Is propane is a clean burning fuel and a good alternative for other more traditional fossil fuels?
The current fuel options on the market range from the fossil fuels we’ve been using for many years to the hybrid electric cars now made by all auto manufacturers. There are many other potential fuels as well such as biofuel and ethanol that can now be a realistic way to power your engine. Propane may not sound like much of an alternative to petroleum but it actually is.
Most of us already make use of propane for cooking on barbecues or to power outdoor accessories. Though some people have propane vehicles, it isn’t as common as petroleum.
Propane is a gas that is converted to a liquid form in order for it to be used. It must be converted so that it is in a portable form and can then be put in tanks and moved. Though propane is derived from fossil fuels, it tends to be much safer. It is perfectly safe for heating homes instead of using natural gas. It may be wise to consider using it for vehicles as well since propane clearly does have some advantages. When compared to natural gas for cooking it proves to be cleaner burning and leaves food much more flavorful.
Propane is given an additive, a certain type of alcohol called ethanethiol. This gives the propane a very distinct scent so that it can easily be detected in the event of a spill or leak. Overall propane is relatively nontoxic. If it is abused as an inhalant it could become very deadly but with proper use it is quite harmless. Another advantage of propane use is that it is often cheaper than gas and tends to last longer with normal driving. It can be a change that eases the tension on your wallet.
A propane powered vehicle might not get as much power as a gas engine but most owners claim not to notice a difference. An added safety benefit is that a propane tank is much stronger than a gas tank and therefore is more resistant to any form of damage such as punctures. Some people make the decision to convert their gasoline car over to propane. This can be done though it does cost thousands of dollars. If you plan to do something like this, be sure to see a professional so it is done correctly.
It’s important to really consider why you want to make the switch to propane
Either way, it is still a fossil fuel and regardless, most fossil fuels are bad for the earth and they are not renewable resources.
On the other hand propane is also regarded as clean and environmentally friendly because its vapor doesn’t cause air pollution and is not harmful if accidentally inhaled and because propane doesn’t pollute drinking water or damage water or soil based ecosystems. In addition it is non-toxic and isn’t counted amongst the greenhouse gases except for emissions from propane combustion and here the level of damaging emissions following LP Gas combustion is well below other carbon based fuels used in vehicles and engines today, well within the requirements for clean fuel vehicles.
Propane fuel is listed as an approved clean fuel by the U.S. Government and it can help to reduce the smog effects created by the use of other combustible fuels such as petrol and diesel
Fueling up can be an issue. You will likely have to make note of each gas station that has propane, not all of them do. If your goal is simply to save a little money then propane may be a great option for you. However, if you wish to make a difference on a global scale then a hybrid or flex fuel may be preferable. Do your research on all fuel types so you know what you’re really dealing with. Information is a major component of going green.
Author: Levi Quinn
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