About LPG

What is LPG or LP Gas?

LPG or LP Gas is the abbreviation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas. This group of products includes saturated Hydrocarbons - Propane (C3H8) and Butane (C4H10), which can be stored/transported separately or as a mixture. They exist as gases at normal room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

Why is it called Liquefied Petroleum Gas?

This is because these gases liquefy under moderate pressure. They liquefy at moderate pressures, readily vaporizing upon release of pressure. It is this property that permits transportation of and storage of LP Gas in concentrated liquid form.

Where does LPG come from?

LPG comes from two sources. It can be obtained from the refining of crude oil. When produced this way it is generally in pressurized form. LPG is also extracted from natural gas or crude oil streams coming from underground reservoirs. 60% of LPG in the world today is produced this way whereas 40% of LPG is extracted from refining of crude oil.

What is commercial Propane & Butane?

Ideally products referred to as "propane" and "butane" consist very largely of these saturated hydrocarbons; but during the process of extraction/production certain allowable unsaturated hydrocarbons like ethylene, propylene, butylenes etc. may be included in the mixture along with pure propane and butane. The presence of these in moderate amounts would not affect LPG in terms of combustion but may affect other properties slightly (such as corrosiveness or gum formation).

How is LPG seen & felt?

It is colorless and cannot be seen It is odorless. Hence LPG is odorized by adding an odorant prior to supply to the user, to aid the detection of any leaks. It is slightly heavier than air and hence if there is a leak it flows to lower lying areas. In liquid form, its density is half that of water and hence it floats initially before it is vaporized. It is non-toxic but can cause asphyxiation in very high concentrations in air.

LPG expands upon release and 1 liter of liquid will form approximately 250 liters of vapor

What is LPG used for?

LPG is used as a fuel for domestic (cooking), industrial, horticultural, agricultural, heating and drying processes. LPG can be used as an automotive fuel or as a propellant for aerosols, in addition to other specialist applications. LPG can also be used to provide lighting through the use of pressure lanterns.

Why are Butane and Propane used in combination?

While butane and propane are different chemical compounds, their properties are similar enough to be useful in mixtures. Butane and Propane are both saturated hydrocarbons. They do not react with other. Butane is less volatile and boils at 0.6 deg C. Propane is more volatile and boils at - 42 deg C. Both products are liquids at atmospheric pressure when cooled to temperatures lower than their boiling points. Vaporization is rapid at temperatures above the boiling points. The calorific (heat) values of both are almost equal. Both are thus mixed together to attain the vapor pressure that is required by the end user and depending on the ambient conditions. If the ambient temperature is very low propane is preferred to achieve higher vapor pressure at the given temperature.

What are the advantages of LPG?

The advantages of LPG are as follows

Because of its relatively fewer components, it is easy to achieve the correct fuel to air mix ratio that allows the complete combustion of the product. This gives LPG its clean burning characteristics. Both Propane and Butane are easily liquefied and stored in pressure containers. These properties make the fuel highly portable, and hence, can be easily transported in cylinders or tanks to endusers. LPG is a good substitute for petrol in spark ignition engines. Its clean burning properties, in a properly tuned engine, give reduced exhaust emissions, extended lubricant and spark plug life. As a replacement for aerosol propellants and refrigerants, LPG provides alternatives to fluorocarbons, which are known to cause deterioration of the earth's ozone layer.

The clean burning properties and portability of LPG provide a substitute for traditional fuels such as wood, coal, and other organic matter. This provides a solution to de-forestation and the reduction of particulate matter in the atmosphere (haze), caused by burning the traditional fuels.

What are LPG properties?

Property

Units

Commercial Commercial Mixture 50% each Propane Butane

0.504 0.582 0.543

Specific gravity of Liquid at 15 deg C (Water=1) Specific gravity of Vapor at 15 deg C(Air=1) Vapor pressure Kg/sq.cm at 38 deg C Boiling point at Deg C atm pressure Ignition Deg C temperature in air Latent Heat of Btu/lb Vaporization

1.5 13.8 - 42 495-605 184

2.01 2.6 9 480-535 167

1.75 8.0 + 9 to - 42 480-605 175

Domestic/LPG in Thailand
Domestic supply of LPG is usually carried out in smaller sized cylinders, which are available from Gas Shops, Retail Outlets, a.k.a. Distributors who will deliver to your doorstep. Most Distributors carry a variety of LPG brands owned by the LPG Companies, known as the M7s, and will be able to carry out the cylinder swap procedure should a customer decide to change from one brand to another. The Distributor ensures the safety of the customer by carrying out safety checks as well as assist installation of new connections for first-time users. Some residences in Thailand i.e. high-rise condominiums and apartments may have restrictions on the use of LPG cylinders inside the individual residential units, hence customers would usually consult first with their building administrators or ask the LPG Distributors for advise before installation of an LPG cylinder. The supply of LPG is usually on the basis of the customer paying a one time only deposit for the cylinder and an amount for each refill of LPG. Product Specification: All LPG in Thailand comes from local sources and depending on the source, either from refineries or gas separating plants, varying mixtures of Propane and Butane may be produces. However all LPG complies with the locally established minimum specifications as follows Reference Method

Analysis Item (Unit) Vapor Pressure @ 37.8C (PSIG) Volatile Residue Evaporated Temp @ 95% Vol, 760 mmHg (Celcius) Pentane and heaviers (%Vol) Copper Strip Corrosion @ 37C, 1 Hr.

