About Propane

Propane is a liquefied petroleum gas and aromatic hydrocarbon that may be utilized as a gaseous fuel. Propane's best known hydrocarbon neighbors are methane (natural gas) and butane (disposable cigarette lighters). Unlike methane vapor that is lighter than air, propane vapor is heavier than air. Unlike liquid butane that will not vaporize at temperatures less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit, liquid propane will vaporize at any temperature above -44 degrees Fahrenheit. A gallon of liquid propane weighs 4.24 pounds and contains 91,650 BTU’s.

Propane, and all other hydrocarbon based fuels, must be kept away from open flame(s) and ignition sources. Propane must also be handled with care, transported properly, and stored safely.
 
The majority of propane consumed in the Midwest is produced in the United States and Canada. Liquid propane reaches your home via a network of pipelines, rail cars and delivery trucks. Your Littlefield propane system has been installed in accordance with NFPA Pamphlet #54 , NFPA Pamphlet #58, and any applicable state or local codes.

Propane is sold as a liquid (U.S. gallon), by the pound, or as a vapor by the cubic foot. Your residential appliances consume propane in its vapor form. Propane vapor reaches your appliances through your propane distribution system. When your Littlefield propane system was installed it was determined to be 100% safe and leak free. Absolutely no alterations or modifications should be made to your propane system by anyone other than Littlefield authorized personnel.

The slightest modification or alteration to your propane system by unauthorized personnel may cause a potentially dangerous or life-threatening situation.

Any propane system may develop faults that will allow propane vapor to escape. Propane vapor most often evidences itself via its distinctive unpleasant odor. The presence of propane's distinctive odor indicates that propane vapor is likely to be present and a potentially dangerous situation may exist. Should this situation ever present itself, extinguish all open flames and immediately leave the area where the odor is present. Do not touch any electrical switches or appliances. Go directly to your propane system's storage vessel, open the tank hood and close the vapor service valve. Under no circumstance should the vapor service valve be left open or be re-opened. Proceed immediately to the nearest off-premise telephone and contact us for further instructions.

In rare instances, certain individuals may be unable to detect propane's odor. In these situations, an electronic leak detector should be utilized.
 

Propane's odor:

When produced, propane is colorless and odorless. For safety and detection purposes, a chemical odorant (ethyl mercaptan) is added to propane. The presence of the odorant alerts you of a potential propane gas leak.

Under certain circumstances, the odorant in propane gas may oxidize and lose its distinctive odor. This odor fade can occur in new steel containers when first placed into service and in older steel containers that have been left open to the atmosphere. Not all people are able to detect the presence of the propane's odorant. Physical conditions such as competing odors, colds, flu, allergies, or smoking may diminish a person's ability to detect the odorant.

If you think that you cannot detect the presence of the odorant, or if you have an impaired sense of smell, please contact us. A service technician will verify the presence or absence of odorant present in your system. If you suffer from an impaired sense of smell, consider the installation of an electronic gas detector.