Generally, the term liquid petroleum gases (LPGs) refers to butane and propane. Those gases are extracted either from crude oil by refining or from natural gas from fields by condensation.
They are used for numerous activities:
- propane for outdoor use: barbecues, patio heaters, weed burners;
- butane for indoor use: cooking, hot water, supplemental heating appliances.
Characteristics of butane and propane
At ambient temperature and under normal atmospheric pressure, butane and propane are gaseous. When placed under light pressure or cooled, they spontaneously liquefy. That liquid state allows them to be easily transported, stored and distributed. They are generally stored in steel or aluminium containers.
Butane and propane:
- are colourless;
- are odourless: to detect the presence of liquid petroleum gases in a room, odour additives are added to the gases. This odour is specific and unpleasant;
- ignite spontaneously when mixed with a specific amount of air or oxygen.
They are not toxic and there is no danger of poisoning if inhaled (sufficient air must be present, of course).
In their liquid state, they can cause burns due to the rapid evaporation of the product in contact with the skin (very cold).
Safety guidelines for the use of LPG at home
- Never place the gas cylinders lower than ground level (the level of the adjacent ground) as there is otherwise a risk of the mixture becoming flammable.
- Always place – full or empty – gas cylinders upright and stable on a flat surface and in a well-ventilated area, away from electrical appliances or outlets.
- Give preference to propane if the cylinders are to be stored outdoors.
- Cylinders of butane should be used in places where the temperature is higher than 5°C.
- Equip every system working with gas cylinders with at least one gas pressure regulator. Place it as close as possible to the gas cylinder and provide it with an appropriate coupling.
- Use only approved hoses for butane and propane gas.
- Always close the valve on – full or empty – gas cylinders when they are not in use.
- Check the cylinder's seal, as this ensures proper filling.
- Install the gas stove higher than the gas cylinder.
- When connecting a gas cylinder, you must observe the following guidelines:
- Never smoke!
- Do not light an open fire or place a heat source nearby.
- Open the valve of the cylinder by hand, not with a tool.
- Trace any leaks with a soap solution or with a (portable) leak detection device.
- Close the valve immediately in case of leaks!
