Patio Gas Versus Butane and Propane
Patio heaters are a great option to provide a warm and comfortable temperature to your outdoor areas, allowing you to make the most of your outdoor space. They are extremely efficient and offer a variable heating.
Gas is available in small "patio bottles" which are designed to work with BBQs and use the 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 mind. These bottles are connected to your appliance via a special regulator. (More on this later). They're green in color and not the red or blue 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 know when your bottle is running low.
Both propane gas and butane are flammable hydrocarbons that burn when they are burned. Butane has lower boiling point than propane and can be used in cooler temperatures. Propane is able to burn at a higher temperature and is better suited to heating and cooking outdoors.
All leisure appliances that run on the bottled gas are equipped with a regulator valve that reduces the pressure of gas that is coming out of the cylinder. This valve prevents the cylinder from breaking when you open it and also stops the appliances from working too fast. Regulators can be screw-on or clip-on and come in various sizes to accommodate different types of cylinders. Propane and Butane have distinct pressure requirements, which is why the regulators can't be interchanged.
What is Butane?
Butane is the second-lightest hydrocarbon (after propane) and has four carbon atoms, containing 10 hydrogen atoms. It has the chemical name C4H10 and is frequently employed in butane lighters and torches. Butane is an oily liquid at temperatures of room temperature. It is not odorless. Butane is used to fuel patio gas heaters and butane heaters. It is also used as a solvent in the production of perfumes, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Butane and propane, both non-toxic and clean-burning, are both reliable sources of energy for businesses, homes and industries in Tennessee and southern Kentucky. Both fuels are cleaner burning than other fossil fuels and release substantially less greenhouse gases when they are burned. However, there are some distinctions between butane and propane that must be understood.
Propane is distinct from butane in the sense of their boiling points. This is the temperature at which gas is vaporized under a certain pressure. Propane is better suited to outdoor use and lower temperatures as its containers do 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 colorless, odorless and tasteless. It is not harmful to humans, but can cause irritation to mucous membranes and eyes. Inhaling 10,000ppm for 10 mins produces drowsiness but there are no other effects on the system.
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code sets out the rules and guidelines for transporting dangerous chemicals, like butane. It is important to follow these rules when shipping butane, since not doing so could result in fines, penalties or even the confiscation of a leaky container.
Although not common however, abuse of butane can result in death from asphyxia or cardiac arrhythmias. This can happen when it is inhaled as part of an in-home propellant. Autopsies in two cases of intentional butane inhalation found changes related to butane in the lungs as well as the heart. These changes are caused by the penetration of butane through the pulmonary mucosa and alveoli. Histological analysis confirmed these findings. The deliberate abuse of butane causes a high mortality rate among children.
What is Propane?
Propane, also referred to as LPG or liquefied petrol gas (C3H8), is a hydrocarbon gas. It's a clean and safe energy source that can be used for a variety of purposes such as heating homes and cooking to powering appliances and running vehicles. Propane is derived from both the refining of crude oil and natural gas in roughly equal amounts. It is non-toxic, colorless and almost odorless. To detect leaks, producers add ethylmercaptan which is an aromatizer.
Propane is a solid substance at temperatures of room temperature. However, when it is pressurized, it becomes liquid. Propane can be transported in a safe and easily, and it is stored underground in tanks in controlled conditions. It's distributed to homeowners, businesses and other customers through a network of barges, pipelines, railcars, and tanker trucks.
Propane is an excellent choice for many commercial and residential applications however it is best suited for outdoor use. It can power outdoor facilities such as grills, patio heaters, and fire pits. It can also be utilized as an energy source backup during power outages. And propane is environmentally friendly producing less harmful emissions than any other fossil fuel when it is burned.
The many uses of propane make it a crucial element of American life. But how small gas patio heater do you know about the method by which it is transported from its natural source to your home?
Propane is produced as a by-product of the natural gas processing industry and crude oil refineries. It is stored both underground and above ground. Distributed to natural gas processing facilities as well as homes through a network comprised of pipelines, truckers, and railroad automobiles. After it has been liquefied, it can be stored and transported in small portable tanks. This low-cost, clean fuel is a great option for both commercial and residential uses. It is particularly 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 are equally well with your BBQ or patio heater. The type of appliance that you use will determine the size and type of gas bottle. Propane comes in green bottles that are designed specifically for outdoor appliances like barbecues and patio heaters. These bottles are compatible with 27mm regulators that clip on. Butane is sold in blue bottles, and is used most often with cooking stoves for camping and one-burner cookers. They also have a screw on regulator.
All gas cylinders for leisure come with a gas regulator that reduces the pressure in the cylinder and controls the amount of gas dispensed. This ensures that the cylinder doesn't empty too quickly, and helps prevent damage to the appliance. You need to choose a gas regulator that is appropriate for the type of cylinder you are using (propane or butane) as their regulator valves are different. Propane and Butane require to be released at different pressure levels which is why they can't be switched between devices without re-swapping the regulator.
Gas cylinders usually come with an indicator that lets you know when the gas is running low. It is also simple to determine the level by pouring a jug of warm water on the top of the cylinder. This will alter the temperature and give you an estimate of how much gas remains. You can also utilize a thermometer for an precise reading.
LPG cylinders are available in many shapes and sizes to fit different appliances, ranging from 3.9kg for portable camping equipment and up to 47kg for caravans that are on moving. The majority of them are made of metal and should be kept in a straight position, away from drains, fire exits, and building entrances.
It is important to check the manual that comes with your BBQ or patio heater to see if it recommends a particular brand or kind of gas bottle. Certain manufacturers might offer their own brand of cylinder which is designed with their particular appliance in mind, which will work with other brands.