Gas Spotlight: Propane

Propane is an important gas not only to industry, but also for commercial use. It warms houses, powers gas grills, and heats water among other uses. It is non-toxic and is naturally colorless and odorless, which means an odorant needs to be added so people can tell it is present in the atmosphere. When it was first discovered, propane was a compound found in gasoline. The two ways it is collected now are through natural gas production and from crude oil refining.

Propane, along with butane, are both extracted during natural gas processing. This is to prevent condensation in natural gas pipelines, meaning propane is a natural byproduct of the refining process. Since propane is much denser as a liquid than as a gas, the extracted propane is stored and transported as a liquid.

At various stages of the oil-refining process, liquefied petroleum gasses are produced. While it is usually a small amount, propane is one of these hydrocarbons and can be collected.

Propane is stored and transported in liquid form. This liquefaction is an important stage in the production of propane. When propane is liquefied, it removes impurities like ethane and propene. This ensures that the liquid form of propane is far safer than other gas energy sources.

It is also one of the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels. Vehicles powered by propane produce 30 to 90% less carbon monoxide and 50% fewer toxins and other emissions than gasoline engines, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.