What is LPG?

L = Liquified       P= Petroleum      G= Gases

LPG is a mixture of mainly Propane and Butane. It may also contain unsaturated hydrocarbons (Olefins) like propylene and butylene.

LPG is highly inflammable and this property makes it suitable as a very good fuel. At the same time, it has to be emphasized that LPG is dangerous if it is not handled properly and safely. Safe handling of LPG requires constant vigilance. Ignorance or misunderstanding of the nature of LPG has caused many serious accidents involving personal injury and damage to property.


Characteristics of LPG:

a... The constituents are mainly propane, butane and unsaturated hydrocarbons like propylene and butylene.

b... At normal atmospheric pressure LPG exist as gas (Vapour), whereas it in the liquid state when it is stored under pressure in storage bullets, horton spheres or cylinders.

c... When LPG leaks into the atmosphere, it vapourises rapidly. This creates a hazardous situation as the vapours produced from the leaking LPG can get ignited from any source of ignition causing a serious fire explosion. Liquid LPG when it leaks vapourises into a very large volume of over 250 times.

d... LPG in the gaseous form is heavier than air. It is colourless and odourless. For easy leak detection ethyl mercaptan, an odorant is added to LPG. When you smell gas, you actually smell the odourant.

e... When vaporized, it leaves little odour residue LPG is 1.5 times heavier than air, when gas leaks it moves downward and settles at floor level in corners etc. Monitoring of gas leak is best done by instrument mounted close to the floor. Human nose is not effective as it operates at 4-5 feet above floor level.