By how much can liquid propane expand?

Liquid propane has the ability to expand significantly when it transitions from a liquid to a gas. This characteristic is critical in understanding its behavior during storage, handling, and use. Specifically, liquid propane can expand approximately 270 times its original volume when it vaporizes. This expansive property of propane is due to the differences in pressure and temperature between its liquid and gaseous states.

Understanding the expansion ratio is essential for safety and effective handling practices, as it informs how much space needs to be allocated for gas containment and can help in anticipating potential hazards associated with leaks or spills. The expansive nature of propane emphasizes the importance of proper storage practices to manage this volatility within systems that apply propane, ensuring that it is stored safely and efficiently under pressure to minimize the risk of rapid expansion into gas.