What's the Difference Between LPG and LNG?

Today, we are shifting towards the alternative of traditional fuels. More and more industries are turning to CNG, LPG, and LNG fuels. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions and minimizes expenses that help in increasing productivity in industries and combat global warming.

LPG and LNG are two different gases and have different distribution networks, energy content, combustion, and working pressure.

LPG is derived from natural gas and crude oil during oil refining. Affordability and readability in the market are the advantages that make LPG superior to LNG. To know more about their differences and which one is better, here is an interesting read, so read along.

What is LPG?

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is a by-product of crude oil extraction. It consists of a mix of butane, iso-butane, propane, and other gases, making it a highly flammable hydrocarbon mixture. LPG is odourless, colourless, and explosive. It’s widely accessible globally and praised for being clean, energy-efficient, portable, and affordable. People commonly use LPG to power heating appliances, cook, and even fuel vehicles. Most of the LPG we use today comes from natural gas and oil production. However, thanks to new technologies and methods, more and more LPG is now being made from renewable sources.

What is LNG?

LNG, or liquefied natural gas, is natural gas that has been cooled to -161 degrees Celsius to turn it into a liquid. This cooling process makes the gas much easier and more cost-effective to transport and store, as 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. It is colourless, odourless, and non-toxic, making it an eco-friendly option. Additionally, LNG is non-corrosive, making it ideal for running sensitive and expensive equipment and machinery without causing damage.

The Major Differences (LPG Vs LNG) 

• Under light pressure, LPG liquefies, while LNG liquefies cryogenically. The liquefied LPG can be stored in an LPG tank ranging from 2kg to 33kg cylindrical vessels.
• The transportation of LPG is done via sea and ocean routes in cryogenic vessels leading to safety risks while transporting.
• The major difference between LNG and LPG is, that LPG can be used directly from the vessel, while LNG requires regasification, and vaporizers to convert into gaseous form.
• While comparing the flammability of both gases, LPG has a lower risk compared to LNG. This is due to some factors-
• Can be stored at room temperature
• Low storage pressure
• No risk of rapid phase transition(RPT)

Risk Factors Associated with LNG

• Cryogenic storage
• High risk of RPT
• It contains only methane, which is a strong greenhouse gas.
• Frostbite

Know more: Learn How to Become a LPG Gas Agency Dealer

Advantages of Using LPG over LNG

LPG is the preferred choice for cooking fuel and small industries. LNG The technology involved in the production and infrastructure required for the supply of LNG is not effective for small industries and household cooking.

Another major advantage of LPG is the cost of fuel. The cost of LPG and LNG is volatile however, LPG is cost-effective as it does not require any infrastructure for connection and there is no spillage or loss during transportation.

The difference in storing the gases impacts the usage. The LNG is stored in cryogenic barrels which are then re-gasified to convert into vapor for usage. The cost of this type of storage along with a vaporizer can fall between $150,000-$200,000 for industries.

While LPG is stored in cylinders at optimum temperature, it converts into vapor when used. This reduces the cost of installation. In industries to install a propane system costs between $100,000-$150,000.

Conclusion

SHIVGAS is a leading name in the fuel industry. With over 30 years of 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is The Difference Between LPG & LNG in Terms Of Their Composition?

While LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is primarily made up of propane and butane, LNG or Liquefied Natural Gas’s composition is driven by methane. While 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.

2. How Are LPG & LNG Transported & Stored?

LPG can stored in pressurised tanks due to its capability of becoming a liquid at moderate temperatures. LNG on the other hand cant be stored in such spaces. For them cryogenic tanks with very low temperature accommodation are mandatory. These tanks are used for both transportation and storage for both LPG & LNG respectively.

3. What Are The Main Uses Of LPG & LNG?

The uses of LPG include 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.

4. Which One Is Environmentally Better- LPG or LNG?

Although both LPG and LNG are cleaner and more environmentally beneficial than those fossil fuels that have been used traditionally, the pollutants and greenhouse gases emitted by LPG are lesser than those of LNG. LPG emits a lesser amount of nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides per unit of energy produced. Although LNG is also beneficial to the environment, its composition which is mainly made up of methane contributes way more to the global warming effect than liquefied petroleum gas.