Propane air, also called LPG-Air is essentially synthetic natural gas that is formed by mixing vaporised propane or LPG with air. Once mixed, LPG forms a homogeneous mixture that can be used as a direct combination or replacement for natural gas in combustion applications.
The LPG-Air Mix can also serve to replace other fuels (e.g. AGO, LPFO, etc) for industrial and power generation applications.
Organizations require back-up systems for their primary energy source, when there is high risk of energy interruption as in the case of Nigeria; especially if such back-up will deliver significant economic benefits. Many industrial processes are required to operate continuously.
Fuel interruptions halt power generation and as a result major economic losses are incurred. Fuel shortage do not only result in production losses, but also results in losses in capital investments, with multiplier negative effects on related forward & backward linkage businesses. Covering the risk with back-up fuel systems is a requirement that cannot therefore, be over emphasized.
Propane-Air mixing systems allow natural gas and other fuels users the ability to have live back-up when ever required. Because propane air is a "synthetic natural gas" (SNG), it can be used as a direct substitute for natural gas.
The propane air mixture is simply connected to the natural gas piping just after the metering station (and pressure reducing station) but before entering the power generation plant, e.g. Independent Power Plant (IPP). These systems can be placed in live back-up so that they take over, upon falling pressure, or they can be turned on manually. In either case it is akin to having an electrical generator.