Properties of

Technical Gases
A Review presented by
Liquid Gas Equipment Ltd.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Properties of
Technical Gases
A Review presented by

Liquid Gas Equipment Ltd .

Edinburgh, Scotland
Introduction 2

The significance of transport, storage and handling of liquefied gases has greatly
increased recently and is still increasing . There has been a similar increase in the
number of men to whom the properties of the liquefied gases are important in their
work . We have often been asked to supply literature reviewing the behaviour of liquefied
gases during transport and storage. Although it is true that there already are a large
number of valuable publications, they are mostly so comprehensive that they cannot be
used for quick reference.
We have chosen to present the information in the following form because it gives all the
important data on a particular gas on two or three pages. It will be understood that such
a description of a gas cannot be exhaustive and no doubt the figures given will, in some
cases, differ from those given in various other publications . We have collected the data
which, in our opinion, are the most important and where the figures given in different
publications are at variance, we chose the figure which our experience has shown to
be the most realistic one. The metric system is used but the figures can be easily
converted into other units with the aid of the conversion tables .
We shall be pleased to supply additional information if required and shall appreciate
your suggestions.

Reproduced, printed and bound in Great Britain by

Morrison & Gibb Ltd ., Edinburgh and London
Contents 3

Explanations

Units of measurement 6
11
Individual gases
12
Nitrogen
14
Chlorine
16
Carbon Dioxide
18
Sulphur Dioxide
20
Ammonia
22
Methane
26
Ethane
30
Propane
n-butane 34

i-butane 34
38
Ethylene
42
Propylene
a-butylene 46

Y-butylene 46

Butadiene 50

R11 54

R12 56

R13 B1 58
60
R 22
Ethyl Chloride 62

Vinyl Chloride 64
66
Ethylene Oxide
Vapour pressure diagram 69
Definition of terms 4

Formula
The molecular formula for the gas is given, where the structure is not clear from this
formula, a simplified structural formula is added

Freezing point
is here the temperature of the triple point, the point at which all three phases can exist
together in equilibrium .

Boiling point
is here the temperature at which . under standard pressure (760 mm . Hg) the substance
boils or (e . g. CO.,) sublimates .

Critical point
In some cases the literature gives widely varying figures for the critical point These
sometimes considerable differences result partly from the use of varying methods of
calculation in determining the critical point.

Condensing ratio
is an auxiliary factor for rough calculation of the quantity of liquid formed during con-
densation. The ratio gives that quantity of liquid (in dm 3) at the temperature of standard
boiling point to which 1 m3 gas of standard conditions (760 mm ., Hg ., 0 ° C) will con-
dense . If the gas phase does not exist under the standard conditions, the figure refers
to 1 m3 gas in boding condition at 760 mm . Hg .

Relative density
is the ratio of the weight of 1 Nm 3 gas to that of 1 Nm 3 air. If there is no gas phase
under standard conditions, the figures represent the weight ratio of the gas at standard
boiling point to air at the standard boiling temperature of the particular gas and at
760 mm . Hg .

Flash point
of a substance is the lowest temperature at which, under fixed conditions, it develops
sufficient (inflammable) gas that the mixture consisting of vapour and the air immedi-
ately above the surface of the substance ignites for the first time as soon as a
flame is brought in the proximity.

Ignition point
of a substance is the lowest temperature at which an ignitable (more exactly the most
ignitable) gas-air-mixture of the particular substance ignites spontaneously.
Explosion limits
give the concentration range in vol.% (at room temperature and normal pressure) of the
particular gas when mixed with air, at which range ignition through an outside source
of ignition is possible .

The data for flash point, ignition point and explosion limits found empirically depend
very much upon the method of experiment (e . g , combustion chamber. ignition source
etc .) . The relevant literature therefore gives widely varying figures .
The explosion limits in the presence of inert gas as shown in the Diagrams are taken
from "Limits of flammability of gases and vapors" by H. F Coward and G. W. Jones.

MAC-value
is the highest concentration of a poisonous constituent in the inhaled air which, breath-
ed 8 hours daily for several years, is judged not to be injurious to health . This value is
regularly re-examined and published and any new experience gained in the meantime
is given due consideration. The Ministries of Labour of the various countries issue MAC-
values which in some cases are not in agreement. The figures given here apply for the
Federal Republic of Germany and the USA.

Toxic limit
is here that concentration of poisonous matter in the inhaled air at which, breathed for
30 minutes, a possibly fatal illness or permanent injury to health is induced.
Where the relevant literature quotes varying figures, the lowest are given here .
In giving figures for Threshold of smell. MAC-value and Toxic limit it is assumed
that the particular gas alone is present - if at the same time there are constituents
present which do not appear in normal inhaled air, the figures given here will not apply.

Symbols and measurement units

P (kg/cm 2) Saturation pressure (here absolute)
t (°C) Temperature
i' (kcal/kg) Enthalpy of the boiling liquid
i" (kcal/kg) Enthalpy of the saturated vapour
r (kcal/kg) Heat of vaporisation
y' (kg/dm) Specific gravity of the boiling liquid
y" (kg/m3) Specific gravity of the saturated vapour
c (vol-%; ppm) Concentration in vol- % or parts per million
Units of measurement 6

Conversion of English and American units of measurement into metric units .

