Propane gas is one of the most used sources of energy. Many homes in America use it to warm water, and power appliances, and we even cook with our gas grills. But, do you know where or how propane gas is made?
If you have no idea, there’s no need to fret. In this article, I will look at all the brass tacks around propane gas – when it was discovered and, most importantly, how it is made.
Read on…
What is Propane?
Often referred to as Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), propane gas is a by-product of natural gas processing. It is also obtained from the refinement of crude oil.
It is important to note that Propane gas was first discovered in 1910 by a chemist, Walter O. Snelling, and has since been a great source of fuel for the home.
How propane gas is made
Propane gas can be obtained in two ways;
- From domestic natural gas processing
- Crude oil refinement
Preparation through natural gas processing
During the natural processing of gas, propane is extracted to prevent the condensation of gas in pipelines.
Once the extraction is complete, propane gas is then liquified to make it easier for transportation.
Once the liquefaction is complete, an odorant is added to give the propane an odor. This process makes it possible to notice a leakage if and when it happens. This step is necessary since propane gas is naturally odorless and colorless.
Preparation from the refinement of crude oil
Propane is also a by-product of crude oil refining. Refinery plants crack crude oil into several products, including propane, and the amount of gas obtained through this method greatly relies on the process used and the type of refinery. Usually, propane gas constitutes about 1-4% of the processed crude oil.
Why choose propane gas?
It is unlikely that you are not a user of propane gas but if that’s the case, here’s why you should choose propane gas for your domestic or industrial use.
Supply
Propane gas is readily available and in large volumes. It is so plentiful that the United States of America has become a net exporter of gas.
However, it is important to note that the supply of propane gas is tied to the availability of petroleum. Therefore, when there is a short supply of petroleum, the propane gas supply also decreases, which makes it not a reliable fuel source.
Cost
Another reason why you should use propane gas is that its clean-burning properties make it a more energy-efficient source of fuel, which will, in turn, help you to save money.
Safety
Propane gas is considered to be quite safe. However, it is combustible, and any leaks can be devastating. Also, since it’s stored under pressure, sudden decompression can cause massive damage.
Tips For Using A Propane Gas Grill Safe
Although I mentioned a few safety tips above I would like to add a few more.
Fire Extinghuiser
Having a fire extinguisher for the grill is one of the best recommendations I can do. It can also be used indoors.
Grill mat
Even if you take all precautions there is always a chance that something hot fall off the grill. Especially on a wooden deck, this can cause problems.
I have used a fireproof mat for my deck under the grill for a long time now and it saved me several times from having spills from the grill leaving stains or worse on my deck.
Grill Table
I have seen many times that people use a flimsy service to place their grill on.
I think we all need a good outdoor grill table to keep grilling as safe as possible.
Final take
If you love grilling, it’s evident that propane is the best source for your gas grill. It has a number of advantages and many people use the gas grill as a cost-effective and reliable source of energy.
Eddie van Aken
Eddie van Aken brings years of experience from running a full-service restaurant, where he honed his skills with all types of kitchen equipment. His expertise extends to mastering the art of outdoor cooking, utilizing the right recipes to enhance flavors on grills and smokers. Eddie’s in-depth knowledge allows him to provide comprehensive grill reviews and valuable outdoor cooking tips, helping enthusiasts make the most of their grilling adventures. You can read more on the About page for Eddie van Aken