Why Petroleum is Liquefied Before Filling into Gas Cylinders

Petroleum is liquefied before filling it into gas cylinders for several key reasons that enhance storage, transport, and usage efficiencies.
Let's delve deeper into these critical advantages to understand why this process is so beneficial.

Increased Density

Liquefying petroleum significantly increases its density, allowing it to occupy much less volume than its gaseous form. This is particularly important for gas cylinders that need to be compact and portable. Imagine filling a container with gas versus filling the same container with liquid. The liquid form allows for more efficient storage, offering more fuel in a smaller space.

Safety

Liquefied petroleum, often in the form of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is less flammable and poses a lower risk of explosion compared to its gaseous state. By storing it as a liquid, the risk of leaks and subsequent accidents is minimized, making it much safer to handle and transport. This is especially crucial for domestic and industrial applications where safety is paramount.

Ease of Transport

Liquid petroleum can be transported more easily than gas. It can be pumped through pipelines or loaded into tanks, making it more efficient for distribution. This ease of transport is particularly important for industries that require large volumes of fuel. Pipelines reduce the need for multiple intermediate transfers, making the process smoother and more efficient.

Controlled Release

When petroleum is stored as a liquid in gas cylinders, it can be released in a controlled manner. This precise regulation of the gas flow ensures efficiency and safety during consumption. Whether used for heating, cooking, or industrial processes, the controlled release of gases ensures that the right amount is delivered at the right time, preventing wastage and ensuring safe operation.

Reduced Pressure

Liquefying petroleum allows it to be stored at lower pressures compared to storing it as a gas. This can reduce the structural requirements for gas cylinders, making them lighter and easier to handle. The lower pressure also means that special safety measures are easier to implement, further enhancing safety during transportation and usage.

Overall, liquefying petroleum before filling gas cylinders optimizes storage, transport, and usage, making it a practical choice for consumers and industries alike. The technology behind liquefying and storing petroleum is a significant technological advance that enhances safety, convenience, and efficiency.

To store more energy: Gaseous petroleum will return from a liquid into a gas when the pressure is released. This means that by liquefying petroleum, we can store more energy in a smaller volume, making it more efficient for transport and storage.

Petroleum as mined is a thick liquid: When it is distilled, lower hydrocarbons come out first as gases. If these gases are compressed they get liquified and that is LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). It can be easily bottled and transported. When LPG is decompressed, it is converted into gas and can be ignited in an LPG stove. This level of convenience, comfort, and portability is a technological victory for its users, especially where portability is needed.

Where portability is not necessary, piped cooking gas is even more convenient. However, for industries that require on-the-go solutions or remote locations, LPG stored in gas cylinders remains the go-to solution.