bridma":3kkkcy7m said:
I have a one ring portable stove that takes the disposable Butane canisters. Does anyone have views on the dangers or safety of Butane over Propane?
Martin.
Martin-
Butane and Propane are almost the same thing, or gas.
They behave the same way basically, and are both heavier than air and explosive when mixed with air (oxygen, really).
They're hydrocarbon gasses derived from petroleum, usually.
The only difference is butane has four carbon atoms and ten hydrogens and propane has five carbons and twelve hydrogens.
Butane solidifies at a lower temperature than propane, so it works better as a fuel in very cold climates.
In home applications, both butane and propane are mixed in the gas you buy to make sure the liquid under pressure in your supply tank doesn't solidify in winter, shutting off your fuel supply to heat with.
In your case, the butane stove won't solidify in cold weather, but otherwise, is the same as propane as far as flamability and safety precautions.
The one thing to be especially careful of is partially used canisters.
Usually they don't leak, but if they do, you've got a bomb on your hands.
After disconnecting one, put some water over the outlet to see if any bubbles are telling you that it's leaking, then store a non-leaking canister in an area with good ventilation and where heavier than air fumes can drain overboard.
Leaking canisters need to be disposed of properly, and not stored anywhere! If you have no place to put a leaking canister, hook the stove back up and burn it off.
Heat some water up and give yourself or someone you admire a bath, or (less fun) wash your boat down. After all,
it is Saturday night!
Be careful cookin'!
Joe. :teeth :thup