FAQs

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What does LPG stand for?

Liquid Petroleum Gas

Where does LPG come from?

A: In the process of making petrol from crude oil, one of the by-products is a mixture of petroleum gases.  The mixture is made-up of mainly Propane (±45%) and Butane (±55%)

If the mixture contains more Propane than Butane, then the LPG will burn quicker and as a result have a more potent smell due to the increase in exhaust fumes.  This could cause the heater to have more of a smell than normal. Also, a wrong mix (or “dirty gas”) can cause the appliance to malfunction (e.g. take long too ignite, or not burn properly). 

What is meant by Liquefied Gas?

When the Petroleum Gas comes from the refinery, it is put under pressure which causes it to turn to a liquid – it becomes liquefied.  The pressure required is about 700 kPa (kilo Pascal’s). Atmospheric pressure is 1 kPa, so in other words it is 700 times more pressurized.

How is LPG stored and transported?

In order for the LPG to remain a liquid, it must remain under pressure.  Therefore it must be pumped into specially designed container, or vessel that can hold a pressure of about 700 kPa.  They are commonly called cylinders.  There are various different sizes of cylinders but Alva only does the 3kg, the 5kg and the 9kg.