INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIII, Issue V, May 2024
www.ijltemas.in Page 186
Study on the Physiochemical Properties of Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Available by Cylinders in Bangladesh
Md. Sahiduzzaman
1
, Roni Raihan
1
, Moksatara
2
,
Abul Hossain
3
1
Bangladesh Petroleum Institute (BPI), Bangladesh
2
Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Bangladesh
3
Sylhet Gas Fields Limited (SGFL), Bangladesh.
DOI : https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2024.130519
Received: 04 March 2024; Revised: 19 March 2024; Accepted: 26 March 2024; Published: 18
June 2024
Abstract: The work analyzed the composition and other physiochemical properties of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG mixture
available in Bangladesh by cylinder. LPG Composition (C
2
-C
6
), Butadiene, Total Sulfur, Cu Corrosion, Relative Density and
Vapor Pressure were determined by respective ASTM methods. Free water content was measured visually and odour tested by
smell detection. Data from nine samples were used to compare with ASTM and Indian Standards. The results of this analysis
revealed that the LPG contains propane and butane with a certain range of ratio. But that has no free water content. The total
Sulfur content is within the permissible limit according to ASTM Standards. The samples do not have corrosive hydrogen sulfide.
The vapor pressure is lower than the maximum limit and have very low linear relationship with relative density. The calorific
value is highly dependent on the propane and butane content and moderately related to the relative density. Compared to ASTM
and Indian standards, the examined LPG mixtures are found to be safe for the tropical country.
Keywords: LPG mixture, physiochemical properties, propane-butane ratio, calorific value of LPG.
I. Introduction
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a valuable energy source used worldwide for numerous business applications in industry and
transportation. The largest market for LPG is the residential/commercial market, followed by the chemical industry, where it is
used as a petrochemical feedstock and agriculture [1]. LPG is a pressurized fuel gas that contains a mixture of hydrocarbon gases,
most commonly propane (C
3
H
8
) and butane (C
4
H
10
). It is pressurized in the form of a liquid and stored in a steel container or
cylinder for sale or commercial use. The types of LPG sold and purchased worldwide mainly include propane (C
3
H
8
) or butane
(C
4
H
10
). In the polar climate region of Northern Hemisphere, the mixture contains more propane in winter, while it contains more
butane in summer since propane has a lower boiling point of -42°C compared to -0.4°C for butane [2].
The demand for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Bangladesh is very high. The JICA survey team made various assumptions,
such as all the new housing except existing natural gas pipeline connections will be forced to use LPG, the demand for gasoline
will grow faster, and the demand will be partially met by LPG. The growth rate in 2041 is increasing dramatically and is 15 times
higher than in 2016 [3]. In the public sector, 12,361 tonnes have been produced in the financial year 2021-22, while 1,531,231
tonnes imported by private companies. Therefore, the public and private sectors together market 1.54 million tonnes of LPG,
which meets a certain part of the country's LPG demand [4]. But according to the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh
(LOAB), the country's annual LPG consumption has been reached about 1.8 million tonnes. To meet this demand, about 27 LPG
operators are presently catering in Bangladesh [5]. Different operators distribute LPG with different limits of certain specification.
In this study, the LPG specifications of different operators have been compared with ASTM Standards and the respective calorific
values and propane and butane ratios were examined to acquire knowledge regarding the LPG available in Bangladeshi market.
The ASTM Standard Specification covers the products commonly referred to as liquefied gases, consisting of propane, propene
(propylene), butane and mixtures of these materials. To cover common areas of application, four basic types of liquid gases are
available. This specification applies to products intended for use as residential, commercial and industrial heating and fuels [2].
This article examines the composition and other physiochemical properties of LPG available in Bangladesh and compares with
the ASTM and Indian Standards. The aim is to collect information about the LPG available in Bangladeshi market as there is no
or very few studies on this topic. The study was also conducted for the validation and future reference.
