Propane Fuel Pump

Propane, which is generally known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG or LP-gas), or AutoGas in Europe, is a three-carbon alkane gas (C3H8). Propane has one of the highest energy densities of all alternative fuels, so propane vehicles can go farther on a tank of fuel. This is one of the reasons that it is used by many fleets, giving a good driving range and having a widespread fueling infrastructure.

It is also an exceptionally safe fuel: propane tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than gasoline tanks, and propane has the lowest flammability range of all alternative fuels.

Stored under pressure inside a tank, propane turns into a colorless, odorless liquid. As the liquid propane is released, it vaporizes and turns into gas that can be used for combustion. As Propane is odorless, ethyl mercaptan is added to it to facilitate leak detection.

Propane has a very high octane rating and excellent properties for spark-ignited internal combustion engines. Propane is non-toxic and doesn’t present a threat to soil, surface water, or groundwater.

Propane is produced as a by-product of natural gas processing and crude oil refining and accounts for about 2% of the energy used in the United States. It is has generally been used for home and water heating, cooking and refrigerating food, clothes drying, powering farm and industrial equipment, and drying corn.

Many rural areas that do not have natural gas service commonly rely on propane. The chemical industry uses propane as a raw material for making plastics and other compounds. Unfortunately, less than 2% of U.S. propane consumption is currently used for transportation fuel.
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