Why “Propane” is being discussed
The most recent Hacker News stories and comments contributing to this topic's mentions.
Yes. A sealed container of propane is _far_ more dangerous if we're purely considering what the typical failure mode looks like. As to the gasoline, please do note that incompet…
by fc417fc802 · Oct 20, 2026
Are you disagreeing that distilling several liters of cask strength grain alcohol around an open flame is more dangerous than sealed containers of propane and gasoline?
by duped · Oct 20, 2026
Such concern is inconsistent with the present reality. Gasoline for a lawnmower incorrectly stored in a garden shed or garage is explosive. The propane tank for the BBQ can easi…
by fc417fc802 · Oct 20, 2026
Yes, but: 1. In countries where that is popular, due to unfortunate events, they are not allowed in many indoor parking lots. 2. Does anyone have a comparison of pressures and v…
by consumer451 · Oct 16, 2026
Propane powered cars were (are) on public roads, for better or worse.
by randyrand · Oct 16, 2026
https://www.motortrend.com/news/tesla-roadster-thrust-system... > You can think of the COPV like the fuel tank in a compressed natural gas (CNG)- or liquid p…
by ceejayoz · Oct 16, 2026
Interest
Proportion of Hacker News items mentioning "propane" over time.
Mentions
Total number of Hacker News items mentioning "propane" over time.
Propane is a three-carbon chain alkane with the molecular formula C3H8. It is a gas at standard temperature and pressure, but becomes liquid when compressed for transportation and storage. A by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining, it is often a constituent of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is commonly used as a fuel in domestic and industrial applications and in low-emissions public transportation; other constituents of LPG may include propylene, butane, butylene, butadiene, and isobutylene. Discovered in 1857 by the French chemist Marcellin Berthelot, it became commercially available in the US by 1911. Propane has lower volumetric energy density than gasoline or coal, but has higher gravimetric energy density than them and burns more cleanly. Read more on Wikipedia