Patio Gas Versus Butane and Propane
Patio heaters allow you to enjoy your outdoor space longer by warming it up. They are extremely efficient and provide adjustable heat.
Gas is available in 'patio' bottles that are compatible with barbecues. They utilize an adjustable regulator clip-on, whereas butane cylinders are fitted with screw-in connectors.
What is Patio Gas?
Patio gas is propane or butane contained in the form of a small "patio" bottle designed with barbeques and patio heaters in the back of your mind. These bottles are connected to your appliance via an specialized regulator. ( continue reading this on this later). They're green as opposed to the blue or red propane and butane cylinders that you'll find in the barbecue gas section of the shop. The bottles for gas barbecues come with a gauge for gas so that you know when the bottle is running out.
Both propane and butane gas are flammable hydrocarbon gases that burn when they are burned. Butane gas has a lower boiling temperature than propane, and can be used at cooler temperatures. Propane is able to burn at a higher temperature and is better suited to outdoor cooking and heating.
All leisure appliances that run on bottled gas are fitted with a regulator valve which reduces the pressure of gas coming out of the cylinder. This valve stops the cylinder from breaking when you open it and also stops your appliances from working too fast. Regulators are available in clip-on or screw on styles and in various sizes to accommodate the different types of cylinders. Propane and butane require different level of pressure to be dispensed, so they cannot be swapped without modifying the regulator.
What is Butane?
Butane is the second-lightest hydrocarbon (after propane) and has four carbon atoms with 10 hydrogen atoms. It is also referred to by its chemical name C4H10 and is used in butane torches and lighters. Butane is an oily liquid at room temperature. It has no odor. In addition to being used as a fuel for butane heaters and gas patio appliances, it's also frequently employed as a solvent in the production of cosmetics, perfumes 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 fuels are cleaner burning than other fossils and emit considerably less greenhouse gases when they are burned. There are some important differences between propane and butane.
Propane is different from butane in the sense of their boiling points. This is the temperature at which gas vaporizes at a certain pressure. Propane is better suited to outdoor use and lower temperatures because its containers will not freeze. Additionally, propane has lower boiling points than butane, making it more flammable and safer to store in cylinders.
The liquid n-Butane is volatile and, is odorless and colorless. It also lacks taste or smell. n-Butane does not harm humans, however it could cause irritation to the mucous membranes as well as eyes. Inhaling 10,000ppm for 10 mins produces drowsiness but there are no other effects on the system.
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code establishes the rules and standards for the transportation of dangerous chemicals, like butane. If you are shipping butane it is crucial to follow these rules. Failure to do so can result in fines, penalties and/or the confiscation of a leaking cylinder.
Although it isn't common, butane abuse can lead to death from asphyxia or cardiac arrhythmia. Butane can be used as propellant in homemade products. In two cases of deliberate inhalation with butane autopsies showed changes in the heart and lungs caused by butane. These changes are attributed to the passage of butane through alveoli and pulmonary mucosa. Histological analysis confirmed these findings. The deliberate use of butane causes a high mortality rate among children.
What is Propane?
Propane, also known as liquefied petrol or LPG gas (C3H8), is a hydrocarbon gas. It is a clean and safe energy source that can be used to heat homes, cook food, power appliances and run vehicles. Propane is made from natural gas refining crude oil and processing in approximately equal amounts coming from both sources. It is nontoxic and colorless, as well as incomparable to odor. To detect leaks producers add ethyl-mercaptan, an smell-causing agent.
Propane is a gaseous substance at the temperature of room. However, once it is compressed, it transforms into liquid. Propane can be transported in a safe and easily, and is stored underground in tanks under controlled conditions. It's then distributed to homeowners, businesses and other customers via a network of barges, pipelines, tanker trucks and railcars.
While propane is an excellent choice for a variety of commercial and residential uses, it's especially well-suited to outdoor uses. It can power outdoor amenities like grills patio heaters, fire pits, as well as provide an energy source backup in the event of power outages. Additionally, propane is a green fuel, producing fewer harmful emissions than other fossil fuel when it is burned.
The many uses of propane have made it a vital element of American life. How much do you really know about the process of getting propane from its natural source to your home?
Propane is a byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining, and can be found in both underground and aboveground storage facilities. It's transported to natural gas processing facilities as well as homes through pipelines barges, truckers, and railroad automobiles. Once it's liquefied, it can be stored and transported in small portable tanks. The vast majority of the propane consumed in America comes from domestic sources, which makes this fuel that is clean and affordable an ideal choice for commercial and residential use. It's especially useful in rural areas where access to other fuels may be difficult. In fact propane is so plentiful that the United States is now a net exporter of this renewable energy source.
Which Bottle Do I Need?
Both propane and butane work equally well with your patio heater or BBQ. However, the gas bottle you require is determined by the kind of appliance you're using. Propane is stored in green bottles that are specifically designed for outdoor use such as patio heaters and barbecues, these are compatible with a 27mm clip-on regulator. 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 fitted on all gas cylinders for leisure use. They reduce the pressure and control the amount of gas that is dispensing. This ensures that the cylinder does not fill up too quickly and protects the appliance. Gas regulators differ based on whether you are using butane or propane cylinders. Propane and Butane have to be released at different levels of pressure which means they cannot be switched without changing the regulator.
Gas cylinders generally have an indicator that lets you know when gas is running low. It is also simple to check the level by pouring a glass of warm water over the top of the cylinder, this will cause it to change temperature and give you an idea of how much gas remains. You can also use the thermometer to obtain an exact reading.
LPG cylinders are available in many shapes and sizes to suit different appliances, from 3.9kg for camping equipment portable up to 47kg for caravans that are on the move. Most of them are made of metal and should be positioned in a straight position away from drains, entrances to buildings and fire escapes.
Go through the manual for your barbecue or patio heater to determine if they recommend a particular brand or type. Some manufacturers may have their own brand of cylinder, which is designed with their appliance in mind, which can be used with other brands.