Propane Gas is either refined from field gas near oil deposits or is a waste product from plastics manufacture. Here are its properties as supplied to bulk industrial users.
Gross Calorific Value 49.93 MJ/kg
Gross Calorific Value 13.87 kWh/kg
Density 0.512 kg/litre
From which we derive the calorific value of 1 litre assuming 100% condensation in a perfect boiler.
Gross Calorific Value is 13.87 x 0.512 kWh per Litre = 7.1 kWhrs per litre of fuel.
At December 1996 the cost of a litre of fuel is 18.29p / litre ($1.60 = 100 p)
The cost of 1 propane powered thermal kWh at the input of the boiler = 18.29/7.1= 2.57p
Note our boiler is fully condensing and yields a manufacturers stated efficiency of 98% when cycling - our normal running mode.
If you have comments or suggestions, email me at les.gornall@dial.pipex.com
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