10 Patio Gas-Related Projects To Stretch Your Creativity
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 provide adjustable heating.
Gas is available in 'patio' bottles that are compatible with BBQs. They are equipped with a clip-on regulator, and butane cylinders have screw-in connectors.
What is Patio Gas?
Patio gas is propane or butane that comes in a small 'patio bottle' designed with barbeques and patio heaters in the back of your mind. These bottles are connected to your appliance by an specialized regulator. (More on this later). They're green in color and not the red or blue propane and butane cylinders that you'll find in the barbecue gas section of the shop. small patio gas for gas barbecues come with a gauge for gas so that you know when the bottle is empty.
Both butane and propane gas are flammable hydrocarbons which burn when they are burned. Butane gas has lower boiling temperatures than propane, and can be used in cooler temperatures. Propane is more suitable for cooking and heating outdoors because it burns at a high temperature.
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 prevents the cylinder from blowing out when you open it, and prevents your appliances from working too quickly. Regulators can be clip-on or screw-on and come in a variety of sizes to suit different types of cylinders. Propane and Butane require a 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 of hydrocarbons (following propane) with four carbon atoms and 10 hydrogen atoms. It is known chemically as C4H10 and is widely used in butane lighters as well as torches. Butane is an oily liquid at room temperature, and is odorless. Butane is used to fuel patio gas heaters and butane heaters. It can also be utilized as a solvent for the production of cosmetics, perfumes and pharmaceuticals.
Both butane and propane are safe, non-toxic and clean burning fuels that are a reliable source of energy for businesses and homes in Tennessee and southern Kentucky. Both fuels burn cleaner than other fossil fuels and produce significantly less greenhouse gases when they are burned. However, there are a few differences between butane and propane that must be understood.
Propane and butane are different in their boiling points, which is the temperature at which each gas vaporizes at a certain pressure. This makes propane better suitable for colder temperatures as well as outdoor use because it will not freeze in its containers that are pressurized. The lower boiling point of propane makes it more flammable than butane, and more secure to store.
n-Butane is a volatile liquid that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It does not cause harm to humans, however it could cause irritation to the mucous membranes and eyes. Inhaling 10,000ppm for 10 mins produces 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, such as butane. If you are shipping butane it is important that you adhere to these guidelines. Failure to do so could result in penalties, fines and/or the confiscation or destruction of the cylinder that is leaking.
Although it isn't common, can cause death because of arrhythmias or asphyxia. Butane can be used as propellant in homemade products. In two instances of deliberate butane inhalation autopsies have revealed changes in the lungs and heart caused by butane. These changes are related to the passage of butane through alveoli and the pulmonary mucosa. These findings were confirmed by histological analysis. The use of butane in the wrong way is associated with a high morbidity rate among children.
What is Propane?
Propane is a type of hydrocarbon gas (C3H8) which is also called liquefied petroleum gaz 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 from natural gas refining crude oil and processing, with roughly equal amounts coming from each source. It's non-toxic, colorless, and virtually odorless, so producers add an odorant dubbed the ethylmercaptan to make it easier to detect leaks.
Propane can exist in a gaseous form at room temperature, however when pressurized it becomes a liquid. This allows propane to be transported quickly and safely, and it's stored in underground tanks with controlled conditions in production and distribution centers. It's distributed to homeowners, businesses and other customers via a network of pipelines, barges, tanker trucks and railcars.
While propane is an excellent option for a range of commercial and residential applications, it's especially well-suited to outdoor applications. It can power outdoor amenities like grills or patio heaters, as well as fire pits, and can also provide a backup energy source during power outages. The propane fuel is also eco-friendly. It produces fewer harmful emissions than any other fossil-fuel when it is burned.
The versatility of propane has been a major part of American life. What do you know about how propane gets from its natural source to your home?

Propane is a byproduct from natural gas processing and refining crude oil, and can be located in underground and aboveground storage facilities. Distributed to natural gas processing facilities as well as to homes, via a network consisting of truckers, pipelines, and railroad automobiles. After it has been liquefied, it can be stored and transported via small portable tanks. This clean, affordable fuel is a great choice for both residential and commercial uses. It's particularly beneficial in rural areas, where access to other fuels may be difficult. The United States is a net exporter for this renewable energy source.
Which Bottle Do I Need?
You can use either propane or butane with your BBQ or patio heater Both work well. The type of appliance that you are using will determine the type and size of gas bottle. Propane is available in green bottles specifically designed specifically for outdoor appliances like barbecues and patio heaters. These bottles work with 27mm clip-on regulators. Butane is stored in blue bottles and is more often used in camping stoves and single burner cookers. They also have a regulator screw-on.
Gas regulators are installed on all leisure gas cylinders. They lower the pressure and control the quantity of gas dispensing. This ensures that the cylinder does not run out of gas too quickly, and protects the appliance from damage. Gas regulators differ depending on whether you're using butane or propane cylinders. Propane and butane require to be released at different pressure levels and therefore cannot be switched between appliances without re-swapping the regulator.
Gas cylinders usually have an indicator that lets you know when gas is low. It is also easy to determine the level by pouring a jug of warm water on the top of the cylinder. This will make it change temperature and give you an estimate of the amount of gas left. You can also use the thermometer to get a precise reading.
LPG cylinders are available in range of sizes and shapes that can be used with different appliances. They vary from 3.9kg to fit portable camping equipment up to 47kg to accommodate caravans. They are largely made of steel and should be placed upright in a secure area away from building entrances or drains.
Check the manual of your barbecue or patio heater to determine whether they recommend a certain kind or brand. Some manufacturers offer their own brand cylinders that are designed specifically for their equipment, but will work with other brands.