Liquefied petroleum gasLiquefied petroleum gas or liquid petroleum gas (LPG or LP gas), also referred to as simply propane or butane, are flammable mixtures of hydrocarbon gases used as fuel in heating appliances, cooking equipment, and vehicles. It is increasingly used as an aerosol propellant and a refrigerant[citation needed], replacing chlorofluorocarbons in an effort to reduce damage to the ozone layer. When specifically used as a vehicle fuel it is often referred to as autogas. Varieties of LPG bought and sold include mixes that are mostly propane (C 3H 8), mostly butane (C 4H 10) and, most commonly, mixes including both propane andbutane. In the northern hemisphere winter, the mixes contain more propane, while in summer, they contain more butane. [1][2] In the United States, mainly two grades of LPG are sold: commercial propane and HD-5. These specifications are published by the Gas Processors Association (GPA)[3] and the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM).[4] Propane/butane blends are also listed in these specifications. Propylene, butylenes and various other hydrocarbons are usually also present in small concentrations. HD-5 limits the amount of propylene that can be placed in LPG to 5%, and is utilized as an autogas specification. A powerful odorant,ethanethiol, is added so that leaks can be detected easily. The internationally recognized European Standard is EN 589. In the United States, tetrahydrothiophene(thiophane) or amyl mercaptan are also approved odorants,[5] although neither is currently being utilized. LPG is prepared by refining petroleum or "wet" natural gas, and is almost entirely derived from fossil fuel sources, being manufactured during the refining of petroleum (crude oil), or extracted from petroleum or natural gas streams as they emerge from the ground. It was first produced in 1910 by Dr. Walter Snelling, and the first commercial products appeared in 1912. It currently provides about 3% of all energy consumed, and burns relatively cleanly with no soot and very few sulfur emissions. As it is a gas, it does not pose ground or water pollution hazards, but it can cause air pollution. LPG has a typical specific calorific value of 46.1 MJ/kg compared with 42.5 MJ/kg for fuel oil and 43.5 MJ/kg for premium grade petrol (gasoline).[6] However, its energy density per volume unit of 26 MJ/L is lower than either that of petrol or fuel oil, as its relative density is lower (about 0.5–0.58 kg/L, compared to 0.71–0.77 kg/L forgasoline). recreation. but is typically around 250:1. 33.6 million (28. called its vapour pressure. The ratio between the volumes of the vaporized gas and the liquefied gas varies depending on composition. being used in virtually all households. and temperature. which have a natural gas pipeline infrastructure. unlike natural gas. pressure. however. They are typically filled to 80–85% of their capacity to allow for thermal expansion of the contained liquid. Rural heating[edit] . LPG was once a popular cooking fuel in Hong Kong. hospitality. for example. calefaction. LPG will evaporate quickly at normal temperatures and pressures and is usually supplied in pressurised steel vessels.200 kilopascals (320 psi) for pure propane at 55 °C (131 °F). In the safety font LPG cylinders must be updated to new standards in safety and user experience. Uses[edit] LPG has a very wide variety of uses.As its boiling point is below room temperature. which is supplied to their homes in pressurised cylinders. and approximately 2. for convenience or because it is the preferred fuel source. Increase in LPG prices has been a politically sensitive matter in India as it potentially affects the urban middle class voting pattern. [7] LPG is subsidised by the government in India. The first is a possible explosion if the mixture of LPG and air is within the explosive limits and there is an ignition source. giving a huge contribution for domestic usage. likewise varies depending on composition and temperature. According to the 2011 census of India. mainly used for cylinders across many different markets as an efficient fuel container in the agricultural. LPG is heavier than air. Poor families receive a government grant ("Vale Gás") used exclusively for the acquisition of LPG. such as basements. It can serve as fuel for cooking. LPG is the most common cooking fuel in Brazilian urban areas. central heating and to water heating and is a particularly cost-effective and efficient way to heat off-grid homes. LPG is commonly used in North America for domestic cooking and outdoor grilling. sailing and fishing sectors. and thus will flow along floors and tend to settle in low