What is liquefied petroleum gas?
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is an alternative fossil fuel that can be extracted from crude oil or processed from natural gas purification. It is primarily a mixture of hydrocarbon gases like propane and butane, which exist as gases at normal room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Safe storage properties and portability of this gas adds to its popularity.
How is it supplied and sold?
At normal temperature and pressure, LPG usually evaporates and thus is supplied in liquefied form in 200 psi (pounds per square inch) pressurized containers. These containers are filled only up to 80-85% of their capacity to allow for thermal expansion of the liquefied gas, as its volume changes on vaporization.
LPG is colorless, odorless, and heavier than air owing to which, it tends to spread and settle on low lying areas. To avoid accidents, commercial suppliers mix a strongly aromatic compound called ethanethiol with LPG so that leaks can be detected easily.
LPG is commercially sold in varying percentages of the component gases depending on the purpose of use, the most common mix being 60% propane and 40% butane. The ratio of these gases also depends on the season – in winter more propane is used whereas in summer more butane is used. Propylene and butylene are usually also present in small concentrations.
What are its uses?
LPG is used primarily for heating appliances and running vehicles. It also has the characteristics to replace chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as an aerosol propellant and a refrigerant. In addition, it is a good substitute for gasoline in spark ignition engines and provides extended lubricant and spark plug life. LPG is known as autogas when used in internal combustion engines and in recent times, it is also being used in diesel engines. Autogas is a high-octane fuel, offering performance at par with gasoline and diesel.
What are the environmental benefits?
LPG is popular as an alternative fuel for vehicles for its clean burning characteristics. It allows complete combustion and therefore generates fewer exhaust emissions. As a potential replacement of chlorofluorocarbons, it may also be instrumental in reducing damage to the ozone layer.
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