II. Literature Review
LPG production did not begin until around 1904, almost 40 years after oil and gas production began in North America around
1860. By 1900, natural gas (methane) cooking and lighting appliances were ubiquitous, but the gaseous fuel was difficult to
transport [2]. Compressed natural gas (CNG) could neither be transported nor stored in the large pressure vessels of the time. For
mobile and remote gas applications, LPG is the best fuel. At average ambient temperatures and mild pressures (250 psig), it is a
fluid of high calorific value (BTU) that is easy to store and transport. Once vaporized, it can be used in natural gas appliances that
convert into gaseous LPG mixtures with minor adjustments to the air/fuel ratio. Without any standardization or regulatory
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIII, Issue V, May 2024
www.ijltemas.in Page 187
restrictions, the industry's early years were characterized by the need to address immediate problems. One of the first consumer
goods to be transported and sold in pressure vessels, was liquefied natural gas. Manufacturing, transporting and ultimately selling
to the general population presented numerous economic and technical obstacles. The industry has been a leader in several areas of
research and development, from manufacturing techniques, equipment and devices to analytical testing methods for composition
and properties. The results were (in hindsight) predictable and there were many excesses. However, marketing and regulatory
constraints ensured that the new business flourished in a short period of time [2].
LPG is produced by refining petroleum (crude oil) or extracting streams of petroleum or natural gas that emerge from the ground.
Walter O. Snelling created it in 1910 and the first commercial goods hit the market in 1912. It currently produces about 3% of
total energy consumption and burns relatively cleanly, with no soot and very little sulfur. Because it is a gas, it does not pollute
the soil or water, but it can pollute the air. LPG (propane) has a specific calorific value of 46.1 MJ/kg, compared to 42.5 MJ/kg
for heating oil and 43.5 MJ/kg for premium grade gasoline [6].
However, its energy density per unit volume is lower than that of gasoline or heating oil at 26 MJ/L due to its lower relative
density (approximately 0.50 - 58 kg/L compared to 0.71 - 0.77 kg/L for gasoline/gasoline). Since the density and vapor pressure
of LPG (or its components) change significantly with temperature, this fact must be taken into account whenever the application
involves safety or custody transfer operations [7].
LPG is an excellent fuel for cooking due to its higher calorific value, good stove efficiency, low cost and environmentally friendly
properties. The simple and precise control of the liquid gas stove not only makes cooking easier, but also saves time. Due to
increasing urbanization, both urban and rural communities are increasingly reliant on LPG. Since it is very costly to extend gas
distribution networks to remote areas, LPG is the perfect choice for household cooking [8]. A comparison of the calorific values
of LPG and various cooking fuels [9] is shown in table -1.
Table 1 Calorific values of various fuels [9].
Name of the Fuel
Calorific value (KJ/kg)
Wood
14400-17400
Charcoal
29600
Kerosene Oil
41000
LPG
45750
III. Sampling and Analytical Procedures
A random sampling method was used for laboratory testing and primary data collection. Three LPG cylinders of different
brands/companies (available in Bangladesh) were collected from the local market on the same day. All of the three samples
(named S1, S2 and S3) were 12kg LPG cylinders. The samples were prepared in the laboratory on the same day and went through
the specification/method (table 2) for testing and data collection. In this study, secondary data for six samples (named S4, S5, S6,
S7, S8 and S9) were used which were collected from different LPG companies available in Bangladesh and their supplier. They
have supplied their analytical reports which were also done by the same analytical procedures.
Table 2 Testing methods for data collection.
Serial no.
Description of Test
Method
01
LPG Composition (C
2
-C
6
)
ASTM D2163
02
Butadiene
ASTM D2163
03
Total Sulfur
ASTM D6667
04
Free Water
Visual
05
Cu Corrosion
ASTM D1838
06
Relative Density
ASTM D1657
07
Vapor Pressure
ASTM D1267
08
Odour
Smell
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIII, Issue V, May 2024
www.ijltemas.in Page 188
Gas chromatography was used to determine hydrocarbons in liquid gases and propane/butane mixtures according to ASTM
D2163 (the official designation for this standard). This method applies to the determination of the number of individual
hydrocarbons in liquefied petroleum gas and propane-propene/butane mixtures, with the exception of high-purity propene in the
range C
2
to C
5
. The concentrations of the components are measured in the range from 0.01 to 100% [10]. To properly characterize
the LPG sample, additional testing like infrared (IR) spectroscopy, gravimetry, gas chromatography with flame ionization
detection etc. are required as the test conducted is unable to identify hydrocarbons heavier than C
5
as well as non-hydrocarbon
components.
ASTM D1657 is a standard test method for measuring the density or specific gravity of light hydrocarbons using a pressure
hydrometer. This test method is used to determine the density or specific gravity of light hydrocarbons such as liquefied
petroleum gases (LPG) with the vapor pressures greater than 101.325 kPa (14,696 psi). At the test temperature, materials with a
vapor pressure greater than 1.4 MPa (200 psi) must not be used with the approved device. Higher pressures can apply to other
equipment designs for measuring the density of Castor oil, silicon oil, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and ethanol etc. [11].