spots. with the exception of the cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The pressure at which LPG becomes liquid. The second is suffocation due to LPG displacing air. There are two main dangers from this. construction.5%) Indian households used LPG as cooking fuel in 2011. it is approximately 220 kilopascals (32 psi) for pure butane at 20 °C (68 °F). the continued expansion of town gas to buildings has reduced LPG usage to less than 24% of residential units. causing a decrease in oxygen concentration. Cooking[edit] LPG is used for cooking in many countries for economic reasons. heating oil. LPG can be used as a power source for combined heat and power technologies (CHP). LPG can be stored in a variety of manners.Cylinders with LP gas in India Predominantly in Europe and rural parts of many countries. or kerosene. can be combined with renewable power sources to provide greater reliability while still achieving some reduction in CO2 emissions. Motor fuel[edit] LPG filling connector on a car Main article: Autogas . LPG. LPG is most often used in areas that do not have direct access to piped natural gas. CHP is the process of generating both electrical power and useful heat from a single fuel source. as with other fossil fuels. but also for decentralized generation of electricity. LPG can provide an alternative to electric heating. This technology has allowed LPG to be used not just as fuel for heating and cooking. Blended of pure. LPG has a lower energy density than either petrol or fuel-oil. Not all automobile engines are suitable for use with LPG as a fuel. Refrigeration[edit] LPG is instrumental in providing off-the-grid refrigeration.9 million vehicles are fueled by propane gas worldwide. with one finding significant increases. Many governments impose less tax on LPG than on petrol or fuel-oil.[9] Its advantage is that it is non-toxic. However. non-corrosive and free of tetraethyllead or any additives. Propane is the third most widely used motor fuel in the world. Two recent studies have examined LPGfuel-oil fuel mixes and found that smoke emissions and fuel consumption are reduced but hydrocarbonemissions are increased. so the equivalent fuel consumption is higher. Systems are now available that integrate with OEM engine management systems. there are additives in the liquid that extend engine life and the ratio of butane to propane is kept quite precise in fuel LPG.[8] and the other finding slight increases at low engine load but a considerable decrease at high engine load. it has been used since the 1940s as a petrol alternative for spark ignition engines. which helps offset the greater consumption of LPG than of petrol or fuel-oil. It burns more cleanly than petrol or fuel-oil and is especially free of the particulates present in the latter. in many European countries this tax break is often compensated by a much higher annual road tax on cars using LPG than on cars using petrol or fuel-oil. Many modern common rail diesel engines respond well to LPG use as a supplementary fuel. so LPG-fueled engines are more prone to valve wear if they are not suitably modified. Over 25 million tonnes (over 9 billion US gallons) are used annually as a vehicle fuel. dry propane (refrigerant designator R-290) and isobutane (R-600a) the blend "R290a" has negligibleozone depletion potential and very low global warming potential and can serve . In some countries. it is often referred to asautogas or auto propane. and has a highoctane rating (102–108 RON depending on local specifications). usually by means of a gas absorption refrigerator. In some countries. This is where LPG is used as fuel as well as diesel. LPG provides less upper cylinder lubrication than petrol or diesel. 2013 estimates are that over 24.White bordered green diamond symbol used on LPG-powered vehicles in China When LPG is used to fuel internal combustion engines.[8][9] The studies were split on CO emissions. The first generation of cylinders were introduced between 1870-1880. He and several others in the car sustained minor burns to their face. stand at 300 trillion cubic meters (10. Europe is almost self-sufficient in LPG. a flexible supply chain via water. and hands. According to 2010–12 estimates. both inside and outside Europe.[13][14] One particular test. ears. conducted by a professor at the University of New South Wales.as a functional replacement for R-12. virtually assuring that there is no risk of demand outstripping supply in the foreseeable future. This generation of cylinder is the most populous and known as the “traditional” cylinder. Europe's security of supply is further safeguarded by: a wide range of sources. on the grounds that usingflammable hydrocarbons in systems originally designed to carry nonflammable refrigerant presents a significant risk of fire or explosion.600 trillion cubic feet). . proven world reserves of natural gas.