What is LPG:

Liquefied Petroleum Gas, more commonly known as LPG, is hydrocarbon fuel, lighter than petroleum, occurring naturally in oil and gas fields or extracted in the oil refining process. These high quality gases are very suitable for compact storage and transport in liquid form, in pressurized bulk vessels or cylinders. LPG is the term widely used to describe a family of light hydrocarbons called “gas liquids”. The most prominent members of this family are propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10). Other members of the LPG family are ethane and pentane. It is the unique character of LPG that makes it such a popular and widely used fuel. LPG at normal temperature and pressure is a gas, and changes to a liquid when subjected to modest pressure or cooling. In liquid form, the tank pressure is about twice the pressure in a normal truck tire.

The reason LPG is liquefied is to make it easy and efficient to transport and store. One unit of liquid has the same energy content as 270 units of gas. Thus, LPG has density for storage and transportation, yet all the benefits of a clean vaporous fuel when used at the burner tip or engine.

For standard heating and cooking purposes, LPG usually consists of a mixture of propane and butane. Propane starts vaporizing above -45°C, so it is more versatile for general use. Butane starts vaporizing above -2°C and requires a propane/butane mixture in cold environments, as it will not vaporize as readily as propane.

LPG as a Fuel:

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a highly demanded product in Pakistan being environmental friendly gas used in domestic, industrial, commercial and automobiles. Its demand in Pakistan is ever increasing as there are only 4.3 Million households linked with natural gas pipeline out of total 25 Million households.

There is nothing exotic to invent or improve. The transportation system that moves it is in place, the tanks to store it are available, and the appliances and equipment that provide heat and power are "on the shelf".

LPG can be stored, transported and used virtually anywhere from downtown urban areas to remote regions of the globe. It is not dependent on natural gas or electric grid systems. LPG does not deteriorate over time unlike some other liquid fuels that gel, stratify or evaporate. In the context of rural energy shelf life is critical, as traditional fuels can have a short shelf life and must be protected from the weather to prevent deterioration. Compared to traditional fuels in terms of weight equivalency, LPG has ten times the energy.

LPG appliances and equipment allow easy and instantaneous adjustable flame temperatures to suit the needs of consumers. LPG refrigerators do not have temperature control limitations common to kerosene refrigerators, thus maintaining the "cold chain" essential for critical vaccines used in primary health care.

It burns cleanly without smoke or residual ash, thus avoiding the health hazards associated with indoor use of traditional fuels. In the event of a leak, LPG does not contaminate the soil or aquifers.

LPG is not only compatible with renewable energies as discussed herein but also with new technologies such as fuel cells and micro turbines.