Length

Unit Abbreviation Subdivision metric metric Brit and US

equivalent unit equivalent

1 inch 1", in 25 .40 mm 1 cm 0 3937"

1 foot 1', ft 12" 30 48 cm 1m 1 094 yds = 3 28'
1 yard yd 3' = 36" 0 9144 m 1 km 0 62138 miles
1 fathom 2 yds = 6' 1 .8288 m
= 72" 1 .609 km
1 mile 880 fathoms =
1760 yds

Area

Unit Abbreviation Subdivision metric metric Brit . and US

equivalent unit equivalent

1 square inch sqin, in` 6 .4516 cm` 1 cm` 0 1550 sqin

1 square foot sqft, ft2 144 in 2 00929 m2 1 m2 10 .764 sqft
1 square yard sqyd, yd 2 9 ft2 0.8361 m 2 1 ha 2 47 acres
1 acre A 4840 sqyds 0.4047 ha 1 km2 0 3861 sq .miles
1 square mile sq . mile 640 acres 2 59 km 2

Volume

Unit Abbreviation Subdivision metric metric Brit . and US

equivalent unit equivalent

cubic inch CUin, in3 16 .387 cm3 1 cm 3 0 0610 cuin

1 cubic foot CUft, ft3 1728 in3 28 .317 d m3 1 dm3 0 0353 cuft
1 cubic yard cuyd, yd3 27 cuft 0 .7646 m 3 1 m3 1 308 cuyd
1 registerton reg . ton 100 cult 2 .8317 m 3 1 m3 0.353 reg . ton
1 Imp . gallon gal 4 546 d m 3 1 dm 3 0 .220 Imp. gal
1 US-gallon gal 3 .785 d m3 1 dm 3 0 2642 US-gal
1 pint '/e Imp. gal . 0 .568 dm 3 1 dm 3 1 .76 pint
 Units of measurement 7

Conversion of English and American units of measurement into metric units.

Weight

Unit Abbreviation Subdivision metric metric Brit and US

equivalent unit equivalent

1 grain 1 gr 1/7000 Ib 0 0648 g 1 g 15.43 grains

1 ounce 1 oz 1/16 Ib 28 .35 g 1 g 0.0353 oz
1 pound 1 Ib 16 oz=7000 grs 0 4536 kg 1 kg 2 205 Ibs
1 hundredweight 1 cwt 112 Ibs 50 .802 kg 1 kg 0.0197 cwts
1 short ton 1 shtn 2000 Ibs 907 .185 kg 1 t 1 .102311 shtns
1 long ton 1 Itn 20cwts=2240lbs 1016 047 kg 1 t 0 .984206 Itns

Density

Unit metric metric Brit . and US

equivalent unit equivalent

1 gram/cuft 2 29 g/m 3 1 g/m 3 0 437 gr/cuft

1 grain/Imp .gal 0 .01426 kg /M3 1 kg/m 3 7013 grs/Imp . gallon
1 oz/cuft 1 .00 kg /M3 1 kg /M3 1 .00 oz/cuft
1 Ib/cuft 16 018 kg/m3 1 kg/m 3 0 06243 Ib/cuft
1 Ib/gallon 99.776 kg/ M3 1 kg/m 3 0 .01002 Ib/gallon
1 cuft/pound 62 43 dm'/kg 1 dm 3 /kg 0 .016018 cuft/pound
1 cuft/pound 00624 m 3 /kg 1 M3 /kg 16 018 cuft/pound

Pressure

Bar Atm kg/ cm2 (at) Torr = Ibs/sgin Ibs/sgft

mm Hg

1 Bar (b) = 106 dyn/cm2 = 1 0 .9869 101972 750.06 14 .506 2090

1 phys Atm (Atm) = 10133 1 1 .0333 760 14 693 0 .2049
1 techn . Atm . (at) = 1 kg/cm 2 = 0980665 096778 1 735.51 14 223 70 .74
1 Torr = 1 mm Hg = 1 .333 . 10`3 1 .316- 10 -3 1 .360- 10-3 1 001933 2049
1 Ib/sgin = 00689 0 .0680 0 .0703 51 .7 1 2 117
1 lb/sgft = 479- 10-4 4725-10-4 48810-1 0 .359 6945-10-3 1
1 in . mercury 0 .03387 00334 0.03454 25 .40 0 .491 144.0
Units of measurement 8

Energy

Joule = kWh kcal B .T U . mkg

Watt-sec .

1 Erg = 10-7 0278 . 10- 13 0 .23910-10 0948-10-10 1 019710-8

1 Joule = 1 0 .27810-6 0239 . 10-3 0948 , 10-3 010197
1 kWn = 3.6- 10 6 1 859.8 3411 0367-10 6
1 kcal = 4184.2 1 .1632-10-3 1 3 968 4269
1 B .T .U . = 1054.4 0 .293-10-3 0 252 1 1076
1 mkg = 9 .807 2 .724-10-6 2 .3438 . 10-3 929- 10-3 1
1 ftlb = 1 .356 3 .77-10-7 3 .24-10 -4 1 .28-10 -3 01383
1 PSh = 2 .65-10 6 0 .7355 632 .5 2509 270 000
1 horse-power-
hour (HPhr) = 2 .685-10 6 0 746 6412 2544 273 800
1 Litre-
atmosphere = 10133 0 282 .10-4 0024214 0.0961 10 333
1 cbm at = 09807- 10 5 0.0272 23 .438 9297 10 000

Thermal units

Unit metric metric Brit. and US

equivalent unit equivalent

1 BTU 0 .252 kcal 1 kcal 3 .9687 BTU

1 BTU/Ib 0.556 kcal/kg 1 kcal/kg 1 .80 BTU/Ib
1 BTU/Ib - °F 1 00 kcal/kg-IC 1 kcal/kg . °C 1 .00 BTU/Ib -OF
1 BTU/cuft 8 90 kcal/m3 1 kcal/m 3 0 .1124 BTU/cuft
1 BTU/sgft 2 .713 kcal /M2 1 kcal /M2 0 3685 BTU/sgft
1 BTU/sgft " h-°F 4 .88 kcal /m2 -h . °C 1 kcal/m 2 -h . °C 0 .205 BTU/sgft-h-°F
1 BTU/ft-h-°F 1 .488 kcal/m-h-°C 1 kcal/m-h-°C 0 672 BTU/ft-h-°F
1 BTU/in-h-°F 17 .86 kcal/ m-h-°C 1 kcal/m-h-°C 0 .056 BTU/in -h-°F
Temperature scale g

