Patio Gas Versus Butane and Propane
Patio heaters let you enjoy your outdoor space for longer by warming it up. They are highly efficient and provide adjustable heating.
Gas is available in small 'patio bottles' which are designed to work with barbecues and have the clip-on regulator and butane cylinders come with screw-in connectors.
What is Patio Gas?
Patio gas is propane or butane that comes in the form of a small "patio bottle" specifically designed with barbecues and patio heaters in the back of your mind. These bottles are connected to your appliance by a special regulator. (More on this later). They're green as opposed to the blue or red propane and butane cylinders that you'll find in the barbecue gas section of the store. Patio gas bottles include a gauge to ensure that you know when the bottle is running out.
Both butane gas and propane are flammable hydrocarbon gasses that burn when burned. gas for patio heater has lower boiling temperatures than propane, and can be used in cooler temperatures. Propane burns at a greater temperature and is better suitable for outdoor cooking and heating.
All leisure appliances that use the gasoline that is bottled come with a regulator which reduces the pressure that the gas releases from the cylinder. This prevents the cylinder from blowing away when you open it and prevents your appliances from working too quickly. Regulators are available in clip-on or screw on styles and in different sizes to fit the various types of cylinders. Propane and butane require different level of pressure to be dispensing, which is why they are not interchangeable without changing the regulator.
What is Butane?
Butane is the second-lightest hydrocarbon (after propane) and has four carbon atoms with 10 hydrogen atoms. It has the chemical name C4H10, and is commonly used in butane lighters as well as torches. Butane is an oily liquid at room temperature and is odorless. Butane is used to fuel the gas heaters for patios as well as butane heaters. It can also be used as a solvent for the production of cosmetics, perfumes 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. They both burn more cleanly than other fossil fuels, and emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases when they are burned. There are a few important differences between butane and propane.
Propane differs from butane with regard to their boiling points. This is the temperature at which gas is vaporized under a certain pressure. This makes propane more suitable for colder temperatures and outdoor use, since it will not freeze in its pressurized containers. Additionally, propane has lower boiling points than butane, making it more flammable and safer to store in cylinders.
The liquid n-Butane has a volatile nature that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It is not harmful to humans, but can cause irritation to the mucous membranes and eyes. Inhalation of 10,000 ppm for 10 minutes causes an increase in drowsiness but does not cause any other adverse effects on the system.
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code sets out the rules and guidelines for the transportation of dangerous chemicals, such as butane. It is important to follow these guidelines when shipping butane, since not doing so could result in penalties, fines or even the confiscation of a leaking the cylinder.
Although it isn't common, can cause death because of arrhythmias or asphyxia. Butane can be used as a propellant in homemade products. In two instances of deliberate inhalation with butane, autopsies revealed changes in the heart and lungs caused by butane. These changes are due to the passage of butane through the pulmonary mucosa and alveoli. These findings were confirmed through histological examination. The deliberate use of butane leads to a high mortality rate in children.
What is Propane?
Propane is a type of hydrocarbon gas (C3H8) that is called liquefied petroleum gas or LPG. It is a clean and safe energy source, which can be used to heat homes, cook food, power appliances, and to run vehicles. Propane is produced both from natural gas refining crude oil and processing in roughly equal amounts of each source. It is non-toxic, colorless and virtually odorless, so producers add an odorant known as the ethylmercaptan to make it easier to detect leaks.
Propane is a gaseous form at room temperature, however when pressurized it becomes a liquid. Propane can be transported safely and easily, and it is stored underground in tanks under controlled conditions. It is distributed to companies homeowners, businesses, and other customers via pipelines.
Propane is a fantastic option for a variety of commercial and residential applications however, it's best for outdoor usage. It can power outdoor appliances like grills or patio heaters, as well as fire pits, and also provide an energy source backup in the event of power outages. And propane is environmentally friendly producing less harmful emissions than other fossil fuel when it is burned.
The variety of propane makes it a vital part of American life. How much do you know about how propane is transported from its natural source to your home?
Propane is a byproduct from natural gas processing and refining crude oil, and can be found in both underground and aboveground storage facilities. 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 via small portable tanks. This low-cost, clean fuel is an excellent choice for both residential and commercial uses. It's also efficient in rural areas where access to other types of fuel is a challenge. 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 propane or butane with your BBQ or patio heater They both work well. The type of appliance that you are using will determine the type and size of gas bottle you choose to use. Propane is stored in green bottles specifically designed for outdoor use like BBQs and patio heaters These bottles are compatible with a 27mm clip on regulator. Butane comes in blue bottles and is most commonly used with cooking stoves for camping and one-burner cookers. They also have a regulator screw-on.

Gas regulators are fitted on all leisure gas cylinders. They reduce the pressure and regulate the amount of gas being dispensed. This ensures that the cylinder doesn't empty too quickly, and helps prevent damage to the appliance. You must select a gas regulator that is suitable for the cylinder you're using (propane or butane) as their regulator valves are different. Propane and Butane require to be released at different pressures, so they cannot be swapped between appliances without modifying the regulator.
Gas cylinders typically have an indicator that will let you know when gas is running low. It is also simple to check the level by pouring a glass of warm water over the top of the cylinder, this will alter the temperature and give you an estimate of the amount of gas left. You can also use a thermometer to obtain an exact reading.
LPG cylinders are available in range of sizes and shapes to suit different appliances. They vary from 3.9kg to accommodate portable camping equipment up to 47kg to accommodate caravans. The majority of these cylinders are made of steel and should be positioned upright and away from drains, fire exits, and building entrances.
Check the manual of your barbecue or patio heater to determine whether they recommend a certain brand or model. Some manufacturers may have their own brand of cylinder, which is designed with their appliances in mind, and will work with other brands.