With the strong backlash from traditional fuels, including coal and wood, more and more industries are now turning to modern alternatives such as LPG, LNG, and CNG. These fuels reduce greenhouse gas emissions considerably, which is essential to control global warming.
In India, LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and LNG ( Liquefied Natural Gas) are getting increasingly popular. They both have different distribution networks, energy content, combustion, and working pressure. But which one do consumers need? Can we use both LPG and LNG for residential and commercial use?
To know that and make the right decision first, we need to understand the difference between LNG and LPG:
They are highly combustible. When these gases come in contact with oxygen from air and spark, flame, or high heat, they undergo exothermic combustion reactions. LPG is odorless, colorless, and explosive.
Since LPG is clean, energy-efficient, and portable, it has become widely popular in India. In fact, with the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, millions of households now have LPG connections all over India.
LPG can be used for various tasks, including heating appliances, cooking, and even fueling vehicles. Most of the LPG we use today comes from natural gas and oil production.
LNG, or liquefied natural gas, mostly contains methane. The gas is cooled to -161 degrees Celsius until it turns into a non-toxic, colorless, and odorless liquid. This cooling process makes the gas much easier and more cost-effective to transport and store. It takes up only about 1/600th of the space that natural gas does in its gaseous form.
LNG is non-pressurized, making it safe and convenient for various uses. Additionally, its non-corrosive characteristics make it ideal for running sensitive and expensive equipment and machinery without causing damage. The usage of LNG in India is also growing at a fast pace. The report suggests that the government is trying to increase natural gas in the primary energy mix to 15% by 2030.
Let’s compare LPG vs LNG based on different factors:
LPG can be liquefied by applying light pressure at room temperature. This is why it’s stored in household and industrial cylinders ranging from 2 kg to 33 kg.
LNG, on the other hand, requires cryogenic conditions. Methane gas is cooled to about –162 °C to convert into a liquid.
LPG is stored in cylindrical vessels or tanks at relatively low pressures. You can easily transport the cylinder by road, rail, or small vessel.
LNG is stored in cryogenic tanks that are double-walled and vacuum-insulated. The tanks are transported via specialized cryogenic sea/ocean vessels.
LPG can be stored at room temperature. They are also safer to use, with no risk of Rapid Phase Transition (RPT).
LNG needs specialized equipment and handling because the extremely cold temperatures increase the risk of burns and material brittleness. If spilled into water, it can lead to RPT accidents—a violent explosion that can occur when cryogenic liquids like LNG come in sudden contact with water.
Risk Factors Associated with LNG
Know more: Learn How to Become a LPG Gas Agency Dealer
LPG is the preferred fuel for cooking and small industries because it can be stored and used easily. On the other hand, LNG requires complex production technology and a dedicated supply infrastructure, making it unsuitable for small industries and household cooking purposes.
One of the biggest advantages of LPG over LNG is its cost-effectiveness. While the prices of both fuels are volatile, LPG does not require heavy infrastructure such as regasification plants or pipelines. This makes it more affordable for consumers. Additionally, LPG transportation does not result in significant losses, since it is stored in pressurized cylinders with minimal spillage.
The difference in storage requirements creates a huge gap in overall cost. LNG must be stored in cryogenic barrels and later re-gasified using vaporizers before use. This type of infrastructure is expensive, with high installation costs.
LPG has the clear advantage of being ready to use directly from cylinders or tanks without any additional processing. In contrast, LNG requires regasification before it can be consumed, which adds another layer of complexity and operating cost.
LPG is the preferred fuel for cooking and small-scale industries due to its affordability and portability. While both LNG and LPG are much cleaner alternatives to coal and oil, each has its advantages. LPG produces very low nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides, making it an eco-friendly fuel for households and industries. LNG, on the other hand, emits less carbon dioxide per unit of energy, making it better from a greenhouse gas perspective.
For industries looking for convenience, LPG’s simpler installation process, cost-effectiveness, and availability make it the superior choice.
From the above discussion on LPG vs LNG, we can sum up that LPG is a convenient choice for residents and small businesses. So, if you want to switch to LPG, contact the LPG gas agency dealership.
SHIVGAS is a leading name in the LPG industry. With over 30 years of experience in bridging the supply and demand curve of LPG gas, we have offered a comprehensive solution for LPG storage and installation. We offer customer satisfaction by providing customized solutions based on application, availability, and technology.
If you are looking to convert from LNG to LPG or want to get in touch with our experts, then call +91 9830093042.
While LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) contains a mixture of propane and butane, the primary composition of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is methane. LPG, due to its composition, can be liquefied under moderate temperatures; LNG has to be cooled to about 162 degrees Celsius for conversion into a liquid state.
LPG is used for heating, cooking, and power generation across a broad range of industries, including automotive as well as households. LNG, on the other hand, has limited usage. It is used for power generation and heating, mostly industrially and very rarely residentially.
LPG costs way less than LNG. LPG is more portable and easier to handle than LNG, which needs to be cooled to –162 °C and then transported using specialized vessels.
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