LPG and compressed natural gas are the two common forms of combustible gases that find large applications in domestic and commercial areas. LPG is most used in households and commercial settings for cooking and heating purposes, while natural gas is used both for heating and automobiles. However, the applications in different areas are based on the differences in both these gases. There are many differences between LPG and natural gas. Let us explore all the differences between LPG and CNG in this post.
Energy Efficiency
When increasing fuels, it is always important to compare how much energy we can get with the same amount. For this comparison, we will be using BTUs, which are British thermal units and are a measure of thermal energy.
One cubic foot of natural gas produces 1,030 BTUs. One cubic foot of LPG produces 2516 BTUs. In other words, if we use the same amount of both, we get 2.5 times the energy of LPG.
Costs
We can only talk about costs after talking about energy efficiency. The good news is that it is very easy to compare the prices of LPG and natural gas. If LPG is listed in gallons, it must first be converted to cubic meters/foot (this is how natural gas is normally measured). That done, we need to multiply the price of natural gas by 2.5. This way, we can buy the same amount of energy for the calculated prices. Of course, this only works if we are strictly curious about the cost-energy relationship and ignore other factors, such as respect for the environment.
Respect for the environment
Natural gas and LPG are clean combustion gases. LPG is actually the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels, and natural gas is not far behind. If so, why is LPG considered a green fuel and not natural gas?
For a fuel to be environmentally friendly, it must be environmentally friendly before and after it is burned. And that goes for LPG. If LPG is released into the atmosphere, it will do no harm. However, it is different from natural gas. Natural gas is majorly made of methane, a greenhouse gas.
That is why it is necessary to prevent the leakage of natural gas and accidents so that it does not enter the atmosphere.
Home Use and Delivery
Natural gas and LPG are popular for heating and cooling in the home. The biggest difference between using natural gas and LPG in the home is in the form of delivery.
Natural gas is delivered to homes through pipelines. This means that once the pipelines are connected to a house, gas will be available around the clock.
LPG, on the other hand, is usually stored in liquid form in LPG tanks. These tanks can be delivered anywhere, including places where gas lines are not available. The downside is that the LPG tanks have to be refilled, and if for some reason it is not possible to refill them (For example, due to a major thunderstorm), the house may run out of heat.
An LPG gas supplier can deliver LPG anywhere, so it is an ideal option for those who live in remote areas or neighborhoods where there is no pipeline. However, you will have to wait for delivery to refill your tank, and you may not be able to get the necessary fuel after a major icy storm or other emergencies. Natural gas is always available as soon as it enters your home through pipes. Unfortunately, a leak in a line connected to a large amount of natural gas can add more to your electricity bill than a leak in an LPG tank with a limited supply.
Safety
LPG and natural gas are odorless and colorless. To aid detection, manufacturers add chemicals with a strong smell to these gases. The added chemicals are harmless, but they have a strong, unpleasant odor, which makes them easier to identify.
If you feel a strange smell in your house, extinguish the fire and get out. If you are not at home, call 911. Do not connect, disconnect, connect or disconnect any electronic equipment. They can cause a spark that can cause an explosion. The underground pipes of gas in a garden may also leak. So get out of the area and call 911 if you feel a pungent smell outside.
If you have an LPG leak, you can shut off the supply from the tank by turning the top valve clockwise. Since LPG must be too cold to remain in liquid form, most cylinders are painted in white to reflect maximum light and heat. LPG containers have a safety valve that opens to remove the pressure and prevent explosion when a cylinder becomes too hot. Do not let LPG touch your skin, as it may cause irritation.
An important difference between LPG and natural gas is the difference in their densities. LPG is heavier than air, and natural gas is lighter. This means that indoors (like at home) if there is a leak, the LPG will be concentrated on the floor, while the natural gas will be higher on the ceiling.
Final Words
These were some major differences between LPG and natural gas. Due to the higher energy capacity and ease of transportation, LPG is preferred for delivery to homeowners. Moreover, LPG is more eco-friendly when it comes to the protection of the environment; that is another reason why oil companies prefer making LPG for residential and commercial use.