°°C F C °F °C 'F

-273 -459 -39,4 -39 -38,2 -10,0 14 57,2 19,4 67 152,6 489120 248,0
-268 -450 48,9 -38 -36,4 -9,4 15 59,0 20,0 68 154,4 494 121 249,8
-262 -440 -38,3 -37 -34,6 -8,9 16 60,8 206 69 156,2 50,0122 251,6
-257 -430 -37,8 -36 -32,8 -8,317 62,6 21,1 70 158,0 50,6123 2534
-251 -420 -37,2 -35 -31,0 -7,8 18 64,4 21,7 71 159,8 51,1 124 2552
-246 -410 -36,7 -34 -29,2 -7,2 19 66,2 22,2 72 161,6 51,7 125 257,0
-240 -400 -36,1 -33 -27,4 -6,7 20 68,0 22,8 73 1634 522 126 258,8
-234 -390 -35,6 -32 -25,6 -6,1 21 69,8 23,3 7d 1652 528 127 2606
-229 -380 -35,0 -31 -23,8 -5,6 22 71,6 23,9 75 167,0 53,3128 262,4
-223 -370 -344 -30 -220 -50 23 734 244 76 168,8 53,9 129 264,2
-218 -360 -33,9 -29 -20,2 -44 24 75,2 25,0 77 170,6 54,4 130 266,0
-212 -350 -33,3 -28 -18,4 -3,9 25 77,0 25,6 78 172,4 55,0131 267,8
-207 -340 -32,8 -27 -16,6 -3,3 26 78,8 26,1 79 174,2 55,6132 269,6
-201 -330 -32,2 -26 -14,8 -2,8 27 80,6 26,7 80 176,0 56,1 133 271,4
-196 -320 -31,7 -25 -13,0 -2,2 28 82,4 27,2 81 177,8 567 134 273,2
-190 -310 -31,1 -24 -11,2 -1,7 29 84,2 27,8 82 179,6 57,2 135 275,0
-184 -300 -30,6 -23 -9,4 -1 ,1 30 86,0 28,3 83 181,4 578136 276,8
-179 -290 -30,0 -22 -7,6 0 6 31 87,8 28,9 84 1832 58,3 137 278,6
-173 -280 -294 -21 -5,8 0 32 89,6 294 85 185,0 58,9138 280,4
-169 -273 -459,4 -289 -20 -4,0 0,6 33 91,4 300 86 1868 59,4 139 282,2
-168 -270 -454 -28,3 -19 -2,2 1,1 34 93,2 306 87 188,6 60,0 140 28d,0
-162 -260 -436 -27,8 -18 -0,4 1,7 35 950 31,1 88 190,4 60,6 141 285,8
-157 -250 -418 -27,2 -17 1,4 2,2 36 95,8 31,7 89 1922 61 1 142 2876
-151 -240 -400 -26,7 -16 3,2 2 8 37 98,6 32,2 90 194,0 61,7 143 289,4
-146 -230 -382 -26,1 -15 50 3 3 38 1004 328 91 195,8 62,2 144 291,2
-140 -220 -364 -25,6 -14 6,8 3,9 39 102,2 33,3 92 197,6 62,8 145 293,0
-134 -210 -346 -25,0 -13 8,6 4,4 40 104,0 33,9 93 199,4 63,3 146 294,8
-129 -200 -328 -24,4 -12 10,4 5,0 41 105,8 34,4 94 201,2 63,9 147 296,6
-123 -190 -310 -23,9 -11 12,2 5,6 42 107,6 35,0 95 203,0 64,4 148 298,4
-118 -180 -292 -23,3 -10 14,0 6,1 43 109,4 35,6 96 204,8 65,0 149 300,2
-112 -170 -274 -22,8 -9 158 6,7 44 111,2 36,1 97 206,6 65,6 150 302,0
-107 -160 -256 -22,2 -8 17,6 7,2 45 113,0 36,7 98 208,4 66,1 151 303,8
-101 -150 -238 -21,7 -7 19,4 7,8 46 114,8 37,2 99 210,2 66,7 152 305,6
-95,6-140 -220 -21,1 -6 21,2 8,3 47 116,6 37,8 100 212,0 67,2 153 307,4
-90,0-130 -202 -206 -5 23,0 8,9 48 118,4 38,3 101 213,8 67,8 154 309,2
-84,4-120 -184 -20,0 -4 24,8 9,4 49 120,2 38,9 102 215,6 68,3 155 311,0
-78 .9-110 -166 -19,4 -3 26,6 10,0 50 122,0 39,4 103 217,4 689156 312,8
-73,3-100 -148 -18,9 -2 28,4 10,6 51 123,8 400 1pd 2192 694 157 3146
-67,8 -90 -130 -183 -1 30,2 11,1 52 125,6 40,6 105 221,0 70,0 158 316,4
-62,2 -80 -112 -178 0 320 11 7 53 127,4 41,1 106 222,8 70,6 159 318,2
-567 -70 -94 -17,2 1 33,8 122 54 129,2 41,7107 224,6 71,1 160 320,0
-51,1 -60 -76 -16,7 2 35,6 12,8 55 131,0 42,2108 226,4 71,7 161 321,8
-45,6 -50 -58,0 -16,1 3 37,4 13,3 56 132,8 42,8 109 228,2 72,2 162 323,6
-45,0 -49 -56,2 -15,6 4 39,2 13,9 57 134,6 43,3 110 230,0 72,8 163 325,4
-44,4 -48 -54,4 -15,0 5 41,0 14,4 58 136,4 43,9 111 231,8 73,3 164 327,2
-43,9 -47 -52,6 -14,4 6 42,8 150 59 138,2 444 112 233,6 73,9 165 329,0
-43,3 -46 -50,8 -139 7 44,6 15,6 60 140,0 45,0 113 235,4 74,4 166 330,8
-428 -45 -49,0 -13,3 8 46,4 16,1 61 141,8 45,6 114 237,2 75,0 167 332,6
-42,2 -44 -47,2 -12,8 9 48,2 16,7 62 143,6 46,1 115 239,0 75,6 168 334,4
-41,7 -43 -45,4 -12,2 10 50,0 17,2 63 145,4 46,7 116 2408 76,1 169 336,2
-41,1 -42 -43,6 -11 7 11 51,8 17,8 64 147,2 47,2 117 242,6 76,7 170 338,0
-40,6 -41 -41,8 -11,1 12 53,6 18,3 65 149,0 47,8 118 244,4 77,2 171 339,8
-40 0 -40 -40,0 -10,6 13 55,d 18,9 66 1508 483 119 2462 778 172 341,6
Pressure scale 10

