LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)

LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas, is a fossil fuel consisting mainly of propane and butane. It is used for heating and cooking purposes as well as a fuel for specially equipped vehicles.

Definition of LPG
LPG refers to gases that remain liquid at room temperature under low pressure, in particular propane and butane and their mixtures. It is a by-product of natural gas and crude oil production and oil refining.

Background / Origin
The first German gas filling station was put into operation in Hanover in 1935. In the 1970s, LPG was widely used as a car fuel, particularly in Italy and the Netherlands. Due to its growing acceptance, LPG was increasingly recognized as a more environmentally friendly fuel, which also promoted its use in burners and building heating.

It is generated as "wet drilling gas" during the exploration of natural gas and crude oil, but is not economically viable to process. It is therefore flared on site. LPG is not only a product of the natural gas and oil industry, but also an important by-product in oil refining.

Properties
LPG consists mainly of:
- Propane (C₃H₈)
- Butane (C₄H₁₀)

The physical characteristics include
- Liquid at room temperature under pressure
- Low emissions compared to other fuels

The quality requirements for LPG are defined throughout Europe in DIN EN 589. As a fuel, LPG has lower emission values than gasoline. No soot is produced during combustion, as LPG is virtually sulphur-free. These properties make it suitable for use in enclosed spaces.

Application and importance in the market
LPG is used in a variety of ways, including for
- Heating and cooking purposes
- Fuels for vehicles with gasoline engines
- Propellants in spray cans
- CFC-free refrigerants in refrigerators and air conditioning systems

In terms of market use, LPG has both private and commercial applications. There are international differences in its distribution, with a high level of acceptance in many European countries.

Differentiation from similar terms
Compared to LNG (liquefied natural gas):
- Use: LNG focuses on heating and cooking, while LPG is used as a fuel for vehicles.
- Components: LNG consists mainly of methane (CH₄), while LPG consists of propane and butane.
- Physical properties: LNG is lighter than air and disperses quickly, whereas LPG is heavier than air and disperses more slowly, thus remaining within flammability limits for longer.

Summary
LPG is an important fossil fuel consisting of propane and butane and is used as a heating and cooking gas as well as an environmentally friendly fuel. With a long history of use, especially since the 20th century, and stringent quality requirements, LPG has become very important in many markets internationally. The differences to LNG illustrate the wide range of possible applications and the specific properties of LPG.