Crude oil, also known as petroleum, is an energy-rich liquid consisting mainly of hydrocarbons. Oil is an important part of daily life in  American households and all over the world. This powerful source of energy moves us, heats our homes and creates jobs and makes up an important component of everyday consumer products. All forms of energy solutions are needed to support a growing world population and improve the quality of life.  Crude oil will play an important role in meeting these needs.

Oil supplies more than just fuel for our cars and heat for our homes. You’d be surprised. Modern life is inconceivable without crude oil. The world consumes almost 14 billion liters of oil each day. Within our daily lives oil is used almost everywhere:

The usage of crude oil could go on and on and on! Oil is a very important resource as one of major sources of energy. It can generate heat, drive machinery, and fuel vehicles and airplanes. Its components are used to manufacture almost all chemical products, such as plastics, detergents, paints, and even medicines. Look around you. You use oil without even realizing it. The chair, table, sofa, phone, pen, book and container around you all contain oil. Life without oil is impossible.

Here are some things you didn’t know about oil! They are used in the following things we used in our everyday life.

Cosmetics:

Think of the new cream you just purchased in which you’re about to rub all over your face – as the decayed mass of millions of dead organisms. Since petroleum-based products can make up to 80% of a cosmetic’s ingredients, that’s essentially what you’re paying for. The most common components are oils, waxes, perfumes, dyes, and other petrochemicals. Petroleum byproducts are also found in your shampoos, conditioners, and hair dye

Synthetic Rubber:

Due to its thermal stability and strength, synthetic rubber is sometimes preferred over latex as the chosen material in the world of manufacturing. The substance is commonly found in sporting goods, shoes, and tires. The average tire is made using around 8 gallons of oil. Synthetic rubber is also commonly used in wire and cable insulation. The main factor discouraging its use is the high cost compared to natural rubber.

Lubricants:

Influence your daily life whether you realize it or not: they’re found in a vast array of everyday items. A lubricant is simply a substance that reduces friction between moving surfaces, and its ability to do so is known as lubricity. The most common lubricant is motor oil, which is used to protect internal combustion engines. Other common lubricants include grease and paraffin wax, the latter of which is found in candles. Since some lubricants can contain as much as 90% oil, they are almost a pure petroleum byproduct.

Asphalt:

Also known as bitumen, is a semi-solid form of petroleum and can be either natural or refined. Its main purpose is to act as the glue between various minerals, creating a material known as asphalt concrete. There over 11 million miles of paved road in the world, which adds up to a fair amount of oil. The sticky substance is sometimes confused with tar, which is a similar black material produced during the purification of coal.

Synthetic Fibers:

Petroleum-based fibers are durable, readily available, and easy to maintain. Combined with the fact that they are generally cheaper than natural fabrics, synthetic fibers are becoming increasingly popular in the world of fashion and home goods. Although cotton may be the most common fiber in your underwear drawer, your sock drawer might tell a different story. There are plenty of other fabrics that use synthetic fibers Some of the most common types are rayon, nylon, spandex, acrylic, and polyester.

Food:

products are used in many synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The use of petrochemicals is also widespread in food preservatives, flavorings, and colorings. Oil helps the agriculture industry produce more food, cultivate it faster, and keep it fresh for longer. It also helps to pollute the atmosphere. Petroleum-based polymers are also found in your chewing gum.

Plastic:

Nearly all plastics are made from petrochemicals – and plastic is everywhere. If you look around, you’ll find that a lot of your things are made, at least partially, with plastic. From your iPod to that bottle of Mountain Dew you’re drinking, plastics play a huge part in your daily life.

Fuel:

The combined sources of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel account for around 72% of petroleum consumption. The petroleum refining process is complicated, and these types of fuel may chemically differ by only the slightest bit. Despite this, different types of fuel can vary greatly in their physical properties and attributes, although they are essentially used for the same purposes. e.g. fueling cars, trains and planes etc.an oil refinery and made into many products we use every day.

Propane is primarily a byproduct of domestic natural gas processing, though some propane is produced from crude oil refinement.  Propane suppliers in the US  are becoming increasingly abundant due in large part to increased supplies of natural gas. Propane is used in million households as well as many businesses for water and space heating, indoor and outdoor cooking, clothes drying, and backup power.

You can count on Dependable LP Gas to provide quality products and services to homes, cottages, and businesses across West Michigan.

Our goal is to continually exceed your customer service expectations by providing exceptional propane service at economical prices, whether you’re switching to propane, requesting a delivery, or learning more about the benefits of propane as an alternative energy source, we are committed to making sure you receive the best customer service experience possible! Our 24/7 emergency service will see to that, or for any problem you may encounter. Contact us today for your propane needs, and we’ll get you started! 1-800-465-9912.

We know that propane is easy on both the environment and your budget, but that’s not all; it’s also the key to making your home warm, comfortable and inviting.

If you have an RV or travel trailer you’ve probably learned to depend on propane (LP Gas) for a lot of things. There are a lot of things to learn and know about propane and propane tanks (also referred to as LP for liquid petroleum gas). LP gas is either propane or butane gas or a mixture of both. Know what you’re getting if you plan to be in colder or very, very hot climates or transitioning between the two.

What is Propane?

• Propane is LPG but not all LPG is propane.
• Propane is classified as LPG, along with butane, isobutene, and mixtures of these gases.
• The good news is that Propane is readily available in MICHIGAN, we just call it LPG.
• Propane is LPG, so no worries!
• Propane is the gas that is supplied to virtually all homes and most businesses that purchase LPG in Michigan.
• Propane (LPG) is Not Natural Gas
• Propane is not to be confused with Natural Gas, which is primarily Methane.

When Natural Gas is initially extracted from the ground it may also contain Ethane, Propane, Butane, Pentane and Pentanes Plus.

Most of these are usually stripped out for other specific applications before it is passed along through the pipelines.

Tips for Propane

• Don’t try to heat your ring with the stovetop or oven.
• Know what LP gas smells like. Since LP has little or no odor of its own companies add sulfur or garlicky smell to the gas so you can tell if there is a leak.
• Hire professionals. If you don’t know what you’re doing or you’ve only seen someone do something once, but don’t know what they did or why they did it, call a pro.
• Pay attention to the tank’s position when transporting it or having it filled. If you have a propane tank that sits vertically when it’s being used, it should travel and be filled in that same position. If it’s a horizontal tank (as you find on some truck campers) make sure you read the label on the tank to see if it needs to be transported and/or filled horizontally or vertically. Some horizontal tanks vary-some should be filled upright, others in the horizontal position.
• Tanks should be recertified every five years. They are certified for 12 years from the factory but need to be recertified every five years thereafter.
• Don’t let your tanks get dinged and banged and scratched up.
• If you buy a used RV have a propane expert test and recertify the propane system. They will check all the fittings and lines for leakage and make sure the regulators and appliances are inspected for problems as well.

• Don’t use flammable liquids in your RV while LP is on. Remember, an open flame can ignite things like paint, solvents you’re using to clean something else or even fingernail polish remover! Use caution.