The initial readings from the pressure hydrometer are not density measurements, but rather uncorrected readings from the
hydrometer. Readings are taken with a hydrometer at a reference temperature of 15°C and then corrected to the reference
temperature using calculations and the addition to the D1250 Guide to Petroleum Measurement Tables (API MPMS) for the
meniscus effect, thermal glass expansion effect, alternative calibration temperature effects and Chapter 11.1 or API MPMS
Chapter 11.2.4 (GPA TP-27), if applicable [12]. ASTM D1267 applies to the determination of gauge vapor pressure of LPG
products at temperatures from 37.8°C (100°F) to 70°C (158°F) [13]. In this case, 37.8 °C (100 °F) was considered as a reference
for measuring vapor pressure. In addition, the internal pressure volume and net weight were determined by laboratory
instruments.
ASTM D1838 is the standard method for copper corrosion testing to determine compounds in liquid gases with a vapor pressure
greater than 124 kPa at 37.8 °C that may be corrosive to copper. Copper corrosion limits provide assurance that problems will not
occur with deterioration of the copper and copper alloy fittings and connections of equipment commonly used in production,
treatment, processing, storage and transportation operations in the oil industry. For the ASTM D1838 copper corrosion test
method, a polished copper strip is immersed in approximately 100 mL of the sample and exposed to a temperature of 37.8 °C
(100 °F) for 1 hour in a cylinder capable of withstanding a hydrostatic pressure of at least 6900 kPa or 1000 psig [14]. The copper
strip is cleaned and inspected for signs of deterioration. The results are evaluated by comparing the spots on the copper strip to the
ASTM color match scale of 1A to 4C. A rating of 1A is given for the appearance of freshly polished copper coupons with slight
but barely noticeable discoloration. The 1B rating indicates a slight haze, and the ratings go further down the scale as the
corrosion discoloration of the test piece increases, with 4C being the worst and typically appearing as a heavily corroded,
blackened and pitted specimen.
Propane has a lower boiling point of -42°C compared to -0.4°C for butane. Therefore, propane will continue to evaporate in
colder climates [15]. The calorific value of LPG refers to the amount of thermal energy released from a given volume of fuel.
Liquefied gas consists of the main components propane and butane, which have a calorific value of around 46 MJ/kg and 49
MJ/kg respectively [16]. Hence the calorific values of LPG mixtures of samples were calculated as 𝐶𝑉 =
(
46 × 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑒 %
)
+
(49 × 𝐵𝑢𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑒 %) MJ/kg (1)
Since constituents other than C
3
and C
4
contribute a very small amount in the composition of LPG (less than 1%), they are
omitted in the calculation of calorific values for the samples.
IV. Results and Discussion
The results from laboratory test and secondary data sheets are depicted here in the following tables. Table -3 shows the
composition of LPG of the analyzed samples. Table-4 shows other physiochemical properties of the analyzed samples. Table 3
shows that LPG is mostly composed of propane and butane. These two components contribute more than 99% of the total
mixture. The propane and butane ratio of the analyzed samples ranges from 29.63:69.67 to 40.511:59.147. The primary data
reflects that the propane content ranges from 32.771 to 40.511 mol percent. Sulphur content ranges from 13 to 15 ppm. The
minimum vapor pressure is 544.69 and maximum vapor pressure is 599.84 KPa. Relative density ranges from 0.549 to 0.551
kg/L. Calorific value ranges from 47.62 to 47.89 MJ/kg. The secondary data reflects that the propane content ranges from 29.63
to 34.69 mol percent. Sulphur content ranges from 5 to 16.97 ppm. The minimum vapor pressure is 583.49 and maximum vapor
pressure is 667.8 KPa. Relative density ranges from 0.5506 to 0.5535 kg/L. Calorific value ranges from 47.6928 to 47.7681
MJ/kg. The free water content is nill for both primary and secondary samples. All the primary and secondary data show that the
butadiene is less than 0.01 of mol percent, residue on evaporation is less than 0.05 ml/100 ml. The cu corrosion reflects 1A for all
the samples.
