LPG - Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a petroleum gas converted to liquid state by the application of moderate pressure and/or reduced temperatures. LPG is typically a mixture of propane, butane, and other hydrocarbons. LPG is produced in the crude oil refining process, and occurs naturally in crude oil and natural gas production.
LPG has various uses such as recreational camping stoves, residential heating and cooking, and fuel for commercial, industrial, and automotive application.
LPG vapor is invisible and odorless, so a stenching agent is added for safety and leak detection.
LPG vapor burns in a narrow gas/air mixture range between two and ten percent flammability limit.
LPG vapor is heavier than air. Any leak will fall to the ground and seek out drains, gullies and waterways. In liquid form LPG has a density of around half of water which means it will float on rivers and waterways if the ambient temperature is low (i.e. cool enough to keep the LPG from evaporating into gaseous form). These are important characteristics to consider when designing LPG storage and distribution facilities.
LPG is also portable, making it easily transported. Although LPG is stored as a liquid, it is generally used in a vapour. One unit of liquid LPG will generate 250 units of LPG vapour or gas.