Pressure Vacuum

I kg/cm2 DsIg . I kg/cm2 I psig

I kg/cm= I psig
I cm Hg I Inch Mg
0 0 0 2,9529 42 597,38 5,9058 84 1194,8 0 0 0
0,0703 1 14,223 3,0232 43 611,60 5,9761 85 1209,0 5.080 2 0,787
0,1406 2 28.447 30935 44 62583 6,0264 86 1223,2 10,16 4 1,575
0,2109 3 42,670 3,1638 45 640,05 6,1167 87 1237,4 15,24 6 2,362
0,2812 4 56,893 3,2341 46 654,27 6,1870 88 1251,7 20,32 8 3,150
0,3515 5 71,117 3,3044 47 668,50 6,2573 89 1265,9 25.40 10 3.937
0,4218 6 85,340 3,3747 48 682,72 6,3276 90 1280,1 30,48 12 4,724
0,4922 7 99,563 3,4451 49 696,94 6,3980 91 1294,3 35,56 14 5,512
0,5625 8 113,79 3,5154 50 711,17 6,4683 92 1308,5 40,64 16 6,300
0,6328 9 128,01 3,5857 51 725,39 6,5386 93 1322,8 45,72 18 7,087
0,7031 10 142,23 3,6560 52 739,61 6,6089 94 1337,0 50,80 20 7,874
0,7734 11 156,46 3,7263 53 753,84 6,6792 95 1351,2 55,88 22 8,661
0,8437 12 170,68 3,7966 54 768,06 6,7495 96 1365,4 60,96 24 9,449
0,9140 13 184,90 3,8669 55 782,28 6,8198 97 1379,7 86,04 26 10,24
0,9843 14 199,13 3,9372 56 796,51 6,8901 98 1393,9 71,12 28 11,02
1,0546 15 213,35 4,0075 57 810,73 6,9604 99 1408,1 (76,20) 30 11,81
1,1249 16 227,57 40778 58 82495 7 0307 100 1422,3 32 12,60
1,1952 17 241,80 4,1418 59 839,18 7,7338 110 1564,6 34 13,39
1,2655 18 256,02 4,2184 60 853,40 8,4369 120 1708,8 36 14,17
1,3358 19 270,24 4,2887 61 867,62 9,1399 130 1849,0 38 14,96
`1,4061 20 284,47 4,3590 62 881,85 9,8430 140 1991,3 40 15,75
1,4765 21 298,69 4,4294 63 896,07 10,546 150 2133,5 42 16,54
1,5468 22 312,91 4,4997 64 910,29 11,249 160 2275,7 44 17,32
1,6171 23 327,14 4,5700 65 924,52 11,952 170 2418,0 46 18,11
1,6874 24 341,36 4,6402 66 938,74 12,655 180 2560,1 48 18,90
1,7577 25 355,58 4,7106 67 952,96 13,358 190 2702,4 50 19,69
1,8280 26 369,81 4,7809 68 967,19 14,061 200 2844,7 52 20,47
1,8983 27 384,03 4,8512 69 981,41 14,765 210 2988,9 54 21,26
1,9686 28 398,25 4,9215 70 995,63 15,468 220 3129,2 56 22,05
2,0389 29 412,48 4,9918 71 1009,9 16,171 230 3271,4 58 22,84
2,1092 30 426.70 5 0621 72 10241 16,874 240 3413,8 58 2284
2,1795 31 440,92 5,1324 73 1038,3 17,577 250 3555,8 60 23,62
2,2498 32 455,15 5,2027 74 1052,5 18,280 260 3698,1 62 24,41
2,3201 33 469,37 5,2730 75 1066,8 18,983 270 3840,3 64 25,20
2,3904 34 483,59 5,3433 76 1081,0 19,686 280 3982,5 66 25,98
2,4608 35 497,82 5,4137 77 1095,2 20,389 290 4124,8 68 26,77
2,5311 36 512,04 5,4840 78, 1109,4 21,092 300 4267,0 70 27,56
2,6014 37 526,26 5,5543 79 1123,6 21,795 310 4409,2 72 28,35
2,6717 38 540,49 5,6246 80 1137,9 22,498 320 4551,5 74 29,13
2,7420 39 554,71 5,6949 81 1151,1 23,201 330 4693,7 76 29,92
2,8123 40 568,93 5,7652 82 1166,3 23,904 340 4835,9
2,8826 41 583,16 5,8355 83 1180,5 24,608 350 4978,2
Individual Gases
Chlorine 14

