LPG, or Liquefied Petroleum Gas, is a non-renewable form of energy that is extensively used in homes, cars, and chemical feedstock. It is also known as LP Gas, auto gas and GPL. It was developed by Dr. Walter in 1910. LPG is made up of butane and propane. The most interesting thing is that the ingredients of LPG have different boiling points of 0 degree and -45 degree Celsius for butane and propane respectively. So the percentages of the ingredients depend upon the season as well, in winter a higher percentage of propane followed by more butane in summer. LPG is manufactured at the time of the extraction or refining of crude oil.

One of the biggest uses of LPG is for cooking. In places where natural gas is not available, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, or LPG, is an indispensable component in many households. LPG is used as a cooking medium as it also available at subsidised rates. In many countries like India, Hong Kong, China and Brazil, LPG is used on a large scale in homes, and is mostly to be found in the urban areas. In homes, either it is available in cylinders or directly provided through gas pipes in developed countries. As LPG has a very high calorific value, it is mixed with air to make it a substitute for natural gas. LPG doesn’t cause any pollution hazards, making it a cleaner fuel.

LPG that is used in cars is popularly known as auto gas. The concept was developed back in the 1940’s and has been introduced in vehicles just recently. LPG has a high octane value that provides higher efficiency to vehicles. Because it is tetra-ethyl lead free, and non toxic, it is also considered to be eco friendly. LPG kits for cars are available for diesel engines as well. An LPG kit that is installed in a car allows the car to run on petrol/diesel and LPG. Nowadays it is available at every gas station, and in comparison to petrol or diesel, it is much cheaper.

There are two major disadvantages of using LPG with a vehicle. Firstly, as LPG lacks the combustion with lead or any kind of lead substitute, it can shorten the life of the engine as it damages the valves. Secondly, using LPG in a car decreases the power of the car as it has a low energy density when compared to that of petrol or diesel. So, LPG cannot be used in mountainous or rough terrains.

There are other uses of LPG as well, and they include LPG as a substitute for solar water heaters, air source heat pumps, and ground source heat pumps. In cold places where there is less sun light available, LPG can be used for heating water in place of solar water heaters. It will also heat the water at a relatively higher temperature. In place of using the earth’s natural energy, LPG can be used to heat the water as well as provide flame or fire.