In South Africa, we use a type of gas called LPG – which stands for Liquid Petroleum Gas. Liquid Petroleum Gases, which includes butane and propane, are gases which get their name from their ability to convert from a gas into a liquid when exposed to low temperatures. In South Africa, LPG is used as an umbrella term to describe a combination of propane and butane. The ratio of butane and propane in LPG is largely dependant on the country in which it is being produced, for example in South Africa our LPG consists of a 40:60 ratio of butane to propane, while in the United States LPG is made up of pure propane.
So, where exactly does our gas come from? Well, in order to understand that, it is important to know that propane and butane – and therefore LPG – are produced as a by-product of the crude oil refining process and natural gas extraction. Propane, butane and crude oil are hydrocarbons which are made of decomposing organic matter over a period of hundreds of thousands of years and can be found in vast underground oil wells. In order to produce LPG, the gas must be separated from the crude oil, either by extracting the natural gases or during the crude oil refining process. Crude oil is refined by heating it until it reaches boiling point, which causes the LPG to convert into a gas and separate from the oil.
The majority of LPG available in South Africa is produced locally, as a by-product of the crude oil refining process, while the balance is imported from overseas companies such as Petredec and Geogas. South Africa has a number of oil refineries which produce LPG as a by-product, including the largest producer of LPG in the country, ENREF (Engen Petroleum Ltd.); SAPREF (South African Petroleum Refineries – a joint venture between Shell and BP), Sasol Synfuels, Chevron and PetroSA. The majority of these crude oil refineries are located in coastal areas such as Mossel Bay (PetroSA), Durban (ENREF and SAPREF) and Cape Town (Chevron); while Sasol has the only inland refinery, which is based in Secunda, Mpumalanga. LPG that is produced at these refineries is then sold to suppliers who in turn distribute the LPG around the county, for consumers to buy and use in our homes.
So, next time you buy a gas cylinder, not only do you know where the gas we get in South Africa comes from, but also how it is refined.
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