What is propane?
Propane is a hydrocarbon (C3H8) and is sometimes referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, LP-gas, or LPG. Propane is produced from both natural gas processing and crude oil refining, in roughly equal amounts from each source. Most propane used in the United States is produced domestically, with about 15 percent imported from overseas. It is nontoxic, colorless, and virtually odorless. As with natural gas, an identifying odor is added so the gas can be readily detected. Want to know more about Propane? Check out the Propane FAQ!
Propane and the environment
Propane is an approved, clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Propane is one of the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels. Tests conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency show that propane-fueled vehicles produce 30 percent to 90 percent less carbon monoxide and about 50 percent fewer toxins and other smog-producing emissions than gasoline engines. Propane also is nontoxic, so it’s not harmful to soil or water.
Uses of propane
Propane is used by millions of Americans each day. People use propane in and around their homes for
- propane heaters
- propane furnaces
- propane water heaters
- propane air conditioners
- propane outdoor grills
- propane fireplaces
- propane appliances
- small propane generators
On farms propane has many uses too:
In industrial environment propane is used too for
Propane is also used to drive normal cars, there are propane conversion kits availabe for many popular cars and specialists convert many thousnad cars every month from other fuels to propane. Almost any vehicle can be retrofitted with engines running on propane
In millions of commercial establishments, including restaurants and hotels propane is for heating, cooking, and other uses.
Propane and convenience
Propane is a very convenient fuel and available allmost everywhere. In the United States there are approximately 70'000 miles of interstate pipelines and more than 25'000 retail dealers making propane readily available for most homeowners. And because propane is stored in portable tanks, it can be used in areas beyond gas mains. To fuel homes, large tanks can be buried underground because propane is a nontoxic, nonpoisonous fuel that doesn't contaminate aquifers or soil. Refueling a propane vehicle takes about the same amount of time as refueling a gasoline vehicle. Nationwide, propane refueling infrastructure consists of more than 10'000 public and private sites.
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