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Propane Tank Burn Time Calculator

Burn Time Formula:

\[ \text{Burn Time} = \frac{\text{Tank Capacity}}{\text{Usage Rate}} \]

gallons
gallons/hour

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1. What is the Burn Time Calculation?

The burn time calculation estimates how long a propane tank will last based on its capacity and the rate at which the propane is being consumed. This helps in planning fuel usage for appliances, grills, or heating systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

\[ \text{Burn Time} = \frac{\text{Tank Capacity}}{\text{Usage Rate}} \]

Where:

Explanation: The calculation divides the total available fuel by the consumption rate to determine duration.

3. Importance of Burn Time Calculation

Details: Knowing burn time helps in planning fuel supply, preventing unexpected outages, and managing propane-powered equipment efficiently.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter tank capacity in gallons and usage rate in gallons/hour. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a theoretical estimate. Actual burn time may vary based on temperature, appliance efficiency, and other factors.

Q2: What's a typical propane usage rate?
A: Usage varies widely. A grill might use 0.5-1 gal/hour, while a furnace could use 1-3 gal/hour depending on size.

Q3: Should I include a safety margin?
A: Yes, it's recommended to subtract 10-20% from the calculated time to account for variations.

Q4: Does temperature affect burn time?
A: Yes, colder temperatures reduce propane vaporization rate, potentially decreasing effective burn time.

Q5: How do I measure my actual usage rate?
A: Run your appliance for a known time period and measure the weight or pressure change in your tank.

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