How is liquid propane produced?

There are two primary methods for extracting propane from natural gas. The most common method uses processes called fractionation and extraction. With fractionation, natural gas is cooled until the liquid portion of the natural gas (methane and heavier hydrocarbons, known as condensates) freezes. The remaining gas is then heated to separate the liquid propane from the heavier natural gas liquids.

How is liquid propane made in the laboratory?

Researchers in the laboratory have been developing ways to produce propane since the early 1900s. Now, the inexpensive and environmentally friendly method known as catalytic cracking can produce propane from natural gas. It works by combining the gas with steam and applying intense heat and pressure. Under the right conditions, the gas splits into its constituent parts — hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. The hydrogen is captured, and the remaining two substances are combined to form propane.

How is propane made?

About 80% of the propane that is used for heating, cooking, and power is created through a process called natural gasification. Simply put, natural gas is made when organic materials like coal, oil, or natural gas are burned at high temperatures. The resulting gas, called “syngas,” is then run through a series of chemical processes to separate it from any impurities. The remaining gas is what we call natural gas, and it consists of about 75% methane and

How is propane liquid made?

The chemical process of turning natural gas into propane begins with a multi-step refinement process. The natural gas is collected and then sent to a refinery. The gas is then chemically separated into separate gasses, liquids, and solids. The liquid gasses become propane, butane, and ethane. Those three are the most commonly used by homeowners.

How is liquid propane made?

The first step in the production of liquid propane gas is to extract natural gas from underground. This natural gas is then treated to remove impurities. The resulting propane is then cooled to about -40 degrees Celsius and stored in large underground storage tanks.