There are ASTM D1835 and Gas Processors Association GPA 2140 specifications for commercial propane-butane blends, but
these are rarely used for consumer applications in North America. There is no current Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB)
specification for propane-butane blends because winter temperatures are too cold and butane demand for winter gasoline
production is high. In polar climates, propane must be used year-round to ensure low temperature operation. Tropical climates (no
winter temperatures, no winter gasoline) tend to use propane-butane blends year-round to utilize the butane. In temperate climates
with large seasonal temperature fluctuations, propane could be used in winter and propane-butane mixtures in summer [17].
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIII, Issue V, May 2024
www.ijltemas.in Page 189
Some countries have either100% propane (Australia & USA). An LPG gas mixture of 60:40 propane: butane is used in New
Zealand & Belgium. The percentage of propane and butane (propane : butane) in LPG around 35:65 is used in India, Spain &
Hungary [15]
Table 3 Composition of LPG of analyzed samples.
Sl.
No.
Test Parameter
Sample
1
Sample
3
Sample
4
Sample
6
Sample
7
Sample
8
1
C
2
, Ethane
(mol%)
0.152
0.139
0.2
0.28
0.37
0.37
2
C
3
, Propane
(mol%)
40.511
32.771
34.68
34.59
29.64
29.63
3
C
4
, Butane
(mol%)
59.147
66.967
64.83
64.86
69.66
69.67
4
Pentane (mol%)
0.128
0.103
0.29
0.27
0.33
0.33
5
Propane : Butane
40.511
:
59.147
32.771
:
66.967
34.68 :
64.83
34.59 :
64.86
29.64 :
69.66
29.63 :
69.67
6
Total Sulfur (ppm)
14
13
15
5
8
8
7
Butadiene (mol%)
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
8
Residue on Evap.
@ 38 Deg C
(ml/100ml)
<0.05
<0.05
<0.05
<0.05
<0.05
<0.05
Table 4 Physio Chemical Properties of Analyzed Samples.
Sl.
No
.
Test
Paramete
r
Sample 1
Sample 2
Sample 3
Sample 4
Sample 5
Sample 6
Sample 7
Sample 8
Sample 9
1
Vapor
Pressure
@37.8
Deg C
(KPA)
579.16
599.84
544.69
620.02
620.02
620.85
583.49
583.49
667.8
2
Relative
Density
@37.8
Deg C
(kg/L)
0.55
0.549
0.551
0.5524
0.5526
0.5506
0.5552
0.5535
0.5507
3
Free
water
Nill
Nill
Nill
Nill
Nill
Nill
Nill
Nill
Nill
4
Cu
Corrosio
n,
1H@37.8
1A
1A
1A
1A
1A
1A
1A
1A
1A
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIII, Issue V, May 2024
www.ijltemas.in Page 190
Deg C
5
Odour
Detectabl
e
Detectabl
e
Detectabl
e
Detectabl
e
Detectabl
e
Detectabl
e
Detectabl
e
Detectabl
e
Detectabl
e
6
Calorific
value
MJ/kg
47.61709
47.62252
47.88849
47.7195
47.7198
47.6928
47.7678
47.7681
47.7535
In comparison with butane (-0.4 ºC), propane’s boiling point (-42ºC) is lower. This property makes propane a suitable choice for
colder climate. Only propane as LPG is not suitable for Bangladesh considering heating value, price and safety issue and climatic
condition. Being a tropical country, LPG mixture containing more butane is preferred in Bangladesh. A simple comparison among
propane and butane ratio of analyzed samples and commonly used ratio in India, Spain and Hungary is depicted in figure 1.
Figure 1 reflects that propane and butane ratio of the samples named S4, S5, S6 and S9 are very close to the commonly used ratio
in India, Spain and Hungary. The samples S1 and S2 contain more propane but samples S3, S7 and S8 contain more butane.
Fig. 1 A simple comparison of propane and butane ratios among the analyzed samples and referenced ratio used in India.
Sulfur can be present in liquid gas in the form of hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, carbon disulfide and mercaptan. All forms
can be present in the same liquid. Sulfur contamination not only leads to odour problems, but can also form unwanted oxides
during combustion and pollute the environment [1], [18]. As per the ASTM standards the permissible sulfur content in LPG
mixture is 140 ppm [19] and The Indian Standard limits the sulfur content up to 150 ppm [20]. But Automotive LPG fuel
standards in Korea permit maximum 40 ppm which was 100 ppm before 2009 [21]. Table-3 shows that sample 9 contains
maximum level of sulfur as 16.97 ppm. The sulfur contents of LPG mixtures available in Bangladesh compared to ASTM, Korea
and Indian standards are shown in figure-2. Figure-2 shows there are very low sulfur content in the LPG mixtures available in
Bangladesh.
