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Written on: March 27, 2023
After you get a propane delivery from Broco Energy or turn on your gas appliance, did you ever stop to think about where that propane comes from in the first place?
Propane is created through the processing of natural gas and crude oil, and it’s a fuel that is largely a domestic product. In fact, about 90% of the American propane supply is generated in the United States. This abundant, right-at-home supply makes propane a reliable fuel choice for your New England home or business, and all of its propane-powered appliances and equipment, throughout the year.
Some propane is created during the process of crude oil refining. During the stabilization phase of the refining process, heavier hydrocarbons fall to the bottom. But propane, being a lighter hydrocarbon, is at the top and it’s easily extracted.
Crude oil refining, however, actually plays a small role in the production of propane. The majority of propane is now derived today from natural gas production. When natural gas is taken out of the earth, it is a mix of different gases. One of these gases is propane.
To stop condensation from forming in natural gas pipelines, propane is extracted from liquid compounds as the natural gas is being processed. Butane is also extracted during this process. Propane, being much denser as a liquid than as a gas, is stored and transported as a liquid in this form of production.
Natural gas can only get to your home through an underground pipeline. But if something goes wrong with that pipeline, you can’t get any gas.
Propane gas is easier to move around because it gets compressed, or squeezed until it turns into a liquid. It is then put inside large storage facilities and Broco Energy delivers it right to your home’s propane tank.
The compression of propane can be compared to the air in a car tire, which gets squeezed to about two or three times the normal air pressure. But the gas in a propane tank gets squeezed about 100 times more than that. This is why even a small residential tank can provide a lot of propane gas for your home.
Broco Energy technicians are trained to keep you and your family safe – it’s our number one priority. Our staff is certified by the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), in cooperation with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). Propane has an excellent safety record, and we’re proud to be a part of that.
Propane is an ideal fuel for many purposes, even beyond your water heater and heating your home with your furnace, boiler, heater or fireplace. It’s also useful for stoves and clothes dryers as well as for outdoor use, including pool heating and outside lighting. And peace of mind is never far off when you have a propane-fueled generator to get you through power outages.
Did you know that homes that are powered by electricity are much less energy efficient than those running on propane? Since propane naturally burns hotter, it feels warmer, and the energy produced creates a larger impact. Your energy bills will cost less with such an efficient fuel working for you, especially when paired with propane appliances.
Please reach out to us if you would like to become a customer and get a propane delivery.
