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60-726: History Established in 1931 as the National Bottled Gas Association (NBGA), in 1937 the name changed to the Liquified Petroleum Gas Association (LPGA) to encompass the entire LP-gas industry.  In 1942, LPGA opened an office in Washington, DC to strengthen the industry's voice on Capitol Hill and promote the use of LP-gas as essential to the war effort.  Post-World War II, state associations emerged, conventions and trade shows resumed, and LPGA moved its main office from New York to Chicago. In 1959,

120-459: A boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE). This is typically a concern for large refineries and petrochemical plants that maintain very large containers. In general, tanks are designed so that the product will vent faster than pressure can build to dangerous levels. One remedy that is utilized in industrial settings is to equip such containers with a measure to provide a fire-resistance rating . Large, spherical LPG containers may have up to

180-402: A flammable mixture of hydrocarbon gases, specifically propane , n -butane and isobutane . It can sometimes contain some propylene , butylene , and isobutene . LPG is used as a fuel gas in heating appliances , cooking equipment, and vehicles. It is increasingly used as an aerosol propellant and a refrigerant , replacing chlorofluorocarbons in an effort to reduce damage to

240-454: A gas absorption refrigerator . Blended from pure, dry propane (refrigerant designator R-290 ) and isobutane (R-600a) the blend "R-290a" has negligible ozone depletion potential , very low global warming potential and can serve as a functional replacement for R-12 , R-22 , R-134a and other chlorofluorocarbon or hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants in conventional stationary refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Such substitution

300-482: A gas explosion . For this reason, odorizers are added to most fuel gases. The most common type of fuel gas in current use is natural gas . There are two broad classes of fuel gases, based not on their chemical composition, but their source and the way they are produced: those found naturally, and those manufactured from other materials. Manufactured fuel gases are those produced by chemical transformations of solids, liquids, or other gases. When obtained from solids,

360-648: A greenhouse gas . The reaction also produces some carbon monoxide . LPG does, however, release less CO 2 per unit of energy than does coal or oil, but more than natural gas. It emits 81% of the CO 2 per kWh produced by oil, 70% of that of coal, and less than 50% of that emitted by coal-generated electricity distributed via the grid. Being a mix of propane and butane, LPG emits less carbon per joule than butane but more carbon per joule than propane. LPG burns more cleanly than higher molecular weight hydrocarbons because it releases less particulate matter . As it

420-432: A 15 cm steel wall thickness. They are equipped with an approved pressure relief valve . A large fire in the vicinity of the vessel will increase its temperature and pressure . The relief valve on the top is designed to vent off excess pressure in order to prevent the rupture of the container itself. Given a fire of sufficient duration and intensity, the pressure being generated by the boiling and expanding gas can exceed

480-437: A feedstock for chemical processes. Fuel gas in the commercial sector is used for heating, cooking, baking and drying, and in the domestic sector for heating and cooking. Currently, fuel gases, especially syngas, are used heavily for the production of ammonia for fertilizers and for the preparation of many detergents and specialty chemicals. On an industrial plant fuel gas may be used to purge pipework and vessels to prevent

540-406: A gas appliance. The calorific value of manufactured gas is around 500 Btu per cubic foot (18,629 kJ/m ). Whereas, the calorific value of natural gas is twice that at around 1000 Btu per cubic foot (37,259 kJ/m ). For a given amount of heat only half the volume of natural gas is required.   One of the earliest uses was gas lighting , which enabled the widespread adoption of streetlamps and

600-474: A large annual tradeshow and professional development event attended by thousands of propane industry representatives and 250+ exhibitors from around the world. ·      Propane Days – a legislative conference held annually in June in Washington, DC.  This event brings together federal policymakers and industry leaders to discuss the uses of propane, its role as a clean and efficient energy source, and

660-424: A lower energy density per liter than either petrol or fuel-oil, so the equivalent fuel consumption is higher. Many governments impose less tax on LPG than on petrol or fuel-oil, which helps offset the greater consumption of LPG than of petrol or fuel-oil. However, in many European countries, this tax break is often compensated by a much higher annual tax on cars using LPG than on cars using petrol or fuel-oil. Propane

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720-553: A politically sensitive matter in India as it potentially affects the middle class voting pattern. LPG was once a standard cooking fuel in Hong Kong ; however, the continued expansion of town gas to newer buildings has reduced LPG usage to less than 24% of residential units. However, other than electric, induction, or infrared stoves, LPG-fueled stoves are the only type available in most suburban villages and many public housing estates. LPG

