DISTRIBUTION
STEP 1 – PRODUCTION
The production of LPG is the result of the treatment of NGLs. This treatment is necessary to produce:
a) Oils that are suitable for transport to refineries.
b) Natural gases that correspond with commercial specifications.
STEP 2 – EXPORT TRANSPORTATION
While crude oil is transported from the production sites to refineries by tankers or pipelines; LPG is transported to storage terminals by large LPG carriers, pipelines or train.
STEP 3 – REFINING AND STORAGE
Butane and propane can also result from the oil refining processes. LPG storage terminals store products that are imported in large quantities.
STEP 4 – TRANSPORTATION
The LPG is then delivered by road, coastal tanker or Bowsers to cylinder filling plants and intermediate-size storage areas.
STEP 5 – BOTTLING AND STORAGE
Cylinders are filled in Commercial or Domestic Cylinders with butane and propane at bottling plants. LPG is generally stored in pressurized tanks (vessels or spheres) in intermediary storage centers.
STEP 6 – DISTRIBUTION
LPG can be transported virtually anywhere, either in cylinders or bulk. Trucks transport butane and propane cylinders from the bottling plant to retailers, as well as to private and professional customers. Meanwhile, small bulk trucks distribute LPG from the storage centers to various consumers.
STEP 7 END USERS
LPG is easily available to end users through cylinder sales points such as commercial stores or service stations close to their locations. Customers requiring larger volumes can purchase LPG in bulk.
