand a fairly wide range of temperatures - from minus 40 to plus 50 degrees Celsius. The temperature difference is only a “trigger” of an emergency situation.

Among the most common causes of explosions, statistics highlight the following:

The cylinders did not undergo inspection (testing and pressure testing).
Refueling at gas stations that evaluate the filling of a cylinder not by the pressure in it, but by the weight of the container being filled.
Placing gas cylinders in residential premises or other premises in common use.

Consequences of a gas cylinder explosion

The consequences of an explosion in a house can include significant damage and destruction of property, as well as harm to human health and even death.
The explosion also causes a fire, which increases its destructive power and makes such an incident even more dangerous for people. During an explosion in an apartment, as a rule, windows and doors are knocked out, walls and partitions, including load-bearing structures, can be destroyed. Access to oxygen increases the area of fire.

How to avoid an explosion

There are two ways to avoid such an incident as a gas cylinder explosion:

Follow the safety regulations and operation of gas cylinders.
Refuse metal containers in favor of modern composite-polymer products.

Composite polymer cylinders are not afraid of corrosion, and the walls of the container can become gas permeable as the temperature rises. In this case, the gas slowly leaves the cylinder and dissipates, without reaching such a concentration that a fire occurs. But the main thing is extreme caution when handling gas cylinders.

Gas cylinders and their constant explosions

An explosion in a residential building in Ust-Kut, which claimed the life of a person, occurred as a result of installation work on stretch ceilings; a whole chain of discussions arose about this incident and, in particular, the use of metal gas cylinders in everyday life.

So why do they explode? And how to avoid this explosion.

Causes of gas cylinder explosion

Another option is to bring the cylinder in from the cold. If you bring a container from outside where it has been at a low temperature for a long time, a sudden change in temperature will cause the gas to expand and increase the risk of leakage. Therefore, under no circumstances should you place a gas cylinder near a heat source. The build-up of pressure inside the balloon, which is created by the expanding gas, increases the risk of rupture of the vessel.

Microcracks or corrosion of the metal cylinder can form over time. Such damage may not be noticeable from the outside, but from the inside it creates a great danger. This is another reason not to bring the cylinder from the cold into a very warm room - condensation forms on its surface, which also increases the risk of corrosion and a subsequent accident. If the cylinder is not made of metal, there is no such danger, but this does not mean that the gas cylinder can be handled carelessly.

Dependence of explosion on temperature

If the cylinder was left in the cold, the gas in it is in a liquefied state. If you bring the cylinder into the heat immediately, the gas it contains will quickly turn into a gaseous state and expand greatly. The increased pressure can rupture the container, and since the gas ignites easily, it may not even require additional contact with the flame.

How often do cylinders explode?

The drop itself is not so dangerous. The cylinders can withstand a fairly wide range of temperatures - from minus 40 to plus 50 degrees Celsius. The temperature difference is only a “trigger” of an emergency situation.

Among the most common causes of explosions, statistics highlight the following:

1. The cylinders have not undergone inspection (testing and pressure testing).

2. Refueling at gas stations that evaluate the filling of a cylinder not by the pressure in it, but by the weight of the container being filled.

3. Placement of gas cylinders in residential premises or other premises in common use.

Consequences of a gas cylinder explosion

During an explosion in an apartment, as a rule, windows and doors are knocked out, walls and partitions, including load-bearing structures, can be destroyed. Access to oxygen increases the area of fire.

How to avoid an explosion

There are two ways to avoid such an incident as a gas cylinder explosion:

1. Follow the safety regulations and operation of gas cylinders.

2. Refuse metal containers in favor of modern composite-polymer products.

As explained to Izvestia, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Rosstandart plan to change outdated regulations and introduce new GOSTs that actually introduce a ban on the use of dangerous metal cylinders. Only cylinders made of composite materials, which are positioned as “absolutely explosion-proof,” will comply with the standards.

