Bulk L.P.G. in 1982

Press, 9 May 1980, Page 14

Bulk L.P.G. in 1982

Energy reporter

Bulk distribution of liquefied petroleum gas is not likely to be established until mid;l9B2 because of “planning problems,” according to the Under-Secretary of Energy (Mr Brill). However, supplies should improve significantly before then, he said in Christchurch. Production of L.P.G. would increase by about 300 per cent in the next two or three months because of developments at the Kapuni and Maui production stations.

Mr Brill gave an assurance to Christchurch manufacturers last year that bulk distribution would start by mid-1981. He said last evening that this was still technically possible, but planning procedures, such as the opposition to bulk storage tanks in Onehunga, indicated that it would be prudent to allow an extra 12 months on the target date. Butane storage tanks are expected to be com-

missioned at Kapuni this week, allowing a 50 per cent increase in production of L.P.G., which is a mixture of propane and butane. Production of L.P.G. from the Maui field will start next month. Mr Brill said it had been proposed to switch entirely from Kapuni gas to Maui gas at the end of May, leaving the Kapuni station to recycle natural gas for further condensate production. However, the gas compressor at Kapuni had broken down, and he did not know how long it would be before the switch to Maui gas was made.

Although the increased production would help supplies signifantly, with the production of about 20,000 tonnes a year, it would be limited by any drop in the use of natural gas in the North Island. The extra gas would be marketed as a “shandy,” or a mixture of about equal parts of propane and butane. This would be unsuitable for small appliances, Mr Brill said.