Page 88 - At Home Prince Edward County

PROPANE

We know what it is, but what IS it?

• Propane is a three-carbon alkane • Professional chefs love cooking
with the molecular formula C3H8. with gas or propane and really
good home cooks do too.
• Propane is a gas at standard
temperature and pressure but is • Any home can have a propane
compressible to a transportable stove installed but unless you
liquid. Got it. live in a neighbourhood with
natural gas lines you can’t have a
• Propane is a by-product of
natural gas stove installed. Well
natural gas processing and you can, but you can’t use it.
petroleum refining. Hmm.
• Propane is not as flammable
• Propane was discovered in as other gases.
1857 by French chemist
Marcellin Berthelot and • Stoves that use propane are safer
was commercially available than natural gas stoves because
in North America by 1911. the fuel comes from a
pressurized tank and is a
• Propane burns cleaner than
vapor versus a liquid.
gasoline and coal and was
an instant hit for domestic use, • Propane is considered a “green”
industrial use and even gas – listed as a clean fuel in the
low-emission public transport. 1990 Clean Air Act. It isnon-toxic
and not harmful to water or soil.
• Propane is a favourite fuel for
barbecues and portable stove • Propane stoves are long lasting!
because its low boiling point makes
it vaporize as soon as it’s released • Finally, and interestingly, propane
can reach a higher temperature
from its pressurized container.
than natural gas. The flame can go
up to 3,614 degrees where natural
gas burns at 3,254 degrees.

88 @HOME CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION & GARDENING DIRECTORY