Propane Pre-Test

How much do you know about the fuel you use to power a hot air balloon? Below is a 15 question test developed by William Peterson, Fire Chief City of Plano, Texas. Chief Peterson is a hot air balloon pilot and has spoken frequently at balloon safety seminars regarding the use of propane.

1. Propane is a colorless gas. True or False
2. Propane is an odorless gas. True or False
3. When vaporized, propane liquid will expand ___ times its volume.
4. Propane is (heavier or lighter) than air.
5. Propane is (heavier or lighter) than water.
6. Propane weights ___ pounds per gallon.
7. The lower flammability limits of propane are ___%.
8. The upper flammability limits of propane are ___%.
9. The relief valve on propane tank will release at _____ psi.
10. Propane tanks are hydrostatic tested to _____ psi.
11. Propane tanks can be expected to rupture from over pressure at _____ psi.
12. A propane tank used in a hot air balloon will normally have a capacity for liquid expansion of ___% of its volume.
13. At 70 F. propane will have a vapor pressure of _____ psi.
14. Three agencies that regulate the use of propane for hot air ballooning are: _______________________________________________________.
15. Propane volume increase by ___% for every 10 degrees F. rise in temperature.

1. True
2. True
3. 270
4. Heavier
5. Lighter
6. 4.3
7. 2.1
8. 9.6
9. 375
10. 480
11. 960
12. 15
13. 110
14. FAA, Local Fire Department, State Fire Marshall (may vary depending on state)
15. 2.5