What is Propane Made From?

Learn more about what this versatile fuel can do for your Hudson Valley home!

Propane is an ideal fuel source to power your home or business in the Hudson Valley with its versatility, efficiency, and vast array of benefits! Not only that, but it also helps reduce environmental impact. Don't be intimidated by propane if you're unfamiliar with it. We have put together some valuable material to broaden your knowledge and comprehension!

What is propane?

Propane's full name is liquified petroleum gas (LPG). The chemical formula for propane is C₃H₈. In 1864, Edmund Ronalds, a British scholar and industrial chemist, made the groundbreaking discovery of propane while researching chemicals present in crude oil from Pennsylvania. In 1910, Walter O. Snelling made a remarkable discovery while carrying out research for the United States Bureau of Mines in Pittsburgh - that certain evaporating gases could be transformed into liquids. After Snelling's research revealed that propane was the most abundant of all gases, he created a way to bottle LPG. Three years later, Frank Philips. founder of Phillips Petroleum, purchased the patent from him for $50,000; equivalent to roughly $1.4 million in today’s currency! Propane, which naturally does not have a discernible odor, needs an additive to give it scent. Utilizing ethyl mercaptan is the preferred choice for this purpose as its unmistakable smell of rotten eggs makes propane leaks easier to identify quickly. If you notice that rotten-egg smell in your home, follow these propane safety best practices:

• Get everyone out of the house immediately and go to a safe location. Do not stay in the house or try to find the source of the leak
• Shut off the propane supply valve of your propane tank if you can safely get to it
• Call 911 and Kimlin Energy once you are a safe distance away
• Do not return until first responders or our service technicians give the all-clear to do so

Where does propane come from?

Thanks to the growing production of shale gas, propane utilized in both Canada and U.S is mostly produced from by-products of natural gas processing. Through the process of refining natural gas, a variety of gases are produced such as propane, butane, methane, and ethane. An overwhelming majority of our nation's propane supply, nearly 70%, is derived through natural gas processing while the balance comes from crude oil refining. Propane is sent in various ways such as by pipelines, tankers, ships, trains, and trucks to bulk propane distribution centers. From there, the propane is distributed to local vendors, such as Kimlin Energy. In our Hudson Valley service area, we offer secure and dependable propane delivery with Automatic Delivery so you don't have to stress about running out of propane. We also provide propane tank installation and leasing, as well as the installation and service of propane appliances.

Is propane environmentally friendly?

Propane is an efficient and environmentally friendly source of energy that has been recognized by both the 1990 Clean Air Act and 1992 National Energy Policy as an alternative fuel. In comparison to natural gas, propane is a cleaner burning option as it does not produce methane emissions. Propane does not harm the air, soil, water, aquatic life, marine life, or plant life in the rare occurrence of a leak. Not only is propane a cleaner source of energy, but it also boasts remarkably high levels of efficiency. Today's high-efficiency propane appliances and heating systems boast an impressive 95% or higher ratings in terms of their efficiency. By electing to use propane, you don't need to forfeit comfort or convenience for the sake of lessening your home's carbon footprint. Get reliable propane delivery and service with Kimlin Energy! Become a customer today.