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 heat.
Gas is available in small bottles called "patio bottles" that are designed to work with barbecues and have an adjustable regulator clip and butane cylinders come with screw in connectors.
What is Patio Gas?
Patio gas is propane or butane that comes in the form of a small "patio" bottle designed with barbeques and patio heaters in mind. These bottles are equipped with a special regulator (more on these later) that connects to the hose of your appliance. The cylinders are green unlike the propane cylinders in red or blue found in the barbecue section. The bottles for gas barbecues also come with a gas gauge indicator so you know when the bottle is running low.
Both propane gas and butane are flammable hydrocarbons which burn when they are burned. Butane is a gas with lower boiling temperatures than propane, and can be used in cooler temperatures. Propane burns at a higher temperature and is more suited to outdoor cooking and heating.
All leisure appliances that use the bottled gas are equipped with a regulator valve that reduces the pressure of the gas coming out of the cylinder. This valve prevents the cylinder from bursting when you open it, and stops the appliances from working too quickly. Regulators can be screw-on or clip-on and are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different types of cylinders. Propane and Butane have different pressure requirements, which is why the regulators are not interchangeable.
What is Butane?
Butane is the second-lightest hydrocarbon (after propane) and has four carbon atoms, containing 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, and is non-odorless. Butane is used to power outdoor gas heaters and butane heaters. It can also be used as a solvent in the production of perfumes, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Both butane and propane are safe, non-toxic and clean burning fuels that can be an energy source that is reliable for homes and businesses in Tennessee and southern Kentucky. Both fuels are cleaner burning than other fossil fuels and release significantly less greenhouse gases when they are burned. However, there are a few differences between butane and propane that you should know about.
Propane is different from butane in terms of their boiling points. This is the temperature at which gas begins to vaporize under a specific pressure. Propane is better suited for outdoor use and colder temperatures because its containers will not freeze. The lower boiling point of propane makes it more flammable than butane and safer to store.
N-Butane, a volatile liquid that is colorless and odorless. It also does not have taste or smell. It is not harmful to humans, but can be irritating to the mucous membranes and eyes. Inhalation of 10,000ppm over 10 mins produces drowsiness but no other adverse effects to the system.
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code sets out the rules and guidelines for transporting dangerous chemicals, like butane. If you're shipping butane it is important that you follow these rules. Infractions could result in penalties, fines and/or the confiscation or destruction of the cylinder that is leaking.
Although it isn't often seen, can lead to death due to asphyxia or arrhythmia. Butane can be used as propellant in homemade products. Autopsies of two cases of intentional butane inhalation found changes related to butane in the lungs as well as the heart. These changes are related to butane penetration through the alveoli and pulmonary mucosa. Histological studies confirmed these findings. Intentional abuse of butane is linked to a high morbidity rate in 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 to run vehicles. Propane is derived from both the refining process of natural gas and crude oil in roughly equal amounts. It is safe, colorless and almost odorless. To detect leaks producers add ethylmercaptan, a odorant.
Propane is available in the form of a gas at room temperature, but when pressurized it becomes liquid. This allows propane to be transported easily and safely, and it's stored in underground tanks with controlled conditions at production and distribution centers. It is distributed to companies as well as homeowners and other customers via pipelines.
While propane is a great choice for a variety of commercial and residential applications It is particularly well-suited for outdoor applications. 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. It is also environmentally friendly, producing fewer harmful emissions than any other fossil fuel when burned.
The variety of propane has made it an essential part of American life. How much do you really know about the process of getting propane from its natural source to your home?
patio heater gas cylinder is 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 truckers, pipelines and railroad vehicles. After it's liquefied, it can be stored in small, portable tanks for transport and use. The vast majority of the propane used in America comes from domestic sources, which makes this clean, affordable fuel an ideal choice for residential and commercial use. It's also useful in rural areas where access to other kinds of fuel is a challenge. In fact propane is so plentiful that the United States is now a net exporter of this renewable energy source.
Which bottle do I require?
You can use either propane or butane with your grill or patio heater They both work well. The type of appliance that you are using will determine the size and type of gas bottle you choose to use. Propane is stored in green bottles that are specifically designed for outdoor use like patio heaters and BBQs These bottles 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.
Gas regulators are fitted on all leisure gas cylinders. They lower the pressure and control the quantity of gas being dispensed. This ensures that the cylinder doesn't empty too quickly and prevents damage to the appliance. You should select a gas regulator which is compatible with the cylinder type you're using (propane or butane) as their regulator valves are different. Propane and butane need to be released at different pressures which is why they cannot be switched between appliances without re-swapping the regulator.
Most gas cylinders have an indicator on them that will let you know when you are getting close to running out of gas. Pouring warm water over the top of the cylinder will aid in checking the level. This will cause the temperature to change and give you a good idea of how much fuel is left. You can also use a thermometer to get a precise reading.
LPG cylinders are available in variety of sizes and shapes to fit different appliances. They vary from 3.9kg to accommodate portable camping equipment, up to 47kg for caravans. They are largely made from metal and should be stored upright in a safe location away from fire exits, drains or building entrances.
It is essential to read the manual that comes with your patio heater or barbecue to see if it recommends a specific brand or type of gas bottle. Some manufacturers may have their own brand of cylinder which is designed with their appliances in mind, which can be used with other brands.