Formula C12
Molecular weight 70.9 kg/kmol
Freezing point -100 .7 °C
Boiling point -34 .0 °C
Critical temperature 144 °C
Critical pressure 78 .6 kg/cm2
Condensing ratio 2 .032 dm 3/Nm3
Relative density (air = 1) 2.49

Threshold of smell 3.5 ppm

MAC-value 0.5 ppm
Toxic limit 15 PPM

General properties
In the liquid phase, chlorine ist very fluid, greenish-yellow, orange-yellow in the vicinity
of the freezing point and yellowish-green in the gaseous phase. The gas has a pungent
smell, is not inflammable and dissolves readily in cold water. Chlorine gas destroys
animal and plant tissue ; even in low concentration it has an irritating effect on the
respiratory system and the eyes, at higher concentration it produces bleeding of the
lungs and irritation of the skin . The MAC-value lies below the Threshold of Smell i. e.,
on no account should there be any chlorine smell in workshops. As a result of its high
specific gravity, the gas accumulates in enclosed spaces near the floor level. It forms
an explosive mixture with hydrogen . Aluminium is attacked by pure liquid chlorine at
temperatures above -20 °C while magnesium, cast iron, forged iron, steel, phosphor-
bronze, brass, zinc, copper and lead are not attacked . Moist chlorine gas attacks nearly
all metals ; materials resistant to it include a few synthetic materials (PVC) . pottery, glass
and rubber vulcanized surfaces .
Vapour pressure, enthalpies, specific gravities of chlorine 15
Carbon Dioxide 16

Formula CO2

Molecular weight 44 .01 kg/kmol

Freezing point -56.6 °C
Boiling point -78.5 °C
Critical temperature 31 .35 °C
Critical pressure 753 kg/cm2

Condensing ratio 1 .667 (-56.6°C) dm 3/Nm3

Relative density (air = 1) 1 .528

Threshold of smell - PPM

MAC-value 5 000 PPM
Toxic limit 34 000 ppm

General properties
C02 is a non-inflammable, colourless, odourless gas of acid taste, non-poisonous but
has a suffocating effect at over 8 % concentration by volume in air. It is soluble in water .
By reason of its high specific density it accumulates in closed spaces near the floor
(danger of suffocation) . Below 5.28 kg/cm2 (= vapour pressure at triple point) liquid
CO2 does not exist i . e., at atmospheric pressure C02 vaporises directly into the gaseous
phase without melting. C02 is neutral behavioure to the usual materials.
Vapour pressure, enthalpies, specific gravities of carbon dioxide 17
Sulphur Dioxide 18

Formula S02
Molecular weight 64.07 kg/kmol
Freezing point -75 .5 °C
Boiling point -10.0 °C
Critical temperature 157 .2 °C
Critical pressure 80.22 kg/cm2
Condensing ratio 1 .958 dm3/Nm3
Relative density (air = 1) 2.27

Threshold of smell 3 PPM

MAC-value 5 PPM
Toxic limit 150 ppm

General properties
In the liquid state sulphur dioxide is colourless and readily mobile, in the solid state it
is a white mass. The gas is colourless, not inflammable, poisonous, of pungent smell
and acid taste and is readily soluble in water; in low concentration it irritates the eyes
and the upper parts of the respiratory tract. In higher concentration it causes corneal
opacity, difficulty in breathing (dyspnoea) and inflammation of the respiratory organs.
Aromatic and unsaturated hydrocarbons, resins and bitumen are readily dissolved in
liquid S02. Steel is not attacked by dry sulphur dioxide gas at room temperature but
will corrode rapidly in a moist S02 atmosphere. Even small quantities of S02 in the
air accelerate corrosion of metals in general.
Vapour pressure, enthalpies. specific gravities of sulphur dioxide 19
Ammonia 20

Formula NH3
Molecular weight 17.03 kg/kmol
Freezing point -77.7 °C
Boiling point -33.4 °C
Critical temperature 132 .4 °C
Critical pressure 115 .2 kg/cm2
Condensing ratio 1 .121 dm3/Nm 3
Relative density (air = 1) 0.597

Flash point - °C
Ignition point 630 °C
Explosion limits 14.0=27 Vol °/o

Threshold of smell 20 PPM

MAC-value 50 ppm
Toxic limit 500 PPM

General properties
NH3 gas is colourless, poisonous, not easily inflammable, of pungent smell, and of
strongly alkaline taste. It has a sharply irritating caustic effect on the eyes, mucuous
membranes of the respiratory tract, and on moist areas of the skin. It dissolves very
well and with vehemence in water. Below 60 °C ammonia reacts with CO2 to ammonium
carbamate in the form of a white salt crust which adheres to walls ; this crust is vola-
tile at normal temperatures in dry air and decomposes again above 60 °C. With mer-
cury, ammonia can form a high explosive which is very sensitive to impact . Copper,
zinc and most of the alloys of these metals are attacked by ammonia . Aluminium will
corrode in a moist NH.-atmosphere .
Vapour pressure, enthalpies, specific gravities of ammonia 21
Methane 22

Formula CH,
Molecular weight 16.04 kg/kmol
Freezing point -182.5 °C
Boiling point -161 .5 °C
Critical temperature -82.5 °C
Critical pressure 45.6 kg/cm2
0.8038 dm3/Nm3
Condensing ratio
Relative density (air = 1) 0.554

Flash point - °C
Ignition point 595 °C
Explosion limits 5.3-14.0 Vol-%

Threshold of smell - PPM

MAC-value - ppm
Toxic limit - ppm

General properties
CH 4 is a colourless, odourless, non-poisonous, inflammable gas. In high concentrations
it has a suffocating effect; when breathed with air it acts as a very weak anaesthetic .
It burns with a blue flame and is miscible with mineral oils in all proportions. Its behav-
iour to the usual materials is neutral .
Vapour pressure, specific gravities, heat of vaporisation of methane 23
Limits of flammability of methane in mixtures of air and nitrogen and of air and 24
carbon dioxide
Ethane 26