780-619: A professor at the University of New South Wales , unintentionally tested the worst-case scenario of a sudden and complete refrigerant expulsion into the passenger compartment followed by subsequent ignition. He and several others in the car sustained minor burns to their face, ears, and hands, and several observers received lacerations from the burst glass of the front passenger window. No one was seriously injured. Global LPG production reached over 292 million metric tons per year (Mt/a) in 2015, while global LPG consumption to over 284 Mt/a. 62% of LPG

840-606: A supplementary fuel. This is where LPG is used as fuel as well as diesel. Systems are now available that integrate with OEM engine management systems. Conversion kits can switch a vehicle dedicated to gasoline to using a dual system, in which both gasoline and LPG are used in the same vehicle. In 2020, BW LPG successfully retrofitted a Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) with LPG propulsion technology, pioneering LPG's application in large-scale maritime operations. LPG’s lowers emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter align with stricter standards set by

900-501: A variety of manners. LPG, as with other fossil fuels , can be combined with renewable power sources to provide greater reliability while still achieving some reduction in CO 2 emissions. However, as opposed to wind and solar renewable energy sources, LPG can be used as a standalone energy source without the prohibitive expense of electrical energy storage . In many climates, renewable sources such as solar and wind power would still require

960-479: A variety of programs to benefit its members and the propane industry. Workforce development programs include: ·      an online training course for entry-level drivers working to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) and/or hazardous materials (hazmat) endorsement.  The Administrative Compliance Experts (ACE) program assists the propane industry in complying with federal regulations for commercial drivers, helping to get commercial drivers on

1020-690: A wide range of topics concerning the industry and the association:  Audit; Conventions; Governmental Affairs; Member Services; Propane Supply & Logistics; and Technology, Standards & Safety. Committee members formulate policies and programs which advance the interests of the industry in those areas.   NPGA has more than 2,300 member companies in all 50 states and 12 countries; 36 state and/or regional associations; and three business councils/membership interest groups:   Women in Propane Council , Benchmarking Council, and Cylinder Exchange Council.   Policy & Advocacy NPGA's mission

1080-486: Is a gas, it does not pose ground or water pollution hazards, but it can cause air pollution . LPG has a typical specific calorific value of 46.1 MJ/kg compared with 42.5 MJ/kg for fuel oil and 43.5 MJ/kg for premium grade petrol (gasoline). However, its energy density per volume unit of 26 MJ/L is lower than either that of petrol or fuel oil, as its relative density is lower (about 0.5–0.58 kg/L, compared to 0.71–0.77 kg/L for gasoline ). As

1140-445: Is a possible explosion if the mixture of LPG and air is within the explosive limits and there is an ignition source. The second is suffocation due to LPG displacing air, causing a decrease in oxygen concentration. A full LPG gas cylinder contains 86% liquid; the ullage volume will contain vapour at a pressure that varies with temperature. LPG has a wide variety of uses in many different markets as an efficient fuel container in

1200-399: Is approximately 220 kilopascals (32 psi) for pure butane at 20 °C (68 °F), and approximately 2,200 kilopascals (320 psi) for pure propane at 55 °C (131 °F). LPG in its gaseous phase is still heavier than air , unlike natural gas , and thus will flow along floors and tend to settle in low spots, such as basements . There are two main dangers to this. The first

1260-552: Is below room temperature , LPG will evaporate quickly at normal temperatures and pressures and is usually supplied in pressurized steel vessels . They are typically filled to 80–85% of their capacity to allow for thermal expansion of the contained liquid. The ratio of the densities of the liquid and vapor varies depending on composition, pressure, and temperature, but is typically around 250:1. The pressure at which LPG becomes liquid, called its vapour pressure , likewise varies depending on composition and temperature; for example, it

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1320-404: Is contrasted with liquid fuels and solid fuels , although some fuel gases are liquefied for storage or transport (for example, autogas and liquified petroleum gas ). While their gaseous nature has advantages, avoiding the difficulty of transporting solid fuel and the dangers of spillage inherent in liquid fuels, it also has limitations. It is possible for a fuel gas to be undetected and cause

1380-541: Is derived, stand at 300 trillion cubic meters (10,600 trillion cubic feet). Production continues to grow at an average annual rate of 2.2%. LPG is composed mainly of propane and butane, while natural gas is composed of the lighter methane and ethane . LPG, vaporised and at atmospheric pressure, has a higher calorific value (46 MJ/m equivalent to 12.8 kWh/m ) than natural gas (methane) (38 MJ/m equivalent to 10.6 kWh/m ), which means that LPG cannot simply be substituted for natural gas. In order to allow

