Jackson Propane Plus, London, Ky

What Is Propane?

Propane is a hydrocarbon (C3H8) and is sometimes referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, LP-gas or LPG. Propane is produced from both natural gas processing and crude oil refining, in roughly equal amounts. It is nontoxic, colorless and virtually odorless. As with natural gas, a strong identifying odor is added so the gas can be readily detected.

Propane Is a Safe Fuel

• The propane industry has developed numerous methods to make the transport and use of
   propane safe.
• Propane equipment and appliances are manufactured to rigorous safety standards.
• Propane has a narrow range of flammability when compared with other petroleum products. In
   order to ignite, the propane/air mix must contain from 2.2 to 9.6 percent propane vapor. If the
   mixture contains less than 2.2 percent gas, it is too lean to burn. If it contains more than
   9.6 percent, it is too rich to burn.
• Propane won't ignite when combined with air unless the source of ignition reaches at least 940
   degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, gasoline will ignite when the source of ignition reaches only
   430 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The odds of a person dying from a direct result of a propane transportation or storage accident
   involving loss of cargo are about the same as those of getting struck by an airplane falling from
   the sky.

Safety Starts with Education

The propane industry is also engaged in ongoing efforts to increase safety in the handling, use and maintenance of propane and propane equipment:

The industry offers an award-winning preventive maintenance program called GAS Check®(Gas Appliance System Check). Trained technicians inspect entire propane systems and appliances to ensure they are running safely and efficiently, so consumers can save money and enjoy a healthy environment. The program also educates homeowners on the proper maintenance of propane appliances and how to safely handle propane.

The Certified Employee Training Program (CETP) is a nationally recognized training program for people involved in the handling of propane, equipment and appliances. The CETP is being used extensively throughout the country and is continually updated and expanded.

Each year, thousands of industry employees and firefighters attend service and safety schools sponsored by the industry. The sessions provide important training in how to quickly control and safely handle a propane emergency.

If liquid propane leaks, it vaporizes and dissipates into the air.

• Because it is released from a pressured container as a vapor, propane can't be ingested like
gasoline or alcohol fuels.
• Because propane is virtually odorless and colorless in its natural state, a commercial odorant is
added so propane can be detected if it leaks from its container.

Propane Is an Environmentally Friendly Fuel

• Propane is an approved, alternative clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act as well as the
   National Energy Policy Act of 1992.
• Propane is one of the lightest, simplest hydrocarbons in existence, and, as a result, is one of the
   cleanest burning of all alternative fuels. New propane-fueled vehicles can meet the very tough
   Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards, and one model even meets the Super Ultra-Low
   Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standards.
• Burning coal to generate electricity releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the
   atmosphere. Per pound of fuel burned, coal emits ;more than twice the amount of carbon dioxide
   as does propane. By using propane gas instead of electricity, consumers can cut emissions and
   help preserve the environment.
• Propane gas is nontoxic, so it's not harmful to soil and water. Because propane does not endanger
   the environment, the placement of propane tanks either above or below ground is not regulated by
   the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• According to the EPA, much of the sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere, which produces acid rain, is
   attributable to coal-fired, electricity-generating facilities. In contrast, neither the process by
   which propane is produced nor the combustion of propane gas produces significant acid
   rain contaminants.

Propane Is a Good Value

• According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it could cost consumers twice as much to operate their
   range, water heater, dryer or furnace with electricity than with propane gas.
• Overall propane costs for fleet vehicles typically range from 5 percent to 30 percent less than
   conventional or reformulated gasoline. Many states offer fuel tax incentives to encourage the use of
   clean fuels, thus further reducing operating costs.

Propane Is a Versatile Fuel

• Propane is used by millions of people in many different environments -- homes, industry, farming
   and more.
• More than 14 million families use propane to fuel their furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners,
   outdoor grills, fire places, dryers and range tops.
• Because propane produces minimal emissions, it is safe to use indoors for vehicle power. As a
   result, nearly 500,000 forklift trucks are powered by propane. Millions more choose this clean-
   burning alternative for bus, taxi, delivery and other fleets to minimize air pollution in metropolitan
   areas.
• Propane is used on 660,000 farms for irrigation pumps, grain dryers, standby generators and other
   farm equipment. It is an essential fuel for crop drying, flame cultivation, fruit ripening, space and
   water heating and food refrigeration.
• Propane is easy to transport and can be used in areas beyond the natural gas mains. Because it is 270
   times more compact as a liquid than as a gas, it is economical to store and transport as a liquid.

all information cited from www.npga.org

"Reliable and Warm"