HSE BULLETIN NO.

01
EIL-BPCL URAN LPG TERMINAL
JUNE 2022

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), also called LP gas, any of several liquid mixtures of the
volatile hydrocarbons propane and butane. It was used as early as 1860 for a portable fuel source,
and its production and consumption for both domestic and industrial use have expanded ever
since. A typical commercial mixture may also contain ethane and ethylene, as well as a ethyl
mercaptan (C2H5SH), an odorant added as a safety precaution.
What is LPG? Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) [It is a mixture of 48% Propane, 50% Butane and
2% Pentane, % Volume] is a colourless, odourless liquid which readily evaporates into a gas.
Normally an odourant has been added to it to help detect leaks. LPG is generally stored and
distributed as a liquid and it is widely used for process and space heating, cooking and automotive
propulsion. It is classified as highly flammable.

What is liquefied petroleum gas used for? To begin with, LPG is used on gas stoves, cooktops,
ovens, as heaters, fireplaces, and gas hot water systems are all popular in-home gas appliances.
Thousands of different commercial and industrial applications exist. LPG-fueled hot air balloons,
Zamboni devices for ice rinks, and use as a propellant gas in various aerosol items are only a
handful of the more uncommon applications.
What are the dangers of LPG? LPG may leak as a gas or a liquid. If the liquid leaks it will quickly
evaporate and form a relatively large cloud of gas which will drop to the ground, as it is heavier
than air. LPG vapours can run for long distances along the ground and can collect in drains or
basements. When the gas meets a source of ignition it can burn or explode.
Cylinders can explode if involved in a fire.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES:

Flash Point = Very Flammable
Auto Ignition Temperature = 497 O C
LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) = 1.8 %
UEL (Upper Explosive Limit) = 9.8 %
TWA (Time Weighted Average) = 2500 PPM
Flammability Classification = Flammable
Extinguishing Media = Dry Chemical
Powder & Water Spray.

Composition & properties of liquefied petroleum gas:

LPG composition is primarily propane, butane, isobutane, butylenes, propylene and mixtures
of these gases. LPG is composed of liquid or gas (vapor), depending on pressure and LPG gas
temperature.

Volume in gas/liquid state: LPG expansion is 270 times the volume of gas to the volume of
liquid. So, 1L of liquid LPG (propane) expands to equal 270L of gaseous LPG. As there are 1000L
in a cubic meter (m3), 1L of liquid LPG expands to 0.27m3.

What’s the boiling temperature (point) of LPG? Water boils at 100°C or 212°F, becoming a gas
(steam). In contrast, LPG (propane) boils at -42°C or –44°F, becoming gas vapor. LPG stays liquid
because it is under pressure in a gas cylinder.
What’s the ignition temperature of LPG? The propane ignition temperature in air (ignition
temperature of propane gas) is when it reaches a temperature between 470°C – 550°C (878°F –
1020°F). At this temperature, the propane will ignite without the need for a flame, spark or other
ignition sources.

What’s the flame temperature of LPG? Propane flame temperature is 1967°C (3573ºF).

Liquefied petroleum gas leakage: LPG is an odorless gas in its natural state. The distinctive
pungent odor that many people associate with LPG is simply added as a safety
precaution. Leaking propane gas could concentrate without being detected if it didn’t have a
trace.
Direct contact with LPG: Avoid immediate contact at all times, since liquid LPG is cold enough to
inflict serious cold burns on exposed skin.

. Prepared By : Mr. G Shashidhar, Manager (HSEMS), Engineers India Limited (EIL), BPCL Uran LPG Terminal, Maharashtra.