LPG is a natural gas used to fuel various appliances, from outdoor burners to power tools and generators. It comes in two forms, butane and propane, and whilst they are similar, are you ensuring that you are getting the best one for your requirements?

As a leader in supplying LPG gas bottles, we explore the two kinds of LPG and which offer the best use in indoor and outdoor environments to ensure you know which gas to use for your needs.

What Are LPG Gases?

LPG stands for liquid petroleum gas. It is a form of gas categorised as a greener fossil fuel. Unlike other fossil fuels, LPG releases minimal emissions into the atmosphere, making it the more environmentally friendly way to fuel your operations. It is a common fuel source for forklift trucks and powered access equipment within various trades.

LPG comes in two forms, propane, and butane. They are colourless gases and are remarkably similar in their ability to produce efficient fuel. However, there is a critical difference, meaning you may wish to choose one over the other.

The Properties of Propane

Propane is a form of LPG from natural gas processing and oil refining, where the gas is liquified through pressurisation. It is stored in gas canisters and has a lower boiling point compared to the alternative of propane. A boiling point of -42°C makes it much more valuable in colder climates. Propane is used throughout many industries. It offers ideal characteristics for outdoor catering, such as food vans and provides adequate fuel for domestic appliances, which can often be found in garden equipment like barbeques and outdoor heaters.

The Properties of Butane

Much like propane, butane is an LPG, which means it has a multitude of uses commercially and domestically. Although it’s gas, when pressurised within the storage, it forms a liquid and can be stored in various amounts, such as our 7KG butane gas bottle. However, unlike propane, this gas has a much higher boiling point, making it less adaptable for outdoor climates.

This gas is ideal for indoor purposes such as cooking stoves and portable heaters. They are very safe to use and can provide a more suitable option for campervans camping and travelling.

What Is the Difference Between Propane and Butane?

Although both gases fall under the same fuel category of LPG, they have very similar attributes and can be used for mostly the same applications. Although they have the same colourless appearance and offer a greener fossil fuel than coal and oil, they have one key difference, which provides advantages in various situations. The key difference between the two gases is their boiling points. Butane’s boiling point is -2C, which means it is better for indoor use and stored in smaller quantities. However, it can also be used for camping and motorhomes. As long as the temperatures aren’t too low whilst, in storage, it can be used for fuelling most appliances.

Although propane is not ideal for indoor domestic dwellings, it offers excellent benefits to gas requirements where the temperature varies. However, when it comes to propane, its boiling point is -42°C, which means it is much more durable in colder climates. This makes it better for portable hiking stoves used through winter and outdoor catering vans, which may be used all year round. They are much more stable in colder climates and can be stored in much larger quantities, such as our 47 kg propane gas canisters.

The Importance of the Right Regulator

Despite propane and butane being LPG gases, they require unique regulations and finding the right one is essential for the safety of your domestic or commercial applications. Each gas regulator is designed to fit a specific type of cylinder valve and providing the incorrect one will allow the gas to escape and make the environment unstable. Using the wrong regulator can be dangerous, and the leak can come from forcing a high-pressure hose onto a low-pressure nozzle and snapping the braiding inside the hose. This may lead to hose cracking, subsequent leakage, and a potentially disastrous situation. For this reason, ensuring you have the correct gas regulator to suit your preferred gas type is crucial.

At Bottle Gases, we have a great selection of LPG gas fittings in addition to our butane regulators and propane regulators. Ensure you are operating your gas safely with the correct fittings.

Finding your Equipment with Bottle Gases

When it comes to gas, as a bottle gas supplier with many years of experience, we understand the importance of getting high-quality gas and equipment. Pressurised gases can be very hazardous to work with, and contaminants and poor-quality equipment can put your safety at risk.

All our gases are assessed before sale to ensure we provide only the best. In addition, all our equipment is sourced from leading manufacturers. Our deliveries are regular and fast, so when it comes to finding a new supplier for your domestic or commercial supplier, why not enquire online to see what we can offer you?