Calculating LPG Density and Specific Gravity

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a mixture of hydrocarbon gases, primarily propane and
butane, stored in a liquid state under pressure. Its density is a crucial property for various
calculations like determining the mass of LPG in a tank or its volumetric flow rate. Here's a
breakdown of density and specific gravity, along with calculation methods and examples:

1. Density:

Density refers to the mass of a substance per unit volume. It's a characteristic property of a
material at a specific temperature and pressure. The symbol for density is ρ (rho).

Calculating LPG Density:

There are two main approaches to determine LPG density:

● Direct Measurement: This involves using specialized instruments like densitometers to

directly measure the LPG density under specific operating conditions (temperature and
pressure) within the tank. This is the most accurate method but requires specialized
equipment and expertise.
● Calculation from Composition: Since LPG is a mixture, its density can be calculated based
on the known densities of its individual components (propane, butane, etc.) and their weight
percentages in the mixture. This method requires information on the LPG composition,
typically obtained through laboratory analysis.

Example:

Let's say we have an LPG mixture with the following composition:

● Propane (C3H8): 60% by weight

● Butane (C4H10): 40% by weight

We need to find the density of this LPG mixture at 15°C.

Data:

● Density of Propane (ρ_propane) at 15°C = 503 kg/m³ (source: engineering tables or material
safety data sheets)
● Density of Butane (ρ_butane) at 15°C = 580 kg/m³ (source: engineering tables or material
safety data sheets)

Calculation:

We can use a weighted average approach to calculate the mixture's density:

Density of LPG (ρ_lpg) = (Weight % of Propane * ρ_propane) + (Weight %
of Butane * ρ_butane)

ρ_lpg = (0.6 * 503 kg/m³) + (0.4 * 580 kg/m³) = 536.2 kg/m³

2. Specific Gravity:

Specific gravity (SG) is a dimensionless quantity that compares the density of a substance to a
reference substance, typically water. It's calculated by dividing the density of the material by the
density of the reference substance at a specified temperature.

Calculating LPG Specific Gravity:

Specific gravity of LPG is calculated using the following formula:

Specific Gravity (SG) = ρ_lpg / ρ_water

where:

● ρ_lpg is the density of LPG (kg/m³) calculated previously

● ρ_water is the density of water at the specified temperature (usually taken as 1000 kg/m³ at
15°C)

Continuing the example:

Using the calculated LPG density (536.2 kg/m³):

Specific Gravity (SG) = 536.2 kg/m³ / 1000 kg/m³ = 0.536

Therefore, in this example, the LPG mixture has a specific gravity of 0.536, meaning its density
is 53.6% that of water at 15°C.

Important Points:

● The density and specific gravity of LPG can vary depending on its composition and operating
temperature/pressure.
● Always refer to reliable data sources for the densities of individual components in the LPG
mixture.
● For accurate results, consider using direct measurement methods or consulting with qualified
professionals for specific LPG compositions.