[Stoves] Bulk density of LPG vs pellets

[Paul Anderson]

Dear Stovers and friends,

I hope that someone can provide an answer to this question:

The situation:  A fuel for cooking needs to be transported to 
communities in somewhat remote locations.   There are roads that at 
least allow a pickup truck to go in and out year-round.  The people have 
access to locally sources woody biomass fuel, but are interested in 
having some better stoves with processed fuels.   In particular, they 
are considering LPG in standard bottles/tanks that are brought in full, 
and empties are taken back.    They are also considering  pellets that 
are in typical 40 pound (~18 kg) bags, with local sales in smaller 
quanties.   Consider initially that the pellets are made in the same 
location where the LPG bottles are refilled.  (We can consider different 
distances of transport later, if of interest).  (also, there will be 
some differences if different sizes of LPG bottles or pellets in 
super-sacks are used, but that is not of much interest in this initial 
discussion.)

The question:  How much energy can be transported in each delivery trip, 
and which becomes the most economical -- or are they about the same?   
The LPG has more energy per kg of fuel, but must be transported in metal 
containers that are cylindrircal and occupy much space.   The pelelts 
are in bags that can be stacked (such as on a pallet of pellets).

Boilse down to:   LPG in bottles vs pellets in sacks.

My thanks to everyone who contributes to answering this question.

Paul

-- 
Doc  /  Dr TLUD  /  Prof. Paul S. Anderson, PhD
Email:  psanders at ilstu.edu
Skype:   paultlud    Phone: +1-309-452-7072
Website:  www.drtlud.com