LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) (H3)
The primary types of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) are propane, butane (including its isomer isobutane), and various mixtures of these components. They are all flammable, stored as a liquid under moderate pressure, and vaporize into a gas for use.
Types: (H4)
- Propane (C₃H₈)
- Butane (C₄H₁₀) / Isobutane (i-C₄H₁₀)
- Propane-Butane Mixture
Key Features: (H4)
- Clean Burning LPG burns cleanly, producing no soot and very little sulfur emissions, making it an environmentally friendly fuel option compared to some other fossil fuels.
- Portability Because it can be easily liquefied and stored under moderate pressure in tanks or cylinders, LPG is highly portable and versatile for use in areas without piped gas networks.
- Safety LPG is naturally colorless and odorless. For safety, a powerful odorant (like ethanethiol) is added to allow for easy detection of leaks. Safety measures, such as pressure relief valves and max fill levels, are standard for storage containers.
- Versatility Beyond fuel, LPG types are used as petrochemical feedstocks (for making plastics and synthetic rubber), as refrigerants (e.g., isobutane is R600a), and as aerosol propellants.