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The difference between propane and butane and liquefied gas

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In the chemical industry, propane, butane and liquefied gas are common gas resources, and their characteristics, uses and storage methods are significantly different. This article will analyze the difference between propane and butane and liquefied gas in detail from multiple angles to help chemical practitioners better understand the characteristics and application areas of these gases.

1. PROPANE BASIC CHARACTERISTICS

Propane (Propane) is an alkane with three carbon atoms and the molecular formula is C≡H₂. As an important basic raw material in chemical production, propane has the following characteristics:

  1. Molecular structure: Propane molecule is composed of three carbon atoms through covalent bonds, the structure is stable, and the chemical properties are relatively stable.
  2. Physical properties:
  • State: at room temperature is colorless and tasteless gas.
  • Density: lower than air density, easy to pass through the gaseous form of transport.
  • Boiling: standard atmospheric pressure is -42.5 C, at room temperature easy to liquefy.
  1. Chemical properties:
  • Flammability: Propane is a highly flammable gas that when burned produces carbon dioxide and water.
  • Stability: Propane molecular structure is stable, not easy to occur chemical reaction.
  1. Storage requirements: Propane needs to be stored in a cryogenic environment to prevent its liquefaction and oxidation.

Gathering: propane and liquefied gas difference

In chemical production, propane and liquefied petroleum gas (Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG) are often used as energy or chemical raw materials. There are significant differences in their physical and chemical properties, and professional analysis is needed to determine their application areas.

2. of Butane

Butane (Butane) is an alkane with four carbon atoms and the molecular formula is C? H. Compared to propane, butane has the following characteristics:

  1. Molecular structure: Butane molecules by a methyl and a propyl through a covalent bond, the molecular volume is larger, the physical properties are relatively complex.
  2. Physical properties:
  • State: at room temperature is colorless and tasteless gas.
  • Density: slightly higher than propane, but still lower than air density.
  • Boiling point: standard atmospheric pressure is -129.7°C, difficult to liquefy.
  1. Chemical properties:
  • Flammability: Butane is slightly less flammable than propane, and burns to produce carbon dioxide and water.
  • Stability: Butane molecular structure is more stable, but in high temperature conditions easy to decompose.
  1. Storage requirements: Butane needs to be stored in a low temperature environment to prevent its liquefaction and oxidation.

3. liquefied gas composition and characteristics

Liquefied gas (Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG) is a mixture of natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas compressed into liquid under compression conditions. Its main components include propane and butane, the specific ratio varies by region and process.

  1. Composition: The main components of liquefied gas are propane and butane, accounting for about 95%, and the rest are trace impurities.
  2. Physical properties:
  • State: In the storage and transportation process is liquid, but in use will quickly evaporate.
  • Density: The density of liquefied gas is much higher than that of air, so storage needs to consider its weight and volume.
  • Boiling point: liquefied gas in the compression conditions for the liquid, in the external pressure will quickly evaporate.
  1. Chemical properties:
  • Flammability: Liquefied gas has high flammability and burns to produce carbon dioxide and water.
  • Stability: liquid propane and butane molecular structure is stable, but at high temperature easy to decompose.
  1. Storage requirements: LPG needs to be stored in a low temperature, closed environment to prevent its evaporation and oxidation.

4. propane and liquefied gas difference

Through the analysis of propane, butane and liquefied gas, the following conclusions can be drawn:

  1. Molecular structure: The molecular structure of the main components of propane and liquefied gas (propane and butane) is similar, but liquefied gas contains more impurities.
  2. Physical properties:
  • Density: Propane and liquefied gas density is similar, but liquefied gas density is slightly higher.
  • Boiling point: Propane has a higher boiling point (-42.5°C), while liquefied gas has a lower boiling point (about -2°C).
  • Compressibility: LPG in the storage and transportation process showed high compressibility.
  1. Chemical properties:
  • Flammability: The flammability of propane and liquefied gas is similar, but the flammability of liquefied gas is slightly higher.
  • Stability: Propane and liquefied gas stability is similar, but at high temperatures easy to decompose.
  1. Storage requirements:
  • Propane needs to be stored at low temperatures to prevent liquefaction.
  • Liquefied gas needs to be stored in a low temperature, closed environment to prevent evaporation and oxidation.

5. Propane and Butane Usage Scenarios

Propane and butane are used as chemical raw materials, and their use scenarios are mainly concentrated in the following aspects:

  1. Propane:
  • Propanation: Catalytic reactions to convert propane into other chemicals, such as acrylic acid.
  • Fuel: Propane as a car fuel, has a high energy density.
  1. Butane:
  • Hydrogenation: butane in the catalyst can be converted to Butadiene (butadiene).
  • Fuel: Butane as an internal combustion engine fuel, with stable combustion characteristics.

6. liquefied gas safe storage and use

Due to its high compressibility, the following points should be paid attention to during storage and transportation:

  1. Storage conditions: liquefied gas needs to be stored in a low temperature, closed environment to prevent its evaporation and oxidation.
  2. Storage facilities: liquid in the storage process requires the use of dedicated liquefied gas storage facilities to ensure gas stability.
  3. Use safety: liquefied gas in use needs to pass through the gas station or home gas equipment to ensure its safe use.

7. Conclusion

Propane, butane and liquefied gas are important gas resources in chemical production, and their physical and chemical properties are significantly different. Understanding these differences helps chemical practitioners select the right gas for a particular production or application. In the process of storage and use, it is necessary to pay attention to the physical characteristics and safety requirements of the gas to ensure the safety and efficiency of the production process.

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