How Patio Gas Influenced My Life For The Better
Patio Gas Versus Butane and Propane
Patio heaters let you relax in your outdoor space for longer by warming it up. They are extremely efficient and offer adjustable heating.
Gas is available in small "patio bottles" which are designed to work with barbecues and have a clip on regulator and butane cylinders come with screw in connectors.
What is Patio Gas?

Patio gas is propane, butane or butane in a small bottle designed for barbeques and patio heaters. These bottles use a special regulator (more on these later) that connects to the hose of your appliance. The cylinders are green as opposed to the blue or red propane cylinders found in the barbecue section. Patio gas bottles also have an indicator for gas so that you can tell when your bottle is running low.
Both butane and propane gas are flammable hydrocarbons which burn when they are burned. Butane gas has a lower boiling temperature than propane and can be used at cooler temperatures. Propane is better suited for cooking and heating outdoors because it burns at high temperatures.
fireplacesandstoves that run on the gasoline that is bottled come with a regulator which reduces the pressure at which gas is released from the cylinder. The valve stops the cylinder from bursting 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 different types of cylinders. Propane and Butane require a different pressure level to be dispensed, therefore they cannot be interchanged without changing the regulator.
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 torches and lighters. Butane is an oily liquid at ambient temperature. It is not odorless. Butane is used to fuel outdoor gas heaters and butane heaters. It can also be used as a solvent for the production of cosmetics, perfumes and pharmaceuticals.
Butane and propane, both non-toxic and clean-burning, are safe sources of energy for businesses, homes, and industries in Tennessee and southern Kentucky. Both fuels are cleaner burning than other fossil fuels and release substantially less greenhouse gases when burned. There are some significant differences between propane and butane.
Propane and butane differ in their boiling points, the temperature at which each gas vaporizes at a certain pressure. Propane is better suited to outdoor use and cooler temperatures since its containers will not freeze. The lower boiling point of propane makes it more flammable than butane, and safer to store.
N-Butane, a volatile liquid, is odorless and colorless. It also has no taste or smell. It is safe for humans, but it can cause irritation to the mucous membranes and eyes. Inhalation of 10,000 ppm for 10 minutes can cause an increase in drowsiness but does not cause any other adverse effects on the system.
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code defines the rules and regulations for transporting dangerous chemicals, like butane. If you are shipping butane it is important that you follow these guidelines. Infractions can result in penalties, fines and/or the confiscation of an exploding cylinder.
However, while it isn't common, can cause death due to arrhythmia or asphyxia. Butane can be used as an ingredient in homemade products. Autopsies from two instances of intentional butane inhalation found butane-related changes in the lungs and heart. These changes are related to the butane's penetration through the pulmonary mucosa and alveoli. Histological studies confirmed these findings. The deliberate abuse of butane results in a high death rate in children.
What is Propane?
Propane is a type of hydrocarbon gas (C3H8) that is also called liquefied petroleum gaz or LPG. It's a safe and green energy source that can be used for many reasons such as cooking and heating homes to powering appliances and running vehicles. Propane comes from both the refining process of natural gas and crude oil in roughly equal quantities. It's non-toxic, colorless, and virtually odorless, so producers add an odorant dubbed ethyl mercaptan to help detect leaks.
Propane is available in a gaseous form at room temperature, however when it is pressurized, it transforms into liquid. Propane can be transported safely and easily, and is stored underground in tanks under controlled conditions. 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 residential and commercial applications it is especially suited to outdoor uses. It can power outdoor fixtures like grills, patio heaters and fire pits. It can also be utilized as an energy source backup during power outages. It is also environmentally friendly producing less harmful emissions than other fossil fuel when it is burned.
The versatility of propane has made it an essential part of American life. But what do you know about the method by which it is transported from its natural origins to your home?
Propane is produced as a by-product of the natural gas processing industry and crude oil refinery. It is stored both underground and above ground. It is then transported to natural gas processing facilities as well as homes via a network of pipelines barges, truckers, and railroad automobiles. Once it is liquefied it can be stored and transported in small, portable tanks. The majority of propane used in America is derived from domestic sources, which makes this clean, affordable fuel an ideal choice for residential and commercial use. It's even more efficient in rural areas where access to other types of fuel is a challenge. The United States is a net exporter of this renewable energy source.
Which bottle do I require?
Both propane and butane work well with your barbecue or patio heater. However, the gas bottle you will need is determined by the type of appliance you're using. Propane is stored in green bottles specifically designed for outdoor use like patio heaters and BBQs These bottles are compatible with a 27mm clip on regulator. Butane is stored in blue bottles and is commonly used for camping stoves and single burner cookers. They also come with a screw-on regulator.
All leisure gas cylinders come with a gas regulator that decreases the pressure of the cylinder and controls the amount of gas dispensing. This makes sure that the cylinder doesn't run out of gas too quickly, and protects the appliance. You must select a gas regulator that is suitable for the type of cylinder you're using (propane or butane) because their regulator valves differ. Propane and Butane must be released at different levels of pressure, so they can't be swapped without changing the regulator.
The majority of gas cylinders come with an indicator that will inform you when you are getting close to running out of gas. Pouring warm water on top of the cylinder can aid in checking the level. This will cause the temperature to fluctuate and give you an idea of how much fuel you have left. You can also use a thermometer to get an precise reading.
LPG cylinders are available in range of sizes and shapes to fit various appliances. They range from 3.9kg to accommodate portable camping equipment, up to 47kg to fit caravans. Most of them 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 of your patio heater or barbecue to see if it recommends a particular brand or kind of gas bottle. Some manufacturers may offer their own brand of cylinder that is designed with their appliances in mind, which will work with other brands.