The key difference between MAPP gas and propane is that MAPP (Methyl Acetylene-Propadiene Propane) gas is a fuel gas consisting of propyne, propane, and propadiene whereas propane is a fuel gas, which we commonly call LPG gas, and consists of propane molecules.
Fuel gases are very useful in producing heat energy. Propane gas is available almost everywhere. A gas cylinder contains liquefied propane gas (LPG). Manufacturers liquefy this gas via pressurization. MAPP (or Methyl Acetylene-Propadiene Propane) is a better substitution for acetylene; it is safe and easy to use than acetylene.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is MAPP Gas
3. What is Propane
4. Side by Side Comparison – MAPP Gas vs Propane in Tabular Form
5. Summary
What is MAPP Gas?
MAPP is Methyl Acetylene-Propadiene Propane. It is a fuel gas that is a better substitution for acetylene; it is safe and easy to use than acetylene. Both liquid and gaseous form of this gas is colorless. But it has an acetylene-like odor. It is toxic if inhaled at high concentrations. The energy content of this gas is 1.357 kWh/kg. This gas burns at 3730◦F temperature.
Figure 01: Cylinder of MAPP Gas
This gas is a superior substitute for propane in soldering. In applications such as heating, soldering, brazing, and welding, we can use this gas in combination with oxygen. The flame temperature of this gas is 5300◦F. The major advantages of this gas include no need of specific containers or dilution for the transportation, much safer in use and it allows us to transport a great volume of fuel gas. The biggest disadvantage is the cost; approximately 1.5 times expensive than propane gas.
What is Propane?
Propane is a fuel gas that we commonly use as LP gas. It is a flammable, hydrocarbon gas. This gas is liquefiable via pressurization (at low pressures). We can obtain this gas from natural gas processing and petroleum oil refining. This fuel gas is used for heating, cooking, for refrigerants, etc.
Figure 02: Propane Molecule
The energy content is 13.77 kWh/kg. The flame temperature is 1967◦C. This gas burns at 3600◦F. The molecular formula of propane molecules is C3H8. It is a colorless gas at room temperature. Moreover, it is odorless in a pure state.
What is the Difference Between MAPP Gas and Propane?
MAPP is MethylAcetylene-Propadiene Propane. It is a combination of several hydrocarbon compounds such as propyne, propane, and propadiene. It is a colorless gas with an acetylene-like odor. In addition, this gas burn at a higher temperature than that of propane gas. Propane is a fuel gas that we commonly use as LP gas. It has propane molecules having chemical formula C3H8.
Summary – MAPP Gas vs Propane
The MAPP gas and propane gas are important fuel gases. The key difference between MAPP gas and propane is that MAPP gas is a fuel gas consist of propyne, propane, and propadiene whereas propane is a fuel gas consist of propane molecules. They too differ in some properties such as flame temperature, burning temperature, energy, content, and odor.
Reference:
1. Hahn, Eric. “Eric Hahn.” Uses of LPG – Propane Uses [Liquefied Petroleum Gas Applications] – ELGAS – LPG Gas for Home & Business. Available here
2. “MAPP Gas.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 10 June 2018. Available here
Image Courtesy:
1.’Compressed gas cylinders.mapp and oxygen.triddle’By Triddle – Own work, (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2.’Propane-2D'(Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia