In times of active search for efficient and environmentally friendly energy sources, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) occupies one of the leading positions. Due to its versatility, affordable cost, and low level of harmful emissions, LPG is used in a variety of areas: from domestic heating and cooking to industrial production and vehicle refueling. Its unique properties make this energy source popular among consumers and businesses around the world. An important aspect of successful LPG use is properly organized infrastructure, including LPG vaporizer stations, which ensure reliable and safe handling of gas. Companies specializing in such stations play a key role in promoting and improving LPG technologies.
Features of Liquefied Petroleum Gas
LPG is obtained in the process of oil production as an associated gas, as well as a residual product of oil refining at refineries. Although modern technologies allow separating volatile hydrocarbon fractions from each other, this is usually not done (at least when it comes to liquefied fuel, which mainly consists of propane, butane, and isomeric butane in various proportions).
Admixtures of other light hydrocarbons with a boiling point from -50 ° C to 0 ° C are also allowed. The use of a mixture is due to the fact that pure propane and butane are not suitable as fuel. Since the first is explosive at positive temperatures, and the second – already at small negative temperatures liquefies even at normal pressure.
But a mixture of liquefied gases is free of such disadvantages. Among its advantages:
- It can be stored in liquefied form in a wide range of temperatures (from –40°C to +45°C) at a relatively low pressure of up to 1.6 MPa.
- It is convenient not only for storage but also for transportation — in cylinders and tanks.
- It does not evaporate and does not lose its properties for a long time — longer than gasoline or diesel fuel.
- It has high octane ratings — from 90 to 110 depending on the percentage of propane and butane.
- It costs 1.5–2 times less than gasoline or diesel, which has a positive effect on the economy of use, even despite the higher consumption.
- It has high environmental performance (it burns better with minimal emission of smoke, ash, hydrocarbon impurities, and other harmful substances).
A feature of liquefied gas in a propane-butane mixture is the complete absence of odor. Because of this, it is difficult to detect a leak. To make the task easier, ethyl mercaptan (a transparent liquid with a sharp hydrogen sulfide odor) is added to LPG. When they say that “it smells like gas”, they mean the smell of ethanethiol.
Of course, liquefied gases have a number of disadvantages. Firstly, this is the variability of the composition. Depending on the place of oil production and the characteristics of production, the gas mixture may contain different amounts of propane, butane, and other components. Although this is not always critically important, it affects the physical and chemical parameters of the mixture, which must be taken into account during operation.
Secondly, this is the density. Regardless of the composition, liquefied gases are approximately 2 times heavier than air. Therefore, in the event of a leak, they accumulate below. For example, in basements and on the first floors of buildings. This creates explosive situations and can also lead to the poisoning of people and animals.
Thirdly, the pressure inside the cylinders in which gases are transported and used depends on the ambient temperature. Therefore, when the temperature rises (for example, in a hot climate or under direct sunlight), the pressure will increase, which makes it difficult to use the butane-propane mixture, making it explosive.
Where Is LPG Used?
The gas mixture, combining the advantages of propane and butane, is devoid of many of its disadvantages. Due to this, it is widely used in various industrial and other areas.
Automotive Fuel
After gasoline and diesel, it is liquefied gas that is the third most common motor fuel in the world. The total number of gas-powered cars, according to various estimates, is 15-20 million. In liquefied form, a mixture of propane and butane can completely replace liquid fuel. And with a small upgrade of the engine – in order to increase its compression ratio, even increase the power of the power unit.
The widespread use of LPG as a motor fuel is due to its high performance:
- Almost complete combustion with a minimum of harmful emissions and carbon deposits, which is important for regions with not the best environmental conditions (large cities, industrial areas, etc.).
- The absence of condensate in the cylinders washes away the oil film, which increases the service life of the engine.
- Good anti-knock properties, which increase power and reduce fuel consumption.
- The wider use of butane-propane mixture as a fuel is currently hampered by the availability of gasoline, as well as the fear of car owners, many of whom are not sure about the safety of liquefied mixtures. But in the future, gas fuel seems to be the most promising alternative to gasoline and diesel.
Household Use
The ability to store the gas mixture in cylinders under relatively low pressure makes it convenient in the household and communal sphere – for heating, heating water, cooking, etc. The main advantage of such fuel over conventional pipeline gas is the ability to quickly meet housing and communal needs in remote, hard-to-reach areas.
Organic Synthesis
Also, LPG is widely used in the chemical industry to produce various polymer compounds. If we consider in quantitative terms, the overwhelming volume of the butane-propane mixture goes specifically to chemical synthesis.
Thus, at present, LPG is a popular and promising source of energy for automobiles and in the public utilities sector, as well as a material for the production of polymers.
Conclusion
Liquefied petroleum gas is a universal solution for many energy-related tasks. Its application covers a wide range of industries, making LPG an indispensable tool for achieving energy efficiency and sustainable development. An important element of this process is the infrastructure created by professionals. If you are looking for a reliable partner for working with LPG, in particular vaporizer station for LPG, then you should pay attention to I-Maximum. They will not only help ensure stable use of gas, but also open new horizons for your business, as they specialize in LPG vaporizer stations, gas blender systems, etc.
