Propane Distribution

Click to Expand

Propane (liquefied petroleum gas or LPG) remains one of the most widely used natural gases for a wide range of applications, with professionals relying on this fuel source for both short-term and ongoing operations. Effective propane distribution is critical to meet growing demand, especially as new technology is developed. Learn more about what propane is, common sources, and how propane distribution works to meet the needs of various applications.

Where Does Propane Come From?

Most propane is a byproduct of domestic natural gas processing, although some also comes from crude oil refinement. While the growing supply of natural gas is making propane more readily available than ever in the U.S., crude oil refinement is becoming less reliable for propane production due to the transition to shale gas extraction. With the ability to provide over two billion gallons of propane every year, the Marcellus shale in the northeastern U.S. will likely become an increasingly critical source of LPG.

The Propane Distribution Journey

Propane gas now serves as an essential source of clean energy, compared to the historical perception of this fuel as a mere disposable byproduct of oil refining. Today, not only is the U.S. the primary producer and supplier of propane, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially certified this gas as a reliable source of alternative clean energy due to its minimal environmental impact.

Propane distribution begins with storage in liquid form underground following processing. When an application demands it, the propane moves via pipelines, barges, railroads, and tractor-trailers to reach its final destination, a process that generates tens of thousands of jobs in the U.S. The propane leaves its storage site before eventually reaching local suppliers and other distributors. Bobtail delivery trucks then receive this gas through pumps to transfer it to various facilities.

Applications of Propane

Propane’s high octane rating and superior eco-friendliness makes it suitable for fueling spark-ignited combustion engines. Unlike other types of fuel, it has no impact on groundwater, surface water, or soil after spilling or being released from vehicles, and it comprises around 2% of all U.S. energy supplies. The following are some of the specific applications for propane fuel.

Vehicles

Many vehicles have used propane as a fuel source for decades. Its benefits include:

Environmental improvement
Increased energy efficiency
Accessibility
High vehicle performance

As such, it remains a reliable fuel source for buses, trucks, emergency vehicles, taxis, and other types of vehicles.

Heating

Another common use for propane is heating, as it’s highly efficient for fueling furnaces while effectively heating nearly any space at any temperature, along with water. Boilers using propane fuel are also compact to help save space.

Cooking

Broilers, pizza ovens, pasta cookers, and many other kitchen appliances use propane, whether for private use or in commercial kitchens.

Hot Water

Propane also fuels water heaters to supply hot water with significantly lower emissions than electric water heaters.

Drying Clothes

Propane dryers allow for more efficient clothes drying compared to conventional dryers, making them ideal for businesses that frequently need to dry clothes throughout the day. Many of these dryers also include other features, such as steam cycles for de-wrinkling, drum lights for increased visibility, and an easy-to-use LCD interface for control settings.

Generators

If outages pose a risk from storms or other factors, propane generators can provide backup energy supplies, with models available in many sizes to meet your needs.