Gaseous paraffins is the correct description what we call LP gas. LP gas consists of the hydrocarbons propane and butane, or a mixture of the two. These gases are extracted from crude oil. LP gas or LPG stands for liquefied petroleum gas. At normal temperatures, LP gas is gaseous but is a liquid when under pressure. Propane must be distributed in steel cylinders that can withstand high pressure. Butane can be distributed in lighter gas cartridges.

There are primarily two things to think about to prevent accidents with LP gas. 1. Avoid leakages. 2. Ensure good ventilation. Leaking LP gas can ignite and cause a fire, or in the worst case, an explosion. The cylinder valve should always be closed when the cylinder is not in use. The cylinder should be stored upright and, if possible, at ground level since LP gas is heavier than air and can therefore accumulate in cellars, manholes etc. Good ventilation is important when working indoors as the flame consumes air. Lack of oxygen causes incomplete combustion, which produces carbon monoxide instead of carbon dioxide. Carbon monoxide is a treacherous and deadly gas.

A large amount of fuel only occupies a small space and is therefore easy to store and transport. LP gas forms a combustible mixture with air when the proportion of gas is between 2 and 10 percent. When the gas changes from a liquid to a gaseous form, the volume increases by 250 times. In other words, the energy content is high. LP gas can be stored in its container almost indefinitely without the gas breaking down.

LP gas does not produce any hazardous combustion gases, just carbon dioxide and water vapor. The gas does not contaminate water, it does not produce soot, it is not corrosive and it does not cause corrosion to iron or other metals. It does not contain lead or heavy metals and is non-toxic. In other words, LP gas is an environmentally friendly fuel. The only additive is a strongly smelling substance that acts as a warning signal for leaking gas. Normally, LP gas has no smell.

You should regularly check valves and connectors for leakage. Remember also that good ventilation is important at areas where the gas is stored or used. Ventilation is also important to ensure effective combustion. Make sure that the cylinder is at ambient temperature when you begin working. If you are going to use the fuel at temperatures below 32°F, use propane instead as butane does not gasify at low temperatures.

Steel cylinders are fitted with a safety valve that opens if the pressure increases too much. This can occur if there is a fire close to the cylinder. The valve stops the cylinder exploding. To guarantee the function of the safety valve, it is important that the LP gas cylinder is stored in a standing position. In addition, a closed valve stops unchecked gas flow if a hose should become damaged.

Read the instructions for use and follow the safety advice. Use soapy water or a special liquid for detecting leakages on valves and joints to find any leaks. LP gas hoses should be checked very carefully and changed if you see any changes. Bend the hoses and look for cracks in the rubber. Hoses exposed to sunlight with age quicker than those used indoors.

Avoiding storing LP gas cylinders in areas that are warm. Temperatures below zero Celsius are, however, perfectly safe for storage. Ensure that the ventilation is good. In principle, LP gas can be stored indefinitely in its container without the quality being affected. Remember to remove all connectors before storing the equipment. To empty the system of gas, close the valve on the LP gas cylinder. Then close any valves on the rest of the equipment. In this way, you will avoid LP gas spillage when you open the system again.