What are some important facts about propane?
Propane is a hydrocarbon (C3H8) and is sometimes referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, LP-gas, or LPG. Propane is produced from both natural gas processing and crude-oil refining. Nearly 97 percent of propane used in the United States is produced in North America. It is nontoxic, colorless, and virtually odorless.
What are the benefits of propane vehicles?
The potential for lower maintenance costs makes propane a popular choice for high-mileage vehicles. Propane’s high octane rating, combined with its low-carbon and low oil-contamination characteristics, has resulted in improved engine life compared to conventional gasoline engines.
Are propane cars better for the environment?
Since propane has a lower carbon content than petroleum products, it creates fewer toxic emissions and burns cleaner. Some estimates show that converting a vehicle to propane autogas can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 90%. Your vehicle’s engine could even last longer with propane.
How efficient are propane powered vehicles?
Because a gallon of propane has 27% less energy than a gallon of gasoline, the fuel economy of propane vehicles is slightly lower. However, propane has a higher octane rating than gasoline (104–112 compared to 87–92 for gasoline), and some OEMs offer dedicated engines optimized to take advantage of this higher rating.
What are the pros and cons of propane?
The Pros and Cons of Heating Your Home with Propane
- Pro: It’s Safe and It Burns Clean.
- Pro: Power Your Whole Home with the Same Fuel Source.
- Pro: Bigger Tanks Mean Fewer Deliveries.
- Con: It Produces Fewer BTUs Per Gallon Than Oil.
- Con: High Upfront Costs to Switch.
- Con: You May Have to Pay a Rental Fee.
How do propane vehicles work?
Propane vehicles operate much like gasoline vehicles with spark-ignited internal combustion engines. There are two types of propane fuel-injection systems available: vapor and liquid injection. In both types, propane is stored as a liquid in a relatively low-pressure tank, usually at the rear of the vehicle.
How does propane affect the environment?
Propane is not safe for the environment. Propane is a liquid when stored, and when released into the air, it vaporizes and dissipates with no ozone-harming effects. This means it cannot contaminate groundwater, drinking water, marine ecosystems or sensitive habitat if released. Electricity is better than fossil fuels.
Why is it called propane?
The “prop-” root found in “propane” and names of other compounds with three-carbon chains was derived from “propionic acid”, which in turn was named after the Greek words protos (meaning first) and pion (fat).
How many structures does propane have?
The propane chemical structure, or chemical formula, is three carbon atoms branched with eight hydrogen atoms (C3H8). This atomic makeup of a propane molecule means propane is a “simple” alkane that is clean-burning, with little smoke or odor.