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Brief descriptions of the gaseous fuels

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)


LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas. It is a flammable hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting
mainly of propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10), along with small amounts of other gases such as
ethane and propylene. LPG is derived from natural gas processing and petroleum refining.

LPG is much lighter than water in fact close to half of it.

Here are some key characteristics and aspects of LPG:

Composition
LPG is composed primarily of propane and butane, which are both hydrocarbon gases. Propane
and butane have relatively high energy densities and are commonly used as fuels for heating,
cooking, and transportation.

Physical Properties
LPG is stored and transported in a liquid state under moderate pressure to reduce its volume. At
room temperature and atmospheric pressure, propane and butane are gases, but they can be easily
liquefied under moderate pressure. This allows for efficient storage and transportation of LPG in
containers such as cylinders and tanks.

Uses
LPG has a wide range of applications, including:

• Residential and Commercial Heating: LPG is commonly used as a fuel for heating
homes, businesses, and other buildings. It can be burned in furnaces, boilers, space heaters,
and other heating appliances.
• Cooking: LPG is widely used as a cooking fuel in households and commercial kitchens. It
is often preferred for cooking because it burns cleanly and efficiently, with minimal odor
and smoke.
• Transportation: LPG can be used as an alternative fuel for vehicles, either in its pure form
or as a blend with gasoline or diesel. Vehicles equipped with LPG fuel systems are
commonly referred to as LPG vehicles or Autogas vehicles.
• Industrial Applications: LPG is used as a fuel in various industrial processes, including
metal fabrication, glass production, and food processing. It is also used as a fuel for
forklifts and other material handling equipment.

Environmental Considerations
LPG is considered a relatively clean-burning fuel compared to other fossil fuels such as coal and
diesel. When burned, LPG emits fewer greenhouse gases and air pollutants, contributing to
lower levels of air pollution and reduced environmental impact.

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