Liquefied petroleum gas, abbreviated as LPG, is a type of fuel made up of hydrocarbon gases, primarily propane and butane, which are compressed and stored in liquid form. LPG is often used in households for cooking and heating, as well as in certain vehicles and forklifts as an alternative to gasoline. It’s also valued in rural or remote areas where other fuels may be harder to access.
Key Points about LPG
Storage and Transport - LPG is stored under pressure in cylinders, tanks, or other containers, which keeps it in a liquid state until it's released for use.
Energy-Dense - It has a high energy content, which makes it an efficient fuel for both residential and industrial applications.
Clean-Burning - Compared to many other fossil fuels, LPG produces fewer pollutants and is relatively environmentally friendly, releasing less carbon dioxide and fewer particulates.
Portable - It’s widely used in areas without a natural gas pipeline because it can be transported easily in liquid form.
LPG types are primarily categorized based on their composition, which is mainly a mixture of propane and butane. The specific types depend on the proportion of these gases and their intended use. Here are the main types of LPG:
Butane - Predominantly butane (nearly 100%). Lower vapor pressure, better suited for warmer climates as it requires higher temperatures to vaporize. Used in lighters, portable stoves, camping equipment, and some industrial applications.
Commercial LPG (Mixed LPG) - A blend of propane and butane, with ratios varying by region and application (e.g., 60:40 or 50:50 propane-to-butane). Balances the properties of propane and butane to suit specific climates and applications. Widely used for domestic cooking, heating, and as a fuel for vehicles in many countries.
Autogas - Typically a propane-heavy mix (e.g., 90% propane, 10% butane) or pure propane, depending on the region. Optimized for automotive use with specific vapor pressure requirements for engine performance. Used for Fuel for LPG-powered vehicles (cars, trucks, forklifts).
Refrigerant-Grade LPG - High-purity propane or butane, or specific blends. Refined to remove impurities, suitable for use in refrigeration systems. Used as an eco-friendly refrigerant (e.g., R290 for propane, R600 for butane) in industrial and domestic refrigeration.
Chemical Feedstock LPG - High-purity propane or butane, or specific blends with minimal impurities. Designed for industrial processes requiring precise chemical properties. Used in petrochemical industries for producing plastics, synthetic rubber, and other chemicals.
