Propane Tank Pressure Changes

What causes the pressure change in the propane tank?

Is it due to temperature changes or other factors?

Answer:

The pressure change in the propane tank is primarily caused by temperature changes. When the temperature increases, the pressure inside the tank also increases. Conversely, when the temperature decreases, the pressure will decrease as well.

Propane tanks are pressurized containers, and the pressure inside is directly related to the temperature of the propane gas. As the molecules of propane inside the tank gain heat energy, they move faster and create more pressure on the walls of the tank. This is why the pressure reads lower when the tank cools down.

For example, in the scenario given, the pressure of the propane tank was 78 psi before grilling. As the propane was used up and the temperature rose to 95°F, the pressure dropped to 74 psi. The pressure continued to decrease when the outside temperature drastically decreased to 20°C at night.

Therefore, it is essential to consider temperature changes when monitoring the pressure in a propane tank to ensure safe usage and prevent potential hazards.