Recreational Vehicle (RV) Technician Practice Test

Which two resources are the main sources of propane gas in the refining process?

1. Natural gas and electricity

2. Crude oil and coal

3. Natural gas and crude oil

4. Oil shale and water

The correct answer is: Natural gas and crude oil

The primary sources of propane gas in the refining process are natural gas and crude oil. Propane is a hydrocarbon that can be derived from both of these resources during processing. Natural gas contains a mixture of hydrocarbons, and when it is processed, some of the valuable byproducts, including propane, are separated out. This is largely due to the composition of natural gas, which often includes ethane, propane, butane, and other heavier hydrocarbons. Crude oil is another significant source of propane. During the refining of crude oil, various fractions are separated based on boiling points in a process called fractional distillation. Propane is one of the lighter fractions that can be distilled and purified from crude oil, making it a valuable byproduct of the refining process. Understanding the roles of these two resources highlights the connection between natural gas and crude oil in the production of propane, which is essential for heating, cooking, and as fuel for recreational vehicles.