About Propane
Propane is safe, economical fuel but like many other forms of energy it can be hazardous if not handled properly. Propane in your gas tank and system is stored under pressure. In most systems it is vaporized to gas before it leaves your tank or cylinder and is dispensed through a pressure regulator to your appliance (such as ranges, furnaces, and water heaters).

Propane has an unusual odor, which resembles that of rotten eggs. Ask your delivery man to let you smell the gas. It is important to learn to identify this odor. Electronic gas alarms can supplement a person’s ability to detect gas and sounds a warning when it detects the presence of unburned propane.

In the unlikely event your system develops a leak, a flame or spark could ignite it. Leaking propane is heavier than air and without proper ventilation can collect in low places like basements, pits, on the floor, etc. Propane is flammable and will burn when ignited or even cause an explosion.

 
In 1910, chemist Walter Snelling discovered that propane, butane and other hydrocarbons could be distilled from gasoline.

By 1912, propane gas was cooking food in the home. The first car powered by propane ran in 1913, and by 1915 propane was being used in torches to cut through metal. Propane was marketed for flame cutting and cooking applications by 1920.

When Dr. Snelling sold his propane patent to Frank Phillips, the founder of Phillips Petroleum Company, his price was $50,000. Today, propane gas is an $8 billion industry in the United States alone and it is still growing.