Liquified petroleum gas (LPG) is a clean-burning fossil fuel naturally derived from crude oil and natural gas. However, the production process is complex and potentially dangerous to people and the environment. Ensure safety and maximum output with representative sampling.

LPG sampling systems help safely and effectively sample LPG and other two-phase liquids – pressurized gases, stored and transported in their liquid phase. These systems ensure safe, simple and representative sampling for the most accurate data analysis results to maximize safety, production and profits and reduce environmental impact.

LPG: A Challenging Production Process

Often sold as propane and butane for residential heating and cooking, LPG is a type of hydrocarbon gas also used in power generation and industrial heating. It’s a co-product of refining crude oil or raw natural gas and is stripped from the “wet” natural gas stream during natural gas processing.

After LPG is stripped from the process, it’s liquefied through pressurization to make it easier to transport and store. As a gas, LPG takes up 274 times its volume than as a liquid, causing the liquid easier to transport and store.

However, developing LPG is complex and can be dangerous.

During the production process, the air-fuel ratio is a critical measurement, as it describes the mass of air compared to a liquid or gas fuel in a combustion process. This ratio determines whether the mixture is combustible, the energy being released, and the number of pollutants produced in the reaction. If just enough air is present to burn all the fuel completely, the ratio is known as “stoichiometric.” The stoichiometrically ideal ratio is 14.7 parts air to 1 part fuel.

Ratios lower than this stoichiometric ideal are considered “rich.” These rich mixtures are less efficient but often can produce more power and burn cooler. Ratios higher than stoichiometric are considered “lean.” Lean mixtures are usually more efficient but can cause higher temperatures within the process, leading to the formation of nitrogen oxides.

Due to LPG’s density and flammability, canisters should be stored and maintained correctly. The high pressures necessary for storing LPG can result in occasional tank bursts. The cost of producing and purchasing LPG is high, and maintaining quality can be difficult during processing and custody transfers. Therefore, it’s essential to maximize product quality for maximum profit.

Sample LPG For Safety and Maximum Output

Representative sampling is a safe and straightforward process that helps keep personnel and equipment safe, supports efficient production, and minimizes environmental and profit impacts. It helps monitor the air-fuel ratio to ensure a stoichiometrically ideal mixture and can help ensure a quality product at each custody transfer.

Representative sampling solutions include low-emission (Low-E) sampling solutions that provide the most significant amount of protection for both operators and the environment. These solutions have no spillage and minimal release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – chemicals that form vapor at even room temperature.

For example, Sentry low-emission samplers incorporate several features to provide a safe, simple and representative sampling. The sampler action is repeatable, so the sample is always as representative as possible. Both safety and representative sampling are assured for the most accurate data analysis results.

LPG sampling systems help safely and effectively sample LPG and other gases with high vapor pressures. Finding a customized solution with highly trained experts who can support various applications and sampling cases is ideal to execute safe, consistent sampling.

Contact us at +1-262-567-7256 or complete our online contact form to discuss how Sentry sampling systems can help you achieve safe, accurate and straightforward sampling results.