Formula H6 2
Molecular weight 30.07 kg/kmol
Freezing point -183.3 °C
Boiling point -88.6 °C
Critical temperature 32.1 °C
Critical pressure 49.8 kg/cm2
Condensing ratio 2.453 dm3/Nm3
Relative density (air = 1) 1 .048

Flash point - °C
Ignition point 515 °C
Explosion limits 3.0-12.5 Vol °/o

Threshold of smell - ppm

MAC-value - ppm
Toxic limit - ppm

General properties
Ethane is a colourless, odourless, non-poisonous, inflammable gas which, in high
concentrations, acts as a weak anaesthetic and has a suffocating effect . It may be
mixed in any proportion with mineral oils. It has no specific effect on the usual mate-
rials .
Vapour pressure, enthalpies, specific gravities of ethane 27
Limits of flammability of ethane in mixtures of air and nitrogen and of air and 28
carbon dioxide
Propane 30

Formula CHs
Molecular weight 44.1 kg/kmol
Freezing point -187.8 °C
Boiling point -42 .3 °C
Critical temperature 96.8 °C
Critical pressure 43.4 kg/cm2
Condensing ratio 3.380 dm3/Nm3
Relative density (air = 1) 1 .55

Flash point -105 °C

Ignition point 470 °C
Explosion limits 2.1-9.4 Vol-%

Threshold of smell - ppm

MAC-value - ppm
Toxic limit - ppm

General properties
Propane is a colourless, odourless, non-poisonous, inflammable gas which in high
concentrations and in air acts as an anaesthetic when inhaled . Miscible in any propor-
tion with mineral oils. It has no specific effect on the usual materials .
Vapour pressure, enthalpies, specific gravities of propane 31
Limits of flammability of propane in mixtures of air and nitrogen and of air and 32
carbon dioxide
Butane 34

n i

Formula C4H10 C4H10

Molecular weight 58.12 58.12 kg/kmol
Freezing point -138.3 -159.6 0C
Boiling point -0.5 -11 .7 0C
Critical temperature 153 133.7 0C
Critical pressure 38.8 38.9 kg/cm 2
Condensing ratio 4.316 4.363 dm3/Nm3
Relative density (air = 1) 2.09 2.065

Flash point -60 - 0C

Ignition point 365 500 0C
Explosion limits 1 .8-8.5 1 .8-8 .5 Vol0/o

Threshold of smell 5000 - PPM

MAC-value - - PPM
Toxic limit - - PPM

General properties
n-butane is a colourless, practically odourless, non-poisonous inflammable gas ; has a
stronger anaesthetic effect than propane. The inhaling of large volumes (5 % for
30 minutes) produces slight depression. Readily miscible with mineral oils. It has no
specific effect on the usual materials .

!-butane is a colourless, practically odourless, non-poisonous inflammable gas. It is

less reactive with oxygen than n-butane but is very similar to n-butane in physiological
and chemical properties; the explosion limits are the same for i-butane as for n-butane.
Limits of flammability of n-butane in mixtures of air and nitrogen and of air and 35
carbon dioxide
Vapour pressure, enthalpies, specific gravities of n-butane 36
Vapour pressure, enthalpies, specific gravities of i-butane 37
Ethylene 38

Formula : CH2 CH2 H4 2 C

Molecular weight 28.05 kg/kmol
Freezing point -169 .5 °C
Boiling point -103.9 °C
Critical temperature 9.90 °C
Critical pressure 51 .5 kg/cm2
Condensing ratio 2.196 dm3/Nm3
Relative density (air = 1) 0.975

Flash point - °C
Ignition point 425 °C
Explosion limits 2.7-28.5 Vol °/o

Threshold of smell - PPM

MAC-value 5 500 ppm
Toxic limit - PPM

General properties
Ethylene is a colourless, practically odourless, inflammable, slightly poisonous gas ;
as an olefin it is more narcotic than lower paraffins (propane, butane) . In high
concentrations it reveals its presence by a weak peculiar sweet smell ; Ethylene burns
in air with a soot-forming red luminous flame . It has no specific effect on the usual
materials .
Vapour pressure, enthalpies, specific gravities of ethylene 39
Limits of flammability of ethylene in mixtures of air and nitrogen and of air and 40
carbon dioxide
Propylene 42

Formula C,H, ; CH 3CH : CH2

Molecular weight 42 .08 kg/kmol
Freezing point -185 .4 °C
Boiling point -47.7 °C
Critical temperature 92 .1 °C
Critical pressure 46 .5 kg/cm2
Condensing ratio 3.08 dm 3/Nm3
Relative density (air = 1) 1 .48

Flash point -108 °C

Ignition point 455 °C
Explosion limits 2.2-10.2 Vol °/o

Threshold of smell ppm

MAC-value ppm
Toxic limit PPM

General properties
Propylene is a colourless, inflammable, narcotic gas which burns in air with a yellow
soot-forming flame. In high concentrations its presence may be detected by its slight
and peculiar odour. It has no specific effect on the usual materials.
Vapour pressure, specific gravities, heat of vaporisation of propylene 43
Limits of flammability of propylene in mixtures of air and nitrogen and of air and 44
carbon dioxide
Butylene 46

Formula C3H8 2: H ;C C4H8 C41-18 ; CH2 : C (CH3)2

Molecular weight 56.11 56.11 kg/kmol
Freezing point -185.4 -140.35 °C
Boiling point -6.1 -6.9 °C
Critical temperature 146 .4 144 .7 °C
Critical pressure 39.7 39.5 kg/cm2
Condensing ratio 4.005 4.0 dm3/Nm3
Relative density (air = 1) 1 .94 1 .94

Flash point -80 - °C

Ignition point 440 465 °C
Explosion limits 1 .6-9.3 1 .8-8.8 Vol °/o

Threshold of smell - - ppm

MAC-value - - ppm
Toxic limit - - ppm

General properties
a-butylene is a colourless, inflammable, non-poisonous gas which if rather highly concen-
trated and inhaled as a gas/air mixture, has a narcotic effect . Its effect on the usual
materials is neutral .

