Propane is a three-carbon alkane with the molecular formula C3H8. It is a gas at standard temperature and pressure, but compressible to a transportable liquid. A by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining, it is commonly used as a fuel. Propane is one of a group of liquefied petroleum gases (LP gases).
Propane — sometimes known as liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG — is a gas normally compressed and stored as a liquid. It is nontoxic, colorless, and virtually odorless; an identifying odor is added so it can be detected. Propane is commonly used for space and water heating, for cooking, and as fuel for engine applications such as forklifts, farm irrigation engines, fleet vehicles, and buses; however, its applications are rapidly growing due to new technology developments. When used as vehicle fuel, propane is known as propane autogas.
You may wonder why so many people use propane. Is it really that good? The answer is yes, and here’s a list of reasons why propane is often preferred over gasoline and diesel.
Using propane instead of gasoline or diesel is more eco-friendly and contributes to cleaner air, benefiting both the environment and our health. Propane emits fewer greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, and reduces air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
Propane gas production is a by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. While the supply is inherently tied to these industries, production is able to meet demand, ensuring a stable and reliable supply of propane.
One of the major advantages of propane is its cost-effectiveness. For the price you pay, propane provides more energy units compared to other fuel sources, making it an economical choice for many consumers.
Propane is considered a safe energy source, though, like all fuels, it carries certain risks. Due to its combustible properties, gas leaks can be dangerous, and propane leaks may go undetected as the gas is heavier than air, causing it to settle at ground level. In the event of a leak, propane can concentrate in low-lying areas, making early detection challenging. Additionally, because propane is stored under high pressure, a sudden decompression or rupture of the storage container can result in a violent release of energy.
Despite these risks, propane’s safety record is strong when proper precautions and storage methods are followed.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas, commonly referred to as “LPG” or “LP” gas, is a mixture of gases, primarily propane and butane. This mixture is highly flammable, and mercaptan—a chemical also added to propane—is included to give the gas an odor, making it easier to detect leaks.
LPG has a wide range of applications, including cooking, serving as fuel for motorized vehicles (where it is known as autogas), providing rural heating, generating electricity, and welding and cutting processes.
Highly flammable
Stored under pressure in cylinders in a liquid state
Larger vapor-to-liquid ratio
Lightweight
There are two main dangers associated with LPG that can have catastrophic consequences. The first is the risk of fire or explosion, which occurs when the right mixture of LPG and air combines with an ignition source, triggering a potentially devastating accident.
The second danger is suffocation. When LPG is released into the air, it reduces the concentration of oxygen, which can lead to suffocation due to low oxygen levels. For this reason, an odorant is added to LPG, making it easier to detect gas leaks and allowing for timely repair to prevent further hazards.
The two main sources of LPG are natural gas and crude oil refining.
When natural gas is extracted from the earth, it is a mixture of various gases. Methane makes up 90% of the extracted gas, while propane accounts for about 5%, with the remaining 5% consisting of butane and other gases.
Around 3% of a barrel of crude oil is refined into LPG, while 40% of crude oil can be processed into other forms of LPG.
In general, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and propane refer to the same type of flammable hydrocarbon gases. LPG contains propane, but propane is just one type of LP gas.
