Why propane liquefied before transported

LPG is stored and distributed in many different sizes of tanks, from the small canisters used for torches and camping stoves to 90,gallon bullet-shaped tanks used at industrial facilities. However, these products are rarely distributed as mixtures. Virtually all HGL products distributed in the U. Propane constitutes most of U. Hydrocarbon gas liquids explained Transporting and storing hydrocarbon gas liquids. What is energy?

Units and calculators. Use of energy. Energy and the environment. Also in What is energy? Forms of energy Sources of energy Laws of energy. Also in Units and calculators explained Units and calculators Energy conversion calculators British thermal units Btu Degree days. Also in U. Also in Use of energy explained Use of energy Energy use in industry Energy use for transportation Energy use in homes Energy use in commercial buildings Energy efficiency and conservation.

Also in Energy and the environment explained Energy and the environment Greenhouse gases Greenhouse gases and the climate Where greenhouse gases come from Outlook for future emissions Recycling and energy. Nonrenewable sources. Oil and petroleum products. Diesel fuel. Heating oil. Also in Oil and petroleum products explained Oil and petroleum products Refining crude oil Where our oil comes from Imports and exports Offshore oil and gas Use of oil Prices and outlook Oil and the environment.

Also in Gasoline explained Gasoline Octane in depth Where our gasoline comes from Use of gasoline Prices and outlook Factors affecting gasoline prices Regional price differences Price fluctuations History of gasoline Gasoline and the environment.

Also in Diesel fuel explained Diesel fuel Where our diesel comes from Use of diesel Prices and outlook Factors affecting diesel prices Diesel fuel surcharges Diesel and the environment. An LPG B-double is made up of a prime mover which pulls two large tank trailers, which are linked by a fifth wheel and can be up to 26m long.

An LPG road tanker is the same arrangement, but the prime mover is only pulling a single large tank trailer. Road tankers are also used for direct deliveries to high volume consumers, like petrol stations and large industrial users. Local bulk deliveries, to end users, are done with bobtail tankers. Also known as a rigid tanker, the LPG vessel is attached to the same frame as the prime mover. Sizes vary quite a bit, from small 4 tonne tankers to larger 12 tonne versions.

The use of local tankers allows for automatically scheduled deliveries without waiting for the customer to empty a cylinder completely, as is the case with exchange.

Transporting gas cylinders is almost always done by truck. This includes small BBQ gas bottles, forklift gas bottles and 45kg gas bottles for homes and businesses. It is stored under pressure inside a tank as a colorless, odorless liquid. As pressure is released, the liquid propane vaporizes and turns into gas that is used in combustion.

An odorant, ethyl mercaptan, is added for leak detection. See fuel properties. Propane has a high octane rating, making it an excellent choice for spark-ignited internal combustion engines.

If spilled or released from a vehicle, it presents no threat to soil, surface water, or groundwater. Propane is produced as a by-product of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. Its main uses include home and water heating, cooking and refrigerating food, clothes drying, and powering farm and industrial equipment.

The chemical industry also uses propane as a raw material for making plastics and other compounds.