How Does Propane Differ From Natural Gas?
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Natural Gas and Propane Similarities
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Natural gas and propane are very similar in their applications. Both can be used for cooking food, drying clothes and heating homes. However, there are enough differences that separate the ways in which each is stored and transported. There are also differences in cost per unit of energy used. Understanding the differences can help you determine which is best suited for your personal or commercial use.
What Is Natural and What Is Propane?
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Natural gas is considered a fossil fuel. Although mostly made of methane, natural gas can also have quantities of butane, ethane, helium and even propane. Helium, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide are also found in natural gas; almost all of them are removed before commercial use. Natural gas is usually found in the same place as oil fields and coal beds. Classification of natural gas can also include biogas, which is composed of methane created out of landfills, manure and swamps. There is no color, shape or form to natural gas.
Although propane is derived from natural gas, it isn't considered a natural gas in and of itself. Propane is usually a by-product of oil refineries when they make heating oil and gas for vehicles. Propane is also heavier than air. When released into an open environment, propane can pool around the ground. This could provide a risk of explosion.
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The Differences: Physical Properties, Transport and Efficiency
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For home use, propane gas is much easier to transport than natural gas. This is because propane can be compressed into liquid form at easier temperatures than natural gas, at 46 degrees Celsius and minus 161 degrees Celsius respectively. You can buy propane at a commercial vendor such as a supermarket or gas station to use for your barbecue grill. Natural gas, however, usually has to be transported into your home via pipelines from specialized energy companies. When compressed, natural gas weighs 2.5 pounds per gallon, while propane weighs 4.2 pounds.
There is also a difference in energy efficiency. One cubic foot of natural gas yields 1,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of energy; propane, at the same volume, will fetch 2,500 BTUs. Because a BTU is equivalent to the amount needed to heat up 1 pound of water, propane can be considered more efficient per pound. But propane typically costs more per unit because it is a by-product of other energy production and not a form of energy by itself.
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