What is LP Gas?
LP Gas (or LPG) stands for “Liquefied Petroleum Gas”. The term is widely used to describe two prominent members of a family of light hydrocarbons called “Natural Gas Liquids” (NGLs): Propane (C3H8) and Butane (C4H10). LP Gas is lighter than water as a liquid but heavier than air as a gas. In their liquid state propane and butane have the appearance of water but will have only about half the density.
LP Gas is a vital source of energy for tens of millions of people throughout the world. Liquidity is the unique character of LP Gas that makes it such a popular and widely used fuel. At normal temperature and pressure, LP Gas is gaseous. It changes to a liquid when subjected to modest pressure or cooling. In liquid form the tank pressure is about twice the pressure in a normal truck tyre, which means it is very safe when properly handled.
LP Gas is liquefied to make it easy to transport and store. One unit of liquid has the same energy content as 270 units of gas. As a gas, the container to hold the fuel would be 270 times larger than what is required as a liquid. In other words, LP Gas has density (compactness) for storage and transportation, yet all the benefits of a clean gaseous fuel when used at the burner tip. It is also worth noting that LP Gas is a clean, green fuel, with less harmful emissions and greenhouse gasses than other fuels such as petrol, kerosene, oil and diesel.
Why use LP Gas?
LP Gas is a convenient, clean and highly efficient fuel and is used in many different applications in countries all over the world.
Accessible
LP Gas is easily accessible and available to everyone everywhere today without major infrastructure investment.
Clean
LP Gas is very clean burning and has lower greenhouse gas emissions than any other fossil fuel when measured on a total fuel cycle. Originating mainly from natural gas production, it will not contaminate soil or aquifers in the event of a leak.
Convenient
LP Gas is a multi-purpose energy. It’s most popular use is for cooking, heating and water heating in the residential and commercial markets. The agriculture market uses LP Gas for crop and animal production, and powering farm equipment such as irrigation pump engines. Industry relies on LP Gas for heating, drying, and powering industrial trucks. In response to growing concerns of urban air pollution and greenhouse gas formation, LP Gas use as an automotive fuel (autogas) is rapidly increasing.
Efficient
LP Gas is cost-effective, since a high proportion of its energy content is converted into heat. LP Gas can be up to five times more efficient than traditional fuels, resulting in less energy wastage and better use of our planet’s resources.
Portable
LP Gas can be transported, stored, and used virtually anywhere in the world. It does not require a fixed network and will not deteriorate over time.
Safe
LP Gas compared to other fuels has an excellent safety record worldwide when handled properly and is non-toxic.