Propane

[fat pete]

I worked in places that had propane forklifts and heaters and was always told that propane exhaust is not harmful. I wonder? I put a long day in burnin and pounding yesterday. When I was finished I ate and went right to bed. I figured I was just tired from workin all day....I wonder because today I have had a small dull headache and also been tired still. I run a single burner in a none insulated garage. There are two doors (garage type) that I keep 3-4 inches open and I have a man door open to the outside in another room. I thought that would be plenty of air but today I am not so sure. Otherwise I feel fine. So I think I am putting a sensor of some sort in there just to make sure. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the only thing I can figure.
What do ya'll think?

FP

[ThomasPowers]

Very likely; when I use my propane forge I try to keep a 10'x10' door open at either end of the shop, (except for when the wind is blowing anvils over, then I only open them 1/2 way...).

Of course I do a lot of knife work and so often have my propane forge tuned towards reducing and so CO producing.

Also if you re-run any of your exhaust back into the forge the chance of CO production goes way up.

A CO detector would be a good idea...

[robk]

From Wikipedia:

Propane undergoes combustion reactions in a similar fashion to other alkanes. In the presence of excess oxygen, propane burns to form water and carbon dioxide.

C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O + heat

When not enough oxygen is present for complete combustion, propane burns to form water and carbon monoxide.

2C3H8 + 7O2 → 6CO + 8H2O + heat

Non-life-supporting gasses are a byproduct of ALL combustion save a few special cases (like oxygen generating candles used in the space agency)

[Rich Hale]

I just wrote an article recently about this on one of the posts. Co is a killer whoever told you that propane did not give of dangerous gases should be educated. I am not going to take the time to dig out that post but I am really happy that you are well enough to post on here. A co detector for sure. This may also be another reminder that we should be well aware of anything we use in the shop or home and know what the properties are and dangers and how to avoid problems. If what you are feeling is from CO poisoning and those are classics symptoms. You may have CO in you red blood cells. The red blood cells prefer CO to oxygen and they bind well with it. The CO does not release from the bond. In order to heal the red blood cells must be replaced with healthy cells. This is normal bodily process and in time you will have more oxygen carrying capability than you may have now. I would stay away from the forge for a while. This can become worse in a short period of time with repeated exposure. Not a healthy thing at all. May want to spend the down time figuring out a ventilation system that will clear the air so to speak,,,,Get well.

[fat pete]

Well I really do appreciate all the advice, thx guys. I wasnt completely enclosed so I thought that was enuff, evidently not. I will get a detector tomorrow and do some cold work for awhile....
Rich i will try and find the post. Coincidently I had a blood test today...I wonder if that will show up...anyway thx again for the advice!

[imagedude]

Digital monoxide detectors are so cheap now that there is no excuse for not having one.

[Ten Hammers]

I have a CO detector in the duplex plug under the forge blower for the LP forges. 50 bucks I think but also detects raw gas. I look at it as an excellent investment. BTW I have worn CO detector in factory workplace ( while operating an LP powered lift truck). I STILL suspect it is not healthy breathing the exhaust with 15-20 lifts operating even in a 480,000 square foot warehouse. None of the detectors alarmed though.

[metalmangeler]

I have been useing propane forges in buildings for about 15 years. The comercial ones that I use all are pretty lean and have never shown CO on my detecters. I have two from Rex Price and if not tuned lean they will start putting out CO pretty quick, so pretty much what Thomas Powers said. My climate is different than his and I close my doors this time of year. I do keep a window part way open to replace O2. Also I have a hood over my main forge to vent the water.

[ThomasPowers]

In the news yesterday they sent a bunch of workers to the hospital after a malfunctioning propane forklift put CO into a warehouse---big space too!

err on the side of caution!

[fat pete]

geez i have been thinking about different solutions i can employ..ordered a digital co sensor from amazon ...almost 20 dollars cheaper than going to Lowes and I didnt have to leave anywhere....lol nice and icey here now slide down to the forge in awhile maybe.....lol