1440-505: Is extracted from natural gas while the rest is produced by petroleum refineries from crude oil . 44% of global consumption is in the domestic sector. The U.S. is the leading producer and exporter of LPG. Because of the natural gas and the oil-refining industry, Europe is almost self-sufficient in LPG. Europe's security of supply is further safeguarded by: According to 2010–12 estimates, proven world reserves of natural gas , from which most LPG

1500-400: Is in place before gas supplies can be connected. Developing markets in India and China (among others) use LPG-SNG systems to build up customer bases prior to expanding existing natural gas systems. LPG-based SNG or natural gas with localized storage and piping distribution network to the households for catering to each cluster of 5000 domestic consumers can be planned under the initial phase of

1560-529: Is most often used in areas that do not have direct access to piped natural gas . In the UK about 200,000 households use LPG for heating. LPG can be used as a power source for combined heat and power technologies (CHP). CHP is the process of generating both electrical power and useful heat from a single fuel source. This technology has allowed LPG to be used not just as fuel for heating and cooking, but also for decentralized generation of electricity. LPG can be stored in

1620-405: Is much less polluting than most traditional solid-fuel stoves, replacing cookstoves used in developing countries with LPG is one of the key strategies adopted to reduce household air pollution in the developing world. In a refinery or gas plant, LPG must be stored in pressure vessels . These containers are either cylindrical and horizontal (sometimes referred to as bullet tanks) or spherical (of

1680-515: Is prepared by refining petroleum or "wet" natural gas , and is almost entirely derived from fossil fuel sources, being manufactured during the refining of petroleum (crude oil), or extracted from petroleum or natural gas streams as they emerge from the ground. It was first produced in 1910 by Walter O. Snelling , and the first commercial products appeared in 1912. It currently provides about 3% of all energy consumed, and burns relatively cleanly with no soot and very little sulfur emission. As it

1740-495: Is the most common cooking fuel in Brazilian urban areas, being used in virtually all households, with the exception of the cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, which have a natural gas pipeline infrastructure. Since 2001, poor families receive a government grant ("Vale Gás") used exclusively for the acquisition of LPG. Since 2003, this grant is part of the government's main social welfare program (" Bolsa Família "). Also, since 2005,

1800-520: Is the third most widely used motor fuel in the world. 2013 estimates are that over 24.9 million vehicles are fueled by propane gas worldwide. Over 25 million tonnes (over 9 billion US gallons) are used annually as a vehicle fuel. Not all automobile engines are suitable for use with LPG as a fuel. LPG provides less upper cylinder lubrication than petrol or diesel, so LPG-fueled engines are more prone to valve wear if they are not suitably modified. Many modern common rail diesel engines respond well to LPG use as

1860-633: Is to advance safety and to increase the use of propane through sound public policy at the federal and state levels. NPGA advocates on a range of funding, safety, and regulatory issues on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Energy , the Federal Energy Regulatory Agency (FERC ), the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) , the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) ,

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1920-602: Is used to fuel internal combustion engines , it is often referred to as autogas or auto propane. In some countries, it has been used since the 1940s as a petrol alternative for spark ignition engines. In some countries, there are additives in the liquid that extend engine life and the ratio of butane to propane is kept quite precise in fuel LPG. Two recent studies have examined LPG-fuel-oil fuel mixes and found that smoke emissions and fuel consumption are reduced but hydrocarbon emissions are increased. The studies were split on CO emissions, with one finding significant increases, and

1980-504: Is widely prohibited or discouraged in motor vehicle air conditioning systems, on the grounds that using flammable hydrocarbons in systems originally designed to carry non-flammable refrigerant presents a significant risk of fire or explosion. Vendors and advocates of hydrocarbon refrigerants argue against such bans on the grounds that there have been very few such incidents relative to the number of vehicle air conditioning systems filled with hydrocarbons. One particular test, conducted by

2040-683: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and more.   Its political action committee – PropanePAC – is supported by individual members of the industry and works to support the election of congressional candidates who support the propane industry and the legislative priorities of NPGA. At the state level, NPGA tracks and analyzes thousands of state bills and public utility dockets every year, and participates with state partners in bill amendment proposals, letter writing, securing testimony, and grassroots campaigns in dozens of states. Programs NPGA offers

2100-615: The Horton sphere type). Typically, these vessels are designed and manufactured according to some code. In the United States, this code is governed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). LPG containers have pressure relief valves, such that when subjected to exterior heating sources, they will vent LPGs to the atmosphere or a flare stack . If a tank is subjected to a fire of sufficient duration and intensity, it can undergo

