Increasing LPG production by adding volatile hydrocarbons to reduce import gap in Egypt

Abstract

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) becomes popular in the twentieth century as source of energy, since it is economically feasible to be produced, transported, sold and stored as a liquid fuel. LPG in Egypt is considered one of the most important domestic fuels. Egypt imports half of its LPG fuel demand. Many researches have been developed to increase the production of LPG in Egypt by increasing the productivity of the refineries. The objective of this study is to investigate the possibility of adding other relatively volatile hydrocarbons as ethane, n-pentane and pentanes’ isomers (iso-pentane and neo-pentane) and/or utilizing relatively volatile oxi-hydrocarbons [mainly dimethyl ether (DME) or dimethyl propane (DMP)] to increase LPG production without affecting its specifications, in order to reduce the import gap of LPG in Egypt. The new LPG mixture is adjusted to meet the Egyptian specifications of LPG (2020). Due to ethane critical properties, it is recommended not to add ethane to LPG since the behavior of ethane cannot be predicted at 50 °C and will be separated inside the LPG bottle. In addition, it will necessitate the increase in LPG butane content. In summer, it is recommended to add i-C5 or 2,2DMP or a mixture of both to LPG (depending on the cost). In winter, it is recommended to add 2,2DMP or a mixture of 2,2DMP with i-C5 to LPG (depending on the cost). Adding DME to LPG with any percentage will decrease the heating value below the Egyptian heating value specifications (2020). Adding neo-pentane to LPG is more preferable than DME, since the heating value of neo-pentane is higher than that of DME. Also, the production cost of the neo-pentane is lower than that of DME.