A Step-By Step Guide To Selecting Your Patio Gas
Patio Gas Versus Butane and Propane Patio heaters allow you to relax in your outdoor space for longer by warming it up. They are incredibly efficient and provide adjustable heating. Gas is available in small bottles called “patio bottles” that are designed to be compatible with BBQs and utilize an adjustable regulator clip, whereas butane cylinders have screw-in connectors. What is Patio Gas? Patio gas is propane, butane, or butane packaged in a small bottle that is designed for patio heaters and barbeques. These bottles are connected to your appliance by a special regulator. (More on this later). They're green and not the blue or red 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 can tell when your bottle is running low. Both propane and butane gas are flammable hydrocarbon gasses which ignite when they are they are burned. Butane has lower boiling point than propane and is suitable for use in cooler temperatures. Propane burns at a greater temperature and is better suitable for outdoor cooking and heating. All leisure appliances that use bottled gas are fitted with a regulator valve that reduces the pressure of gas that is coming out of the cylinder. This valve prevents the cylinder from burst when you open it and also stops your appliances from working too quickly. Regulators are available in clip-on and screw-on designs and in various 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 of hydrocarbons (following propane) with four carbon atoms and 10 hydrogen atoms. It is known chemically as C4H10 and is widely employed in butane lighters and torches. Butane is an oily liquid at room temperature and is inert and odorless. In More Tips to being utilized as a fuel for butane heaters and gas patio appliances, it's also commonly used as a solvent in the manufacturing of perfumes, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Butane and propane, both safe and clean-burning, are both reliable sources of energy for homes, businesses, and industries in Tennessee and southern Kentucky. Both fuels burn cleaner than other fossil fuels and produce substantially less greenhouse gases when burned. However, there are a few differences between butane and propane that you should know about. Propane and butane are different in their boiling points, the temperature at which each gas is able to vaporize at a given pressure. Propane is more suitable for outdoor use and cooler temperatures since its containers will not freeze. Additionally propane has a lower boiling point than butane, which makes it less flammable and safer to store in cylinders. n-Butane is a volatile liquid that is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It is not harmful to humans, but it can cause irritation to the mucous membranes as well as eyes. Inhaling 10,000ppm for 10 minutes causes drowsiness, but no other adverse effects to the system. The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code defines the rules and standards for the transport of dangerous chemicals, like butane. If you're shipping butane it is important that you adhere to these guidelines. Infractions to these rules can result in fines, penalties and/or the confiscation or destruction of a leaking cylinder. Butane abuse, although not often seen, can lead to death due to arrhythmia or asphyxia. Butane can be used as an ingredient in homemade products. Autopsies from two instances of deliberate inhalation of butane revealed changes caused by butane in the lungs as well as the heart. These changes are due to the passage of butane through alveoli and the pulmonary mucosa. Histological studies confirmed these findings. The deliberate use of butane results in a high death rate among children. What is Propane? Propane is a kind of hydrocarbon gas (C3H8) that is called liquefied petroleum gas or LPG. It's a clean and safe energy source that can be used for a variety reasons such as heating homes and cooking to powering appliances and vehicles. Propane is produced by the refining of natural gas and crude oil in roughly equal amounts. It is non-toxic, colorless and virtually odorless, so producers add an odorant called the ethylmercaptan to help detect leaks. Propane is a gaseous chemical at the temperature of room. But, when it is pressurized, it turns into liquid. Propane can be transported in a safe and easily, and is stored underground in tanks in controlled conditions. It is distributed to companies homeowners, businesses, and other customers through pipelines. Propane is a great option for a variety of residential and commercial uses, but it's best suited for outdoor usage. It can power outdoor facilities like grills, patio heaters and fire pits. It can be used as an alternative source of energy in the event of power outages. And propane is environmentally friendly, producing fewer harmful emissions than any other fossil fuel when burned. The versatility of propane has made it a vital part of American life. How much do you really know about how propane gets from its natural source to your home? Propane is produced as an by-product of the natural gas processing industry and crude oil refinery. It can be stored both above and underground. Distributed to natural gas processing facilities as well as to homes, via a network consisting of pipelines, truckers, and railroad vehicles. After it's liquefied, it can be stored in small portable tanks for transportation and use. This clean, affordable fuel is an excellent choice for both commercial and residential applications. It is particularly useful in rural areas where access to other fuels can be difficult. The United States is a net exporter for this renewable energy source. Which Bottle Do I Need? Both propane and butane are equally well with your patio heater or BBQ. The type of appliance that you use will determine the type and size of gas bottle you choose to use. Propane comes in green bottles specifically designed for outdoor appliances such as BBQs and patio heaters. These bottles work with 27mm clip-on regulators. Butane is available in blue bottles, and is used most often with cooking stoves for camping and one-burner cookers. They also have a regulator screw-on. All leisure gas cylinders are fitted with a gas regulator that decreases the pressure in the cylinder and regulates the amount of gas that is dispensed. This makes sure that the cylinder doesn't empty too quickly, and helps prevent damage to the appliance. Gas regulators differ depending on whether you're using propane or butane cylinders. Propane and butane need to be released at different pressures and therefore can't be switched between devices without modifying the regulator. More Tips of gas cylinders have an indicator that will let you know when you are getting close to running out of gas. Pouring warm water on top of the cylinder will also aid in checking the level. This will cause the temperature to change and give you an idea of the amount of fuel remaining. You can also use the thermometer to obtain an accurate reading. LPG cylinders are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit various appliances, ranging from 3.9kg for camping equipment portable through to 47kg for caravans that are on the move. Almost all of these are made of metal and should be stored upright in a secure location away from drains or building entrances. It is crucial to look through the instruction manual for your BBQ or patio heater to see if it recommends a specific brand or type of gas bottle. Some manufacturers sell their own brand of cylinders that are designed specifically for their equipment but they will also work with other brands.