What is propane?
Propane is a simple hydrocarbon and is often referred to as liquefied petroleum gas or LPG. It is a byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. Propane is non-toxic, colorless and virtually odorless. Propane becomes a liquid under moderate pressure (150-200 PSI) and is stored and dispensed in its liquid state. Propane is the third most-used common fuel in the world behind gasoline and diesel and is the dominant alternative motor fuel in more than 38 countries.
What types of vehicles can use propane?
Propane can be used in light and heavy-duty vehicles. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, in 1996 there were over 260,000 vehicles running on propane in the US and over 400,000 in use around the world. Most propane vehicles are currently duel-fuel, large trucks and vans, though after-manufacture conversions for many vehicles are possible and original equipment manufactures are beginning to offer more factory-ready models. Applications include cars, pick-up trucks, forklifts, transit and school buses, delivery trucks, trolleys and vans.
How does propane perform?
Vehicles running on propane have the longest range of any alternative fuel and only a slightly shorter range than gasoline and diesel vehicles. Acceleration, cruise speed, payload, power and maintenance are comparable to those of traditional-fuel vehicles. Propane is very stable at a large range of temperatures, making it appropriate for use in varying climates, and eliminating cold-start problems. Propane does require special safety measures.
What are the benefits of using propane?
Propane has one-third less reactive organic gases than gasoline, but a similar fuel range. Because propane can be stored as a liquid, a high amount of energy can be stored in a relatively small space. Propane has been used for over 60 years with an excellent safety record. It is a nontoxic fuel that vaporizes when released from pressurized conditions so it poses no risk to water or soil resources. It typically costs 5-30 percent less than gasoline. Public fueling stations are more common than any other alternative fuel. Filling time for vehicles is comparable with times for gasoline or diesel fuels. Ninety percent of the propane consumed in the United States is produced domestically. Propane vapors are 50% less reactive than gasoline vapors so they have lower smog-forming tendencies.
LPG reduces:
* Carbon dioxide by 11-13% compared to gasoline
* Nitrogen oxides by 15 – 80% compared to gasoline and 90 -99% compared to diesel
* Hydrocarbons by 20- 40% compared to gasoline
* Carbon monoxide by 30- 35% compared to gasoline
* Particulates by 80-95% compared to diesel
* Ultra fine particles by 99% compared to diesel
* Noise by 50% compared to diesel engines
