Overview
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a mixture of light hydrocarbons, primarily propane (C₃H₈) and butane (C₄H₁₀), obtained as a by-product from crude oil refining and natural gas processing. It is stored as a liquid under moderate pressure but vaporizes easily at ambient conditions, making it a versatile, portable, and clean-burning fuel for residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation applications.

Technical Characteristics

• Composition (Typical):
  • Propane (C₃H₈): 30–60%
  • Butane (C₄H₁₀): 40–70%
  • Trace hydrocarbons (ethane, pentane): ≤ 2%
• Energy Content:
  • Propane: ~46 MJ/kg (~25 MJ/L)
  • Butane: ~45 MJ/kg (~28 MJ/L)
• Density (liquid @ 15°C):
  • Propane: ~0.51 kg/L
  • Butane: ~0.58 kg/L
• Vapor Pressure @ 40°C:
  • Propane: ~13 bar
  • Butane: ~2 bar
• Boiling Point:
  • Propane: −42°C
  • Butane: −0.5°C
• Flammability Range (in air): 2–10% by volume
• Appearance: Colorless liquid; odorless (odorant such as ethyl mercaptan added for safety)

Specifications & Standards

• Meets ASTM D1835, ISO 9162, EN 589 (Automotive LPG) standards
• Regional blends vary seasonally (higher propane content in colder climates for better vaporization)

Applications

• Residential & Commercial: Cooking, heating, hot water systems
• Automotive Fuel (Autogas): Alternative to gasoline and diesel for vehicles with LPG engines
• Industrial Use: Metal cutting, ceramics, glass manufacturing, textile drying, and chemical feedstock
• Agriculture: Crop drying, greenhouse heating, irrigation pump fuel
• Power Generation: Used in small-scale distributed generation and backup power systems

Performance Advantages

• Clean Burning: Produces lower CO₂, NOx, SOx, and particulates than coal or diesel
• High Energy Density: Provides efficient fuel storage and transport compared to natural gas
• Portability: Easily transported in pressurized cylinders or bulk tankers
• Versatility: Usable across domestic, industrial, and automotive sectors

Handling & Storage

• Stored under moderate pressure in pressurized steel cylinders or bulk storage tanks
• Must be kept away from ignition sources; vapors are heavier than air and can accumulate in low areas
• Requires strict leak detection and odorization for safe use
• Transported via road tankers, railcars, ships, and pipeline systems

Compliance & Testing

• Composition and purity verified via gas chromatography (ASTM D2163)
• Water content, sulfur, and vapor pressure tested per ASTM/ISO methods
• Supplied with third-party Quality & Quantity (Q&Q) certificates from inspectors (SGS, CIQ, Intertek)

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