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 provide adjustable heating.
Gas is available in bottles called "patio" that are compatible with barbecues. small patio gas are equipped with a clip-on regulator, while butane cylinders are fitted 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 an specialized regulator. (More on this later). The cylinders are green in contrast to blue or red propane cylinders that are found in the barbecue area. Patio gas bottles come with a gauge for gas so that you can see when the bottle is empty.
Both propane gas and butane are flammable hydrocarbons which burn when they are burned. Butane has lower boiling point than propane and is able to be used in cooler temperatures. Propane burns at a greater temperature and is more suited to heating and cooking outdoors.
All leisure devices that utilize bottles of gas come with a regulator valve which reduces the pressure of the gas that is coming out of the cylinder. The valve stops the cylinder from breaking when you open it, and also stops the appliances from working too fast. Regulators can be clip-on or screw-on and are available in different sizes to suit different types of cylinders. Propane and butane require different level of pressure to be dispensed, so they are not interchangeable without changing the regulator.
What is Butane?
Butane is the 2nd lightest of hydrocarbons (following propane) with four carbon atoms and 10 hydrogen atoms. It is known chemically as C4H10, and is commonly used in butane lighters and torches. Butane is an oily liquid at room temperature. It is not odorless. In addition to being utilized as a fuel for butane heaters and patio gas appliances, it is often used as a solvent in the manufacture of perfumes, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Both propane and butane are safe, non-toxic and clean burning fuels that can be a reliable source of energy for businesses and homes in Tennessee and southern Kentucky. Both fuels are cleaner burning than other fossil fuels and release considerably less greenhouse gases when they are burned. There are some significant differences between propane and butane.
Propane and butane are different in their boiling points, which is 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 that are pressurized. Additionally propane has lower boiling points than butane, which makes it more flammable and safe to store in cylinders.
The liquid n-Butane is volatile and is colorless and odorless. It also lacks taste or smell. n-Butane is non-toxic to humans, but it can be irritating to the mucous membranes and eyes. Inhaling 10,000 ppm of it for 10 minutes produces drowsiness, but no other negative effects to the system.
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code sets out the rules and guidelines for the transportation of hazardous chemicals, including butane. It is crucial to follow these rules when shipping butane as failing to do so could result in fines, penalties or even the confiscation of a leaking the cylinder.
However, while it isn't common, can cause death due to asphyxia or arrhythmia. Butane can be used as a propellant in homemade products. Autopsies of two cases of intentional butane inhalation found changes caused by butane in the lungs as well as the heart. These changes appear to be caused by the penetration of butane through the pulmonary mucosa and alveoli. These findings were confirmed by histological analysis. The deliberate use of butane causes a high mortality rate in children.
What is Propane?
Propane is a form of hydrocarbon gas (C3H8) that is also called liquefied petroleum gaz or LPG. It's a safe and green energy source that can be used for a variety purposes including cooking and heating homes to powering appliances and vehicles. Propane is made from natural gas refining crude oil and processing in roughly equal amounts of both sources. It is safe and colorless, as well as odorless. To detect leaks producers add ethyl-mercaptan, an smell-causing agent.
Propane is gaseous form at room temperature, but when it is compressed, it turns into liquid. This allows propane to be transported easily and safely, and it's stored in underground tanks under controlled conditions at production and distribution centers. It's then distributed to homeowners, businesses and other customers through a network of pipelines, barges railcars, and tanker trucks.
Propane is an excellent option for a variety of commercial and residential uses however, it's best for outdoor usage. It can power outdoor amenities like grills, patio heaters and fire pits, and can also provide a backup energy source during power outages. The propane fuel is environmentally friendly. It produces fewer harmful emissions than any other fossil fuel when burned.
The many uses of propane make it a vital part 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 a by-product of the natural gas processing industry as well as the 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 pipelines, truckers, and railroad automobiles. 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 fuel that is clean and affordable an excellent option for commercial and residential use. It's particularly beneficial in rural areas where access to other fuels can 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 BBQ or patio heater. The type of appliance you are using will determine the type and size of gas bottle you choose to use. Propane is stored in green bottles that are specifically designed for outdoor appliances like BBQs and patio heaters, these are compatible with a 27mm clip-on regulator. Butane is stored in blue bottles and is more commonly used for camping stoves and single burner cookers. They also have a screw on regulator.
All leisure gas cylinders are equipped with a gas regulator that decreases the pressure in the cylinder and controls the amount of gas dispensing. This makes sure that the cylinder doesn't empty too quickly and prevents damage to the appliance. You should choose a gas regulator that is appropriate for the cylinder you are using (propane or butane) as their regulator valves differ. Propane and Butane require to be released at different pressure levels and therefore cannot be switched between appliances without re-swapping the regulator.
The majority of gas cylinders come with an indicator which will notify you when you are getting close to running out of gas. Pouring warm water on top of the cylinder can also help you check the level. This will cause the temperature to change and give you an idea of the amount of fuel remaining. You can also use a thermometer to get a precise reading.
LPG cylinders come in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit various appliances. They vary from 3.9kg to fit portable camping equipment to 47kg for caravans. Almost all of these are made from metal and should be stored upright in a safe area away from fire exits, building entrances or drains.
Review the instruction manual for your patio heater or BBQ to see if they recommend a particular kind or brand. patio heater gas regulator sell their own brand of cylinders which are specifically designed for their appliances, but will work with other brands.