Propane (/ˈproʊpeɪn/) is a three-carbon alkane with the molecular formula C3H8, a gas, at standard temperature and pressure, but compressible to a transportable liquid. A by-product of natural gas processing and petroleumrefining, it is commonly used as a fuel for engines, oxy-gas torches, portable stoves, and residential central heating. Propane is one of a group of liquefied petroleum gases (LP gases). The others include butane, propylene,butadiene, butylene, isobutylene and mixtures thereof.
The use of Propane has rapidly increased in non-industrial areas as it has replaced wood and other fuel sources. It is now popularly known as ‘Cooking Gas’.
For Commercial purposes, Propane has to be abstracted from other petrochemicals after it is released from oil fields. It is associated with the group of LPG gasses, which are able to convert into liquid under low pressures. It is easy to transport liquid Propane as it is more compact than when in gas form.
The process of manufacturing the gas includes the separation and collection from its petroleum sources. It is further segregated from the petrochemical mixture in two ways – by crude oil refinement or separating it with natural gas phase of petroleum. Manufacturing and chemical industries consume Propane at very high amounts owing to the fact that they use it as aerosol propellants and chemical intermediates. It is also used in chemical establishments, in homes for heating purposes, and in portable grills and dryers.