Differences Between LPG and LNG
I. Core Definitions and Chemical Composition
LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas. It is a mixture composed of hydrocarbons such as propane and butane, typically stored and transported in liquid form, and widely used in fuels, chemical raw materials, and other fields.
LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is a liquid fuel formed by purifying natural gas (mainly composed of methane, CH₄) and liquefying it at ultra-low temperatures (-162℃).
II. Comparison of Physical Properties
III. Production Technology Comparison
LPG: Produced during crude oil refining or volatilized from oil or natural gas extraction processes. LPG is a mixture of oil and natural gas formed under appropriate pressure. LPG is stored in liquid form in storage tanks under appropriate pressure.
LNG: Natural gas produced from gas fields is first purified and then cooled to -162℃ using cascaded or mixed refrigerants. Atmospheric pressure liquefaction forms liquefied natural gas. LNG is currently the fastest-growing high-quality clean fuel in the world. It is colorless, odorless, non-toxic, and non-corrosive, and is stored in double-walled, vacuum-insulated cryogenic tanks with a design temperature of -196℃.
IV. Application Area Differences
LPG's core applications cover fuel and chemical feedstock fields.
In terms of fuel, for residential use, it can be used for cooking, heating, and as a substitute for city gas.
Industrial applications include non-ferrous metal smelting and ceramic firing. In the transportation sector, LPG vehicles are environmentally friendly and have low costs, accounting for approximately 3% of the global automotive fuel market. In the chemical raw material sector, it can be used to produce high-octane gasoline components through alkylation and to produce benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) through aromatization.
LNG's core uses include the energy sector and special applications.
In the energy sector, it can be used for combined cycle gas turbine power generation (efficiency exceeding 60%) and city gas peak-shaving storage (storage tank capacity up to 200,000 cubic meters).
In special applications, LNG trucks have a range exceeding 1000 kilometers, and it is a low-sulfur, environmentally friendly marine fuel. Its cold energy can also be used for air separation and cold chain logistics.
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