Since LPG is an odorless gas, odorizing agents (odorants) are dosed to LPG to detect gas leakages. The commonly used odorants for LPG, such as Ethyl Mercaptan, contain sulphur in high levels. As known, sulphur leads to SOx emissions which has hazardous effects on human health and environment.

To remedy the problem, Aygaz has developed a sulphur-free odorant for LPG, Greenodor. Greenodor is presented as a solution for SOx emission problems of the LPG sector and it is an industrially applicable product. It has been developed with the collaboration of Aygaz, local universities and research institutes.

Greenodor is an ecological and patent-pending product for LPG suppliers and distributors who pay attention to environmental protection. Greenodor can be used as a replacement for traditional LPG odorants which typically contain sulphur.

Ms Elif Atak, Aygaz, Turkey

Ultragaz, a pioneer company and leader in LP gas in Brazil (1937), belongs to Ultra, one of the largest Brazilian corporate groups operating in these segments with respective companies: fuel distribution – Ipiranga; chemical specialties – Oxiteno; storage of bulk liquids – ULTRACARGO; and retail drugstore – Extrafarma. Ultragaz serves 11 million households and 50 thousand corporate clientes. The first Sustainable LPG Shop was opened in the city of Fortaleza. At the same complex, Extrafarma also opened the first chain drugstore to work together with the shop. The installation of a Sustainable Shop and an Extrafarma Drugstore in the same place is an important step for Ultra Group, because, besides representing the beginning of the first joint operation of both companies, it translates into more convenience for consumers as well as better results for communities and the business.

Mr Mauricio Jarovsky, Ultragaz, Brazil

During last years, LPG installations equipped with Vaporizers; have showed many operational reliability that affected customers operations and that necessitated emergency interventions and costly corrective maintenance actions by our field technical service. The project aim was to move from a reactive maintenance model towards a predictive service model. The solution was developed in partnership with locally global GSM module integrator and consists of the following.

Measurement instruments (T°, Pressure, Voltage, Current) are installed to read the operating parameters of the installation. The Bulk Customer installation is equipped with an intelligent GSM/GPRS module to collect LPG vaporizer alarms status and operating parameters, store and transmit SMS and e-mail via Internet. In terms of notifications, the field technician and maintenance manager receives alarm SMS messages and e-mails are sent to supervision staff. A supervision station is installed in office to monitor in detail the installation in real time through dedicated graphical interface, graphs and alarm log. Alarms and parameter measures are archived for further review and analysis as necessary.

Mr Nabil Guejaj, Vivo Energy Maroc, Morocco

This new device helps the driver to connect and disconnect this new nozzle on the small bulk underground tank when they need to refill it. It will facilitate the driver’s operation. To make the connection, the driver pushes the female coupling onto the male one and turns 90°.

Mr Alain Deleuse, Mann Teknik AB, Sweden
Mr Guilherme Darezzo, Ultragaz, Brazil

Aygaz, together with a Turkish LPG conversion partner, has developed a diesel-LPG dual fuel conversion kit for heavy duty vehicles and it is ready for implementation today. The conversion system has been tested on 13 test vehicles for 2 years and completed a total of 1 million km mileage all around Turkey.

According to the fuel consumption data logged, fuel costs have been decreased compared to diesel-only mode. Drivers of the trucks showed close attention to using LPG, noting there was no performance or drivability difference with diesel. Laboratory tests were also conducted on test trucks on a dynamometer and showed similar results with road tests. According to the calculations, 6% decrease in CO2 and 35% decrease in PM emissions can be achieved. Diesel-LPG conversion offers a great opportunity both for vehicle owners and LPG distributors in the near future.

Mr. Can Tikiroglu, Aygaz, Turkey

Kraftwerk Inc. has developed a completely new compact fuel cell, that runs on natural gas — LPG, LNG, CNG, propane, butane etc. — as well as hydrogen. It is the only low cost, light weight fuel cell capable of repeated cycling and quick startups. It can be used for stationary, portable and transport devices.

Mr Martin Pentenrieder, Kraftwerk Inc. Power Solutions, Germany

The LPG industry is entering a period of lower prices and an abundance of supply. This technology provides a unique opportunity using LPG as a bridging feedstock until Ghanaian indigenous gas is available. The Bridge Power Project is a greenfield project in Tema, Ghana for the rapid deployment of a 350 MW generation facility to be fueled by LPG. The project will be developed in two phases on an accelerated timeline. Phase one will be comprised of five fuel-flexible GE TM 2500+ which will operate in combined cycle to generate 144 MW. Phase two will generate an additional 206 MW through a combined-cycle system consisting of four GE LM 6000 PC Sprint Gas Turbines and a purpose-built GE Steam Turbine are to be added. The project will run on imported LPG under a long-term fuel supply arrangement which will include an LPG storage facility which will be built as part of the project infrastructure.

Mr Christoph Reimnitz, GE Global Growth & Operations, UK

Delta-ee’s research showcases some of the effective business models that are key to unlocking the LPG-based power generation / CHP market. New and innovative business models are emerging for the energy and heating industries and these are allowing some new market entrants to challenge the incumbent players, circumvent existing supply channels, and find new value pools and profitable revenue streams to make a more compelling commercial proposition. Deep knowledge of all of these aspects is extremely important for the LPG industry as business models can make use of these values and differentiators, repackaging or bundling them as something more attractive for the customer and the other parties involved.

Ms Cate Lyon, Delta Energy and Environment, UK

For the past forty years, there has been limited availability of LPG-powered tractors in the market. In late 2012, PERC launched a project with New Holland Agriculture, a division of Case-New Holland/Fiat Industrial to develop two prototype LPG-powered tractors for testing and market evaluation. In 2013, a compact 27HP “Boomer 25 Compact” tractor prototype was developed and tested. In 2015, development of a mid-size “T6050” 120HP tractor was finalised with market research and testing scheduled through 2016. There is much we have learned through development and market research on these prototype tractors that we are able to share for the benefit of the world LPG industry.

Mr Cinch Munson, Propane Education & Research Council, USA