Propylene | Metro Welding Supply Corp.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

Propylene gas, also known as propene, is a colorless and flammable hydrocarbon gas. It is widely used in metalworking processes, such as cutting and welding, due to its high heat output and clean combustion. Propylene also serves as an excellent heat source for applications like flame heating in industries such as glassworking and ceramics. The controlled flame of propylene is also ideal for brazing and soldering operations, providing the necessary heat without damaging the workpiece.

10 KEY CHARACTERISTICS

1. Flammability: Propylene gas is highly flammable, and it can ignite easily in the presence of a spark, flame, or heat source.
2. Chemical Formula: Its chemical formula is C3H6, indicating that it is composed of three carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms.
3. Boiling Point: Propylene has a relatively low boiling point of approximately -48°C (-54°F), making it easy to convert from a liquid to a gas.
4. Density: It is denser than air, which means it can accumulate in low-lying or enclosed areas if not properly ventilated.
5. Color and Odor: Propylene is colorless and odorless in its natural state. However, commercial grades may have a faint, characteristic odor added as a safety measure.
6. Stability: It is stable under normal conditions, but can potentially polymerize (form long chains) if exposed to high temperatures or certain catalysts.
7. Reactivity: Propylene can react with oxidizers and strong acids, potentially leading to hazardous situations. It is important to handle it with care and avoid incompatible substances.
8. Solubility: It is sparingly soluble in water, but it can dissolve in organic solvents like ethanol, acetone, and ether.
9. High Heat Content: Propylene has a high calorific value, making it an efficient and effective fuel for various industrial processes.
10. Clean Combustion: When burned, propylene produces a clean flame with low emissions of soot and pollutants, making it suitable for applications where clean combustion is essential.

10 COMMON USES

1. Polymer Production: Propylene is a key raw material in the production of polypropylene, one of the most widely used thermoplastics in industries such as packaging, textiles, automotive, and consumer goods.
2. Chemical Intermediates: It serves as a building block for the production of various chemicals, including propylene oxide, acrylonitrile, and cumene, which are used in the manufacture of plastics, fibers, and pharmaceuticals.
3. Fuel Gas: Propylene is used as a fuel in various applications, including heating, cutting, and welding processes in industries like metalworking and construction.
4. Refrigeration: It is used as a component in propylene-based refrigerant blends, especially in certain low-temperature refrigeration systems.
5. Thermal Spraying: Propylene is utilized as a fuel for thermal spray processes, which are used for applying coatings on surfaces to enhance their properties.
6. Solvent: It can serve as a solvent for dissolving certain compounds in industrial processes, including extraction and formulation of chemicals.
7. Flame Treatment: Propylene flames are used for surface modification of plastics and other materials to enhance adhesion properties in applications like printing and laminating.
8. Brazing and Soldering: The controlled flame produced by burning propylene is used in metal joining processes like brazing and soldering.
9. Heat Treating: It is employed in heat-treating operations to provide controlled and uniform heating of metals for hardening or other treatments.
10. Fuel Gas for Industrial Burners: In various industries, propylene is used as a clean-burning fuel for industrial burners, providing high energy output with minimal emissions.