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Liquefied petroleum gas

By the term liquefied petroleum (hydrocarbon) gas we mean a mixture of liquefied hydrocarbons with predominantly three to four carbon atoms in the molecule, both saturated and unsaturated. Liquefied petroleum gas is stored in liquid form in pressure vessels under high pressure. We also often come across the abbreviation LPG. LPG in its liquid state is a colourless, readily volatile liquid. If released at atmospheric pressure, the liquid evaporates at boiling temperatures as low as -45°C. We must therefore bear in mind that there is a risk of frostbite (cold burn) caused by contact with the liquid.

Liquefied petroleum gases are a petroleum by-product and are also formed during the individual technological phases of petroleum processing. They are usually separated from other products in stabiliser columns. The individual LPG streams are then combined, purified, rectified, and mixed in such a way as to obtain products of the required properties. The quality of the liquefied hydrocarbon gases is governed by the relevant specific standards. Not only the composition, but also the purity of the liquefied hydrocarbon gases and the content of undesirable ingredients are monitored.

LPGs are used in a wide range of applications. Due to their relatively high calorific value – above 45 MJ/kg – they are most often used as a fuel but we may also encounter them in the chemical, mechanical engineering or cosmetic industries. On the market, we most often come across three kinds of LPG – propane, propane-butane, and butane – which differ in their hydrocarbon composition and the resulting dominant application. Additionally, other fuel mixtures based on liquefied hydrocarbon gases also appear – their names reflect their origin or application.

Propane is most often used for special purposes in the mechanical engineering or chemical industries. The most familiar area of its application is for propane deasphalting.

Propane-butane is the trade name for a mixture of liquefied hydrocarbon gases with three to four carbon atoms in the molecule. It is primarily used as a heating gas in households, laboratories, industry, etc. It is available in two forms – summer and winter.

Butane is the trade name for a mixture of liquefied hydrocarbon gases with mainly four carbon atoms in the molecule and dominated by their butane content. Butane is largely used for the purposes of household heating. We most often encounter it in portable heating appliances.

At present liquefied petroleum gases (LPGs) are also the most widely used type of gaseous motor fuels. The qualitative requirements for LPG used as a motor fuel differ from the requirements for propane-butane used as a heating gas particularly as regards its purity, volatility, and antiknock characteristics. In addition, there is a stronger emphasis on higher work safety when manipulating the gas – LPG propellant is required to have a foul odour.