15 Interesting Facts About Patio Gas You've Never Heard Of
Patio Gas Versus Butane and Propane
Patio heaters are a fantastic method to warm your outdoor spaces, allowing you to extend your use of your outdoor space. They are extremely efficient and offer a variable heat.
Gas is available in 'patio' bottles which are compatible with barbecues. They utilize an adjustable regulator clip-on, whereas butane cylinders have screw-in connectors.
What is Patio Gas?
Patio gas is propane, butane or butane that is packaged in a small bottle that is designed to be used for barbecues and heaters on patios. 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 that are red or blue found in the barbecue section. The bottles for gas barbecues have a gas gauge so you know when the bottle is empty.
Both propane gas and butane are flammable hydrocarbons that ignite when they are burned. Butane has lower boiling point than propane and can be used in cooler temperatures. Propane burns at a higher temperature and is better suited to heating and cooking outdoors.
All leisure equipment that utilize gasoline bottled are fitted with a regulator that lowers the pressure that the gas is released from the cylinder. This valve prevents the cylinder from breaking when you open it, and stops your appliances from operating too quickly. Regulators are available in clip-on and screw-on styles and in various sizes to fit the various types of cylinders. Propane and Butane have different pressure requirements, which is why 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 commonly used in butane lighters as well as torches. Butane is an oily liquid at room temperature and is odorless. In addition to being utilized as a fuel for butane heaters as well as patio gas appliances, it is often used as a solvent in the manufacture of perfumes, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Both butane and propane are safe, non-toxic, clean burning fuels that provide a reliable source of energy for businesses and homes in Tennessee and southern Kentucky. They both burn cleaner than other fossil fuels and release considerably less greenhouse gases when burned. However, there are a few differences between propane and butane that must be understood.
Propane and butane differ in their boiling points, the temperature at which each gas vaporizes at a certain pressure. gas fire patio heater makes propane more suitable for colder temperatures as well as outdoor use, since it will not freeze in its containers that are pressurized. The lower boiling point of propane makes it more flammable than butane and safer to store.
N-Butane, a volatile liquid is colorless and odorless. It also lacks taste or smell. n-Butane does not harm humans, however it could cause irritation to the mucous membranes as well as eyes. Inhalation of 10,000 ppm for 10 minutes produces sleepiness, but there are no adverse effects on the system.
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code defines the rules and regulations applicable to transporting dangerous chemicals, such as butane. It is important to follow these guidelines when shipping butane, as failing to do so could result in penalties, fines or even the confiscation of a leaking container.
Although not common however, abuse of butane can cause death due to asphyxia or cardiac arrhythmias. Butane can be used as propellant in homemade products. In two cases of deliberate butane inhalation, autopsies revealed changes in the lungs and heart caused by butane. These changes are attributed to the penetration of butane through the alveoli and pulmonary mucosa. Histological examination confirmed these findings. Intentional abuse of butane is associated with a high mortality rate in children.
What is Propane?
Propane, also referred to as liquefied petrol or LPG gas (C3H8) is a hydrocarbon gas. It's a clean and safe energy source that can be used for a variety of purposes including cooking and heating homes to powering appliances and vehicles. Propane is produced by the refining of crude oil and natural gas in roughly equal quantities. It's non-toxic, colorless, and virtually odorless, which is why producers add an odorant known as Ethyl mercaptan in order to make it easier to detect leaks.
Propane is a solid substance at temperatures of room temperature. However, when it is pressurized, it turns into liquid. This allows propane to be transported easily and safely. It's stored in underground tanks under controlled conditions in production and distribution centers. It is then distributed to businesses as well as homeowners and other customers through a network of pipelines.
While propane is a good option for a range of residential and commercial applications, it's especially well-suited to outdoor applications. It can be used to power outdoor amenities like grills patio heaters, fire pits, and also provide an energy source backup in the event of power outages. The propane fuel is also eco-friendly. It emits less harmful pollutants than other fossil fuel when burned.
The versatility of propane makes it a vital element of American life. But what do you know about the process through which it gets from its natural sources to your home?
Propane is an byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining, and is located in underground and aboveground storage facilities. Distributed to natural gas processing facilities as well as to homes through a network comprised of truckers, pipelines and railroad automobiles. After it's liquefied, it can be stored in small, portable tanks for transport and use. The majority of propane used in America comes from domestic sources, which makes this clean, economical fuel an excellent option for residential and commercial use. It's particularly beneficial in rural areas where access to other fuels may be difficult. 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?
Both propane and butane work equally well with your patio heater or BBQ. The type of appliance you are using will determine the size and type of gas bottle. Propane is available in green bottles specifically designed specifically for outdoor appliances like patio heaters and BBQs. These bottles are compatible with 27mm regulators that clip on. Butane comes in blue bottles, and is most commonly used with camp stoves and one-burner cookers. They also include a regulator that screws on.
All leisure gas cylinders are fitted with gas regulators that lower the pressure of the cylinder and controls the amount of gas that is dispensed. This ensures that the cylinder doesn't run out of gas too quickly, and also protects the appliance from damage. You must 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 pressure levels which is why they cannot be switched between appliances without re-swapping the regulator.
Gas cylinders typically have an indicator that will let you know when the gas is low. Pouring warm water over the top of the cylinder will also aid in checking the level. This will cause the temperature to change and give you an idea of how much fuel is left. You can also use a thermometer to get an precise reading.
LPG cylinders are available in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit different 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 safe place away from drains, or building entrances.
Review the instruction manual for your BBQ or patio heater to see whether they recommend a certain brand or model. Certain manufacturers have their own brand of cylinders which are designed specifically for their equipment but they will also work with other brands.