15 Shocking Facts About Patio Gas You've Never Known

Patio Gas Versus Butane and Propane Patio heaters allow you to enjoy your outdoor space for longer by warming it up. black gas patio heater are incredibly efficient and provide adjustable heat. Gas is available in 'patio' bottles that are compatible with barbecues. They utilize a clip-on regulator, while 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 the appliance using an specialized regulator. (More on this later). The cylinders are green, unlike the propane cylinders that are red or blue located in the barbecue section. Patio gas bottles have a gas gauge so you will know when the bottle is empty. Both butane and propane gas are flammable hydrocarbons that ignite when they are burned. Butane has a lower boiling point than propane and is suitable for use in cooler temperatures. Propane is better suited for cooking and heating in outdoor areas because it burns at high temperatures. All leisure appliances that use bottled gasoline are equipped with a regulator that reduces the pressure at which the gas is released from the cylinder. This prevents the cylinder from blowing off when you open it, and prevents your appliances from working too fast. Regulators are available in clip-on or screw-on designs and in different sizes to fit different types of cylinders. Butane and Propane have different pressure requirements, which is why the regulators can't be interchanged. What is Butane? Butane is the second-lightest hydrocarbon (after propane) and contains four carbon atoms with 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 ambient temperature. It is odorless and has no smell. In addition to being used as a fuel for butane heaters and patio gas appliances, it is often employed as a solvent in the manufacturing of cosmetics, perfumes and pharmaceuticals. Both propane and butane are safe, non-toxic, clean burning fuels that provide an energy source that is reliable for homes and businesses in Tennessee and southern Kentucky. They both burn more cleanly than other fossil fuels and emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases when burned. However, there are a few distinctions between butane and propane that are important to understand. Propane and butane differ in their boiling points, the temperature at which each gas vaporizes at a given pressure. This difference makes propane more suitable for colder temperatures and outdoor use, since it will 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. N-Butane is a liquid that is volatile that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is not harmful to humans, however it can be irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes. Inhalation of 10,000ppm for 10 minutes can cause drowsiness. However, there are no other systemic effects. The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code establishes the rules and standards for transporting dangerous chemicals, like butane. If you're shipping butane it is crucial to follow these rules. Failure to do so could result in fines, penalties and/or the confiscation or destruction of the cylinder that is leaking. However, while it isn't uncommon, can result in death because of arrhythmias or asphyxia. This can occur when it is inhaled as part of a homemade propellant. In two cases of deliberate butane inhalation autopsies showed changes in the heart and lungs caused by butane. These changes appear to be related to the butane's penetration through the alveoli and pulmonary mucosa. These findings were confirmed through histological analysis. The use of butane in the wrong way is linked to a high morbidity rate in children. What is Propane? Propane is a type of hydrocarbon gas (C3H8) which is also known as liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG. It's a safe and green energy source that can be used for a variety reasons including cooking and heating homes to powering appliances and vehicles. Propane is produced by the refining of natural gas and crude oil in roughly equal quantities. It is non-toxic and colorless, as well as non-odorless. To detect leaks, producers add ethyl-mercaptan, an odorant. Propane is a gaseous substance at room temperature. However, once it is pressurized, it turns into liquid. This permits propane to be transported easily and safely. It's stored in underground tanks that have controlled conditions at the production and distribution centers. It is distributed to companies, homeowners and other customers via a network of pipelines. Propane is a great option for both commercial and residential applications however it is best suited for outdoor use. It can power outdoor fixtures such as grills, patio heaters, and fire pits. It can be used as an alternative source of energy during power outages. Additionally, propane is a green fuel, producing fewer harmful emissions than any other fossil fuel when burned. The versatility of propane has made it an essential part of American life. What do you know about how propane gets from its natural source to your home? gas fired patio heaters is an out-product of the natural gas processing industry as well as the crude oil refinery. It can be 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 automobiles. Once it's liquefied, it can be stored and transported in small, portable tanks. This low-cost, clean fuel is a great option for both commercial and residential applications. It's also efficient in rural areas where access to other types of fuel can be challenging. In fact propane is so plentiful 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 patio heater or BBQ. The gas bottle you need is determined by the type of appliance you are using. Propane is stored in green bottles specifically designed for outdoor use such as patio heaters and barbecues These bottles 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. Gas regulators are fitted on all leisure gas cylinders. They reduce the pressure and regulate the amount of gas dispensing. This ensures that the cylinder doesn't empty too quickly, and helps prevent damage to the appliance. You should select a gas regulator that is compatible with the type of cylinder you're using (propane or butane) as their regulator valves differ. Propane and Butane require to be released at different pressures, so they cannot be swapped between appliances without re-swapping the regulator. Most gas cylinders have an indicator that will let you know when you are getting close to running out of gas. It is also simple to check the level by pouring a glass of warm water on the top of the cylinder. This will make it change temperature and give you an estimate of how much gas remains. You can also use a thermometer to get a precise reading. LPG cylinders come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit different appliances. They range from 3.9kg to fit portable camping equipment up to 47kg to fit caravans. Most of them are made of metal and should be kept upright away from fire exits and building entrances. Check the manual of your patio heater or BBQ to see if they recommend a particular brand or model. Some manufacturers may have their own brand of cylinder which is designed with their particular appliance in mind, and it will work with other brands.