Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't my tank filled to 100 percent capacity?

Propane is delivered and stored in liquid form. Propane liquid will expand nearly 17 times as much as water over the same temperature increase. As a result, tanks and cylinders are never completely filled with propane-gas liquid. Tanks are filled to about 80 to 85 percent of their capacity. This leaves a space above the liquid, which allows the propane liquid to expand freely due to changes in temperature.

There are several important characteristics to understand about LP gases when they are stored in containers. First, heat added to LP gases in a tank or cylinder is transferred directly from the air surrounding the container. Hot days, cool nights, rain and snow are a few of the many factors that affect the temperature of the liquid. Because of these temperature changes, you may see fluctuations in your container gauge.

Is propane a safe and environmentally friendly?

Propane, one of the cleanest burning fuels available, is the clear choice for our environment. Propane burns cleaner than gasoline and other fossil fuels. It emits lower levels of carbon dioxide and particulates and doesn't produce sulfur dioxide, a primary cause of the greenhouse effect. Propane is non-toxic and vaporizes quickly, so it won't contaminate soil or groundwater. Propane is also a natural by-product of the gas refining process and in plentiful supply - there's enough propane to meet America's needs in the 21st century. Most of the propane used in the United States is produced right here. All these factors make propane one of the most versatile fuels you can find.

How do I tell how full my tank is?

Your tank should have a gauge located on the top of the tank, usually under a lid. The numbers on the gauge tell the percentage contained in the tank. For example, if you have a 500 gallon tank with a gauge reading 50%, you have 250 gallons (500 * 50%) in your tank. Please contact your local VanderYacht Propane Inc. office if you gauge is reading 20 percent or less.

Where can I place my propane tank?

See the diagram on our installation page.



Propane Properties
Average Properties of Propane
Formula C3H8
Boiling Point, °F -44
Specific Gravity of Gas (Air = 1.00) 1.50
Specific Gravity of Liquid (Water = 1.00) 0.51
Lbs. per Gallon of Liquid at 60°F 4.24
BTU per Gallon of Gas at 60°F 91,547
Btu per Lb. of Gas 21591
BTU per Cu. Ft. of Gas at 60°F 2516
Cu. Ft. of Vapor at 60°F/Gal of liquid at 60°F 36.39
Cu. Ft of Vapor at 60°F/Lb. of liquid at 60°F 8.547
Latent Heat of Vaporization at Boiling Point BTU/Gal. 785.0
Combustion Data
Cu. Ft. Air Required to Burn 1 Cu. Ft. of Gas 23.86
Flash Point, °F -156
Ignition Temperature in air, °F 920-1020
Maximum Flame Temperature in Air, °F 3595
Limits in Inflammability, Percentage of Gas in Air mixture
    at Lower Limit - % 2.4
    at upper Limit - % 9.6
Octane Number (ISO-Octane = 100) Over 100
 
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