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 offer a variable heat.
Gas is available in 'patio' bottles which are compatible with BBQs. They are equipped with an adjustable regulator clip-on, whereas butane cylinders have screw-in connectors.
What is Patio Gas?
Patio gas is propane, butane, or butane that is packaged in a small bottle designed to be used for barbecues and heaters on patios. These bottles are connected to the appliance using an specialized regulator. (More on this later). They're green in contrast to the blue or red propane and butane cylinders that you'll find in the barbecue gas section of the shop. Patio gas bottles have a gas gauge so you can see when the bottle is running out.
Both butane and propane are flammable hydrocarbon gases which ignite when they are they are burned. Butane gas has a lower boiling temperature than propane and can be used at lower temperatures. Propane is more suitable for outdoor heating and cooking because it burns at high temperatures.
All leisure equipment that utilize the gasoline that is bottled come with a regulator that lowers the pressure at which the gas is released from the cylinder. This prevents the cylinder from blowing off when you open it and stops your appliances working too fast. Regulators are available in clip-on and screw-on designs and in different sizes to fit the various types of cylinders. Propane and butane require different pressure level to be dispensed, so they cannot be swapped without changing the regulator.
What is Butane?
Butane is the second lightest of hydrocarbons (following propane) with four carbon atoms and 10 hydrogen atoms. It has the chemical name C4H10, and is commonly used in butane lighters as well as torches. Butane is an oily liquid at ambient temperature. It has no odor. In addition to being used as a fuel for butane heaters and patio gas appliances, it is also commonly used as a solvent in the manufacture of cosmetics, perfumes and pharmaceuticals.
Both propane and butane are safe, non-toxic, clean-burning fuels that are an energy source that is reliable for homes and businesses in Tennessee and southern Kentucky. Both are cleaner burning than other fossil fuels and produce substantially less greenhouse gases when burned. However, there are some differences between butane and propane that must be understood.
Propane and butane differ in their boiling points, the temperature at which each gas vaporizes at a given pressure. This difference makes propane more suited to colder temperatures and outdoor use because it will not freeze in its containers with pressurized pressure. The lower boiling point of propane makes it more flammable than butane and more secure to store.
The liquid n-Butane has a volatile nature that is odorless, colorless and tasteless. It does not cause harm to humans, but it may cause irritation to the mucous membranes and eyes. Inhaling 10,000 ppm of it for 10 minutes can cause drowsiness, but no other adverse effects on the system.
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code defines the rules and standards for transporting dangerous chemicals, such as butane. It is important to follow these rules when shipping butane, as failing to do so could result in fines, penalties or even the confiscation of the leaking container.
Although it isn't common However, butane abuse can cause death due to asphyxia or arrhythmias in the heart. Butane can be used as a propellant in homemade products. In two cases of deliberate inhalation with butane, autopsies revealed changes in the lungs and heart caused by butane. These changes are due to butane penetration through the alveoli and pulmonary mucosa. Histological analysis confirmed these findings. The deliberate abuse of butane causes a high mortality rate among children.
What is Propane?
Propane, also known as LPG or liquefied petroleum gas (C3H8), is an hydrocarbon gas. It's a safe and green energy source that can be used for a variety purposes such as heating homes and cooking to powering appliances and running vehicles. Propane is made from natural gas processing and crude oil refining, with roughly equal amounts of both sources. gas for patio heater is nontoxic, colorless and almost non-odorless. To detect leaks, producers add ethyl-mercaptan, an smell-causing agent.
Propane is a gaseous chemical at room temperature. However, once it is pressurized, it becomes liquid. This allows propane to be transported quickly and safely, and it's stored in underground tanks with controlled conditions in production and distribution centers. It is then distributed to businesses, homeowners and other customers through a network of pipelines.
Propane is a fantastic option for both residential and commercial uses however, it's best for outdoor use. It can power outdoor amenities like grills, patio heaters and fire pits. It can be used as an energy source backup during power outages. The propane fuel is also environmentally friendly. It releases fewer harmful pollutants than other fossil-fuel when it is burned.
The versatility of propane makes it a vital part of American life. How much do you know about how propane gets from its natural source to your home?
Propane is produced as an out-product of the natural gas processing industry as well as the crude oil refinery. It can be stored both above and underground. Distributed to natural gas processing facilities, as well as to homes, via a network consisting of pipelines, truckers, and railroad cars. Once it's liquefied it can be stored in small, portable tanks for transport and use. The vast majority of the propane consumed in America comes 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 fuels can 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. The type of appliance you use will determine the size and type of gas bottle. 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 used most often 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 lower the pressure and control the amount of gas that is dispensed. This ensures that the cylinder doesn't fill up too quickly and also protects the appliance. You must choose a gas regulator that is suitable for the cylinder you are using (propane or butane) since their regulator valves are different. Propane and butane need to be released at different pressures, so they cannot be swapped between appliances without swapping the regulator.
Gas cylinders usually have an indicator that will let you know when the gas is low. Pouring warm water over the top of the cylinder can aid in checking the level. This will cause the temperature to fluctuate and give you a good idea of how much fuel is left. You can also use a thermometer to get an exact reading.
LPG cylinders come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit various appliances, ranging from 3.9kg for camping equipment that can be carried around and up to 47kg for caravans that are on the move. They are largely made of steel and should be stored upright in a secure area away from fire exits, drains, or building entrances.
Review the instruction manual for your patio heater or BBQ to see whether they recommend a specific brand or type. Some manufacturers may have their own brand of cylinder that is designed with their appliance in mind, and it will work fine with other brands.