[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, characteristics of liquefied gas

Liquefied gas properties

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG,Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is a kind of hydrocarbon gas that exists in gaseous state at room temperature, but can be liquefied and stored under certain pressure. Its main components are propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10), and sometimes contain small amounts of ethane (C2H6) and pentane (C5H12). LPG is colorless and tasteless. For safety reasons, odor agent is usually added to detect the leakage in time. Its density is about 0.5-0.58kg/L, lower than water, with high energy density and good combustion characteristics, almost no smoke and harmful gas emissions during combustion. Liquefied gas is gaseous at normal temperature and pressure, but can be converted into liquid at lower temperature or higher pressure, which is convenient for storage and transportation.

Liquefied gas use

Liquefied gas has a wide range of uses, both as a household and industrial fuel, can also be used as chemical raw materials. In terms of households, liquefied gas is mainly used for cooking and heating, and is widely welcomed because of its clean and efficient combustion. In the industrial field, liquefied gas is used in metal cutting, drying, baking and other production processes. Due to its easy-to-control flame and stable combustion characteristics, it is widely used in the metal processing and building materials industries. Liquefied gas can also be used as a vehicle fuel, called liquefied petroleum gas vehicles (LPG car). This fuel burns cleaner than traditional gasoline and emits less carbon dioxide and harmful substances. In the chemical industry, liquefied petroleum gas is an important source of basic chemical raw materials such as ethylene and propylene.

Liquefied gas upstream feedstock

The main upstream raw materials of liquefied gas are oil and natural gas. In the petroleum refining process, liquefied gas is produced as a by-product, especially in the catalytic cracking and distillation of crude oil. Associated gas and condensate in natural gas extraction and processing are also important sources of liquefied gas. In natural gas processing plants, liquefied gas components such as propane and butane can be extracted from natural gas through condensation and separation technologies. With the development and utilization of shale gas, the supply of liquefied gas has increased significantly, which further enhances the stability of the market supply of liquefied gas.

Liquefied gas downstream products

The downstream products of liquefied gas cover many fields. In the fuel field, liquefied gas is widely used in domestic and commercial combustion equipment. Its clean, efficient combustion characteristics make it an ideal cooking and heating fuel. In the industrial field, liquefied gas is used for welding, cutting, drying and other processes. In the chemical industry, liquefied petroleum gas is an important raw material for the production of basic chemical raw materials such as ethylene, propylene and butadiene. Ethylene and propylene are the basic monomers for the production of plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene, while butadiene is an important component of synthetic rubber. Liquefied gas can also be used in the manufacture of refrigerants, solvents and other specialty chemicals.

Liquefied gas storage method

The storage of liquefied gas requires special technology and equipment to ensure safe and effective use. Liquefied gas is gaseous at room temperature and pressure, but can be liquefied at high pressure or low temperature. High pressure or low temperature storage tanks are usually used for storage. High-pressure storage tanks are generally made of steel or composite materials, which can withstand higher pressures. Commonly used are bottled liquefied gas and large gas storage tanks. Cryogenic tanks keep the liquefied gas in a low-temperature liquid state by cooling, which is suitable for large storage facilities and long-distance transportation. The temperature and pressure need to be strictly monitored during storage to prevent leakage or explosion of liquefied gas. Liquefied gas storage facilities shall be kept away from fire sources and high temperature areas, and necessary fire and explosion-proof devices shall be set up, and safety inspection and maintenance shall be carried out regularly.

Liquefied gas transportation mode

There are various modes of transportation of liquefied gas, including pipeline transportation, tanker transportation and shipping. Pipeline transportation is the most common way, which is suitable for large-scale and long-distance transportation of liquefied gas. The liquefied gas is transported from the place of production to the place of consumption through underground pipelines. Tanker transportation is suitable for short-and medium-distance transportation, and special liquefied gas tankers are used for land transportation. Shipping is suitable for cross-border or long-distance transportation, using dedicated liquefied gas carriers (LPG ships) for maritime transportation. These modes of transportation must strictly comply with safety regulations to ensure that the liquefied gas during transportation does not leak or explode.

Liquefied Gas Market Prospects

With the adjustment of energy structure and the improvement of environmental protection requirements, the market prospect of liquefied gas is broad. As a kind of clean and efficient energy, the application of liquefied petroleum gas in the field of household, industry and transportation is expanding. Especially in developing countries and regions, the use of liquefied gas is rapidly spreading, replacing traditional highly polluting fuels such as coal and firewood. As an important chemical raw material, the demand for liquefied petroleum gas is increasing with the development of the chemical industry. In the future, with technological progress and the improvement of the supply chain, the liquefied gas market will further expand and exert greater economic and social benefits.

Conclusion

Liquefied petroleum gas plays an important role in modern energy and chemical industry because of its unique physical and chemical properties and wide range of uses. Its upstream raw materials mainly come from oil and natural gas, and its downstream products cover many fields such as fuel, chemical raw materials and specialty chemicals. The storage and transportation of liquefied gas requires special technology and equipment to ensure safe and effective use. With the promotion of environmental protection and energy structure adjustment, the LPG market has a bright future and will play a greater economic and social benefits in the future. In this context, an in-depth understanding of the nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials and storage methods of liquefied gas is of great significance to promote its industrial development.