Why All The Fuss? Patio Gas?
Patio Gas Versus Butane and Propane Patio heaters let you enjoy 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 'patio' bottles that are compatible with barbecues. 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 packaged in a small container designed to be used for barbecues and heaters on patios. These bottles are connected to your appliance via an specialized regulator. (More on this later). The cylinders are green, unlike the propane cylinders in red or blue that are found in the barbecue area. Gas bottles for patio use 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 has a lower boiling point than propane and can be used in cooler temperatures. Propane is able to burn at a higher temperature and is more suitable for heating and cooking outdoors. All leisure equipment that utilize bottled gasoline are equipped with a regulator which reduces the pressure at which the gas releases from the cylinder. This valve prevents the cylinder from burst when you open it and stops your appliances from working too quickly. Regulators can be screw-on or clip-on and come in various sizes to suit different types of cylinders. Butane and Propane have different pressure requirements, which is why the regulators cannot be interchanged. What is Butane? Butane is the 2nd lightest of hydrocarbons (following propane) with four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms. It is also known by its chemical name C4H10 and is used in butane torches and lighters. Butane is a liquid oily at ambient temperature. It is not odorless. Butane is used to fuel outdoor gas heaters and butane heaters. It is also utilized as a solvent for the production of perfumes, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Both butane and propane are safe, non-toxic, clean burning fuels that are an energy source that is reliable for businesses and homes in Tennessee and southern Kentucky. They both burn more cleanly than other fossil fuels and release significant amounts of greenhouse gases when they are burned. There are some significant differences between propane and butane. Propane and butane differ in their boiling points, which is the temperature at which each gas is able to vaporize at a certain pressure. This makes propane better suitable for colder temperatures as well as outdoor use since it does not freeze in its pressurized containers. In addition, propane has a lower boiling point than butane, making it less flammable and safer to store in cylinders. The liquid n-Butane is volatile and, is odorless and colorless. It also does not have taste or smell. It is not harmful to humans, however it could cause irritation to the mucous membranes and eyes. Inhalation of 10,000ppm over 10 mins produces drowsiness but no other systemic effects. The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code outlines the rules and regulations that apply to shipping dangerous chemicals such as butane. If you are shipping butane, it is crucial to follow these guidelines. Failure to do so could result in fines, penalties and/or the confiscation or destruction of the cylinder that is leaking. Although it isn't a common occurrence, butane abuse can result in death from asphyxia or cardiac arrhythmia. This could happen when it is inhaled as part of an in-home propellant. Autopsies of two cases of deliberate inhalation of butane have revealed changes related to butane in the lungs and heart. These changes may be caused by the penetration of butane through the pulmonary mucosa and alveoli. These findings were confirmed by histological studies. The use of butane in the wrong way is associated with a high morbidity rate among children. What is Propane? Propane is a type of hydrocarbon gas (C3H8) that is also known as liquefied petroleum gas or LPG. It is a safe and clean energy source, which can be used to heat homes cook food, power appliances, and to run vehicles. Propane is made from natural gas processing and crude oil refining in roughly equal amounts coming from each source. It is nontoxic, colorless and almost incomparable to odor. To detect leaks producers add ethylmercaptan which is an smell-causing agent. Propane can exist in a gaseous form at room temperature, but when pressurized it becomes a liquid. This allows propane to be transported easily and safely, and it's stored in underground tanks with controlled conditions at the production and distribution centers. It's then distributed to homeowners, businesses and other customers via a network of pipelines, barges railcars, and tanker trucks. While propane is a great option for a range of commercial and residential uses it is especially suited to outdoor use. It can power outdoor amenities like grills or patio heaters, as well as fire pits, as well as serve as a backup source of energy during 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. What do you know about how propane gets from its natural source 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 underground and above ground. Distributed to natural gas processing facilities, as well as to homes via a network made up of truckers, pipelines, and railroad cars. After it's liquefied, it can be stored in small portable tanks for transport and use. The vast majority of the propane consumed in America is derived from domestic sources, which makes this clean, economical fuel an ideal choice for commercial and residential use. It's even more useful in rural areas where access to other types of fuel can be challenging. The United States is a net exporter of this renewable energy source. Which bottle do I need? Both propane and butane work well with your patio heater or BBQ. The gas bottle you require is determined by the kind of appliance you're using. Propane is stored in green bottles that are designed specifically for outdoor appliances like patio heaters and BBQs, these are compatible with a 27mm clip on regulator. Butane is stored in blue bottles and is frequently used for camping stoves and single burner cookers. They also include a regulator that screws on. All leisure gas cylinders come with gas regulators that lower the pressure in the cylinder and controls the amount of gas dispensing. This makes sure that the cylinder isn't emptied too quickly, and helps prevent damage to the appliance. You need to select a gas regulator which is suitable for the type of cylinder you are using (propane or butane) because their regulator valves differ. Propane and butane are released at different levels of pressure, so they can't be switched without changing the regulator. Most gas cylinders have an indicator that will inform you that you are near to running out of gas. Pouring garden patio heater gas fireplacesandstoves over the top of the cylinder will also help you check the level. This will cause the temperature to fluctuate and give you a good idea of the amount of fuel left. You can also utilize a thermometer for an precise reading. LPG cylinders are available in range of sizes and shapes to fit various appliances. They vary from 3.9kg to fit portable camping equipment to 47kg to fit caravans. Most of them are made of steel and should be stored upright in a secure area away from drains, or building entrances. Go through the manual for your BBQ or patio heater to see whether they recommend a certain brand or type. Some manufacturers may have their own brand of cylinder that is designed with their appliances in mind, which will work fine with other brands.