What is LPG (in gas and petrochemical companies)?
LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is mostly propane and butane, which have 3 and 4 carbons and 8 and 10 hydrogens. These are gases at normal temperatures at atmospheric pressure, but liquids when compressed a little, about 50 or 100 psi. They are bigger than natural gas, and smaller than gasolines. Traces of hydrocarbons a little bigger or smaller are allowed. Much of our energy, almost 60% is from hydrocarbons. These are molecules made from a carbon backbone with hydrogen atoms for the rest of the bonds. Hydrocarbons are produced in the form of mixtures containing natural gas and crude oil. Natural gas is mostly methane, which has one carbon and 4 hydrogen atoms per molecule. It also contains ethane, which has 2 carbons and 6 hydrogens. These are both gases at normal temperatures and pressures. Higher hydrocarbons up to about C10 are gasoline, while C11 to C20 are basically diesel. Higher hydrocargons are tars, parafins, and eventually, polyethylene plastics.