Cylinders made of composite materials are not a new product for Russia. They are radically different from classic cylinders in strength, weight and safety level. Such a cylinder weighs half as much as a regular one and can withstand greater pressure. It is not subject to corrosion, which destroys the metal during operation. Also, all composite cylinders are equipped with a valve that automatically releases the gas when it expands (for example, in heat or in the sun), thereby ensuring explosion safety.

However, experts foresee a lot of difficulties that await owners of metal gas cylinders. And first of all, the huge costs that the transition to composite systems will result in.

Causes of explosions of gas cylinders in a car and at home when stretching the ceiling

Hello, dear readers. Do you know why propane gas tanks explode? Such products are not particularly safe, although modern composite models are increasingly being introduced into use, this issue still remains relevant.

This article discusses the causes of explosions of gas cylinders containing propane. Situations in the apartment and in the house are affected. The material also concerns explosions of car cylinders.

Key reasons

Why do propane gas tanks explode at home? In this situation, the most common reason is associated with improper, unsafe maintenance and use of such containers.

When the valve is not closed tightly, fuel comes out and fills the room. And any manifestation of flame, even a modest spark, can cause a serious explosion or fire.

Air is lighter than gas. And when the fuel leaves the cylinder, it concentrates near the floor. Therefore, a person cannot always smell a leak. And due to a small spark or static electricity, the gas can ignite.

The second most popular reason is that the cylinder was left in the cold for a long time and was brought indoors. With a sharp temperature jump, the gas expands and the risk of leakage increases significantly.

When the container was in the cold, the fuel in it remained in liquefied conditions. When the container is placed in heat, the gas rapidly transforms into a gas-like state and seriously expands.

Due to the powerful pressure, the tank bursts. The gas in it ignites even without contact with a fire source.

Therefore, it is prohibited to place such a container near a heat source. Pressure builds up inside it. This is a consequence of the expansion of the fuel. And the balloon can explode at any moment.

It is impossible to bring such a vessel directly from the cold into a room where there is a high positive temperature due to condensation. At this moment it forms on the balloon. There is a high risk of corrosion and accidents. BUT if the container is not metal, there is no such threat.

In general, temperature metamorphoses do not pose any particular danger. The containers can cope with a wide temperature range: from -40 to +50 C. Such metamorphosis is only a trigger for an accident.

The third reason is related to corrosion and microscopic cracks in the container. They may appear gradually and not be visually noticeable. But they pose a significant internal threat.

In general, it is very difficult to monitor the gas level in metal vessels. And an explosion can also occur due to an abnormal ratio of fuel in the cylinder.

Often the cylinder is filled incorrectly. And when it ends up in a warm room, it explodes due to gas expansion.

List of other popular reasons:

Gas tanks were not subjected to the necessary tests - re-examination.
When filling the cylinder, the fuel level in it was analyzed not by pressure, but by the mass of the vessel.
The cylinder was placed in general premises.

Stretch ceiling and explosion

It is no secret that gas cylinders are used in installation work with suspended ceilings. In this regard, the question arises: why do gas cylinders with propane explode when the ceiling is stretched?

The main reasons for this are:

Hot air flow entering the cylinder. An explosion is possible at any moment.
Artificial fixation of the fuel start button. So, if it overheats, it will not turn off automatically. This is a serious violation of safety rules and a great threat to life.
The cylinder is located closer to the heat gun than 1.5 m.
The hose is connected to the cylinder not tightly or tightly.
Incorrect condensate drainage. This should only be done at special stations. Doing this at home poses a risk of explosion.
Use of expired cylinders

Cylinders in cars

Why do propane gas tanks in cars explode? Today this is also a fairly pressing question.

The most popular reasons for this are:

Poor quality of system units.
Incorrect hardware setup.
Leakage due to subtle cracks and rust.
Lost seal due to constant impact.
Constant overheating of the gas tank.
Excessive filling of the cylinder, not according to the norm.

Point 1 deserves special attention. It is very important to purchase high-quality gas equipment and maintain it correctly. Also, drivers often do not observe the simplest safety measures when refueling and operating the tank.

Of course, you cannot neglect basic precautions when refueling and using.

