Propane
This month Balloon Life begins a two part Special Report on propane. In
this issue we examine the dangers of overfilling propane tanks. It is reported that
hundreds of propane fires, from all types of operations, occur every year. Last month in
Nitrogen vs. Heat Tapes the article cautioned against over pressurizing
propane tanks. Whether over pressurized by over filling or other means can result in
deadly consequences.
How much do you know about propane? Take the Propane Pre-Test on page 20 and find out.
Overfilling Fires in Hot Air Balloons first appeared in Balloon Life in 1989. The article is written by William Peterson, Fire Chief of the Plano, Texas Fire Department, balloonist, and speaker at balloon safety seminars. The article addresses what happens to propane in the tank and dangers that can arise from too much pressure in the tank. Safe operation of propane tanks includes proper filling. To learn more about the most volatile part of any balloon system turn to page 18.
As a follow through to The Electric Tarp, Hangar Flying, November, Adrian Brookes of Canada contacted the author, Bentley Streett. In their conversation Adrian discovered that Bentley, like many others, believed that opening the bleed, or spit, valve wide open helps the propane enter the tank faster by lowering the pressure in the tank. Not true, the propane is being forced in by a pump. The purpose of the valve is to alert the operator when the tank has reached 85 percent of capacity—or full. As a result this valve was open too far during the refueling operation.
Having written the above there will be some who might take me to task for saying that the “bleed” valve is not useful in relieving pressure. If the transfer is being done using the “gravity feed” method the valve does serve a useful purpose. For more on different ways that a propane tank can be filled read Methods of Refueling Propane Tanks on page 22.
Next month part two will examine transportation, storage and other propane safety issues.
Novel Uses for Balloons
A recent Wall Street Journal article (Monday, December 16) told the
story of Motorola’s soon to be launched world wide digital phone service. The plan calls
for 62 satellites in orbit that will allow callers to stay in touch from anywhere in the
world. Okay, what does this have to do with ballooning. Buried deep in the article were
some of the early ideas about how this world wide communication network would be
setup. They hadn’t thought of satellites yet. The article stated that one idea was to use
“hot air balloons” to carry aloft antennas that would relay the signals. Tethered of
course. Well, maybe they meant gas balloons—but it said hot air.
Also in December a group of individuals attempted to place a Santa hat on a large outdoor kinetic sculpture in a major city. The group used helium balloons attached to the hat with mooring lines in an attempt to guide the object into place. Security for the museum where the public art is located foiled the plan. Several days later the city awoke to Hammering Man with his Santa hat in place. How it reached it’s final perch is unknown.
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