Specification

ASTM D 1267-95 200 Max ASTM D 1837-94 2.2 Max ASTM D 2163-91 2.0 Max ASTM D 1838-91 No.1 Max

Sulfur Content Before Ordorized @ 15.6 Celcius, 1.03 Kg/SqCm (Cb. ASTM D 4468-85 0.343 Max G/M) Residue on Evaporation (ml) Free Water Specific Gravity @ 15.6/15.6 Celcius Molecular Weight ASTM D 2158-92 0.05 Max Visual None

ASTM D 1657-89 Report Calculation Report

Price: The LPG Prices are built up from the government subsidized/controlled LPG ex-refinery cost, the M7 distribution cost, the cylinder maintenance cost, and the Distributor delivery cost. The Cylinder deposit is based on the cylinder manufacturing cost and the cylinder cost subsidy that government may grant from time to time. Please fill in the enquiry form or check with your local LPG supplier for the price of LPG in your area. Cylinder sizes: Available cylinder sizes are:

4.0 kg, 13.5 kg, and 15.0 kg. Cylinder regulators are also available and may vary between different LPG brands.

Industrial/Commercial LPG in Thailand

LPG supply for Industrial and Commercial use is available to the consumer, in cylinders of larger capacity than the regular domestic household cylinders or in bulk tanks of even larger capacities. Commercial cylinders are generally used for restaurants and bakeries where the LPG consumption and gas delivery rates are high that the vaporization rate of the regular household cylinders cannot support. Commercial cylinders may be linked together to support higher capacities. LPG supply is replenished through delivery of filled cylinders on a regular basis usually twice per week. For larger industrial and commercial consumers i.e. manufacturing plants, commercial cylinders may even become insufficient and impractical. These larger consumers may require bulk tank installations and vaporizers to meet higher delivery rates and consumption. Bulk tank installations come as a more practical option than installing a huge number of commercial cylinders especially when storage space and area is a major consideration for the consumer. For bulk installation, LPG is delivered to the consumer in bulk by tank trucks and is measured by means of weigh bridge or flow meter. The gas supply for industrial and commercial use is arranged directly to the LPG companies or the M7s. Some of the major M7s like Chevron and PTT can give advise on LPG applications, installation design options, delivery frequency and LPG inventory management. The supply of LPG is usually on the basis of the customer paying a one time only deposit in the case of commercial cylinders and an amount for each refill of LPG. Supply for bulk tank installations is usually on the basis of a term contract between supplier and consumer.

Bulk LPG trucks in Thailand

The most common transport mode for bulk LPG in Thailand is by bulk (or tank) trucks. These bulk trucks distribute LPG from the refineries and gas separating plants to more than three hundred bulk terminals, depots, bottling plants all over the country. From some of these terminals and depots, bulk trucks also deliver LPG to the industrial bulk consumers and auto LPG stations. Other means of bulk LPG transport in

Thailand are by railway and by sea vessels. Many industries and businesses are taking advantage of the clean burning properties of LPG.

Autogas in Thailand
Autogas in Thailand is mainly consumed for public transportation taxicabs and tuk-tuks (tricycle taxis) mostly in the capital city Bangkok. Taxicabs and tuk-tuks are dual fuelled and can switch from LPG to gasoline and vice-versa depending on the fuel cost relative to each other. All autogas stations in Thailand should comply with autogas specific construction design layouts and safety regulations set by the local Public Works Department. Autogas stations including independent brands should secure licenses and supply agreements from any of the LPG companies or the M7s before being allowed by the PWD to start construction.

Vessel lots of LPG in Thailand

LPG is available from e-lpg.com in Thailand in the following configuration: Product Specification: Mixed Propane/Butane. Typical ex-refinery is 30/70 C3/C4. Typical ex Gas processing Plant is 50/50 C3/C4. Cargo Sizes: Up to 2500MT lots.

Safety Information & Tips

Are there any hazards in using liquefied petroleum gas?
Liquefied petroleum gas is a flammable gas which has the potential to create a hazard. Therefore it is important that the properties and safe handling of LPG are understood and applied in the domestic and commercial/industrial situations.

