LPG Through the Ages!

LPG Through the Ages!

ABYDA Product Page

This blog explores how LPG was first discovered and how it has progressed throughout the years.

What is LPG?

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is a hydrocarbon gas that exists in a liquefied form. It is colourless, low in carbon, and highly efficient as a fuel source. The two main types of LPG are Propane (C3H8) and Butane (C4H10), which can be utilized for various applications such as BBQs, heating, and more.

LPG boils at low temperatures, and to prevent it from evaporating due to its low boiling point, it is typically stored in pressurized steel vessels, like gas bottles.

How LPG was First Discovered!

The mixture of Propane and Butane was first mentioned in the United States in the early 20th century. American chemist Walter O. Snelling researched the properties of Propane by separating gaseous fractions from liquid ones, leading to the discovery of Propane. In the late 1910s, Snelling established the first domestic propane installation and later patented the industrial-scale production of propane.

Practical usage of LPG dates back to the 1920s, when it was employed for brazing lamps and metal cutting blowtorches. However, commercial production did not start until the late 1930s, when LPG sales reached 223 thousand gallons in the US. Just three years later, sales grew to 400 thousand gallons.

In 1929, LPG was first used as a motor fuel, and the first LPG refrigerator was manufactured. By 1930, fuel sales increased to approximately 10 million gallons in the US.

LPG was utilized for cooking and water heating during the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The LPG industry continued to expand, producing and selling 56 million gallons by 1939. The demand for LPG was further amplified by the popularity of airships traveling between Europe and the US.

LPG first appeared in Europe when it was imported from the USA and introduced in France in the mid-1930s.

LPG During the Second World War

During both World Wars, there were shortages, but LPG was notably used as a motor fuel during World War II. The Zeppelin series airships utilized engines powered by Blau Gas, which is similar to Butane, an ingredient of LPG. This lightweight fuel did not alter the airship’s overall weight, allowing for more efficient travel.

Despite the disastrous Hindenburg incident in 1937 that marked the end of the airship era, LPG continued to thrive as large quantities of gas bottles remained on airfields. Entrepreneur Ernesto Igel recognized this opportunity and promoted LPG as an excellent cooking fuel, leading to the founding of the Brazilian company, Ultragaz, which catered to hundreds of customers.

In the 1940s, Italian company Liquigas began filling LPG bottles near Venice. The political landscape during this period was complex due to World War II, impacting global supplies and demands in the propane and fuel industries.

LPG After the World War

Post-World War II, as industrial production resumed, LPG sales in the USA surpassed 1 billion gallons. The first liquefied gas tanker was built and started service in the early 1950s. Also in 1950, a public transport operator in Chicago ordered LPG-powered buses, and 270 taxis in Milwaukee were converted that same year.

By the mid-1950s, Ultragaz had over 70 thousand customers and is now one of the largest LPG operators globally. LPG sales reached 7 billion gallons in 1955, and in 1957, Chevrolet introduced four new LPG-powered engines for commercial vehicles.

Although international LPG export contracts were minimal in the early years, exports expanded significantly over the next two decades, reaching 48 million tons by 1975.

Today, LPG is utilized in numerous applications. Standard cars are increasingly converted into LPG vehicles. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people bought BBQs, patio heaters, and other devices that operate on LPG. It is commonly found in the backyards of pubs, restaurants, catering vans, and beyond.

Propane is a relatively new fuel compared to others. Gasoline was first harnessed for automobiles in the late 19th century, while natural gas was used for lighting as early as the 1800s. Homeowners did not start using propane, or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), until the mid-20th century. Despite being a newer energy source, its popularity soared due to its versatility for applications ranging from blowtorches to stoves.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Lpg Fittings Factory.

Table of Contents

The History of Propane

Who Discovered Propane?

Various individuals are credited with the discovery of propane, but French chemist Pierre-Eugene-Marcellin Berthelot is notable for synthesizing propane in his lab during the 1850s to 1860s alongside other hydrocarbons. However, he did not recognize its potential as a fuel immediately.

Propane Develops

In 1910, industrial chemist Dr. Edmund Ronalds discovered propane as a naturally occurring substance while dissolving Pennsylvania crude oil. It was not until 1920 that Walter Snelling confirmed propane as a volatile substance in crude oil. He stumbled upon it while investigating vapors from a Ford Model T gasoline tank and marketing LPG began shortly after.

