Propane & Butane – the Difference.
Many people know the difference of Propane and Butane by the colour of the gas cylinders or the colour on the regulator, but there are difference some people do not know about. We will be exploring the differences between Propane and Butane.
What is Propane?
Propane (C3H8) is a form of LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), it is a gas but can also be liquefied and stored in a gas bottle.
With a boiling point of -42°c, Propane is not affected by the cold weather in the UK and is ideal for outdoor use. This type of gas is perfect for heating, as it is efficient and produces more energy per cubic metre, than other forms of fuels.
Propane is a cleaner burner then other fossil fuels and does not contaminate the groundwater or soil.
What is Butane?
Butane (C₄H₁₀), like Propane, is a form of LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), under natural atmospheric conditions Butane takes form of a gas, but to store, it needs to be liquified, which happens under moderate pressure.
With a boiling point of -2°c, Butane is perfect for portable gas heaters and indoor use. Butane can be used for fridges, lighters, aerosols and many more.
When oxygen is present, Butane can burn a form of Carbon Dioxide and Water Vapour. When there is not enough oxygen, then Butane can produce toxic and dangerous Carbon Monoxide because it is a waste product.
Propane vs Butane – What is the difference?
Let us explore the differences between Propane and Butane, which not many people know about. Many people do research but do not find then information they need or do not understand the differences, but do not worry, we have done it for you.
One of the most significant difference is the boiling point, Propane has a boiling point of -42°c and Butane has a boiling point of -2°c.
With the extremely dramatic weather changes we have in the UK; most people use Propane because it flows better in colder weather rather than Butane which burns more efficiently in warmer weather.
If you are camping in the Winter seasons, then Propane is for you, but if you are more of a Summer camper then Butane will work perfect.
Propane is cheaper to purchase then Butane which is more expensive.
Most motorhomes in the UK take Propane gas rather than Butane because of the weather.
There is not a big difference between the temperature they both burn in the air, Propane burns at 1980°c and Butane burns at 1970°c.
Both Propane and Butane bottles last the same amount of time.
Propane is perfect for High Pressure equipment, such as Roofing Torch Kits, and Butane is perfect for Low Pressure equipment, such as mobile gas heaters.