Propylene is a colourless gas with a slightly sweetish odour. It is non-toxic but has a mildly anaesthetic effect. Propylene is a by-product of ethylene manufacturing, i.e. cracking, but is also obtained from oil refineries. Most propylene is supplied to the chemical industry. Propylene can be stored in liquid form at room temperature under its own vapour pressure.
The properties of propylene are similar to those of propane. Although the calorific value of the two gases is roughly the same, propylene produces a larger portion of its heat in the primary flame, making the flame hotter and more efficient than that of propane.
Propylene is an attractive alternative to propane for heating and cutting due to its superior combustion performance. It is also widely used as a fuel gas for high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) processes. In addition, the chemical and plastics industries rely on propylene as a fuel gas.
Propylene is used for oxyfuel applications. Examples are flame heating, straightening, soldering/brazing and cutting.