2160-637: The United States , mainly two grades of LPG are sold: commercial propane and HD-5. These specifications are published by the Gas Processors Association (GPA) and the American Society of Testing and Materials. Propane/butane blends are also listed in these specifications. Propylene , butylenes and various other hydrocarbons are usually also present in small concentrations such as C 2 H 6 , CH 4 , and C 3 H 8 . HD-5 limits

2220-440: The ozone layer . When specifically used as a vehicle fuel, it is often referred to as autogas or just as gas . Varieties of LPG that are bought and sold include mixes that are mostly propane ( C 3 H 8 ), mostly butane ( C 4 H 10 ), and, most commonly, mixes including both propane and butane. In the northern hemisphere winter, the mixes contain more propane, while in summer, they contain more butane. In

2280-493: The 2023-24 financial year in the domestic sector, mainly for cooking. In 2016, the number of domestic connections was 215 million (i.e., one connection for every six people) with a circulation of more than 350 million LPG cylinders. Most of the LPG requirement is imported. Piped city gas supply in India is not yet developed on a major scale. LPG is subsidised by the Indian government for domestic users. An increase in LPG prices has been

2340-479: The International Maritime Organization (IMO), making LPG a viable transition option as the maritime industry transitions towards net zero carbon emissions. LPG can be converted into alkylate which is a premium gasoline blending stock because it has exceptional anti-knock properties and gives clean burning. LPG is instrumental in providing off-the-grid refrigeration, usually by means of

2400-493: The ability of the valve to vent the excess. Alternatively, if, due to continued venting, the liquid level drops below the area being heated, the tank structure can be overheated and subsequently weakened in that area. If either occurs, the container may rupture violently, launching pieces of the vessel at high velocity, while the released products can ignite as well, potentially causing catastrophic damage to anything nearby, including other containers. People can be exposed to LPG in

2460-440: The agricultural, recreation, hospitality, industrial, construction, sailing and fishing sectors. It can serve as fuel for cooking, central heating and water heating and is a particularly cost-effective and efficient way to heat off-grid homes. LPG is used for cooking in many countries for economic reasons, for convenience or because it is the preferred fuel source. In India, nearly 28.5 million metric tons of LPG were consumed in

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2520-401: The amount of propylene that can be placed in LPG to 5% and is utilized as an autogas specification. A powerful odorant , ethanethiol , is added so that leaks can be detected easily. The internationally recognized European Standard is EN 589. In the United States, tetrahydrothiophene (thiophane) or amyl mercaptan are also approved odorants, although neither is currently being utilized. LPG

2580-658: The children of NPGA member company employees. Since 1995, the National Propane Gas Foundation (NPGF) has provided $ 2,252,500 in scholarships to more than 1,500 students enrolled in college and technical programs across the country. Annually, NPGF typically awards more than 100 scholarships, with several earmarked for students pursuing careers in the propane industry. Other programs include meetings and events to network, educate, advocate, and promote new equipment and services including: ·       Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo™ –

2640-474: The city gas network system. This would eliminate the last mile LPG cylinders road transport which is a cause of traffic and safety hurdles in Indian cities. These localized natural gas networks are successfully operating in Japan with feasibility to get connected to wider networks in both villages and cities. Commercially available LPG is currently derived mainly from fossil fuels. Burning LPG releases carbon dioxide ,

2700-499: The composition of a gas to its tendency to burn incompletely in a gas appliance. Dutton defined the ICF as: ICF = 0.64 × (W − 50.73 + 0.03 × PN) where W is the Wobbe index, MJ/m ; PN is the volumetric percentage of C 3 H 8 plus N 2 in a three-component mixture. Soot Index (SI) – an empirical index that relates the composition of a gas to its tendency to produce soot during combustion in

2760-424: The construction, installation and maintenance of reliable baseload power sources such as LPG fueled generation to provide electrical power during the entire year. 100% wind/solar is possible, the caveat being that the expense of the additional generation capacity necessary to charge batteries plus the cost of battery electrical storage makes this option economically feasible in only a minority of situations. When LPG

2820-401: The conversion is referred to as gasification and the facility is known as a gasworks . Manufactured fuel gases include: The coal gas made by the pyrolysis of coal contains impurities such a tar, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide . These must be removed and a substantial amount of plant may be required to do this. In the 20th century, natural gas , composed primarily of methane , became

2880-462: The density and vapor pressure of LPG (or its components) change significantly with temperature, this fact must be considered every time when the application is connected with safety or custody transfer operations, e.g. typical cuttoff level option for LPG reservoir is 85%. Besides its use as an energy carrier, LPG is also a promising feedstock in the chemical industry for the synthesis of olefins such as ethylene and propylene. As its boiling point

