RV blogs, social media groups and YouTube videos have exploded over the past couple of years. Some provide great information, others questionable information and some downright bad information. Can you tell the difference? In this regular column we will post a question based on information we find online. You can then test your RV prowess by seeing how your answer compares with our experts.
Today’s Question:
Is the following statement fact or fiction? Liquid propane expands 270 times when released into the atmosphere.
*Paraphrased/condensed from (this source)
What do you think?
Click here to view the answer.
##RVT1121
The question is misleading. If released into the atmosphere, it’s not going to stop expanding so the answer is false. The number 270 is said to be a “rate of expansion” which which means there is a dimension of time involved yet none is mentioned. The 270 cu.ft. is probably measured as the volume of an optimum fuel/air mixture released at the point of ignition of whatever appliance is being used.
Worked in refinery. When propane suddenly expands it called boiling liquid, expand gas. When it does in an uncontrolled manner it is a BLEVEVE, pronounced blevee. We always said BLEVEVE meant Building Leveling Explosions Very Effective.