Conclusion

An explosion of a gas cylinder is a threat to life and causes enormous damage. Follow the rules for handling it. You can also purchase modern, safer composite polymer models. They are not afraid of corrosion. And during a thermal shock, their walls become gas-tight.

How to avoid a gas cylinder explosion in a car in 2019

The benefits of installing LPG on cars have long been proven. But many drivers are afraid to switch to gas, since the Internet is full of videos with the title “The cylinder exploded...”. However, if an explosion of a gas cylinder in a car occurs, it is due to a malfunction of the car or due to improper operation of the gas equipment. Let's study this issue and figure out what rules need to be followed so that even thoughts about an explosion do not arise.

Can LPG explode in a car?

A mixture of propane and methane with air is ideal for good detonation in the presence of a spark. Therefore, the goal of the developers of gas equipment was to create a system that would completely eliminate the possibility of an explosion and would “get” the best from gas to the maximum. With each new generation of HBO, driving becomes safer.

The cylinders are equipped with valves and valves that can withstand maximum pressure (and even with a margin). Fuel line gas pipelines are made from copper alloys, and in recent generations they have begun to introduce reinforced plastic and even thermoplastic pipes.

The risk of gas leakage is negligible, but it still exists, and this can be attributed to the disadvantages of gas equipment.

Even if the seal is broken in some place (which is rare with proper operation) and gas escapes, the driver will immediately feel a pungent odor. A special composition is added to the cylinder - an odorant, which enhances the smell so much that even with the slightest leak a person will feel it, take action and prevent the gas from reaching dangerous concentrations in the air.

The explosion limit of propane is 2.1-9.5%, propane-butane is 1.9-8.5%. This is why the propane-butane mixture is inferior in safety to methane. Another unpleasant “bonus” is that liquefied gas is heavier than air and, when leaking, settles closer to the ground. But even with these indicators, the odorant will let you know about a leak long before reaching the 2.1 mark.

Methane explodes at concentrations in air ranging from 5–16%, the most dangerous concentration being 9.5%. If the gas concentration is less than 5%, it does not explode, but burns, although combustion can occur very quickly, in the form of a pop, which is also very dangerous for people, but in itself will not lead to the explosion of the cylinder. Unless a fire starts and the cylinder explodes because the pressure in it has increased as a result of heating.

Methane is lighter than air, and after leaving the cylinder, its flows tend upward. It can only accumulate in enclosed spaces, under the ceiling.

Let's say events develop according to the worst-case scenario and there is enough gas in the air for a potential explosion. Without a good spark, detonation will not occur.

Unfavorable factors for HBO in the event of a leak are burning of wiring and other car parts. Therefore, an explosion can only occur under the influence of a mini-fire in other systems.

The gas cylinder itself is not explosive, provided that it is well manufactured, tested and equipped in accordance with the rules and requirements for gas equipment.

Why do explosions happen?

Destruction (explosion) of the cylinder is possible if the following malfunctions are present:

The appearance of microcracks as a result of metal corrosion (this is why the latest generations of equipment do not use metal containers and pipelines).
Loss of seal due to a powerful impact (this leads to a leak, but not necessarily an explosion).
The container overheats, as a result the gas tends to expand and creates enormous pressure. But you shouldn’t be afraid, because during development the cylinders are tested at extremely high temperatures (operating range is approximately from -40 to +650 C). One of the reasons why gas cylinders in a car explode due to overheating is a sharp temperature change. For example, in severe frosts, the driver parks the car in a warm garage, and even in such a way that the cylinder is in the most heated zone.

How to eliminate the possibility of an explosion

To prevent your car from becoming the hero of the video “A gas cylinder exploded in the car,” avoid inexperienced installers. Contact a service center or a specialized station staffed by experienced installers.

If the driver has chosen the LPG generation, which does not have a multi-valve, he must control himself so that at refueling more than 80% of the gas does not enter the cylinder, and also ensure that the fuel is of high quality. It is advisable to regularly check connections for leaks (using a soap solution).

If you smell gas on the road, stop immediately, turn off the engine, and open all the windows in the cabin. Do not start the car until you have determined the cause of the problem.