7/3/2017 LPG Properties - Solane LPG

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Discover more about LPG.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a very versatile
gas and can be used for a wide array of
application: at home, in agriculture, in
businesses, in industry and in vehicles.

LPG vapour is heavier than air, which has

important safety implications. Any leakage will
sink to the ground and accumulate in low lying
areas and may be difficult to disperse, so LPG
should never be stored or used in cellars or
basements.

Like main gas, LPG has no smell and so a strong

odourant/odouring agent, mercaptan, is
added before delivery to help detection of any
leaks. LPG is flammable in air and although non-
toxic, large quantities could cause suffocation.

LPG is a high performance fuel, but will only

ignite if mixed with air in a gas:air ratio of
between 1:50 and 1:10 (lower than the limit for
mains gas). The low limit for flammability means
that even small leaks could have serious results.

The ignition temperature of LPG in air is around

500C lower than that of main gas but actually
requiring more energy to cause ignition. This
means that some gas lighters may not work with
LPG.

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The calorific value of LPG is about 2.5 times

higher than that of main gas so more heat is
produced from the same volume of gas.

LPG is chemically reactive and will cause natural

rubber and some plastics to deteriorate. Only
equipment and fittings specifically designed for
LPG should be used.

LPG has been formed over millions of years

beneath the ground. Gas rigs produce the gases
as a mixture, which is then separated into
methane (mains gas), liquefied petroleum gases
(Propane and Butane) and other gases.

LPG is also produced from crude oil at refineries.

LPG exists as gas at normal atmospheric
pressure, only existing in a liquid form at very
low temperatures or under pressure. When the
pressure is released (eg when the gas supply
valve is turned on), the liquid will boil and form a
vapour. It is this vapour (gas), which is used to
fuel appliances.

Heat is needed to convert the liquid to gas,

known as the latent heat of vapourisation. As the
liquid boils, it takes heat energy from itself and its
surroundings. This is why the containers feel cold
to the touch and if there is heavy gas off take,
frost may appear on the outside.

Pressure increases with temperature, so if the

temperature around the tank increases, so will
the pressure inside the tank as the liquid
expands. Tanks are normally fitted with a
pressure release valve to release any extreme
pressure build up safely.

There are two types of LPG Propane and

Butane. They have similar properties but different
applications. They are not interchangeable due
to the different operating pressures and burner
settings required. Valves and fittings are also
different to avoid confusion or accidental use of
the wrong type of LPG.

Propane has a lower boiling point than butane

so it will continue to convert from a liquid to a
gas even in very cold conditions, down to
-45C. When stored as a liquid in a tank, it
exerts a greater pressure than Butane at the same

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temperature. So Propane, as an LPG, is most

suitable for exterior storage and use.

Its ability to operate in low temperatures makes it

the most suitable LPG for many applications.
Propane is widely used as a fuel source for
domestic and commercial heating, hot water and
cooking. It also has a wide range of uses in
industry and agriculture.

Butane has the lower vapour pressure at

equivalent temperatures and is suitable for
interior use or outside during the summer. Butane
is a very common fuel amongst leisure users and
owners of portable heaters. Propane and butane
are normally stored in either portable steel
cylinders or small bulk fixed storage tanks ready
for use.

SUMMARY OF LPG PROPERTIES

Flammable
Volatile
Liquid forms lots of vapor
Leaks readily
Liquid expands with temperature
Vapor heavier than air
Liquid is lighter than water
Colorless and odorless
Cools on release of pressure
Not much heat needed to vaporize
Can cause asphyxiation

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+63 (02) 479 - 7900

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