Liquefied petroleum gas is stored under pressure. The gas will leak from any joint or connection which is not sealed properly. Liquefied petroleum gas is heavier than air. Any significant leak will move downwards and stay on the ground. LPG will accumulate in any low-lying area such as depressions in the ground, drains or pits. Since LPG is stored in two phases, liquid and gaseous, there is potential for either a liquid leak or a gas leak. o If the Liquefied petroleum gas leak is a gas leak it may not be seen (because LPG is colourless), except where the leak is of sufficient size to be seen shimmering in the air. o When a liquid Liquefied petroleum gas leak occurs, the gas release will be seen as a patch of ice around the area of the leak, or as a jet of white liquid. This white appearance is due to the cooling effect created by the rapid expansion of the LPG liquid into a gas. The condensing atmospheric moisture makes the leak visible. o In concentrated amounts and in uncontrolled conditions, Liquefied petroleum gas has the potential to create a fire or an explosion.

How can I reduce my consumption of LPG?

There are a number ways in which you can greatly reduce LPG consumption and thus help the overall conservation of LPG:

When you are cooking, first keep all your ingredients ready before lighting the burner. This will help you to lower LPG consumption. Save LPG by covering all vessels that you place on the burner. Covered vessels cook faster and retain the flavors of the food, while conserving LPG at the same time. If there is a break in cooking, turn the LPG off and then relight the burner to begin cooking again. Over time, this can result in a significant reduction in the usage of LPG. Use same-sized vessels and burners. For example, use a small burner for a small vessel. This will help to reduce the volume of LPG used. Avoid wasting LPG by re-heating food. Reduce the quantity of liquid used. The more the liquid content, the more LPG required to cook it.

How can I use LPG safely?

You can use LPG safely if you apply simple safety rules.

Choose an LPG supplier who can provide you with well-maintained LPG cylinders, and after-sales support. Always close the cylinder or tanks valves after use. Use a child-safe regulator on the LPG cylinder for domestic use. Ensure that your LPG supplier provides a supply of LPG that is odorised to allow you to smell any leaking LPG. Always use LPG appliances, and other gas equipment that is approved for use, and meets all local safety standards. Check for gas leaks on a regular basis. Always use LPG rubber tubes that have an ISI mark.

Always close the LPG cylinder or tanks valves after use. Never check for gas leaks using a lit match. Always use a solution of soapy water and look for bubbles coming from around valves and pipe joints. These bubbles indicate a gas leak. Replace the LPG cylinder hose on a regular basis, and replace any damaged or worn hose with a new hose. Stand the cylinder upright and make sure that any hose connection between the cylinder and the appliance does not come into contact with or near the gas burner. If you smell or find a gas leak: 1. Turn off the gas supply valve from the cylinder of the tank. 2. If possible turn off the appliance. 3. Turn off or remove any other source of ignition. 4. Ventilate the room by opening doors and windows. 5. Inform your gas supplier immediately. 6. Leave the house or apartment, and advise your neighbours. 7. If you think that there is a danger of a fire, call the Fire Service.

Is it safe to use a domestic exchange cylinder for an Autogas supply?

In general the answer is no. The reasons are listed below :

Domestic cylinders are generally not properly secured into the vehicle and this makes them vulnerable in a crash situation. The domestic cylinder valve arrangement is incorrect for the proper operation of the vehicle fuel supply requirements. 1. The cylinder valve is not provided with excess flow protection, which means that if the valve or supply line is sheared in a crash situation, there will be an uncontrolled flow of LPG into the vehicle interior. 2. The domestic cylinder valves and the attachments which are typically being used to connect domestic cylinders into vehicles are generally not designed to operate under liquid LPG condition and therefore may not be suitable for the use which is being applied. 3. The interior of a vehicle can become very hot in some climates. This means that there is a potential for the safety relief valve of the cylinder to open and release excess pressure, again creating a safety hazard within the interior of the vehicle. 4. In some cases the cylinders are not provided with a safety valve. The flexible connection between the cylinder and the steel line to the engine forms a weak link in the piping system and is therefore vulnerable to rupture, leading to LPG entering the vehicle space.

The design of the gas converter or gas regulator, installed within the engine space that provides fuel to the engine, is generally designed to take liquid LPG and convert it to vapour LPG. Usually a small bore copper or steel line is used to transfer the Liquefied petroleum gas from the cylinder in the rear of the vehicle to the engine. This is because domestic cylinders are installed into the rear of the vehicle in an upright or lying-onthe-side position. In both the above cases, only vapour gets transferred from the cylinder to the engine. This is because the cylinder does not have an internal tube that takes the liquid Liquefied petroleum gas from the cylinder into the supply line to the engine. Due to this, the engine gets starved for fuel during increased load conditions like accelerating or climbing up a slope