Propane Brings the Heat

Propane Brings the Heat

Did you know that in commercial construction, or building projects propane is used as an alternative fuel source for electricity? Propane provides an environmentally friendly alternative to other fuels because it can produce loads of heat, is completely non toxic, colorless and ignites cleanly. 

Propane can be used by builders on site when other energy sources like electricity aren’t available. It’s cheaper and easy to use. In this article we’ll take you through what propane is, how it works, and how it benefits the construction and housing industry.

 

What is propane?

Propane’s molecule can be written as C3H8. This means that it contains 3 atoms of carbon and 8 atoms of hydrogen linked together in a covalent bond. (A covalent bond happens when there is sharing of electrons between two atoms.)

 

How does propane work?

When propane combusts, because of the high number of hydrogen atoms, it reacts with oxygen, ignites, and turns into water vapor. This makes propane emissions non toxic. There are no other chemicals involved either, since it only needs oxygen to ignite. 

Propane generates chemical energy through hydrocarbon combustion. It is stored under pressure in a tank as a colorless, odorless liquid in residential use. When the pressure is released, the liquid propane vaporizes and turns into a gas that can be burned.

 

Propane and Construction

Propane basically performs all the functions that natural gas does when it comes to building projects or construction. Plus, it performs those functions at a much lower price, and with a better carbon footprint than other fuel. 

Builders love using propane because it is used for fueling energy-efficient gas space heating, water heating, cooking, fireplaces, and clothes drying, but it can also be used to fuel a variety of other building needs.

Its advent in the commercial construction industry has been beneficial in interior and exterior constructions, big renovations, and making upgrades for efficiency. Propane has three major components: 

The storage tank, which can be stored underground or above ground. These large tanks can hold from 125 to 120,000 gallons of propane. Tanks can be placed at various locations throughout a project, or a single central tank may be used with gas pipework operating throughout the commercial complex.

The piping network, or the distribution system- these underground networks deliver propane to service points all along the building project. Outside pipes can also be placed, given that they follow local standards of safety. 

The optional components, like metered services and smart tank monitoring devices keep a check on how much of the gas is being used. 

 

Benefits of Using Propane for Building

  • It generates less waste than other combustion processes, like gasoline, making it an excellent alternative fuel for use in vehicles and homes.
  • It is non-toxic and non-poisonous, it poses no threat to soil, surface water, or groundwater in the event of a spill.
  • It can be distributed through vent networks to create a warm and cozy atmosphere in your home or business without the use of other heating. 
  • It is more cost effective than other fuels and poses fewer threats.

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