2940-476: The dominant source of fuel gas, as instead of having to be manufactured in various processes, it could be extracted from deposits in the earth. Natural gas may be combined with hydrogen to form a mixture known as HCNG . Additional fuel gases obtained from natural gas or petroleum : The composition of natural gas varies widely, but the table shows a typical composition. Natural gas is produced with water and gas condensate. These liquids have to be removed before

3000-544: The gas can be used as fuel. Even after treatment the gas will be saturated and liable to condense as liquid in the pipework. This can be reduced by superheating the fuel gas. In addition to chemical composition fuel gas may need to comply with parameters such as calorific value , Wobbe index, dewpoint, etc. The following specification is for the British National Transmission System. Incomplete Combustion Factor (ICF) – an empirical index that relates

3060-664: The illumination of buildings in towns. Fuel gas was also used in gas burners , in particular the Bunsen burner used in laboratories. It may also be used gas heaters , camping stoves, and even to power vehicles, as they have a high calorific value. Fuel gas is widely used by industrial, commercial and domestic users. Industry uses fuel gas for heating furnaces, kilns, boilers and ovens and for space heating and drying . The electricity industry uses fuel gas to power gas turbines to generate electricity. The specification of fuel gas for gas turbines may be quite stringent. Fuel gas may also be used as

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3120-647: The lower explosive limit, LPG is considered immediately dangerous to life and health (due solely to safety considerations pertaining to risk of explosion). "Calorific value of Different Fuels" . Centre for Ecological Sciences . IISc. Archived from the original on 19 February 2020. Fuel gas Fuel gas is one of a number of fuels that under ordinary conditions are gaseous . Most fuel gases are composed of hydrocarbons (such as methane and propane ), hydrogen , carbon monoxide , or mixtures thereof. Such gases are sources of energy that can be readily transmitted and distributed through pipes. Fuel gas

3180-676: The national oil company Petrobras differentiates between LPG destined for cooking and LPG destined for other uses, establishing a lower price for the former. This is a result of a directive from the Brazilian federal government, but its discontinuation is currently being debated. LPG is commonly used in North America for domestic cooking and outdoor grilling . Predominantly in Europe and rural parts of many countries, LPG can provide an alternative to electric heating , heating oil , or kerosene . LPG

3240-633: The organization became the National Liquified Petroleum Gas Association (NLPGA) and in 1987, it became the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA).  The Chicago office closed in 2007, consolidating the NPGA office in Washington, DC.   Governance & Structure NPGA is governed by a board of directors with a chairman, Chairman-Elect, Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary. Six standing committees oversee

3300-409: The other finding slight increases at low engine load but a considerable decrease at high engine load. Its advantage is that it is non-toxic, non-corrosive and free of tetraethyllead or any additives, and has a high octane rating (102–108 RON depending on local specifications). It burns more cleanly than petrol or fuel-oil and is especially free of the particulates present in the latter. LPG has

3360-404: The propane industry's contribution to the U.S. economy. Publications NPGA publishes a weekly e-newsletter called The Bobtail , an Annual Report, Member Alerts, and other membership and advocacy materials. Its website is www.npga.org . Liquefied petroleum gas Liquefied petroleum gas , also referred to as liquid petroleum gas ( LPG or LP gas ), is a fuel gas which contains

3420-463: The road and working faster. ·      a Registered Apprenticeship Program in partnership with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). This national program helps build the future workforce by working with business partners to provide learning opportunities and jobs for those pursuing careers in the propane industry. ·      a scholarship program for

3480-423: The same Wobbe index are held to be interchangeable. LPG-based SNG is used in emergency backup systems for many public, industrial and military installations, and many utilities use LPG peak shaving plants in times of high demand to make up shortages in natural gas supplied to their distributions systems. LPG-SNG installations are also used during initial gas system introductions when the distribution infrastructure

3540-448: The use of the same burner controls and to provide for similar combustion characteristics, LPG can be mixed with air to produce a synthetic natural gas (SNG) that can be easily substituted. LPG/air mixing ratios average 60/40, though this is widely variable based on the gases making up the LPG. The method for determining the mixing ratios is by calculating the Wobbe index of the mix. Gases having

3600-463: The workplace by breathing it in, skin contact, and eye contact. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set the legal limit ( Permissible exposure limit ) for LPG exposure in the workplace as 1000 ppm (1800 mg/m ) over an 8-hour workday. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has set a recommended exposure limit (REL) of 1000 ppm (1800 mg/m ) over an 8-hour workday. At levels of 2000 ppm, 10% of

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