May 11, 2020

What is LPG Gas and their impact to Mother Earth?

What is LPG Gas and its common uses?Liquefied Petroleum Gas, also known as LPG, is a type of fossil fuel. it is a portable and clean energy source that is readily available to consumers around the world. It is usually a mixture of propane and butane, although the makeup of the gases is dependent on where it comes from, how it is supplied and its uses. LPG gas usually appears in the form of a cylinder, tank, or a bottle, and tiny quantities of other gases are occasionally present inside. It is odourless, hence small amounts of a pungent gas is added to help people to identify gas leaks in the event that it occurs and becomes potentially dangerous. The gases are primarily obtained from natural gas and oil production but are also being supplied from renewable sources. There are many ways that LPG gas can be used in daily instances, up to 1000 different ways. But the most common way is for industrial, commercial, agricultural, horticultural and manufacturing applications. For example, it can provide us with heating, hot water to cook food at home and serve as fuel for cars. LPG exists as a gas at normal atmospheric pressure, only existing in liquid form at very low temperatures or if it is under pressure. When pressure is released, the liquid will boil and form a vapour, which is what’s used to fuel appliances. What is the Cost?LPG gas is not expensive, neither are they extremely cheap either. The period of use for it depends on how much gas you have purchased, and how often you use it. Generally, it should last for more than a week. In Singapore, the average price for a gas cylinder for 12.7kg of gas would cost about $30-$40 depending on the gas supplier. What is its impact:Health & ClimateLPG is a clean-burning fuel. It helps to reduce outdoor and urban air pollution, and indoor cooking is smoke-free. It contributes less to air pollution due to fewer soot particles, and it also produces less carbon dioxide. It is non-toxic and it only produces carbon dioxide as a by-product. It emits literally no black carbon and is just as clean as natural gas. With the black carbon emissions reduced, this affects climate change in a positive way. The carbon footprint of LPG is 20% lower than that of heating oil, and 50% lower than coal. Some governments have even mandated the use of autogas(LPG for vehicles) for vehicles to reduce air pollution. Social FootprintLPG is suitable for localised renewable power generation. It is very versatile and can be used in numerous instances to fit the needs of any industry. LPG provides businesses in both developing and developed countries with reliable energy. Its efficient and controllable energy is also easy to transport and store. The LPG industry employs millions of people around the globe, under thousands of small businesses. Due to its portability and the convenience it brings, LPG generators provide reliable power in remote areas where ordinary gas supplies are unavailable. With lesser time spent on collecting firewood or other forms of fuel, Women in developing countries have more time for their family or economic activities. Carbon footprint6o% of all LPG produced is a co-product of natural gas, making it very resource-efficient. It does not contaminate the soil or aquifers. It also has a very long shelf life that does not degrade. Its supply has been increasing and it is guaranteed to continue for the foreseeable future. It does not need large scale infrastructures of pipelines to support it, making it less vulnerable in the case of natural disasters. It does not lose energy when transported over long distances, compared to transporting electricity, for example. It is pivotal in phasing out the use of solid fuels. Comparison with other types of gases/methodsLPG and Natural Gas are chemically different, as Natural Gas is made up of methane, while LPG is made of propane and butane. The energy content for LPG is higher, requiring lesser gas. Natural Gases are passed through pipelines which are not portable compared to LPG. Induction cookers are also another popular method of cooking, however, it is powered by electricity and uses electromagnetic energy to cook food in the pan. This is very different from the methods of cooking that come with using LPG and Natural Gas. Induction requires specific pans that are magnetic, and one might need to replace their pots and pans if they are not magnetic. Purchasing an Induction system is also quite costly, which will not be a feasible option for those who are unable to afford it. FunctionNatural GasLPG GasInduction CookersUses Gas?YesYesNoAbility to view flamesYesYesNoPortable?NoYesYesNeed for Special pans?NoNoYesPrice RangeLowMediumHigh All in all, LPG gas is very widely used and common. It is easily obtained by most people and has a great impact that contributes well to society as well as the environment. It is probably the best choice that anyone can easily acquire due to its price as well as the benefits that it serves.