News and Resources : Green Alternatives - Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a by-product from two sources, natural gas processing and crude oil refining. It consists mainly of propane, propylene, butane and butylenes in various proportions. The components are gases at normal temperatures and pressures but can be easily liquefied by subjecting them to elevated pressures or a reduction in temperature.
LPG requires a 35% greater storage volume than petrol, due to its high expansion coefficient and its lower energy content per unit volume. It has low start emissions due to its gaseous state, and because the fuel system is sealed, evaporative losses will be negligible. LPG contains negligible toxic components, has lower particle emissions and lower noise levels relative to diesel and does not require special catalysts.
The environmental issues surrounding LPG are the same as those for CNG and LNG. With it being a by-product from two sources its sustainability is short term.
