Can Propane Tanks Explode?

Propane tanks and cylinders have tested safety mechanisms.

Whenever you see a propane tank or cylinder in an action movie, there’s a decent chance a huge explosion is coming. Hollywood pyrotechnics are great at sending fireballs into the air, but in real life, propane tank explosions are not common.

Today’s propane tanks and portable propane cylinders have safety mechanisms to prevent unsafe levels of pressure from causing an explosion. And the team at Dixon Energy is always available to help you use propane in the safest way possible.

Why would a propane tank explode?

There is a term in fire safety called BLEVE, or Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion. Used by firefighters and hazardous materials response teams, BLEVE describes scenarios when too much pressure builds up in a container and cannot be safely vented. In the rare event that BLEVE does occur with a propane tank, it’s because the container is exposed to extreme heat. When this happens, the propane inside expands and increases the pressure, leading to an explosion risk.

An example of a BLEVE risk could be when there is a fire emergency near a propane tank.

How do today’s propane tanks prevent explosions?

While in a movie, the slightest spark seems to be able to blow up a propane tank, the reality is much different. It’s quite difficult to make a propane tank explode because today’s containers have safety mechanisms in place.

Both stationary propane tanks and portable cylinders (like your grill tank) have pressure relief valves that open up when pressure builds to potentially unsafe levels. Once the pressure drops to a safe level, the valve closes.

How do propane companies prevent unsafe tank pressure?

Responsible propane companies like Dixon Energy follow an essential rule for aboveground propane tanks. It’s called the 80/20 fill rule. Because propane’s volume can expand when outdoor temperatures are high, we never fill a propane tank higher than 80%. This allows adequate space for the fuel to expand on hot afternoons and helps keep pressure in a safe range.

How can you maintain safe pressure in propane tanks?

Here are some simple ways you can keep the pressure safe in your home propane tank and cylinders:

1. Clear away debris and plant life from around your tank, and make sure there is nothing combustible near it.
2. Never paint your propane tank without talking to us first. Darker tones on a propane tank can cause it to absorb heat from sunlight.
3. On scorchingly hot days, spray down your tank with a garden hose.
4. Store propane cylinders outdoors, in a shaded area and always upright.
5. Never place extra propane cylinders close to a grill or anything else that produces flames or sparks.

These are a few key tips to keep your propane storage containers safe from scenarios where unsafe pressure levels could develop. The Dixon Energy team is always happy to work with you to ensure the safest environment for your propane tanks, systems and equipment.

Dixon Energy is the most trusted propane supplier in Denville, NJ, and throughout Morris, Union, Somerset and southern Sussex counties. Contact us today to become a customer.