Thanks Greg, this is good info to know. Thanks. James
> >As a firefighter, maybe I can shed some light. When we respond to a car on >fire call, the last thing we are worried about is an explosion from fuel >tanks. The reason is actually pretty simple. > >Gasoline in liquid form doesn't burn. The danger is from the vapors that are >given off from the gasoline as the temparture increases rapidly. Diesel >fuel is extremely safe in liquid form. If the temperature of the fuel (gas >or diesel) is low, there is little danger of explosion. If the temp is high >(like summer), the liquid can turn to vapor VERY quickly (as in miliseconds). > The burn is expansive and so quick that it appears instant (hence an >explosion). The reason gas tanks don't explode very often is because even if >the fuel gives off vapors and is ignited, there is little vapors to explode. > >The propane tank, as you indicated, has a over pressure relieve valve. > Again, propane has to turn to vapor before it will ignite. So LP propane >has to expand to create vapors (and generate heat as well). The >characteristics of Propane igniting in an approved propane tank are rather >complex and would take a long time to explain. > >The biggest threat to a person around a car fire is with the newer cars and >the gas shocks in the bumpers and suspension shock absorbers.. Vanagons >don't have these (at least through 85 anyway). > >Gregg Carlen >85 Pierce Fire Engine (on occasion) >85 Westy, 76 Goldwing, 51 Plymouth, 75 Mercedes, 69 Alcort...need more toys!
|
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.