What is propane (gas)? We explain it to you.

What is propane gas. That is the question we are going to answer. Because in an earlier blog we already told you that propane gas was an interesting alternative to natural gas. Nevertheless, in practice it often turns out that there are unanswered questions. OK GAS has been a supplier of propane gas in the Netherlands and Belgium since 1962. Due to our years of expertise in the gas and propane industry, we can explain to you exactly what propane gas is. In this blog article we will tell you all about propane (gas): what it is, how it is extracted and what the advantages are over other fuels.

What is propane?

Propane, the liquid form of propane gas, is a hydrocarbon gas with the chemical formula C3H8.It is extracted as a byproduct in the extraction of natural gas and refining of petroleum. Propane gas is liquefied into propane by pressurizing it. This process, known as liquefaction, reduces the volume of gaseous propane and makes it easier for us as propane gas suppliers to transport as well as store it. At normal pressure and temperature, propane is a gas, but when it is pressurized to about 1.7 bar it becomes a liquid.

Does propane gas have a specific odor?

No, propane originally has no specific odor. For that reason, an odor is artificially added, often described as a "rotting egg"-like smell. This is done to ensure that it can be detected when a pipe leaks. In this way, large gas leaks are prevented.

What is the difference between propane and butane

Propane and butane are both hydrocarbon gases that occur as by-products of natural gas extraction and petroleum refining. However, they have different chemical formulas and properties:

  • Propane has the formula C3H8, while butane has the formula C4H10. This means that butane has one more carbon atom and 2 more hydrogen atoms than propane.
  • Propane has a lower boiling point than butane, this means that propane as a gas changes to a liquid at a lower temperature.
  • Propane is lighter than butane, making propane more suitable for transportation and storage in liquid form.
  • Butane has a higher burning point than propane, this means that butane must have a higher percentage of gas before it ignites.
  • Propane is often used as a fuel for domestic heating, stoves, vehicles and as a raw material for chemicals. Butane is mainly used as fuel for gas lanterns, gas cylinders and small gas burners.

Is propane sustainable compared to natural gas?

Propane gas is a fossil fuel and belongs to the group of hydrocarbons. When burned, it releases water and carbon dioxide (CO2). OK GAS makes propane gas sustainable by offsetting the CO2 produced by the propane sold and used. We do this by participating in projects that remove CO2 from the atmosphere, such as reforestation and the establishment of wind farms.

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