Why All The Fuss About Patio Gas?
Patio Gas Versus Butane and Propane Patio heaters allow you to 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 which are compatible with barbecues. They utilize a clip-on regulator, and butane cylinders have 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 the appliance using an specialized regulator. (More on this later). They're green in color and not the blue or red propane and butane cylinders you'll find in the barbecue gas section of the store. The bottles for gas barbecues have a gas gauge so you can see when the bottle is running out. Both propane gas and butane are flammable hydrocarbons which burn when they are burned. Butane has a lower boiling point than propane and is suitable for use in cooler temperatures. Propane is a better choice for cooking and heating outdoors because it burns at a high temperature. All leisure appliances that run on gasoline bottled are fitted with a regulator that reduces the pressure at which gas is released from the cylinder. The valve stops the cylinder from burst when you open it and stops the appliances from working too fast. Regulators can be screw-on or clip-on and are available in different sizes to fit different types of cylinders. Propane and Butane have different pressure requirements, and therefore 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 is also referred to by its chemical name C4H10 and is used in butane torchers and lighters. Butane is an oily liquid at room temperature and is non-odorless. Butane is used to fuel patio gas heaters and butane heaters. It can also be used as a solvent in the production of perfumes, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Butane and propane, both safe and clean-burning, are reliable sources of energy for businesses, homes, and industries in Tennessee and southern Kentucky. Both are cleaner burning than other fossil fuels and produce significantly less greenhouse gases when burned. However, there are some differences between propane and butane that you should know about. Propane and butane are different in their boiling points, the temperature at which each gas vaporizes at a specific pressure. Propane is better suited for outdoor use and cooler temperatures since its containers will not freeze. Additionally 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 colorless and odorless. It also does not have taste or smell. It is not harmful to humans, but it can cause irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes. continue reading this of 10,000ppm for 10 minutes causes drowsiness, but no other adverse effects to the system. The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code sets out the rules and regulations for shipping dangerous chemicals such as butane. If you're shipping butane it is crucial to follow these guidelines. Failure to do so can result in penalties, fines or the confiscation of a leaking cylinder. Butane abuse, although not common, can cause death because of arrhythmias or asphyxia. This could happen when butane is snorted as part of a homemade propellant. In two instances of deliberate inhalation with butane autopsies showed changes in the heart and lungs caused by butane. These changes are attributed to butane penetration through the alveoli and the pulmonary mucosa. Histological examination confirmed these findings. The intentional butane abuse also causes a high mortality rate in children. What is Propane? Propane, also known as LPG or liquefied petrol gas (C3H8), is an hydrocarbon gas. It is a clean and safe energy source that can be used to heat homes cook food, power appliances and run vehicles. Propane comes from both the refining process of natural gas and crude oil, in roughly equal quantities. gas flame patio heater is nontoxic, colorless, and virtually incomparable to odor. To detect leaks, producers add ethylmercaptan, a odorant. Propane is a gaseous form at room temperature, but when it is pressurized, it transforms into a liquid. This allows propane to be transported easily and safely. It's stored in underground tanks that have controlled conditions at the production and distribution centers. It's then distributed to homeowners, businesses and other customers through a network of barges, pipelines, railcars and tanker trucks. Propane is an excellent option for a variety of residential and commercial uses however, it's best for outdoor usage. It can power outdoor appliances like grills, patio heaters and fire pits, as well as provide an energy source backup during power outages. The propane fuel is environmentally friendly. It produces fewer harmful pollutants than any other fossil fuel when burned. The versatility of propane has been a major element of American life. How much do you really know about how propane is transported from its natural source to your home? Propane is an byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining, and is found in both underground and aboveground storage facilities. It is transported to natural gas processing plants as well as homes via a network of pipelines barges, truckers, and railroad automobiles. After it's liquefied, it can be stored in small portable tanks for transportation and use. This low-cost, clean fuel is a great option for both residential and commercial uses. It's especially useful 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? You can use either propane or butane with your BBQ or patio heater Both work well. The gas bottle you require is determined by the type of appliance you are using. Propane is stored in green bottles designed specifically for outdoor appliances like BBQs and patio heaters These bottles are compatible with a 27mm clip on regulator. Butane is stored in blue bottles and is more frequently used for camping stoves and single burner cookers. They also have a regulator screw-on. Gas regulators are fitted on all leisure gas cylinders. They reduce the pressure and control the amount of gas dispensing. This ensures that the cylinder doesn't fill up too quickly and protects the appliance. You should choose a gas regulator that is suitable for the cylinder type you are using (propane or butane) because their regulator valves differ. Propane and butane are released at different levels of pressure and therefore they cannot be switched without changing the regulator. Gas cylinders usually have an indicator that will let you know when gas is low. Pouring warm water over the top of the cylinder can aid in checking the level. This will cause the temperature to change and give you a good idea of how much fuel you have remaining. You can also use a thermometer to get an accurate reading. LPG cylinders come in many shapes and sizes to suit different appliances, from 3.9kg for camping equipment that can be carried around and up to 47kg for caravans that are on the move. Almost all of these are made from metal and should be placed upright in a secure area away from drains or building entrances. It is essential to read the instruction manual of your patio heater or barbecue to determine if it suggests a specific brand or type of gas bottle. Some manufacturers may offer their own brand of cylinder which is designed with their particular appliance in mind, and it can be used with other brands.