What is
Liquid Gas?

The term “Liquid Gas” may seem a contradiction in terms since all things in nature are either a liquid, solid or a gas. Yet, liquidity is the unique character of Liquid Gas that makes it such a popular and widely-used fuel. At normal temperature and pressure, Liquid Gas is gaseous but it changes to a liquid when subjected to modest pressure or cooling.

Liquid Gas is a portable, clean and efficient energy source that is readily available to consumers around the world. Liquid Gas is primarily obtained from natural gas and oil production, but is also produced increasingly from renewable sources. Its unique properties make them a versatile energy source which can be used in more than 1,000 different applications.

LPG

LPG stands for liquefied petroleum gas and the term is used to describe two natural gas liquids: propane and butane, or a mix of the two. Propane and butane are chemically quite similar, but the small differences in their properties mean that they are particularly suited to specific uses. Often, propane and butane will be mixed to get the best energy yields and properties.

DME

DME (dimethyl ether) is a clean, colourless gas that is easy to liquefy and transport. It has remarkable potential for increased use as an automotive fuel, for power generation, and in industrial and domestic applications for heating and cooking.

DME has been used for decades in the personal care industry (as a benign aerosol propellant), and is now increasingly being exploited for use as an ultra-clean alternative fuel and energy carrier.

DME can be produced from a variety of abundant sources, including natural gas, coal, waste from pulp and paper mills, forest products, agricultural by-products, municipal waste and dedicated fuel crops such as switchgrass.

 

Liquid Gas by the numbers

More than three billion people use Liquid Gas

Global Liquid Gas consumption exceeds 300 million tonnes

Liquid Gas is used on all six continents, from Asian megacities to remote bases on Antarctica

Documentary

The Story of LPG

LPG: Propane or Butane?

LPG stands for “Liquefied Petroleum Gas” and the term is used to describe two Natural Gas Liquids: propane and butane, or a mix of the two. Propane and butane are chemically quite similar but the small differences in their properties mean that they are particularly suited to specific uses. Often, propane and butane will be mixed to get the best energy yields and properties.

Propane

Propane’s lower boiling point is perfect for outdoor storage and it is primarily used for central heating, commercial applications, cooking and transport.

Butane

Butane is mainly shipped in cylinders for portable applications such as mobile heaters or for leisure activities such as boats, caravans and barbecues. Butane can also be used as a propellant, refrigerant or to fuel welding torches.

Where is Liquid Gas used?

Hundreds of millions of people currently use Liquid Gas and depend on it for thousands of applications, in commercial business, industry, transportation, farming, power generation, cooking, heating and for recreational purposes.

Liquid Gas &
Society

With an immediate and global availability, environmental benefits, its natural co-product origin, transportation flexibility and diverse application, Liquid Gas plays a pivotal role in the transition towards a more secure, sustainable and competitive energy model.