Patio Gas Versus Butane and Propane
Patio heaters let you relax in your outdoor space for longer by warming it up. They are highly efficient and can be adjusted to provide a variety of heat.
Gas is available in bottles called "patio" that are compatible with BBQs. They utilize an adjustable regulator clip-on, whereas butane cylinders come with screw-in connectors.
What is Patio Gas?
Patio gas is propane or butane contained in a small 'patio bottle' designed with barbeques and patio heaters in the back of your mind. These bottles are connected to your appliance by a specific regulator. (More on this later). They're green and not the blue or red propane and butane cylinders that you'll find in the barbecue gas section of the store. The bottles for gas barbecues also come with an indicator for the gas gauge so you can tell when your bottle is empty.
Both butane and propane are flammable hydrocarbons that burn when they are burned. Butane is a gas with lower boiling temperatures than propane, and can be used in cooler temperatures. Propane is able to burn at a higher temperature and is more suitable for outdoor cooking and heating.
All leisure appliances that use bottled gasoline are equipped with a regulator that reduces the pressure at which gas is released from the cylinder. This valve prevents the cylinder from bursting when you open it and stops your appliances from working too quickly. Regulators can be clip-on or screw-on and come in a variety of sizes to fit different types of cylinders. Butane and Propane have different pressure requirements, and therefore the regulators cannot be interchanged.
What is Butane?
Butane is the 2nd lightest of hydrocarbons (following propane) with four carbon atoms and 10 hydrogen atoms. It is known as chemically C4H10 and is frequently used in butane lighters and torches. Butane is an oily liquid at room temperature, and is non-odorless. Butane is used to fuel the gas heaters for patios as well as butane heaters. It can also be utilized as a solvent for the production of perfumes, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Butane and propane, both safe and clean-burning, are both reliable sources of energy for homes, businesses, and industries in Tennessee and southern Kentucky. Both are cleaner burning than other fossils and emit substantially less greenhouse gases when burned. There are Fireplaces And Stoves between butane and propane.
Propane and Butane differ in their boiling points, which is the temperature at which each gas is able to vaporize at a given pressure. Propane is better suited to outdoor use and colder temperatures as its containers do not freeze. The lower boiling point of propane makes it more flammable than butane, and more secure to store.
N-Butane is a liquid that is volatile that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. n-Butane is non-toxic to humans, however it can be irritating to the mucous membranes and eyes. Inhalation of 10,000ppm over 10 minutes causes drowsiness, but no other adverse effects to the system.
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code sets out the rules and regulations applicable to transporting dangerous chemicals, such as butane. If you're shipping butane it is important that you follow these guidelines. Infractions could result in penalties, fines or the confiscation of an exploding cylinder.
Butane abuse, although not common, can cause death due to arrhythmia or asphyxia. Butane can be used as a propellant in homemade products. In two instances of deliberate butane inhalation autopsies have revealed changes in the lungs and heart caused by butane. These changes are related to the passage of butane through alveoli and pulmonary mucosa. Histological analysis confirmed these findings. The deliberate abuse of butane results in a high death rate in children.
What is Propane?
Propane, also known as LPG or liquefied petrol gas (C3H8) is an hydrocarbon gas. It is a safe and clean energy source that can be used to heat homes cook food, power appliances and run vehicles. Propane is derived from both the refining process of natural gas and crude oil in roughly equal amounts. It's nontoxic, colorless and virtually odorless, which is why producers add an odorant known as ethyl mercaptan to help detect leaks.
Propane is a gaseous chemical at temperatures of room temperature. But, when it is pressurized, it turns into liquid. This allows propane to be transported quickly and safely. It's stored in underground tanks with controlled conditions at production and distribution centers. It's then distributed to businesses, homeowners and other customers through a network of barges, pipelines, railcars and tanker trucks.
Propane is a fantastic option for both residential and commercial uses however it is best suited for outdoor use. It can power outdoor amenities like grills, patio heaters and fire pits, and can also provide an energy source backup during power outages. The propane fuel is eco-friendly. It releases fewer harmful pollutants than any other fossil fuel when burned.
The versatility of propane has made it a vital element of American life. But what do you know about the process through which it is transported from its natural origins to your home?
Propane is produced as an by-product of the natural gas processing industry and crude oil refineries. It is stored both above and underground. Distributed to natural gas processing facilities as well as homes through a network comprised of truckers, pipelines, and railroad vehicles. Once it's liquefied, it can be stored in small, portable tanks for transportation and use. The vast majority of the propane consumed in America is derived from domestic sources, which makes this clean, economical fuel an ideal choice for commercial and residential use. It's especially useful in rural areas where access to other types of fuel may be difficult. In fact propane is so abundant that the United States is now a net exporter of this renewable energy source.
Which bottle do I need?
Both propane and butane work well with your patio heater or BBQ. The type of appliance you are using will determine the size and type of gas bottle you choose to use. Propane comes in green bottles designed for outdoor appliances such as patio heaters and BBQs. These bottles are compatible with 27mm regulators that clip on. Butane comes in blue bottles and is most commonly used with camping stoves and one-burner cookers. They also have a regulator screw-on.
Gas regulators are installed on all leisure gas cylinders. They lower the pressure and regulate the amount of gas that is dispensed. This ensures that the cylinder does not empty too quickly, and also protects the appliance from damage. You must choose a gas regulator that is suitable for the cylinder type you're using (propane or butane) as their regulator valves differ. Propane and Butane require to be released at different pressures, so they cannot be swapped between appliances without modifying the regulator.
The majority of gas cylinders come with an indicator on them that will inform you that you are near to running out of gas. It is also easy to determine the level by pouring a glass of warm water over the top of the cylinder, this will alter the temperature and give you an estimate of how much gas is left. You can also use the thermometer to get an accurate reading.
LPG cylinders come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit various appliances. They vary from 3.9kg to fit portable camping equipment up to 47kg for caravans. The majority of them are made from metal and must be kept in a straight position away from drains, entrances to buildings and fire escapes.
It is important to check the manual that comes with your patio heater or barbecue to determine if it suggests the specific brand or type of gas bottle. Some manufacturers offer their own brand of cylinders which are designed for their appliance however, they can also be used with other brands.