What is Propane Gas Made Of?

Advanced Propane Helps You Take Advantage of All That Propane Offers

There are many reasons why propane is a great fuel source for homes and businesses here in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. Propane is versatile, efficient, and offers plenty of distinct benefits compared to other fuel sources.

And don’t worry if you’re not familiar with propane! We have gathered some information to help expand your knowledge about and understanding of it.

What is Propane?

Propane’s full name is liquified petroleum gas (LPG). The chemical formula for propane is C₃H₈.

Edmund Ronalds, a British academic and industrial chemist discovered propane in 1864 while researching chemicals found in light crude oil from Pennsylvania.

In 1910, Walter O. Snelling took propane to the next level. At the time, Snelling worked for the United States Bureau of Mines in Pittsburgh. He had been exploring methods of gasoline evaporation and storage when he made a breakthrough discovery—that certain evaporating gases could be changed into liquids.

Snelling found that propane was the most plentiful of all gases studied and decided to bottle it. Because of this discovery, he ended up creating the foundation of the propane industry. He went on to sell the patent for propane to Frank Philips, founder of Philips Petroleum, for $50,000 three years later. That’s about $1.4 million in today’s money. 

What Does Propane Smell Like?

Processing propane requires an odorant, as the gas is naturally scentless. The most prevalent additive used to provide smell is ethyl mercaptan, which emits a smell reminiscent of “rotting eggs”. This pungent addition helps people identify propane leaks. If you notice that rotten-egg smell in your home, follow these propane safety best practices:

• Evacuate immediately and go to a safe location. Do not stay in the house or try to find the source of the leak.
• If you can safely access it, shut off the propane supply valve on your propane tank
• Call 911 and Advanced Propane—or your current propane provider—from a safe location.
• Do not return until given clearance by first responders or our service technicians.

Where Does Propane Come From?

The propane used in the US and Canada is mainly produced as a by-product of natural gas processing, which has increased due to shale gas production. When natural gas is processed, it produces liquid components like propane, butane, methane, and ethane.

About 70% of our domestic propane supply comes from this method, while the rest come from refining crude oil.

Propane is then distributed through pipelines, tankers, ships, trains, and trucks to bulk distribution facilities. The propane is distributed to local vendors, such as Advanced Propane.

Advanced Propane offers safe and reliable propane delivery to communities across Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. With our Automatic Delivery service, you’ll never have to worry about running out of propane to keep your home warm, safe, and comfortable. We also provide propane tank installation and affordable propane tank leasing, along with installation and service of propane appliances.

Is Propane Environmentally Friendly?

Propane is an environmentally friendly and efficient energy source that was chosen as an alternative fuel under both the 1990 Clean Air Act and the 1992 National Energy Policy. Propane does not produce methane gas, making it a cleaner burning option than natural gas. In the rare event of a leak, propane does not harm the air, soil, water, aquatic life, marine life, or plant life.

Not only does propane burn cleaner, but it is also more energy efficient. Today’s propane heating systems and appliances have efficiency ratings of 95% or higher! By switching to propane, you won’t have to sacrifice comfort or convenience to decrease your home’s carbon impact.

Enjoy all that propane can bring to your home! Become an Advanced Propane customer today—give us a call and we’ll help you get started.