Y-butylene is a colourless, inflammable, slightly poisonous gas with an odour which is

typical of city gas. If inhaled with air at high butylene concentration it acts as an
anaesthetic . It has no corroding effect on the usual materials .
Vapour pressure and specific gravities of «-butylene 47
Vapour pressure and specific gravities Of g-butylene 48
1,3-Butadiene 50

Formula : CHCH
2 CH : CH2; 6 C4H
Molecular weight 54.1 kg/kmol
Freezing point -108.7 °C
Boiling point -5 .0 °C
Critical temperature 161 .8 °C
Critical pressure 44 .0 kg/cm2
Condensing ratio 3.81 dm3/Nm 3
Relative density (air = 1) 1 .88

Flash point -60 °C

Ignition point 415 °C
Explosion limits 2-11.5 Vol °/o

Threshold of smell - PPM

MAC-value 1000 PPM
Toxic limit - PPM
General properties
Liquid butadiene is clear as water. As a gas, butadiene is colourless, inflammable, of
peculiar aromatic odour, and is slightly poisonous . In high concentrations it irritates
the skin and acts as an anaesthetic. Brought into contact with air, butadiene readily
forms peroxides which do not dissolve in liquid butadiene . These peroxides are
very sensitive to heat and to impact and can lead to uncontrollable vehement explosions.
Strong caustic soda (47 %) destroys the peroxides . During storage the butadiene can
dimerize into 4-Vinyl-l-cyclohexene*). Heat, short-wave light or the presence of per-
oxides (even in small quantities) or other agents can polymerize the butadiene pro-
ducing mainly either high or low molecular products depending on the environmental
conditions. In the liquid phase a dark rubber-like polymer is obtained, whereas in the
gas phase white crystals ("popcorn") are usually predominant .
Storage is assisted by keeping the gas in cool, clean, dry steel tanks which are fully
airtight and by adding chemical stabilizers (hydroquinone, pyrocatechin, 4-tert . butyl-
catechol, pyrogallol, p-phenylene diamine etc .) .
These stabilizers prevent polymerization in the liquid phase but in most cases they have
no effect on the process in the vapour phase.
*) At room temperature, however this process takes place only very slowly - at a rate of 0,3 % in 30 days
Vapour pressure and specific gravity of liquid phase of 1,3-butadiene 51
Limits of flammability of butadiene in mixtures of air and nitrogen and of air and 52
carbon dioxide
Monofluorotrichloromethane (R 11) 54

Formula CFCI,
Molecular weight 137 .38 kg/kmol
Freezing point -111 .1 °C
Boiling point 23.65 °C
Critical temperature 196 .0 °C
Critical pressure 43.8 kg/cm2
Condensing ratio 3.93 dm3/m3
Relative density (air = 1) 4.9

Threshold of smell - PPM

MAC-value 1000 PPM
Toxic limit - PPM

General properties
R11 is a colourless liquid with a slight ether-like odour. As a vapour it is non-inflammable,
colourless and non-poisonous. R 11 is one of the thermally and chemically least stable
fluoride refrigerants, decomposing above 200 °C (over open flames and on hot surfaces)
forming chlorine and phosgene . Their highly irritating effect makes these poisonous
substances easily detectable - even when present in only small quantities. In the
gaseous state R 11 binds water very firmly - therefore drying is possible only in the
liquid phase. Materials unsuitable for use with R 11 include zinc and magnesium alloys,
as well as a few synthetic materials (polystyrene etc .).
Vapour pressure, enthalpies, specific gravities of monofIuorotrichloromethane (R 11) 55
 Difluorodichloromethane (R 12) 56

Formula CF2Cl2
Molecular weight 129.92 kg/kmol
Freezing point -155 °C
Boiling point -29,8 C °
Critical temperature 111.5 °C
Critical pressure 40 .88 kg/cm2
Condensing ratio 3.663 dm3/N m3
Relative density (air = 1) 4.26

Threshold of smell - PPM

MAC-value 1000 ppm
Toxic limit - PPM

General properties
R 12 ist considered to be the most important refrigerant. It is colourless, non-inflammable,
non-poisonous, practically odourless ; it has a slightly sweet smell in high concentration.
It is thermally stable in the absence of substances exerting a catalytic action up to
about 450 °C. This temperature of decomposition is, however, significantly lower in the
presence of ferrous oxide powder, metallic powders (Fe, Cu) and oil . On decomposition
(in open flames and on hot surfaces) the poisonous gases chlorine and phosgene may
be given off. R 12 is an excellent leak-detecting agent, since its viscosity is very slight
and it can, therefore, infiltrate through the smallest of pores. R 12 attacks magnesium
alloys, zinc and (in the presence of water) the alloys of aluminium. Resistant synthetic
materials include perbunan, neoprene and polyacrylonitrile . Buna S and superpolyami-
de may be suitable materials but only under certain circumstances . PTFE (Teflon) dif-
fuses in liquid R 12 .
Vapour pressure, enthalpies, specific gravities of difluorodichloromethane (R 12) 57
Trifluoromonobromomethane (R 13 131) 58

