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Law Offices of
George H. Lyons
(602) 912-3888(phone)
(866) 912-3888(toll-free)
(602) 912-3898(fax)
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Propane Gas v. Natural Gas
Propane gas distribution systems are found throughout the rural areas of Arizona. Propane is significantly different from natural gas -- propane has a higher specific gravity and is described as being heavier than air whereas natural gas is lighter than air. The differences between gas leaks involving propane and gas leaks involving natural gas are significant. Propane has a tendency to “pool” or “settle” in low areas whereas natural gas has a tendency to dissipate in an upward movement. Natural gas leaks exposed to air normally disperse within the general atmosphere eventually reaching non-combustible levels of a mixture of gas with air. Propane has a tendency, absent disturbance, to pool and remain in a relatively fixed position for a long period of time while still maintaining an explosive potential.
Propane’s odorization characteristics are significantly different from natural gas. Propane is normally distributed to the end user in high pressure metal tanks filled with liquid propane which in turn becomes vaporized propane used in household appliances. During the transition from liquid to vapor the effectiveness of the odorant added to the propane is modified. Some of the propane odorants commonly used throughout the southwest United States have the same capability of being “scrubbed” as do the natural gas odorants. Both natural gas odorants and propane odorants have a propensity to absorb or adsorb when in the presence of certain types of metallic surfaces. A gas odorant in a metal gas piping system can be reduced in effectiveness for detection as the gas flows through a previously untreated section of new metal piping. This phenomenon is more significant in the propane industry because propane is normally delivered in metal canisters and stored in metal canisters. Until new metal canisters have been exposed to a large quantity of Mercaptan or malodorant compound, they have a tendency to react with the Mercaptan found in the propane. That reaction deprives the propane of some of its characteristic odor-creating chemical. Thus, in a brand new propane installation, it is possible to create a situation where propane will be delivered without any warning odor.
Delivery and distribution of propane is subject to the same malodorant requirements as cover the natural gas industry. Propane’s odor must be detectable at 1/5 the lower explosive level of propane. Delivery of propane in an unodorized condition violates industry standards and federal regulations and should result in the application of strict liability without reference to fault.
For further discussion on legal issues associated with explosions resulting from poorly odorized or non-odorized natural gas or propane, please contact Mr. Lyons.
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ABS
PVC
Polyethylene
Joint Utilities Trench Explosions
Odor/Odorless Gas
Propane Gas v. Natural Gas
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