LPG IN IC ENGINES

Introduction
 Propane (70%) and Butane (30%)

 Gas can be liquefied at room temperature by the application of moderate pressure

 Butane – Safer to handle with storage pressure upto 3 atm

 Boiling point (-40ºC)

 Maximum vapour pressure = 16.9 bar

 Volume of the cylinder – 28.2 litres for 12 kg

 39.95 litres for 17 kg

 In case of leakage, it can form an explosive mixture with air

 These gas mixed with any adoring agent to detect the leakage

 Mercaptans or sulphides
 CHARACTERISTICS OF LPG

 LPG is stored as a liquid under pressure, is colourless and its

weight as a liquid is approximately half that of an equivalent
volume of water.
 In changing from a liquid state to gas LPG expands
approximately 260-times its original volume at normal
atmospheric conditions.
 A mixture of LPG vapour in air of between 2% and 10% by
volume is flammable.
 LPG vapour is approximately 1.5 times denser than air
 LPG vapour in common with most light hydrocarbon vapours,
is slightly anaesthetic and also cause suffocation if present in
sufficiently high concentrations.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF LPG
 LPG is odorised (by adding ethyl mercaptan) at source to be
detectable by smell at a concentration in air of about 20% of lower
flammability limit, i.e. a vapour/air mixture of 0.5% by volume.

 Owing to its rapid vaporization and consequent lowering of

temperature, LPG, particularly liquid, can cause severe frost
burns if brought into contact with the skin.
 PROPERTIES OF LPG
Formula = C3H8 + C4H10
Molecular Weight = 44.09
Stoichiometric AFR = 15.7
Octane number = 97 to 112
Auto-ignition Temp = 457°C
Flammability Limits = 2.1 to 9.5
Lower Calorific Value = 23000 kJ/L
Density = 0.5 kg/L
Burns with Visible flame
 Fuel properties
Propane is a hydrocarbon fuel, chemical description C3H8.
Its boiling point is - (-42°C)
Its octane rating is - 104
Latent heat of vaporization = (426 kJ/kg)
(25300 kJ/L)
Autoignition temperature - (457°C)
Stoichiometric by weight = 15.5:1
Molecular weight = 44.09
Carbon % by weight = 89%
Hydrogen % by weight = 18%
Flammability limits = 2.1 – 9.6%
Expansion rate = 270:1 (expands in volume 270 times from liquid to
ambient pressure vapor)
Advantages of LPG
 Environment friendly - clean air
 Less dependence on fossil fuel
 Economic benefits
 Provides more energy on weight basis
 Higher octane rating
 Simpler molecular structure
 Low carbon to hydrogen ratio
 No crankcase dilution
 Does not wash oil from cylinder walls( Engine life is increased by 50%)
– Low strain on lubricants
 Lead free
 Disadvantages of LPG
 Special feed system is required
 Vehicle weight is increased
TYPES OF LPG VEHICLES
Operating mode in IC engines
 SI engines – 100% replacement
 CI engines – Dual fuel mode ( 60% diesel + 40% LPG)
LPG Feed system
 LPG conversion Kit
 Gas regulator
 Filter
 Vapouriser/ regulator converter
 Gas carburettor or mixer
 Electronic switch
LPG conversion Kit
 TECHNICAL ISSUES FOR LPG
 Reduced volumetric efficiency & less partial
pressures in the intake manifold results in power
loss
 To store same amount of energy as gasoline, it
requires double space than an equivalent gasoline
tank
 Engine Valve seat wear due to lack of lubricity
 LPG Kit requires a vaporizer due to Phase change
(Liquid to Gaseous)
 Use of domestic LPG as an auto fuel is a widespread
problem.
 Requires vapour withdrawal technology for kits.
 Variable Fuel Composition affects performance and
emissions
 Heavier than air so does not disperse quickly
 MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY OF
LPG

 Stainless Steel is compatible with LPG and is the

primary choice
 Elastomers are compatible with LPG as they retain their
form and are used for tubing
 Brass and Copper can also be used for storage tanks and
piping
 Aluminum is compatible with LPG but is a secondary
choice