Can propane/air mixtures be safely ignited at extremely high pressures?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the safety and feasibility of igniting propane/air mixtures at extremely high pressures, specifically at 200 ATM. The user seeks to understand the behavior of propane under such conditions, particularly regarding its potential liquefaction and the presence of gaseous propane for ignition. The consensus among respondents emphasizes the significant dangers associated with handling flammable gases at high pressures, advising against experimentation without professional expertise.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gas behavior under high pressure
  • Knowledge of propane and air combustion chemistry
  • Familiarity with high-pressure containment systems
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics related to gas liquefaction
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  • Research the properties of propane at high pressures and temperatures
  • Study the principles of gas liquefaction and phase changes
  • Explore safety protocols for handling flammable gases under pressure
  • Learn about high-pressure ignition systems and their design
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for engineers, chemists, and safety professionals involved in high-pressure gas applications, as well as hobbyists interested in propulsion systems using propane/air mixtures.

Spufarm
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Hello, I am working on a project that involves burning a mixture of propane and air under pressure to propell a projectile.
This has been done by many people including myself in the past at pre ignition pressures of up to around 10 ATM.
However I want to take it a step further and attempt a pre ignition pressure of 200 ATM or more.
This requires me to premix the propane with air in a larger chamber before forcing it into the sealed chamber.

My question is how the gasses will act under those pressures? I am not much of a chem/physics master myself so I am asking you.
The propane will probably liquify and separate with the other gasses and lay on the bottom, but will there be any gasous propane for a spark to ignite?
Also, if all the propane liquifies, will it still be possible to get it burning as there is plenty of oxygen?

I will just leave it at this now and see if you can make me a little wiser :)
Thanks
 
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Well, although you might be qualified to handle all the ingredients you mentioned (inflammable gases, high pressure, ignitions) - a fact we cannot assess - it is far too dangerous to be debatable here (on the internet). We do not know about your qualification, but even more important, we cannot take responsibility for answers that might serve as a blueprint to other readers. Personally, I strongly recommend to avoid such risks on a non-professional basis. People lost their lives on less.

Thread closed.
 
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