Mixed LPG is a carefully controlled blend of propane (C₃H₈) and butane (C₄H₁₀) designed to deliver optimal vapor pressure, stable combustion, and high energy output across varying climatic and operational conditions.
By adjusting the propane–butane ratio, Mixed LPG ensures reliable performance throughout the year, making it the most widely used LPG type for households, hotels, factories, centralized gas systems, and automotive applications.
Chemical Composition & Blending Strategy
Primary Components
Propane (C₃H₈)
Butane (C₄H₁₀)
Typical Blending Ratios
Propane-rich mix (60–80% Propane): Cold climates and high vapor demand
Balanced mix (50:50): General domestic and commercial use
Butane-rich mix (60–80% Butane): Warm climates and indoor kitchens
Sulfur, moisture, and olefins are maintained at trace levels. The gas is odorized with ethyl mercaptan for safety. Blending is performed under strict quality control to meet regional safety and performance standards.
Key Characteristics of Mixed LPG
Optimized Vapor Pressure & All-Season Reliability
Propane ensures vaporization in cold conditions, while butane improves calorific output. This balance prevents pressure drop, flame instability, and incomplete combustion.
High Energy Output & Thermal Efficiency
With a calorific value of 46–50 MJ/kg, Mixed LPG delivers instant ignition, high flame temperature, and efficient heat transfer with minimal fuel wastage.
Clean, Low-Emission Fuel
Produces negligible soot and smoke, very low SOₓ and particulate emissions, and reduced CO₂ emissions compared to diesel, kerosene, or coal.
Safe, Portable & Easy to Handle
Stored as a liquid under moderate pressure. Cylinders and tanks are equipped with pressure relief valves, excess flow valves, and odorization for leak detection.
Flexible Storage & Distribution
Available in cylinders, bulk tanks, and centralized gas networks. Easy to transport, refill, and deploy in both urban and remote locations.
Typical Mechanical & Technical Properties
| Property | Description / Value |
|---|---|
| Composition | Propane + Butane blend |
| Boiling Point | Propane: –42°C / Butane: –0.5°C |
| Vapor Pressure @ 20°C | 2 – 8 bar (mix dependent) |
| Liquid Density | 0.50 – 0.58 kg/L |
| Vapor Density | 1.5 – 2.0 times heavier than air |
| Flammability Range | 2% – 10% in air |
| Auto-Ignition Temperature | ~480 – 500°C |
| Flame Temperature | ~1,980°C |
| Calorific Value | 46 – 50 MJ/kg |
| Appearance | Colorless, odorized |
Storage, Supply & Packaging Options
Cylinders
Domestic: 12 kg / 14.2 kg
Commercial: 17 kg / 19 kg / 33 kg
Industrial: 47 kg / 425 kg
Bulk LPG Supply
Delivered via LPG tankers and stored in above-ground or underground tanks. Ideal for hotels, factories, hospitals, and centralized gas networks.
Custom Composition Blends
Propane-rich LPG for cold regions
Butane-rich LPG for tropical climates
Tailor-made blends for industrial burners, kilns, and automotive autogas systems
Applications of Mixed LPG
Domestic Use
Cooking, water heaters, space heaters, emergency backup fuel
Commercial Sector
Hotels, restaurants, central kitchens, bakeries, catering units, laundry systems
Industrial Applications
Boilers, furnaces, metal cutting and brazing, ceramic and glass kilns, textile drying, paper processing, spray drying, asphalt heating
Automotive (Auto-Gas)
LPG-powered cars, taxis, fleet vehicles with lower emissions and operating costs
Agriculture
Crop drying, greenhouse heating, pest control fumigation
Comparison: Mixed LPG vs Propane vs Butane
| Parameter | Mixed LPG | Propane | Butane |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate Suitability | All climates | Cold climates | Warm climates |
| Storage Pressure | Moderate | Higher | Lower |
| Energy Output | High | High | Very high (vol.) |
| Cost | Balanced | Higher | Lower |
| Flexibility | Excellent | Limited | Limited |
Advantages Summary
✔ All-season performance
✔ Adjustable composition
✔ Clean and efficient combustion
✔ Easy storage and transport
✔ Cost-effective fuel choice
✔ Suitable for domestic, commercial, and industrial use
Mixed LPG is the most versatile and widely adopted LPG fuel, offering an optimal balance between performance, safety, efficiency, and cost across climates and applications.