In a message dated 97-01-25 21:35:31 EST, jscohen@m2.sprynet.com (James Cohen) writes: > > > We were lucky! Had the fire not been visible to the driver, and the > > key been turned in the ignition, the engine and propane tank would > > have in all likelyhood exploded. > > > > When my '86 burned up the propane tank did not explode. The seals blew and > a jet of fire shot out to the drivers side for less than a minute until all > the propane was gone. The gas tank didn't explode either, the tank melted > and the gas leaked out and burned on the ground. The whole Van (westy) > burned for forty-five minutes before the fire dept. got to the scene. > > I was suprised that there was no explosions, I guess it ain't like the > movies. 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!
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