Pentane and heavier hydrocarbons (C
5
+ , condensate) are liquids at ambient temperature and pressure [22]. According to ASTM
standards the maximum permissible limit of pentane and heavier hydrocarbons in LPG mixture is 2.0% [23]. But in Indian
standards it is about 2.5% [20]. Pentane and heavier hydrocarbons content ranges from 0.103 to 0.33 percent (figure-3) which is
far less than the ASTM, Korean and Indian standards.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIII, Issue V, May 2024
www.ijltemas.in Page 191
Fig. 2 The sulfur contents of LPG mixtures available in Bangladesh compared to ASTM, Korea and Indian standards
Fig. 3 The pentane contents of LPG mixtures available in Bangladesh compared to ASTM and Indian standards.
The butadiene is a minor component of the LPG product. Butadiene is a dangerous chemical that can cause cancer and genetic
defects when inhaled [24] - [26]. The LPG plant operator are facing problem that imports LPG compositions from external
sources containing quantities of butadiene that exceed the legal limit of 0.5%. LPG compositions containing a butadiene content
of more than 0.5% are considered out of specification, while butadiene contents of less than 0.5% are considered to be on
specification [27]. Another reason for limiting the butadiene content in LPG is that butadiene has a higher explosion limit than
propane and butane. The higher the butadiene concentration in the liquid gas, the higher the explosion limit [28]. Table-3 shows
that the concentrations of butadiene in all samples are less than 0.01% (mole) which are within the safe limit.
According to ASTM and Indian Standards, the LPG mixtures should have no free water content. The examined samples have no
free water content as shown in table-3.
The composition of the LPG residue varies with the variation of the LPG composition, especially its impurities and their
content[29]. According to ASTM standards, the maximum limit the residue on evaporation of 100 mL LPG at 38 degree Celsius is
0.05 mL. All the samples show the residue on mentioned condition remains below 0.05 mL (table-3).
LPG has a distinct smell that warns of leaks. Generally, LPG is odourized by adding mercaptans. Its odour is detectable in the air
at concentrations up to one fifth of the lower flammability limit. In other words, it can be smelled enough before it becomes
dangerous enough to catch fire [30]. All the samples had the detectable odour.
The copper corrosion limits are designed to ensure that there are no problems with deterioration of copper and copper alloy
fittings and connections commonly used in many types of utility, storage and transportation equipment. The copper corrosion test
detects the presence of hydrogen sulfide, which is highly corrosive. However, the result of copper corrosion has no connection
with the total sulfur content. The copper corrosion limits also provide assurance that the LPG does not contain H
2
S in quantities
such that it poses a health and safety risk when the product is known not to contain corrosion inhibitors or other chemicals that
reduce the reaction with the copper srtip [23]. According to ASTM and Indian standards, the Copper strip corrosion at 38°C for 1
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIII, Issue V, May 2024
www.ijltemas.in Page 192
hour should not worse than rating No. 1. All the samples show rating No. 1A for the copper corrosion test at 38°C for 1 hour. The
samples don’t have H
2
S in quantities such that it poses a health and safety risk.
Although there are no specific requirements for density or relative density, it may be needed for other purposes and should be
reported. In addition, the specific gravity of the propane and butane mixture is needed to determine the allowable maximum
vapor pressure [23]. The relative density @37.8 Deg C (kg/L) have been reported for all the samples with a range from 0.549 to
0.555 kg/L (table 4).
Vapor pressure is an indirect measure of the most extreme low temperature conditions under which initial vaporization is
expected. It can be viewed as a semi-quantitative measure of the amount of the most volatile material present in the product. It
can also be used as a means of predicting the maximum pressures that may occur at LPG cylinder temperatures. The maximum
standards of vapor pressure at 37.8 °C (100 °F) in LPG mixture is about 1435 kPa [23]. The analyzed samples had the vapor
pressure at 37.8 °C (100 °F) in the range between 544.69 and 667.8 kPa. A diagram of vapor pressure vs relative density of the
analyzed samples is illustrated in figure 4 which shows very low linear relationship between them.
