HAZMAT Articles

LPG, LNG & CNG

Introduction These three materials are being increasingly used throughout Western Australia: LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas LNG Liquefied Natural Gas CNG Compressed Natural Gas Each has a separate UN Number and UN Shipping Names LPG 1075 PETROLEUM GASES, LIQUEFIED or
LP GAS

Structure and Properties The differences between methane, propane and butane are best highlighted by a look at their respective chemical structures. Methane CH4 Propane C3H4

LNG 1972

METHANE, REFRIGERATED LIQUID, or NATURAL GAS, REFRIGERATED LIQUID with a high methane content METHANE, COMPRESSED, or NATURAL GAS, COMPRESSED with a high methane content

Butane

C4H10

CNG 1971

All are Class 2 Division 2.1 flammable gas

Methane
FLAMMABLE GAS

Propane 44.1 1.6 -42 -104 2.1 9.5 450

Butane 58.1 2.1 -0.5 -60 1.8 8.4 365

Molecular weight Rel density (air = 1.0) Boiling Point (deg C) Flash point (deg C) LEL / UEL (%+ Autoignition (deg C)

16 0.6 -161 -188 5 15 537

However there are some big differences. LPG LPG is based on mixtures of propane and butane. It is made during refining of crude oil or extracted from natural gas taken from gas wells. Mixtures of propane and butane can be liquefied under pressure of about 800 kPa to form LPG. It is used as a fuel for vehicles, in recreational activities (barbeques, caravans, camping and marine), in houses (heating and cooking) and by industry (fuel). LNG and CNG LNG and CNG are based on methane which is the primary component of natural gas taken from the gas wells in Australias North West. Methane CANNOT be liquefied by pressure to form a liquefied gas; rather it has to be cooled down to about 160 degrees C so that it condenses into a cryogenic liquid or LNG. It is then exported overseas in specialized tanker ships. By contrast the most economical way to transport natural gas on land is as compressed gas through extremely high pressure pipelines (from 5500 up to 8500 kPa). It can also be placed in high pressure cylinders to use as an alternative fuel source by certain transport companies.
9th Dec 2008

Table: Gas properties

In summary, methane is small molecule that is lighter than air, while propane and butane are about 3-4 times larger and are heavier than air. All vehicles which use LNG or CNG as their fuel supply will have the appropriate warning diamonds in the centre of the number plate
Prepared by Leith Higgins, Principal Scientific Officer, FESA Any comments 08 93239311 or Leith.Higgins@fesa.wa.gov.au Dec, 2008 by the Fire & Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia (FESA) This material is copyright and provided courtesy of FESA and published in the members only area of the AFAC Knowledge Web. The material is subject to the operation of the Copyright Act 1968 and its subsequent amendments. Material may be downloaded, displayed, printed and reproduced in unaltered form only for the sole use of AFAC members or partner organisations. This material may not be used for commercial purposes. Distribution of material from the members only area of the Knowledge Website to personnel outside of AFAC members and partner agencies is not permitted unless written authorisation is obtained from the content owner. Page 1