Liquefied petroleum gas

As LPG are by cooling and compression liquefied gases designated that remain cold and either liquid at atmospheric pressure due to the evaporation enthalpy at appropriate thermal insulation (eg, oxygen and nitrogen tanks) or to remain liquid under pressure (eg propane / butane cigarette lighters, camping gas in bottles, liquid gas tanks for heating purposes ).

In common parlance is meant by LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) or NGL ( Natural Gas Liquids), that is relatively short-chain hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, butane, etc., and mixtures thereof which are liquid at room temperature under relatively low pressure. remain It is a by- product of petroleum refining and as the associated gas in the production of oil and natural gas and is thus a fossil fuels.

In addition to heating and cooking purposes, it also serves as a fuel for vehicles with a petrol engine. The mixed gas is therefore also called LPG, or sometimes " propellant ". In fact, it is also used as a propellant for aerosol cans real use; In addition, a specially prepared variant serves as a CFC- free refrigerant in refrigerators and air conditioners.

LPG is not to be confused with liquefied natural gas (LNG of Engl. Liquefied Natural Gas) or compressed natural gas ( CNG from engl. Compressed Natural Gas).

LNG is not transported differently than natural gas by pipelines, with large ships, small barges, rail tank cars and tank trucks to the dealer or the end user with its LNG tank and the LPG filling station. Due to the low pressure of propane and butane, these flexible transport of liquid is feasible.

Properties of LPG

LPG consists of easily liquefiable hydrocarbon compounds ( CmHn ) having three or four carbon atoms. It can be either a single compound or a mixture of several compounds.

The constituents of LPG may be:

• Propane C3H8
• Propene ( propylene ), C3H6 ( C- double bond)
• Butane C4H10
• Butene ( butylene ) C4H8 ( C- double bond)
• Isobutane ( methylpropane ) C4H10
• Isobutene ( methylpropene ) C4H8 ( C- double bond)

Often there is also only propane and butane (eg LPG and camping gas).

Liquid gas in the gaseous state has a higher density than air. It is transported and stored under pressure. At room temperature already occurs at a pressure of about 8 bar liquefaction of the gas, wherein the volume of the liquefied material is reduced to about 1/ 260. In a closed pressure vessel, this results in a pressure balance between the gas and liquid, a (steam pressure). Gaseous LPG is highly flammable and forms explosive mixtures with air. The explosion limits, depending on the hydrocarbon mixture from 1.5 to 11 vol - % in the air.

The boiling point depends on the pressure and the mixing ratio. He is at ambient pressure for a propane / butane mixture between -42 ° C ( pure propane ) and -0.5 ° C (pure butane).

Transports dangerous goods must have a marking in accordance with ADR have (UN No. 1965 and Kemler 23).

Liquefied gas has a calorific value of 46.33 MJ / kg ( 12.87 kWh / kg), a calorific value of 50.33 MJ / kg ( 13.98 kWh / kg), at 20 ° C and a density of 540 kg / m³ (propane 510 kg / m³ and 580 kg of butane / m³)

Heating and cooking purposes

LPG is used for heating and cooking purposes. There is (up to several thousand liters to several hundred) to locally stored mostly above ground in liquid storage tanks that are filled by tankers. In many areas in Europe, it is especially to be found in rural areas for heating of family houses. In comparison with fuel oil as heating fuels LPG makes for significantly less particulate matter and lower CO2 emissions.

In smaller quantities it is in cylinders or gas cartridges, for example, in the camping area, used at the BBQ or when soft soldering of copper pipe soldered fittings.

For budgetary purposes, such as gas grills, most gas bottles come with a content of 5 kg, 11 kg or 33 kg for use.

In France, Southern Europe and many other countries around the world cooking with LPG is very common; In contrast to Germany, where this way of cooking is little known. While used in Southern Europe of bottled gas butane, propane in Germany is filled into the camping gas bottles.

In compliance with all safety regulations and installation and acceptance by a qualified person (as per TRF Technical rules for LPG 1996) cooking with gas bottle (up to a maximum of 14 kg) is permitted within the kitchen in Germany.

Lighter gas

The gas is widely used in commercial lighters. It is pure butane gas ( aerosol), as well as in the blue camping gas bottles. Butane has the disadvantage that it no longer is gasified at temperatures below -0.5 ° C ( boiling point). In the lighter the hand heat is sufficient to achieve a sufficient gasification.

Refrigerant

Use in air conditioning systems as CFC substitutes.

LPG fuel ( LPG, LPG)

If a gas mixture of propane / butane in various mixing ratios, depending on the country, season and provider. See Autogas

Safety regulations

LPG storage tank systems are systems that require monitoring by the Operational Safety Ordinance, it must therefore be rechecked before operation and in certain periods by an authorized body. The provisions of the Ordinance on Industrial Safety with regard to explosion protection must be observed.

Special measures are required when working below ground level ( cellars, etc. ), since LPG is heavier than air and may accumulate as a "lake". Also, floor openings ( manhole covers, hatches, basement exits) are included in the safety analysis.

The transport of liquid is controlled by the ADR - regulations.

In Germany, restrictions are officially lifted specifically for garages, appropriate signs are irrelevant here. Within Austria, the regulations are not uniform, since they fall within the competence of the provinces.

In the field of LPG there are in Germany continue the so-called technical regulations for liquefied petroleum gas ( TRF), which summarizes the state of the art and relevant, recognized codes of practice together. In it, the requirements for the marketing, installation and operation of LNG facilities of the applicable regulations and standards, such as the Pressure Equipment Directive, operating instructions (air ) and the Technical Rules ( TRBS ), EN etc. are taken over, have been summarized and implemented.

Anesthetic effect

Lighter gas has a narcotic effect when inhaled. This is due to a lack of oxygen in the brain, which could lead to fainting or even the cessation of respiratory activity - with potentially fatal consequences. The neurotoxic effects leading to heart arrhythmias and damage to the brain and nervous system.