The calorific value (sometimes called as heating value) is the quantity of heat produced by its combustion at constant pressure
and under normal temperature and pressure. Figure 5 shows that the calorific values against the butane content of the examined
samples have the Pearson’s ratio 0.78 which indicates there is high positive linear correlation among them. While the propane
content has high negative linear relationship with calorific values (figure 6). The calorific values against the relative density of the
tested samples show moderate positive linear relationship (figure 7).
Fig. 4 The vapor pressure against relative density of the examined LPG mixture.
Fig. 5 The calorific value of the examined LPG against butane content.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIII, Issue V, May 2024
www.ijltemas.in Page 193
Fig. 6 The calorific value of the examined LPG against propane content.
Fig. 7 The calorific value of the examined LPG against relative density.
V. Conclusion
Considering the weather of Bangladesh, the propane-butane ratio of LPG is kept within the range of 40:60-30:70 which is nearly
similar to Indian tradition of using propane-butane ratio. There is no free water content. There is very low sulfur content in the
LPG mixtures in comparison to the ASTM, Korea and Indian standards. The pentane and heavier hydrocarbon content are much
lower than the Indian and ASTM standards. The butadiene has been detected very less than its tolerable limit. The distinct smell
of the LPG is easily detectable. The residue on evaporation is within the permissible limit. The LPG does not contain highly
corrosive H
2
S in quantities such that it poses a health and safety risk. The vapor pressure exerts within the permissible limit and
has very low linear relationship with the relative density. But the relative density has moderate positive linear relationship with
the calorific value of the tested LPG mixture. The calorific value is also highly correlated positively with butane content and
negatively with propane content. Comparison of standard value and existing value of composition and other physicochemical
properties of LPG available in cylinders in Bangladesh shows that the LPG mixtures are within safe limit.
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to the Director General and the Director (Administration and Training) of Bangladesh Petroleum Institute (BPI) for
the organizational and financial support. The authors would like to thank the editors and anonymous reviewers. We thank the
authority of Super Petrochemicals Limited for their warm support by providing laboratory facilities. Also, thanks to Ms. Monika
Zaman for providing work environment and document support.
References
1. A. Safadoost, M. Davoodi, and S. A. A. Mansoori, “Preventing corrosion and tube failure in sulfur condenser during
normal operation, startup, and shutdown of the south pars gas processing plant (case study),” J. Nat. Gas Sci. Eng., vol.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIII, Issue V, May 2024
www.ijltemas.in Page 194
19, pp. 105–115, 2014.
2. G. E. Totten, R. Shah, and D. Forester, “Fuels and Lubricants Handbook: Technology, Properties, Performance, and
Testing 2nd Edition,” 2019.
3. JICA, “Survey on Power System Master Plan,” Dhaka, 2016.
4. H. Unit, “Energy Scenario of Bangladesh 2021-22,” Dhaka, 2023. [Online]. Available:
http://www.hcu.org.bd/site/view/publications/-
5. J. Uddin, “LPG operators seek policy backing to double industrial usage amid gas crisis,” The Business Standard,
Dhaka, Dec. 26, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/lpg-operators-seek-policy-backing-
double-industrial-usage-amid-gas-crisis-764278
6. H. Bauer, “Automotive Handbook 4th Edition, Robert Bosch GmBH, 1996,” ISBN 0-8376-0333.
7. O. Zivenko, “LPG ACCOUNTING SPECIFICITY DURING ITS STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION,” Meas.
Equip. Metrol., vol. 80, no. 3, pp. 21–27, 2019, doi: 10.23939/istcmtm2019.03.021.
8. M. Hossain, “Debate over LPG export,” Energy & Power Magazine, Dhaka, pp. 9–11, Oct. 2019. [Online]. Available:
https://ep-bd.com/view/details/article/NDAxNQ%3D%3D/title?q=debate+over+lpg+export
9. R. Natarajan, N. S. Karthikeyan, A. Agarwaal, and K. Sathiyanarayanan, “Use of vegetable oil as fuel to improve the
efficiency of cooking stove,” Renew. energy, vol. 33, no. 11, pp. 2423–2427, 2008.
10. A. D2163, “Standard Test Method for Determination of Hydrocarbons in Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases and
Propane/Propene Mixtures by Gas Chromatography,” Annu. B. Stand., 2017.
11. B. Guignon, C. Aparicio, and P. Sanz, “Volumetric Properties of Pressure-Transmitting Fluids up to 350 MPa: Water,
Ethanol, Ethylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Castor Oil, Silicon Oil, and Some of Their Binary Mixture,” J. Chem. Eng.
