propane sinks

[walt]

I understand propane gas is heavier than air and will sink (ie, neatly fill up a boat with an explosive gas/air mixture if there is a leak and its not correctly vented). What about good old gasoline fumes or other types of fuel used on boats - is the gas heavier or lighter than air?

 

[walt]

I understand propane gas is heavier than air and will sink (ie, neatly fill up a boat with an explosive gas/air mixture if there is a leak and its not correctly vented). What about good old gasoline fumes or other types of fuel used on boats - is the gas heavier or lighter than air?

 

[ClownPilot]

Trading one sinker for another

Idon'tknow a whole lotabout this subjectBut I do know on experience that gasoline will sink below the oil pan of an old 1961 GMC panel van just waiting for you to drop a 'drop-light' down between the fenders. Kaaaa-Boooom. A big'ol flash of heat to ignite the gas around the carburetor and Voila beard lights up and flashes-away eyelashes, eyebrows and a few pounds of head hair. And it does it faster than a beer burp!CP

 

[ClownPilot]

Trading one sinker for another

Idon'tknow a whole lotabout this subjectBut I do know on experience that gasoline will sink below the oil pan of an old 1961 GMC panel van just waiting for you to drop a 'drop-light' down between the fenders. Kaaaa-Boooom. A big'ol flash of heat to ignite the gas around the carburetor and Voila beard lights up and flashes-away eyelashes, eyebrows and a few pounds of head hair. And it does it faster than a beer burp!CP

 

[70623]

Sinking Gas

Yes gasoline vapors are heavier than air. BUT do remember that gases expand too when heated, so hot gas vapors will rise through cool air. Propane gas is also heavier than air and will sink. To get an explosion you need the right mix of the gas with air. It will not explode, or burn if it is too rich or too lean. Natural gas is lighter than air. So is Butane and hydrogen. This was why in the late 70's CNG was thought of as the great fuel for boat stoves. Propane replaced it not because it was safer, but because it was more available and cheaper. Small butane stoves are available, and use small disposable fuel cans. These fuel cans have a price range of $6.95 for 1 can to $4.99 for 3 cans. Same size and weight cans, it's just where you get them that makes the price different. These stoves sell for as little as $20. Usual price runs around $30. They work great in small boats where a single burner is about all you have room for. They were even made in stainless for a while, but I can't find them anymore. Enamel black versions are available at several retailers. The cheapest place for these stoves that I have found is Cabalas. They also carry the fuel for the best price. Butane stoves aren't quite as hot as propane stoves, and the fuel bottles (cans) are smaller, so it does cost a little more to cook with, BUT is much safer in a boat. Keep these fuels stored outside of the boat in a well ventilated place. Same for your gasoline. One teaspoon of gasoline mixed at the right ratio with air has as much power as a stick of dynomite. These other gases aren't much behind that in power.

 

[70623]

Sinking Gas

Yes gasoline vapors are heavier than air. BUT do remember that gases expand too when heated, so hot gas vapors will rise through cool air. Propane gas is also heavier than air and will sink. To get an explosion you need the right mix of the gas with air. It will not explode, or burn if it is too rich or too lean. Natural gas is lighter than air. So is Butane and hydrogen. This was why in the late 70's CNG was thought of as the great fuel for boat stoves. Propane replaced it not because it was safer, but because it was more available and cheaper. Small butane stoves are available, and use small disposable fuel cans. These fuel cans have a price range of $6.95 for 1 can to $4.99 for 3 cans. Same size and weight cans, it's just where you get them that makes the price different. These stoves sell for as little as $20. Usual price runs around $30. They work great in small boats where a single burner is about all you have room for. They were even made in stainless for a while, but I can't find them anymore. Enamel black versions are available at several retailers. The cheapest place for these stoves that I have found is Cabalas. They also carry the fuel for the best price. Butane stoves aren't quite as hot as propane stoves, and the fuel bottles (cans) are smaller, so it does cost a little more to cook with, BUT is much safer in a boat. Keep these fuels stored outside of the boat in a well ventilated place. Same for your gasoline. One teaspoon of gasoline mixed at the right ratio with air has as much power as a stick of dynomite. These other gases aren't much behind that in power.

 

[Chuck Scott]

Propane Detector

If you use propane in your boat, I would get a Propane Leak Detector. I just installed a CO Detector and Propane Leak Detector in my 26C. It could save your life.Chuck

 

[Chuck Scott]

Propane Detector

If you use propane in your boat, I would get a Propane Leak Detector. I just installed a CO Detector and Propane Leak Detector in my 26C. It could save your life.Chuck

 

[Night Sailor]

detectors a good tool, if used right

I've used propane/butane stoves for cooking for the last 30 years with no incidents. Before then, I'd get a flare up about once per year with either gasoline or alcohol.To be safe, All fuel of any kind is stored on deck at the rear of the boat.When used inside for cooking or heating, the connection is checked for leaks while in use, and as soon as cooking or heating is done, the fuel container is removed and stored outside with the fuel supply.Not only is a CO2 and propane detector and good idea for travel trailers and any size boat, but they must be installed correctly. Both CO and CO2 and propane are heavier than air so the detectors must be mounted low, near the floor or deck so maximum warning rtime is given sleeping occupants. Battery powered ones should have fresh batteries installed at least twice a year. If wired to the boat's battery system, be sure to have the battery system fully charged before cruising and charged again during the cruise because the detectors will give alarms for low voltage. In addition to the fuel fumes, many people die on boats each year from CO poisoning because of using open flame devices below decks without adequate fresh ventilation. Some people die without being aware that anything is wrong until their brain fades away and leaves them helpless. Be careful out there and enjoy sailing until you are a very old salt like me....

 

[Night Sailor]

detectors a good tool, if used right

I've used propane/butane stoves for cooking for the last 30 years with no incidents. Before then, I'd get a flare up about once per year with either gasoline or alcohol.To be safe, All fuel of any kind is stored on deck at the rear of the boat.When used inside for cooking or heating, the connection is checked for leaks while in use, and as soon as cooking or heating is done, the fuel container is removed and stored outside with the fuel supply.Not only is a CO2 and propane detector and good idea for travel trailers and any size boat, but they must be installed correctly. Both CO and CO2 and propane are heavier than air so the detectors must be mounted low, near the floor or deck so maximum warning rtime is given sleeping occupants. Battery powered ones should have fresh batteries installed at least twice a year. If wired to the boat's battery system, be sure to have the battery system fully charged before cruising and charged again during the cruise because the detectors will give alarms for low voltage. In addition to the fuel fumes, many people die on boats each year from CO poisoning because of using open flame devices below decks without adequate fresh ventilation. Some people die without being aware that anything is wrong until their brain fades away and leaves them helpless. Be careful out there and enjoy sailing until you are a very old salt like me....