Both LNG and LPG are liquefied gases that underwent refining processes to ensure the safety of their users. They also offer reliable fuel energy sources for many applications including residential, commercial and industrial.
Aside from these remarkable similarities and advantages, let’s understand more about LNG and LPG by discussing their differences.
LNG vs. LPG
1. Process of Liquefaction
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) undergoes a process of liquefaction by way of chilling. This cryogenically processed natural gas is transformed into a liquefied state to ensure safety and ease of storing and transporting.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), on the other hand, uses pressurisation to liquefy it. It is categorised as a readily available clean, energy-efficient and portable fuel source that’s affordable, too. The best thing about LPG is it is supplied and used worldwide.
2. Process of Supplying
While both can be stored and shipped in containment vessels, they differ in properties. LNG uses purposely built cryogenic tanks to ship it to and from other countries. It is supplied and transported to individual users through pipelines.
LPG uses pressurised tanks, cylinders and gas bottles as storage. These containment vessels are shipped and transported from suppliers to specific consumers.
3. Facilities Involved
Both LPG and LNG are processed and refined in highly secured and fire-proof facilities. They are typically located in peak-shaving plants and isolated satellite facilities away from populated areas.
LNG facilities involve a regasification process using a vaporiser to prepare and transform it back to its gaseous state before supplying it to its consumers. These facilities also consist of production plants, dispensing stations and pipeline transportation.
LPG facilities are characterised by ambient conditions on-site. A higher amount of pressure is required to liquefy LPG substances, hence, a higher ambient temperature may require a facility with higher pressure. This is to ensure safe and targeted procedures from liquefaction to transportation.
4. Uses of Each Gas
LNG is typically used for highly sensitive and complicated machinery and equipment. However, recent years show that many households also use natural gas as their fuel source. The main benefit of choosing LNG is accessibility and convenience as they are transported through highly secured pipelines.
Comparatively, LPG is known to be the more versatile fuel source as it can be used in many industries. Many Aussie homeowners opt to use LPG gas bottles because of affordability and portability. It can be used for cooking and water heating systems.
In some cases, LPG is used by manufacturing companies and energy-processing facilities as it is the cheaper option to fuel up their machinery and equipment. Many car owners also use LPG as an autogas since it is eco-friendlier and more cost-efficient than other petroleum products.
5. Chemical Composition
LNG is a colourless, non-corrosive, odourless and non-toxic type of gas composed mainly of methane and some compounds, such as carbon dioxide. This natural gas is derived from fossil fuels and other organic materials that have decomposed on the Earth’s surface or ocean floors.
These organic decomposed fuel sources are typically combined with sand and silt and are compressed for millions of years. As a result, coal, oil and natural gas are formed. These are then extracted and processed into LNG.
LPG, on the other hand, is derived from processing natural gas. It is generally considered a bi-product of crude petroleum and is composed primarily of butane and propane. Just like LNG, LPG is colourless and odourless. However, LPG manufacturers add some tint and smell to it for people to immediately notice in cases of gas leaks.
6. Which is a safer option?
Although both types of liquefied gases are refined and processed to make sure that they are safe to use in various industries, LNG is known to be more hazardous to the environment. Note that LNG is mostly methane which is highly categorised as a greenhouse gas.
Conversely, LPG is mainly propane and butane, hence, less harmful to the environment. Under the right circumstances, however, both can be considered safe for the household, commercial and industrial uses.
Is LNG the better choice for home use than LPG?
Generally, both LNG and LPG are excellent choices for residential fuel sources. Both are highly combustible but natural gas emits less carbon dioxide as compared to LPG when burned. In case of a leak, LNG may be safer than LPG since its main component methane easily disperses in the air.
Also, LPG has a higher calorific value. A drop of it can go a long way than a few drops of LNG. This makes LPG the better choice in terms of cost and energy efficiency. LPG gas bottles are also durable, reliable and portable.
In conclusion, LPG seems to be more advantageous in many ways. And in this ever-evolving world, many gas manufacturers have found ways to increase their production of LPG from renewable sources.
Learn more about the benefits of using LPG… Contact Plus Gas today!