[10] Such substitution is widely prohibited or discouraged in motor vehicle air conditioning systems. shorter but wider and the shape has been refined. R-22. Added to the LPG derived from cracking crude oil. They were long steel tubes without handles and very hard to handle. [15] Security of supply[edit] Because of the natural gas and the oil-refining industry.[11][12] Vendors and advocates of hydrocarbon refrigerants argue against such bans on the grounds that there have been very few such incidents relative to the number of vehicle air conditioning systems filled with hydrocarbons. No one was seriously injured. from which most LPG is derived. unintentionally tested the worst-case scenario of a sudden and complete refrigerant expulsion into the passenger compartment followed by subsequent ignition. [citation needed] History of cylinders[edit] LPG cylinders have been developed over time and their heritage can be seen in the various generations.2%. to store liquid carbon dioxide for industrial gas businesses. the second generation was introduced to bridge some gaps in the first one. Production continues to grow at an average annual rate of 2.R-134a and other chlorofluorocarbon or hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants in conventional stationary refrigeration and air conditioning systems. this amounts to a major energy source that is virtually untapped and has massive potential. but with a handle. and several observers received lacerations from the burst glass of the front passenger window. Later on. They were also made from steel. rail and road with numerous routes and entry points into Europe. and Hexagon Ragasco in Norway. using plastic for coating the metal exterior allowing the exterior to be customised. They were developed with aerospace technology and represent a real advance in technology. when the distribution infrastructure is in place before gas supplies can be connected. has a higher calorific value (94 MJ/m3equivalent to 26.6 kWh/m3). LPG-SNG installations are also used during initial gas system introductions. LPG/air mixing ratios average 60/40. Comparison with natural gas[edit] LPG is composed mainly of propane and butane. Gases having the same Wobbe index are held to be interchangeable. though this is widely variable based on the gases making up the LPG. Developing markets in India and China (among others) use LPG-SNG systems to build up customer bases prior to expanding existing natural gas systems. LPG-based SNG is used in emergency backup systems for many public. which means that LPG cannot simply be substituted for natural gas. In order to allow the use of the same burner controls and to provide for similar combustion characteristics. London based. vaporised and at atmospheric pressure. There are a couple of companies which have started to work on LPG composite cylinders. Aburi Composite LPG cylinders Generation IV cylinders are the latest on the market. and many utilities use LPG peak shaving plants in times of high demand to make up shortages in natural gas supplied to their distributions systems. industrial and military installations. these cylinders continue to have the same drawbacks as Generation I and II. including Aburi Composites. LPG can be mixed with air to produce a synthetic natural gas (SNG) that can be easily substituted. while natural gas is composed of the lighter methane and ethane. The method for determining the mixing ratios is by calculating the Wobbe index of the mix. However. that otherwise has effectively remained unchanged over 75 years. Hyundai has also started in Asia and in India there are some new factories. LPG-based SNG or natural gas with localized storage and piping distribution network to the house holds for catering to each cluster of 5000 domestic consumers can be planned under initial phase of .1kWh/m3) than natural gas (methane) (38 MJ/m3 equivalent to 10. LPG.Third generation cylinders improved upon type II. Large. This is typically a concern for large refineries and petrochemical plants that maintain very large containers. Typically. release less CO 2 per unit of energy than does coal or oil. If a tank is subjected to a fire of sufficient duration and intensity. In general. tanks are designed that the product will vent faster than pressure can build to dangerous levels. however. These containers are either cylindrical and horizontal or spherical. LPG must be stored in pressure vessels. launching pieces at high velocity. is to equip such containers with a measure to provide a fire-resistance rating. In the United States. potentially causing catastrophic damage to anything nearby. spherical LPG containers may have up to a 15 cm steel wall thickness. while the released products can ignite as well. LPG emits less carbon per joule than butane but more carbon per joule than propane. One remedy. A large fire in the vicinity of the vessel will increase its temperature and pressure. The reaction also produces some carbon monoxide. following the basic gas laws. and less than 50% of that emitted by coal-generated electricity distributed via the grid.