There’s such a wide range of different off-grid industries and manufacturing processes, we can’t list them all here. And, even though they come in all different shapes and sizes, as well as operate different machinery, they all have one thing in common – they can each benefit in some way from using LPG as their energy of choice.
The reason for this is that LPG is a truly versatile fuel that can be used across a range of applications, services and processes used by today’s modern businesses such as in profile cutting, powder coating, paint spray booths and many more.
As bulk LPG suppliers, we’re going to be looking at why commercial gas is such a great fuel for industry and manufacturing. Also, we'll highlight some of the many LPG uses and the benefits of using LPG compared to other options out there.
If you’re currently using a different form of energy such as heating oil and you’re considering switching to LPG, the following will hopefully answer any questions you may have as well as highlight a few points you might not have even considered. This is because commercial propane gas can be used for everything from water heating and drying processes through to food and petrochemical production.
Types of LPG
Propane comes from natural gas processing and oil refining and is liquified through pressurisation. It's an ideal choice here in the UK as, having a low boiling point, it isn't affected by cold weather conditions and can be stored in large quantities, perfect for industrial use.
But on the horizon are renewable gases for businesses, so watch this space! BioLPG, or Bio gas, as it's also known, and rDME are both affordable and flexible renewable gases that we're hoping to be able to offer very soon. As you’d expect, these are the greenest options, providing the same benefits as propane, with the added benefit of being made from renewable sources.
LPG is more economical
Are you using oil or electricity to power machinery, create heat or for some other industrial process? Well, switching to LPG could prove to be a worthwhile cost-saving exercise. It has the potential to reduce costs of your energy across the board with no loss in productivity. In fact, as we will see, it could actually improve the efficiency of your processes.
Take LPG forklifts for example. Unlike running battery-powered forklift trucks, LPG does not need costly recharging equipment. There’s also no need to buy replacement batteries as well as pay for battery disposal. On top of this, gas forklifts are usually cheaper to buy than electrical and diesel versions, and cost less to maintain. Also, forklift gas refills take just minutes – no waiting for batteries to charge – which means downtime is kept to an absolute minimum.
It’s a cleaner and greener fuel
LPG is an extremely clean and efficient fuel. This makes it perfect for improving your green credentials. In fact, using LPG can reduce your CO2 emissions by up to 17.8% compared to oil*. It also has much lower SOx and NOx emissions. No surprise then that so many industries are choosing LPG rather than oil-based options to help reduce their carbon footprint.
This reduction in CO2 emissions doesn’t just help you meet your relevant industry regulations, it also makes you a more attractive proposition to customers looking to partner with businesses who take their environmental responsibilities seriously.
As we've already touched on, you can also look forward to even more environmental LPG in the not-too-distant future. There are two renewable gases on the horizon – BioLPG and rDME (renewable dimethyl ether). Both are ‘drop in’ solutions, which means that they’ll work with your existing systems and machinery in exactly the same way as traditional LPG. So, no need to worry about expense and downtime of retrofitting or replacing equipment.
In fact, BioLPG will reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% while at the same time having the same low SOx, NOx and PM as traditional LPG. rDME is equally as impressive, providing a carbon savings of up to 85% compared to diesel and heating oil, while also having the ability to blend with LPG or BioLPG.
All this is why LPG is the eco-friendly choice that is sure to improve your green footprint while keeping you as productive as ever.
It’s flexible and reliable
Industrial LPG is tried and tested by different sectors across the UK. It’s been proven again and again as a truly flexible fuel that’s perfect for powering a broad range of processes, such as boiling, steaming, drying, sterilising, creating electric and space heating.
One of the reasons LPG is so flexible is that when it comes to industrial uses it has a high calorific value, which means it burns at a hotter temperature than natural gas. It is also highly controllable when it comes to temperatures. All this is why commercial LPG heating is perfect for powering the likes of furnaces, kilns and industrial ovens.
Of course, all the above are just a few of LPG’s many, many uses which is why it provides outstanding operational flexibility. Making it ideal for keeping your productivity high while providing notable efficiencies wherever it’s used.
It’s easy to switch to LPG
No matter which kind of fuel you’re currently using, it’s easy and hassle-free to change over to LPG. It’s also a quick process which means you can enjoy the benefits of LPG with minimum disruption or downtime to your business.
For example, here at Northern Energy, as an industrial gas supplier, we can send over one own of our GAS SAFE registered installation experts who will assess your premises and then provide a tailored solution that meets your exact needs and provides the best and most efficient results possible. This includes advising on the best location for your commercial LPG bulk tank and the best size and type of tank, for instance whether above ground or below ground, depending on your property, your needs and the expected amount of LPG you’ll be using.
Following this, we’ll then manage the installation, so you’ll be up and running in no time. For additional peace of mind, we’ll provide ongoing support such as carrying out tank maintenance on a regular basis to ensure your business is operating efficiently and safely.
As an established fuel, LPG is also dependable with regards to deliveries by industrial gas suppliers. You can benefit from a delivery network that ensures it’s business as usual, no matter what. In fact, here at Northern Energy, we schedule regular deliveries and have our own drivers who not only know where you are, but also how best to reach you in the worst weather, on time, every time.
Time to switch to LPG?
As we’ve hopefully shown, the list of industries that can benefits from using LPG as a commercial gas is virtually endless. So whatever your needs, switching to LPG could prove to be one of the best decisions you’ve made.
If you’d like to know more about LPG and how it can benefit your business, or you're interested in switching from your current LPG supplier, get in touch today. Call us on 01423 772 789 or email helplpg@northernenergy.co.uk. One of our experts will be happy to answer all your questions.
*Applies to plants with a rated thermal input equal to or greater than 1 megawatt (MWth) and less than 50 MWth.