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Is a propane compressor possible?

I want to know i it would be possible to make a compressor for pneumatic cylinders in which you fill a tank with 8% propane gas at ambient pressure, then ignite the gas in the closed container to create the pressure. If yes, how much pressure could be generated, and if no, why not?

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  • 9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Certainly you can compress propane, it is done all the time, and you can get a compressor for propane, again, they are in use all over the place.

    But your second question is quite different. If you ignite the gas/air mixture, there will be no propane remaining, and you will have an explosion, which may or may not be contained by your container.

    Assuming it is contained, the explosion will create pressure, and heat, but as soon as it cools off, you will have much less pressure than initially, as the gas/air mixture is converted to water and carbon dioxide.

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