Patio Gas Versus Butane and Propane
Patio heaters allow you to relax in your outdoor space for longer by warming it up. They are extremely efficient and can be adjusted to provide a variety of heat.
Gas is available in small bottles called "patio bottles" that are designed to be compatible with BBQs and use a clip on regulator for butane cylinders, whereas butane cylinders use screw in connectors.
What is Patio Gas?
Patio gas is propane or butane in the form of a small "patio" bottle specifically designed with barbecues and patio heaters in the back of your mind. These bottles are connected to the appliance using a specific regulator. (More on this later). The cylinders are green, unlike the propane cylinders that are red or blue that are found in the barbecue area. Patio gas bottles have a gas gauge so you will know when the bottle is empty.
Both butane and propane gas are flammable hydrocarbons which burn when they are burned. Butane is a gas with lower boiling temperatures than propane and is able to be used in cooler temperatures. Propane burns at a greater temperature and is more suitable for heating and cooking outdoors.
All leisure equipment that utilize bottled gasoline are equipped with a regulator that reduces the pressure at which the gas is released from the cylinder. This valve prevents the cylinder from breaking when you open it and stops your appliances from operating too fast. Regulators are available in clip-on and screw-on designs and in various sizes to accommodate the different types of cylinders. Butane and Propane have different pressure requirements, so the regulators can't be interchanged.
What is Butane?
Butane is the 2nd lightest of hydrocarbons (following propane) with four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms. It is known chemically as C4H10 and is frequently used in butane lighters as well as torches. Butane is an oily liquid at room temperature that is odorless. Butane is used to fuel outdoor gas heaters and butane heaters. It can also be used as a solvent in the production of cosmetics, perfumes and pharmaceuticals.
Both propane and butane are safe, non-toxic and clean burning fuels that are a reliable source of energy for homes and businesses in Tennessee and southern Kentucky. They both burn more cleanly than other fossil fuels and emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases when burned. There are a few 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 begins to vaporize under a specific pressure. Propane is more suitable for outdoor use and lower temperatures since its containers will not freeze. Additionally, propane has lower boiling points than butane, which makes it more flammable and safer to store in cylinders.
The liquid n-Butane has a volatile nature that is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It is not harmful to humans, but can be irritating to the mucous membranes and eyes. Inhalation of 10,000ppm for 10 mins produces drowsiness but no other systemic effects.
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code sets out the rules and guidelines for the transport of dangerous chemicals, such as butane. If you are shipping butane, it is important that you follow these guidelines. Infractions to these rules could result in penalties, fines and/or the confiscation of the cylinder that is leaking.
Although not common however, abuse of butane can cause death due to asphyxia or cardiac arrhythmias. This can happen when butane is sniffed as part of an in-home propellant. Autopsies of two cases of intentional butane inhalation found changes related to butane in the lungs and the heart. These changes may be caused by the penetration of butane through the pulmonary mucosa and alveoli. Histological analysis confirmed these findings. The intentional butane abuse also causes a high mortality rate among children.
What is Propane?
Propane is a form of hydrocarbon gas (C3H8) that is known as liquefied petroleum gas or LPG. It's a safe and green energy source that can be used for a variety purposes including heating homes and cooking to powering appliances and running vehicles. Propane is produced by the refining of natural gas and crude oil in roughly equal quantities. It is nontoxic, colorless, and virtually non-odorless. To detect gas patio heater sale add ethyl-mercaptan, an aromatizer.
Propane is a gaseous substance at the temperature of room. However, once it is pressurized, it becomes liquid. Propane can be transported safely and easily, and is stored in underground tanks in controlled conditions. It is then distributed to businesses, homeowners and other customers via pipelines.
While propane is an excellent option for a range of commercial and residential uses It is particularly well-suited for outdoor use. It can power outdoor appliances like grills, patio heaters and fire pits, and can also provide a backup energy source in the event of power outages. The propane fuel is also ecologically friendly. It emits less harmful emissions than any other fossil-fuel when it is burned.
The variety of propane has made it a vital element of American life. But what do you know about the method by which it is transported from its natural sources to your home?
Propane is a byproduct from natural gas processing and crude oil refining and can be located in underground and aboveground storage facilities. It is transported to natural gas processing plants and also to homes via a network of pipelines barges, truckers, and railroad automobiles. Once it is liquefied it can be stored and transported in small portable tanks. The vast majority of the propane used in America is derived from domestic sources, which makes this clean, affordable fuel an ideal choice for commercial and residential use. It's also beneficial in rural areas where access to other kinds of fuel can be challenging. In fact, propane is so abundant that the United States is now a net exporter of this renewable energy source.
Which bottle do I require?
Both propane and butane work equally well with your barbecue or patio heater. However, the type of gas bottle you will need is determined by the kind of appliance you're using. Propane is stored in green bottles 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 camp stoves and one-burner cookers. They also have a regulator screw-on.
Gas regulators are fitted on all leisure gas cylinders. They lower the pressure and regulate the quantity of gas dispensing. This ensures that the cylinder does not fill up too quickly and protects the appliance from damage. You need to select a gas regulator which is suitable for the cylinder you are using (propane or butane) because their regulator valves are different. Propane and Butane have to be released at different levels of pressure which means they cannot be swapped without changing the regulator.
The majority of gas cylinders have an indicator which will notify you when you are getting close to running out of gas. It is also easy to check the level by pouring a jug of warm water on the top of the cylinder, this will make it change temperature and give you an estimate of how much gas remains. You can also use the thermometer to get an accurate reading.
LPG cylinders come in many shapes and sizes to suit different appliances, from 3.9kg for camping equipment portable up to 47kg for caravans that are on moving. Most of them are made of metal and should be positioned upright and away from fire exits, and building entrances.
It is important to check the instruction manual for your patio heater or barbecue to determine if it suggests the specific brand or type of gas bottle. Some manufacturers sell their own brand of cylinders that are designed specifically for their equipment however, they can also be used with other brands.