The first LPG-fueled blowtorch was introduced in 1927, and propane fuel sales surged throughout the 1930s as new applications emerged, including the development of gas-powered domestic cooking appliances.

Propane & The Olympics

The 1932 Los Angeles Olympics utilized propane to power all cooking and water heating appliances within the Olympic Village. Subsequently, an odorant was added to the otherwise odorless gas to help detect leaks, a practice still observed today.

Propane In The Modern Day

Over the years, propane has continued to gain traction and increase in sales as homeowners adopted LPG for various applications such as water heaters, clothes dryers, and grills. Furthermore, the Clean Air Act recognized propane as a clean alternative fuel source, reinforcing its role in energy production.

Today, the propane industry has matured, with the U.S. propane market valued at an estimated $34.2 billion.

Where Does Propane Come From?

Propane can be synthesized in a lab and extracted from crude oil and natural gas. Fuel manufacturers extract it primarily through two methods: separating it from crude oil at oil refineries using a distillation tower or extracting it from refrigerated natural gas at processing plants alongside butane and ethane.

After extraction, propane receives an odorant for leak detection. The gaseous propane must be liquefied by proper separation from other chemicals and pressurization at the correct temperature. Liquefied propane is stored in cylinders and tanks, and when used, it returns to its gaseous state upon release.

Uses of Propane

Since the first sale of propane to a home in the 1920s, numerous applications have been discovered for this fuel in residential and commercial settings:

Domestic Applications

If you're considering propane for your home, you'll be surprised at the scope of its residential applications. Propane is used to fuel various home appliances, including:

• Grills: Propane is widely used for backyard grills and portable camp stoves, offering ease of use compared to charcoal.
• Water heaters: Propane can power tankless water heaters, often more economically than electricity.
• Generators: Residential generators frequently utilize propane.
• Furnaces: Propane can serve as a heating source for homes, typically at a lower cost than electricity and cleaner than oil burning.
• Cooking ranges: Many cooks prefer propane stoves due to their precise temperature control.
• Clothes dryers: Propane dryers are favored for their efficiency and reduced static compared to electric models.
• Fireplaces: Propane provides an easy way to create an even-burning fire in living room fireplaces.

Industrial and Commercial Applications

While propane is commonly associated with homes, it has numerous applications across various industries, including:

• Agriculture: Propane powers machinery used for crops and livestock, including crop dryers and heating for structures.
• Manufacturing and warehousing: Many factories use propane to power forklifts and industrial generators due to its clean-burning nature.
• Refrigeration: Propane functions as a refrigerant gas in many appliances.
• Hospitality: Restaurants and commercial kitchens rely on propane-fueled equipment for efficient cooking.
• Transportation: While some domestic cars utilize propane, it is more common in commercial fleets such as buses and service vehicles.

What Are the Benefits of Propane?

Propane’s versatility is one of its significant advantages, offering many advantages beyond mere convenience:

1. It's Efficient

Many homeowners switch to propane for its efficiency; LPG provides more energy per volume compared to natural gas.

2. It Never Expires

Propane retains its potency indefinitely, allowing for long-term storage without degradation, although storage tanks do have expiration dates.

3. It's Clean

Propane is known as a clean-burning fuel with minimal emissions, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

4. It's Reliable

During power outages, homes heated with LPG remain warm, and propane stoves can still be used for cooking.

Common Propane History FAQs

Where Was Propane Found?

Propane was first synthesized in a lab by Pierre-Eugene-Marcellin Berthelot among other organic compounds.

When Was Propane Invented?

Pierre-Eugene-Marcellin Berthelot is notably credited with the discovery of propane in the 1850s and 1860s.

Does Propane Sink or Rise?

Propane gas is heavier than air, causing it to sink.

Is Propane A Compound?

Yes, propane is an organic compound made of carbon and hydrogen.

Does Propane Burn Clean?

Propane is considered a clean-burning fuel, generating fewer emissions compared to other fossil fuels.

Does Propane Gas Expire?

Propane does not expire; it can be stored for extended periods without losing potency.

Order Propane From Foster Fuels

Are you considering switching to propane? We invite you to learn about the benefits of a propane-powered home. Once you switch, we would be happy to be your trusted propane provider.

As a local, family-owned business with over 100 years of experience, our knowledgeable team can answer all your questions about propane. We also offer auto-fill services to ensure you never run out unexpectedly. Contact us today to discuss your propane needs or to order fuel delivery.

Are you interested in learning more about Lpg Regulator Factory? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!