Data - J CHEM ENG DATA, vol. 55, Feb. 2010, doi: 10.1021/je9010568.
12. A. D1657-12, “Standard Test Method for Density or Relative Density of Light Hydrocarbons by Pressure Hydrometer,”
Annu. B. Stand., 2017, [Online]. Available: https://www.astm.org/d1657-12r17.html
13. A. D1267, “Standard Test Method for Gauge Vapor Pressure of Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases (LP-Gas Method),”
Standards & Publications. [Online]. Available: https://www.astm.org/d1267-18.html
14. A. D1838, “Standard Test Method for Copper Strip Corrosion for Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG.),” Analytical,
[Online]. Available: https://ayalytical.com/methods/astm-d1838/
15. ELGAS, “LPG Composition,” ELGAS Knowledge Hub. [Online]. Available: https://www.elgas.com.au/elgas-
knowledge-hub/residential-lpg/lpg-composition/
16. Shivgas, “Maximising Energy Efficiency with LPG’s High Calorific Value.” [Online]. Available:
https://shivgas.com/maximising-energy-efficiency-with-lpgs-high-calorific-value/
17. R. G. Montemayor, Ed., Distillation and Vapor Pressure Measurement in Petroleum Products. 100 Barr Harbor Drive,
PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959: ASTM International, 2008. doi: 10.1520/MNL51-EB.
18. H. R. Mahdipoor and A. Dehghani Ashkezari, “Feasibility study of a sulfur recovery unit containing mercaptans in lean
acid gas feed,” J. Nat. Gas Sci. Eng., vol. 31, pp. 585–588, Apr. 2016, doi: 10.1016/j.jngse.2016.03.045.
19. A. D1835-13, “Standard Specification for Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases,” ASTM Int. West Conshohocken, PA, USA,
2013, [Online]. Available: www.astm.org
20. P. 3 Petroleum Products Sectional Committee, “Indian Standard LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES ---
SPECIFICATICAN (Second Revision),” Burau Indian Stand., 1999.
21. C. P. Cho, O. S. Kwon, and Y. J. Lee, “Effects of the sulfur content of liquefied petroleum gas on regulated and
unregulated emissions from liquefied petroleum gas vehicle,” Fuel, vol. 137, pp. 328–334, 2014.
22. R. J. Falkiner, “Liquefied petroleum gas,” Fuels Lubr. Handb., pp. 31–59, 2003.
23. A. D1835-13, “Standard Specification for Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases,” ASTM Int. West Conshohocken, PA, USA,
2013.
24. Jenifer and D. J. Aravindhar, “Iot Based Air Pollution Monitoring System Using Esp8266-12 With Google Firebase,” J.
Phys. Conf. Ser., vol. 1362, no. 1, p. 012072, Nov. 2019, doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/1362/1/012072.
25. J. Tisa, J. Lepika, and J. Nedumaan, “Domestic robot for LPG and AC gas leakage detection,” Int. J. Comput. Appl., vol.
975, p. 8887, 2019.
26. A. G. C. Lane and P. Rice, “Comparative assessment of the performance of the three designs for liquid jet mixing,” Ind.
Eng. Chem. Process Des. Dev., vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 650–653, 1982.
27. M. S. Amin, N. Ibrahim, and Z. Zakaria, “Minimising Butadiene Level in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) via Non-
Stirred Blending with Numerical Approach,” Malaysian J. Fundam. Appl. Sci., vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 129–141, 2023.
28. American Chemistry Council’s Olefins Panel Butadiene Product Stewardship Task Group.(200)., “Product Stewardship
guidance manual: Butadiene.[Online].,” Available:
https://www.americanchemistry.com/ProductsTechnology/Olefins/Butadiene-Product-Stewardship-Guidance-
Manual.pdf, [Online]. Available: https://www.americanchemistry.com/ProductsTechnology/Olefins/Butadiene-Product-
Stewardship-Guidance-Manual.pd
29. Y. Gao, J. Li, and C. J. Zhu, “Composition and source of residue in fuel supply system of LPG vehicle,” Chi. J. Jilin
Univ, vol. 37, pp. 1251–1256, 2007.
30. K. P. Sharma, “About LPG Safety,” Fire Eng., vol. 29, no. 4, pp. 25–28, 2004.