What Is Patio Gas? And How To Use It
Patio Gas Versus Butane and Propane
Patio heaters allow you to enjoy your outdoor space longer by warming it up. They are incredibly efficient and offer adjustable heat.
Gas is available in small bottles called "patio bottles" that are designed to be compatible with BBQs and use a clip on regulator for butane cylinders, whereas butane cylinders use screw-in connectors.
What is Patio Gas?
Patio gas is propane or butane contained in the form of a small "patio" bottle designed with barbeques and patio heaters in mind. These bottles are connected to the appliance using a special regulator. (More on this later). The cylinders are green, as opposed to the propane cylinders in red or blue found in the barbecue section. Gas bottles for patio use come with a gauge for gas so that you will know when the bottle is empty.
Both propane and butane gas are flammable hydrocarbons that ignite when burned. Butane is a gas with a lower boiling temperature than propane and is able to be used in cooler temperatures. garden gas patio heater at a higher temperature and is better suited to heating and cooking outdoors.
All leisure devices that utilize bottled gas are fitted with a regulator valve that reduces the pressure of the gas coming out of the cylinder. This prevents the cylinder from blowing away when you open it, and stops your appliances working too quickly. Regulators are available in clip-on and screw-on designs and in various sizes to accommodate the different types of cylinders. Propane and Butane have different pressure requirements, so the regulators cannot be interchanged.
What is Butane?
Butane is the second-lightest hydrocarbon (after propane) and has four carbon atoms and 10 hydrogen atoms. It is also known by its chemical name C4H10 and is used in butane torches and lighters. Butane is an oily liquid at room temperature, and is non-odorless. In addition to being used as a fuel source for butane heaters as well as patio gas appliances, it is also commonly 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 businesses and homes in Tennessee and southern Kentucky. They both burn cleaner than other fossil fuels, and emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases when they are burned. There are some significant differences between propane and butane.
Propane and butane are different in their boiling points, the temperature at which each gas is able to vaporize at a given pressure. This makes propane better suited to colder temperatures and outdoor use, since it will not freeze in its containers with pressurized pressure. Additionally, propane has a lower boiling point than butane, making it more flammable and safer to store in cylinders.
The liquid n-Butane has a volatile nature that is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It is not harmful to humans, but can cause irritation to eyes and mucous membranes. Inhalation of 10,000 ppm for 10 minutes can cause an increase in drowsiness but does not cause any other negative effects to the system.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code defines the rules and regulations for shipping dangerous chemicals like butane. If you're shipping butane it is crucial to follow these rules. Infractions to these rules can result in fines, penalties or the confiscation of a leaking cylinder.
Butane abuse, although not often seen, can lead to death because of arrhythmias or asphyxia. Butane can be used as propellant in homemade products. In two instances of deliberate inhalation of butane autopsies showed changes in the lungs and the heart caused by butane. These changes are related to the butane's penetration through the alveoli and pulmonary mucosa. These findings were confirmed through histological examination. The use of butane in the wrong way is associated with a high morbidity rate in children.
What is Propane?
Propane, also known as LPG or liquefied petroleum gas (C3H8) is a hydrocarbon gas. It's a clean and safe energy source that can be used for a variety purposes, from heating homes and cooking to powering appliances and vehicles. Propane is derived from both the refining process of crude oil and natural gas in roughly equal quantities. It is nontoxic and colorless, as well as non-odorless. To detect leaks, producers add ethyl-mercaptan, an smell-causing agent.
Propane is available in the form of a gas at room temperature, but when it is compressed, it turns into a liquid. This allows propane to be transported easily and safely, and it's stored in underground tanks under controlled conditions in production and distribution centers. It is distributed to businesses, homeowners, and other customers through a network of barges, pipelines, railcars and tanker trucks.
While propane is a good choice for a variety of commercial and residential applications it is especially suited to outdoor applications. It can be used to power outdoor appliances like grills, patio heaters and fire pits, and can also provide a backup energy source in the event of power outages. And propane is environmentally friendly, producing fewer harmful emissions than other fossil fuel when it is burned.
The variety of propane makes it an essential element of American life. How much do you really know about the process of getting propane from its natural source to your home?
Propane is an byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining and can be located in underground and aboveground storage facilities. Distributed to natural gas processing facilities, as well as homes, via a network consisting of pipelines, truckers, and railroad vehicles. Once it's liquefied, it can be stored and transported in small, portable tanks. This low-cost, clean fuel is an excellent choice for both commercial and residential uses. It's also efficient in rural areas where access to other types of fuel can be challenging. The United States is a net exporter for this renewable energy source.
Which Bottle Do I Need?
You can use propane or butane in your BBQ or patio heater, they both work equally well. However, the type of gas bottle you need is determined by the type of appliance you're using. Propane is available in green bottles that are designed for outdoor appliances such as BBQs and patio heaters. These bottles work with 27mm clip-on regulators. Butane comes in blue bottles and is most commonly used with camp stoves and one-burner cookers. They also come with a screw-on regulator.
Gas regulators are installed on all leisure gas cylinders. They reduce the pressure and control the amount of gas dispensed. This ensures that the cylinder isn't emptied too quickly and can cause damage to the appliance. You should select a gas regulator that is compatible with the cylinder type you're using (propane or butane) as their regulator valves differ. Propane and Butane require to be released at different pressures which is why they cannot be switched between appliances without modifying 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 will also aid in checking the level. This will cause the temperature to fluctuate and give you a good idea of the amount of fuel remaining. You can also make use of a thermometer to get an accurate reading.
LPG cylinders are available in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit different appliances, ranging from 3.9kg for portable camping equipment and up to 47kg for caravans that are on moving. They are largely made of steel and should be stored upright in a safe location away from building entrances or drains.
Go through the manual for your BBQ or patio heater to determine whether they recommend a specific brand or model. Some manufacturers may have their own brand of cylinder which is designed with their appliance in mind, and it can be used with other brands.