Petroleumkaasua

Petroleumkaasua is a term used to describe gaseous hydrocarbon mixtures that are produced during the processing and refining of petroleum. In practical use it often refers to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), a clean-burning fuel that is primarily composed of propane and butane, with smaller amounts of ethane and other light hydrocarbons. The gas can originate from refinery gas streams, associated gas from oilfields, or as a byproduct of natural gas processing, and is commonly marketed as a liquid under pressure.

Typical composition varies by source and processing, but propane and butane are the main components in LPG-style mixtures. The presence of lighter or heavier hydrocarbons affects properties such as flammability, energy content, and vapor pressure. Petroleumkaasua is usually stored and transported in pressurized vessels or as a cryogenic liquid, and is odorized with scent additives for leak detection in many markets.

Applications and forms include heating and cooking fuels, portable and domestic energy systems, and, in some regions, automotive use as autogas. It is also used as a chemical feedstock or solvent in certain industrial processes. Marketed forms can range from consumer cylinders for households to bulk deliveries for industrial facilities.

Safety and environmental considerations are central to petroleumkaasua. The mixtures are highly flammable, with vapors that can accumulate in low-lying areas and seek ignition sources. Leaks require adequate ventilation and leak detection. Combustion emits carbon dioxide and other pollutants, and methane leakage from production and transport contributes to greenhouse gas effects. Regulation typically covers handling, storage, labeling, and transport as hazardous materials.

Note: the term petroleumkaasua is not uniformly standard across languages; in many contexts, the more common term for LPG is nestekaasu. See also: LPG, propane, butane, natural gas.