What Is Propane Made Of?

Reliable propane delivery from Pioneer Oil and Propane lets you enjoy all propane has to offer!

If you have propane in your home, you’re likely aware of its versatility and energy efficiency, and other benefits it offers for your Central Massachusetts home.

Beyond that, however, you may not know much about propane. However, we have compiled some information to help you out.

What is propane?

Propane’s full name is liquified petroleum gas (LPG). The chemical formula for propane is C₃H₈.

English academic and industrial chemist Edmund Ronalds discovered propane while researching chemicals in light crude oil from Pennsylvania in 1864. The next major breakthrough in propane came in 1910, courtesy of American chemist Walter O. Snelling. At the time, Snelling worked for the U.S. Bureau of Mines in Pittsburgh, and he was investigating evaporation and storage methods for gasoline when he made his discovery: certain evaporating gases could be transformed into liquids. Out of all the gases, propane was most plentiful. Snelling then found a way to bottle the liquid gas, which eventually resulted in the establishment of the propane industry. He went on to sell the patent for propane to Frank Philips, founder of Philips Petroleum, for $50,000 three years later. That’s about $1.4 million in today’s money. 

Adding an odorant is customary during propane processing since the gas doesn’t have a smell itself. Ethyl mercaptan is generally used for this purpose. To assist with the identification of propane leaks, this odorant, which is frequently compared to rotten eggs, is included. If you detect that smell in your house, follow propane safety guidelines, and get everyone out as soon as possible. Once safely away, call 911 and Pioneer Oil and Propane.

Where does propane come from?

In the United States and Canada, approximately 70% of the domestic propane supply is produced as a by-product of natural gas processing. The recent increase in shale gas production has helped to meet this need. Our propane supply is also derived from crude oil refining.

When natural gas is processed, it produces liquid components like propane, butane, methane, and ethane. Propane is then distributed through pipelines, tankers, ships, trains, and trucks to bulk distribution facilities. The propane is distributed to local vendors, such as Pioneer Oil and Propane.

We provide safe and dependable propane delivery to households and businesses in Worcester, Auburn, and Sturbridge, as well as other communities in our service area. With Automatic Delivery and wireless propane tank monitoring, you can be assured you’ll always have the propane you need to keep your home warm, safe, and comfortable.

Is propane good for the environment?

Propane is an efficient, clean-burning energy source that was chosen as an alternative energy source in the 1990 Clean Air Act and 1992 National Energy Policy. Because propane does not contain methane like natural gas, it is not a greenhouse gas. In the rare event of a leak, propane has no detrimental impact on the air, soil, water, aquatic life, marine life, or plant life.

Not only is propane cleaner burning, but it also provides superior energy efficiency. Today’s propane heating systems and appliances are more efficient than ever, with some models boasting efficiency ratings of 95% or higher. With propane, you’ll reduce your home’s carbon footprint without having to give up any comfort or convenience.

Become a Pioneer Oil and Propane customer and get the most dependable propane delivery in Central Massachusetts!