Wednesday, April 25, 2012

LPG

Liquefied petroleum gas, also called LPG, GPL, LP Gas, liquid petroleum gas or simply propane,

LPG evaporates quickly at normal temperatures and pressures and is usually supplied in pressurised steel gas cylinders.
They are typically filled to between 80% and 85% of their capacity to allow for thermal expansion of the contained liquid.

The ratio between the volumes of the vaporized gas and the liquefied gas varies depending on composition, pressure, and temperature, but is typically around 250:1.

 The pressure at which LPG becomes liquid, called its vapour pressure, likewise varies depending on composition and temperature; for example, it is approximately 220 kilopascals (2.2 bar) for pure butane at 20 °C (68 °F), and approximately 2.2 megapascals (22 bar) (319 psi) for pure propane at 55 °C (131 °F). LPG is heavier than air, unlike natural gas, and thus will flow along floors and tend to settle in low spots, such as basements. There are two main dangers from this. The first is a possible explosion if the mixture of LPG and air is right and if there is an ignition source. The second is suffocation due to LPG displacing air, causing a decrease in oxygen concentration. Fortunately, LPG is not toxic, so there is no danger of poisoning. In addition, odorants are mixed with all LPG so that leaks can be detected more easily.
Large amounts of LPG can be stored in bulk cylinders and can be buried underground.

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