LPG Gas

 

Liquefied petroleum gas or liquid petroleum gas (LPG or LP gas), also referred to as simply propane or butane, are flammable mixtures of hydrocarbon gases used as fuel in heating appliances, cooking equipment, and vehicles.It is increasingly used as an aerosol propellant and a refrigerant, replacing chlorofluorocarbons in an effort to reduce damage to the ozone layer. When specifically used as a vehicle fuel it is often referred to as autogas.  
Varieties of LPG bought and sold include mixes that are primarily propane (C3H8), primarily butane (C4H10) and, most commonly, mixes including both propane and butane. In winter, the mixes contain more propane, while in summer, they contain more butane. In the United States, primarily two grades of LPG are sold: commercial propane and HD-5. These specifications are published by the Gas Processors Association (GPA) and the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM).Propane/butane blends are also listed in these specifications.Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a different chemical compound to natural gas even though they are both hydrocarbons. LPG consists of propane and/or butane. Propane (C3H8) contains three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms. Butane (C4H10) contains four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms. By comparison methane is a much lighter gas than propane or butane.
 
Characteristics of LPG

Although gaseous under normal atmospheric conditions, LPG (propane) is stored under modest pressures in liquid form. In this way LPG can be transported and stored in a concentrated form to provide a source of high-energy fuel.

Other characteristics of LPG include:
A high heating value ("calorific value")
A virtual absence of sulphur, leading to cleaner burning
A consistent quality ensuring reliability, particularly in applications such as gas engines. Examples of specialist applications include forklifts and burners on boilers. LPG is also the perfect choice for cooking, heating and hot water in the home.
 
Production
LPG is produced during the oil refining process or is extracted during the natural gas production process. Because of its high  
calorific value, LPG is ideally suited for use in industrial, commercial, agricultural, horticultural and manufacturing applications. It can also be used for heating, lighting, cooking, powering vehicles and cogeneration.

For homes and businesses that are not connected to the natural gas underground mains network, LPG is a cost effective alternative energy source because it is easy to transport and store.