What Is LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)? Here Are the Benefits

In Indonesia, LPG, or Liquefied Petroleum Gas, has become a part of daily activity. Indonesians rely on this petroleum product for various purposes, from cooking to fuel.

This article delves deep into what is LPG, including its characteristics and types. Read this article thoroughly to get the complete information!

What Is LPG?

LPG is a bunch of liquid hydrocarbons consisting of butane and propane gases. Typically, LPG is produced from natural gas separation or crude oil refining, which is later converted into a liquid at low temperature and high pressure.

The characteristics of LPG are that it is flammable, colorless, and has low carbon content. Despite being odorless in its natural conditions, LPG can contain additives, such as ethyl mercaptan, as an odorant to detect leaks.

Another LPG trait is that it can be a liquid or a gas. This means that LPG is a liquid when it is stored in the container (gas cylinders) and transforms into gas when released into atmospheric pressure.

The volume of this fuel in liquid form is smaller than in gaseous form. That is why LPG is distributed in liquid form and packaged in pressurized metal cylinders. This packaging also aims to prevent heat expansion and vaporization. LPG is also volatile and has a very low boiling point.

This liquid gas is widely used in Indonesia as a fuel and typically utilized to heat water in a water heater, heat the house, and cook. According to Badan Pusat Statistik Provinsi Jawa Tengah, the LPG usage in this province reached 1 million in 2019, with 3-kg gas cylinders dominating the use.

Why Is LPG Popularly Used?

LPG is a liquid gas stored in a gas holder, either in bulk or in a cylinder, making it convenient to bring and distribute everywhere. The gas has a high calorific value and heat, so it can be utilized as a temporary energy source.

It also tends to burn cleaner because it does not contain sulfur. LPG also has a consistent quality that makes it suitable for industrial use, such as forklift fuel or industrial boilers.

In addition to those reasons, here are some causes why LPG becomes a reliable energy source:

Low emissions: Compared to oil fuels or charcoal, LPG emits safer emissions.
Available everywhere: You can get LPG at a station, a minimart, and a grocery store.
Smokeless: When compared to charcoal, burning using LPG does not emit smoke and therefore does not cause harmful air pollution.
Flexible: LPG can be used for a variety of purposes, from commercial purposes in industry to home use, such as cooking.

How Is LPG Produced?

Now that you already know the definition of LPG and why it is reliable, you should know how it is made below:

1. From Natural Gas

LPG can be produced from natural gas. First, the gas will be collected from the Earth. This gas usually contains liquids and gases, such as methane, ethane, propane, and butane.

Before being marketed, LPG will be categorized based on the “gas wetness.” For example, NGL, or Natural Gas Liquid, which is formed from 10% unprocessed gas vapor, will be separated from LPG, which contains propane and butane.

2. From Crude Oil

LPG can be obtained from crude oil processed with distillation and cracking. Similar to LPG from natural gas, LPG from crude oil is separated based on its wetness during refining.

Then, the process continues to LPG fractionation, or separating LPG from the gases, such as isobutane, propane, and butane. Next, LPG will be stored in a tank or cylinder to be marketed.

3. From Renewable Source

This liquefied gas can also be produced from renewable sources and recycled feedstocks, such as crop residues and organic waste. This LPG is commonly referred to as BioLPG. Organic waste will be processed with special technology to produce renewable biopropane and propane. This type of LPG can be utilized to reduce the carbon footprint.

Types of LPG

LPG can be divided into three kinds based on the main components, which are butane LPG, propane LPG, and mixed LPG. The components of LPG, which are butane and propane, determine the function of LPG. Here is a complete explanation of the types of LPG:

1. Butane LPG

Butane LPG contains butane (C4H10), which is a compound having a lower boiling point than propane. This LPG is great for making a lighter, portable stove, refrigerant, and propellant.

2. Propane LPG

Propane LPG contains (C3H8), which has a boiling point of -42 degrees Celsius. This LPG is used as a vehicle fuel, cooking fuel, house heating system, and industrial heating system.

3. Mixed LPG

Mixed LPG consists of a mix of propane and butane. It has been customized to the market’s needs and climate conditions. This type of LPG is very commonly used in households for cooking and for vehicles needing high efficiency.

In addition to the three types of LPG above, there is also LPG to which special additives are added for specific purposes, such as reducing corrosion in equipment and improving combustion efficiency.

That concludes the information about LPG. LPG is one of the reliable fuels used in Indonesia for various purposes. It is made of natural gas or crude oil and goes through industrial processes.

LPG is then distributed using several methods; one of them is a vessel. Regarding sea logistics for LPG, Chandra Asri Group has a logistics business to carry LPG and chemicals.

The maritime logistics business involves PT Chandra Shipping International (CSI), PT Marina Indah Maritim (MIM), and PT Chandra Cold Chain (CCC). This sea logistics by Chandra Asri Group is equipped with seven vessels with a capacity of 5,000–8,600 DWT and is potentially acquiring more ships in the future.