Gassy Accidents II

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), composed mainly of propane and butane, is highly explosive when mixed with air in the right proportions.

The flammability range of LPG is approximately 2% to 10% concentration in air, meaning even small leaks can create a highly combustible atmosphere.

If ignited, LPG can cause powerful explosions known as vapor cloud explosions (VCEs), especially in confined or poorly ventilated spaces.

The explosiveness of LPG is due to its high energy density, low ignition temperature (around 460°C or 860°F for propane), and rapid expansion upon vaporization, which can increase pressure dramatically in a closed environment.

This makes LPG extremely effective as a fuel but also requires strict safety measures during storage, transport, and use to prevent catastrophic incidents.