[citation needed] Being a mix of propane and butane. These localized natural gas networks are successfully operating in Japan with feasibility to get connected to wider networks in both villages and cities. such that when subjected to exterior heating sources. . This would eliminate the last mile LPG cylinders road transport which is a cause of traffic and safety hurdles in Indian cities. the pressure being generated by the boiling and expanding gas can exceed the ability of the valve to vent the excess. It emits 81% of the CO 2 per kWh produced by oil. that is utilized in industrial settings. Environmental effects[edit] Commercially available LPG is currently derived from mainly from fossil fuels. an overexposed container may rupture violently. it can undergo a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE). agreenhouse gas. this code is governed by theAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). they will vent LPGs to the atmosphere or a flare stack. If that occurs. these vessels are designed and manufactured according to some code. Fire/explosion risk and mitigation In a refinery or gas plant. LPG does. They are equipped with an approved pressure relief valve. 70% of that of coal. The relief valve on the top is designed to vent off excess pressure in order to prevent the rupture of the container itself. Burning LPG releases carbon dioxide. including other containers.city gas network system. LPG containers have pressure relief valves. Given a fire of sufficient duration and intensity. At the same time. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set the legal limit (Permissible exposure limit) for LPG exposure in the workplace as 1000 ppm (1800 mg/m 3) over an 8-hour workday. Liquefied Petroleum Gas is used as fuel for thousands of applications. At levels of 2000 ppm. and individual fuel/energy consumption. are contributing to climate change and affecting the local air quality. low cost per unit and the environment friendly properties of LPG. 4. and eye contact. 2. economic growth. The main reason behind this is easy accessibility. There are still many rural areas where they have no awareness on use of LPG for domestic purpose. . LPG is considered immediately dangerous to life and health (due solely to safety considerations pertaining to risk of explosion). It also releases women and children from the drudgery of collecting firewood and health problems associated with carrying heavy bundles long distances. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has set a recommended exposure limit (REL) of 1000 ppm (1800 mg/m3) over an 8-hour workday. refrigeration. skin contact. 10% of the lower explosive limit. It has played a revolutionary role when it comes to changing the face of domestic fuels used for heating and cooking. The main domestic uses of LPG are with respect to lighting. LPG for household consumption is nearly 89% of total LPG off-take in India.[16] ENDEN 1. This provides enormous health benefits helping to avoid the 1.People can be exposed to LPG in the workplace by breathing it in.6 million deaths per year from respiratory problems caused by smoke and other pollutants released by inefficient biomass burning in enclosed spaces. 3. It is as good for powering standalone stoves and huge cooking stoves. It has been found to be cost effective and hence is used in large scale cooking also. INTRODUCTION Humanity faces a unique and far-reaching challenge. Our energy needs are growing as a result of continued population increases. cooking and most of all heating. emissions from fuel wood and fossil fuels. In developing countries the main benefits of LPG is in helping people to switch from unsustainable biomass use to a clean and safe cooking fuel. the main energy source for heating in homes and powering our economies. LPG‟s domestic uses can never be ignored. In developing countries the main benefits of LPG is in helping people to switch from unsustainable biomass use to a clean and safe cooking fuel. In several of the uses of the gas the main use of it lies as the cooking gas. As India's flagship national oil company. Indane is delivered to the doorsteps of over 92 million households.7 billion) and profits of Rs. Indian Oil has been meeting India’s energy demands for over half a century.273 crore for the year 2014-15. reliability and convenience. 