Liquefied petroleum gas is a synthetic universal mixture of propane, butane and a small amount of unsaturated hydrocarbons obtained during oil production or its subsequent processing. In principle, such a mixture is a by-product of oil production, a pleasant bonus, so to speak. During the development of “black gold” deposits, associated petroleum gas (APG) is released, which is then processed into liquefied gas at enterprises of the corresponding profile.
For every ton of crude oil, there are from fifty to five hundred cubic meters of associated gas, which is sent together with the main product to the oil refinery, where it is compressed (liquefied). Liquefied gas is obtained from NGL (a wide fraction of light hydrocarbons), which is released from APG. Then this mixture is compressed under high pressure without changing the temperature.
Liquefied gas intended for industrial use and heating of various buildings is stored in special ground or underground tanks - gas holders. By such an indicator as the amount of energy released, fuel from hydrocarbon components is second only to main natural gas.
Liquefied hydrocarbons are an important raw material for the petrochemical industry. For the manufacture of various products, such gases undergo a pyrolysis process, which takes place at extremely high temperatures. As a result, compounds of olefins (ethylene, propylene, etc.) are formed - acyclic unsaturated hydrocarbons with one double bond between atoms. Then these complex compounds are converted into various types of polymers and plastics (polyethylene, polypropylene and others) through the polymerization process. Thus, the packaging containers we use daily, disposable tableware, and various everyday items were once liquefied gases.
But the main purpose of such gaseous mixtures is different. In the light of some problems in the energy sector, amid the general economic crisis and the emphasized concern of the world community about the environmental situation on the planet, liquefied gas is becoming extremely urgent and may soon take a leading position as a motor fuel. Clean fuel, which is important.
Already today, the global fleet of vehicles operating on liquefied petroleum totals more than 20 million units of vehicles. Also, liquefied gas is widely used for heating residential buildings and huge buildings of industrial enterprises, for drying, welding and cutting of metals. In addition, it occupies a fairly strong position in the field of agriculture, where it is used for burning weeds and pests.
The excellent environmental, economic and heat engineering qualities that liquefied petroleum gas fully possesses turn it into an ideal energy carrier of the present and future. He is able for many years to solve the energy and environmental problems of mankind.