Formula CF,Br
Molecular weight 148 .93 kg/kmol
Freezing point -143.2 °C
Boiling point -57 .8 °C
Critical temperature 675 °C
Critical pressure 40.44 kg/cm2
Condensing ratio 3.4 dm3/Nm 3
Relative density (air = 1) 5.22

Threshold of smell - PPM

MAC-value 1 000 ppm
Toxic limit - PPM

General properties
R 13 B 1 is a colourless, odourless, non-inflammable and non-poisonous gas which is
chemically very highly stable ; it does not readily decompose even under the influence
of open flames and is therefore suitable as a fire-fighting agent. As it does not tend to
attack organic substances, it is well compatible with such materials . Zinc and magne-
sium alloys are not recommended as materials .
Vapour pressure, enthalpies, specific gravities of trifluoromonobromomethane 59
(R13B1)
Difluoromonochloromethane (R 22) 60

Formula CHF2CI
Molecular weight 86 .48 kg/kmol
Freezing point -160 .0 °C
Boiling point -40.8 °C
Critical temperature 96 .0 °C
Critical pressure 50.33 kg/cm2
Condensing ratio 2.94 dm 3/Nm3
Relative density (air = 1) 3.21

Threshold of smell - ppm

MAC-value 1 000 ppm
Toxic limit - ppm

General properties
R22 gas is colourless, odourless, non-inflammable and practically non-poisonous . It is
chemically less stable than R 12 . It decomposes in open flames and on contacting hot
surfaces giving off hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride and traces of chlorine and
phosgene . Thermal stability is very much lowered by ferrous oxide and by ferrous and
copper powders. R 22 is neutral in its reaction to metallic materials with the exception
of zinc and magnesium alloys.
Perbunan is destroyed by R 22, PTFE and Buna S are suitable under certain conditions,
while noeprene is not attacked by R 22 .
Vapour pressure, enthalpies, specific gravities of difluoromonochloromethane(R22) 61
 Ethyl Chloride 62

Formula C2H 5 CI ; CH 3CH2 CI

Molecular weight 64.52 kg/kmol
Freezing point -138.30 °C
Boiling point 12.5 °C
Critical temperature 187 .2 °C
Critical pressure 54.3 kg/cm2
Condensing ratio 3 .05 dm3/m3
Relative density (air = 1) 2.22

Flash point -50

Ignition point 510 °C
Explosion limits 3.6-15 Vol %

Threshold of smell - ppm

MAC-value 1000 PPM
Toxic limit - PPM

General properties
In the liquid phase, ethyl chloride resembles 'a colourless oil of low viscosity. It burns
with a green-bordered flame . The odour is like that of chloroform, it has a sweet burning
taste, acts as an anaesthetic and is slightly poisonous . In general it is very reactive.
Ethyl chloride dissolves readily in all organic solvents . It is very resistant in dry condition
but even slight traces of water cause hydrolysis. The usual materials are not attacked by
(dry) ethyl chloride.
Vapour pressure and specific gravity of liquid phase of ethyl chloride 63
Vinyl Chloride 64

Formula C2 H3CI ; CH2 :CHCI

Molecular weight 62 .5 kg/kmol
Freezing point -154 °C
Boiling point -13 .8 °C
Critical temperature 158.4 °C
Critical pressure 53.9 kg/cm2
Condensing ratio 2.87 dm3/Nm 3
Relative density (air = 1) 2.152

Flash point -78 °C

Ignition point 550 °C
Explosion limits 4.0-293 Vol-%

Threshold of smell - PPM

MAC-value 500 PPM
Toxic limit - ppm

General properties
Vinyl chloride is a colourless, highly inflammable, slightly poisonous gas. In high con-
centration it has a pleasant sweet odour and acts as a narcotic. It polymerizes readily
to polyvinylchloride, the process being accelerated by elevated temperature and by
the addition of impurities with a catalytic action (finely powdered metals and oxides of
metals) . Vinyl chloride decomposes in the open flame and gives off phosgene .
Vapour pressure, specific gravity of liquid phase, heat of vaporisation ofvinyl chloride 65
Ethylene Oxide 66

H2CO,
Formula C2H4O ;
Molecular weight 44.05 kg/kmol
Freezing point -111 .3 °C
Boiling point 10.73 °C
Critical temperature 195 .7 °C
Critical pressure 75.8 kg/cm2
Condensing ratio 2.13 dm3/m3
Relative density (air = 1) 1 .52

Flash point -57 °C

Ignition point 440 °C
Explosion limits 3.0-100 Vol-%

Threshold of smell 700 ppm

MAC-value 50 ppm
Toxic limit 500 ppm

General properties
Ethylene oxide is a colourless, neutral reacting fluid of low viscosity. It may be mixed
in any proportion with water . The gas is colourless, inflammable, poisonous and its
presence is revealed by its ether-like smell even in low concentrations. When inhaled
in large quantities it causes vomiting and sickness. Pure ethylene oxide tends to self-
polymerisation forming a sticky viscous stringy mass and eventually complete resinifica-
tion may occur . Slight impurities of ethylene chlorohydrine and ethylene chloride exert
a stabilizing action . With water it forms a solid hydrate the melting point of which is
about 10 °C. Gaseous ethylene oxide is extremely reactive especially in the presence
of acid and alkaline substances. When heated above 300 °C, it decomposes explosively
into CH4 and CO and a similar decomposition takes place under the influence of
electrical discharges or when brought into contact with heated surfaces or with copper
and its alloys containing more than 60 % copper . It is neutral towards the usual
materials .
Vapour pressure and specific gravity of liquid phase of ethylene oxide 67
Limits of flammability of ethylene oxide in mixtures of air and carbon dioxide 68