5. In India. after SHV Gas of The Netherlands. Mauritius and the UAE. with a 33. INDIAN OIL CORPORATION LIMITED Indian Oil Corporation (Indian Oil) is India's largest commercial enterprise headquartered in Delhi. the use of LPG in the cooking is very high as compared to the other uses of it. Most of the companies are under the government authority while some of them are private organizations also.81 million cylinders a day. and 19 kg and 47. Liquefied Petroleum Gas(LPG) Indane is today one of the largest packed-LPG brands in the world and has been conferred the Consumer Super brand status by the Super brands Council of India Having launched LPG marketing in the mid-60s.50. 5. hilly and inaccessible areas. the Corporation is simultaneously scouting for new business opportunities in the energy markets of Asia and Africa. 7. with a sales turnover of Rs. making Indian Oil the second largest marketer of LPG globally. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited Indian Oil ONGC 5. There are various companies in India which are in the business of manufacturing the LPG gas in India.5 kg for commercial and industrial use. Indian Oil has been credited with bringing about a kitchen revolution. 4.2 kg cylinders for domestic use. 6. List Of Distributor Agencies In Madurai Sree Usha Gas Agency Sree Sairam Indane Gramin Vitrak Arunachala Gas Agency Vigneshwar Enterprises(adhoc) Tsp Vi Battalion Gas Service Ramesh Gas Agencies Karthikeya Agency Sree Venkateshwara Car Gas A B K Pharma Distributers …………………………. marketing of natural gas and petrochemicals. 6. With the status of an exclusive business vertical within the Corporation. Indane is available in compact 5 kg cylinders for rural. Having set up subsidiaries in Sri Lanka. synonymous with safety.' Indian Oil's business interests straddle the entire hydrocarbon value-chain – from refining. 8.756 crore (US$ 73. ranked at the 119th position for the year 2015. especially in rural areas by replacing smoky and unhealthy Chula. Indane is today an ideal fuel for modern kitchens. LPG Agencies in India LPG here stands for the liquefied petroleum gas which is flammable gas used for several of the purposes all over the world as a fuel in the vehicles and in several of the chemical industry where the flammable gas is required.000-strong work-force currently. besides forays into alternative energy and globalization of downstream operations. The several LPG manufacturing companies are as follows: 4. . Indian Oil's 91 Indane bottling plants in upcountry locations roll out 1. 7.3. It has led to a substantial improvement in the health of women. pipeline transportation and marketing of petroleum products to exploration & production of crude oil & gas. 9. It is also the leading Indian corporate in Fortune's prestigious 'Global 500' listing of the world's largest corporate. With a corporate vision to be 'The Energy of India' and to become 'A globally admired company. 14. It has also formed about 20 joint ventures with reputed business partners from India and abroad to pursue diverse business interests. spreading warmth and cheer in millions of households with the introduction of the clean and efficient cooking fuel. It has played a revolutionary role when it comes to changing the face of domestic fuels used for heating and cooking. 13. The scope of the study is limited to Madurai city. Limitations Of The Study The study is limited to particular distributor agencies of Indane LPG. a sample of 100 people will not represent the whole population of a country. This study enables the company to find out the impact of service in developing new customers and also to make proper marketing strategy for their weaker areas. Finding of the present study are based on some statistical tools. LPG for household consumption is nearly 89% of total LPG off-take in India. These statistical tools have their own limitations 2. 12. SCOPE OF THE STUDY: LPG‟s domestic uses can never be ignored. Hence the current study explores service quality of Indane domestic LPG from customer point of view in Madurai city. . Previous research studies have focused on customer’s perception and expectation of service quality dimensions in different sector and few research studies has focused on customer's satisfaction level towards domestic LPG. Since the time is limited.1.