Solutions

What is Butane Fuel?

Butane

Butane is a flammable gas that we derive from petroleum. Furthermore, it has many uses and can be blended with other gases.

Structure of Butane

It is a hydrocarbon gas that is a highly flammable gas that is extracted from petroleum. Also, it is the member of the alkane series. Besides, we blend it with propane and use it commercially as LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas).

Furthermore, it exists in two form n-butane and isobutene. Moreover, it is the N-butane where N stands for normal.

butane

Production of Butane

It is produced by fractional distillation of crude oils. Besides, crude oil is made of fossil fuels (dead and decayed organic matter).

In addition, Fractional distillation is a process that separates the substance or mixture into its components or fractions.

Besides, crude oil is distilled to produce much other fuel apart from it they include bitumen, petrol, diesel, naphtha, and kerosene.

Properties of Butane

The chemical formula of it is C4H10 and that why it is highly flammable. Also, it is odourless, colourless hydrocarbon (compound of hydrogen and carbon).

Furthermore, it easily liquefies and burn in the presence of oxygen and form carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide.

Besides, it boils at 31 degrees Fahrenheit (-0.55 Celsius) also it does not vaporize effectively below freezing point.

Composition

The commercially sold fuel is a mixture of N-butane (68.59 per cent), isobutene (29.39 per cent), propane (1.48 per cent), and nitrogen (0.55 per cent).

Advantages of Butane

They are available in the portable canister and we can use them almost anywhere. Also, it burns immediately and quickly reaches its maximum heat output.

Disadvantages of Butane

It is a poor source of fuel in cold weather and ineffective in colder climates. Also, the canister which is used to hold them are made up of metals and are quite heavy.

Health concern related to Butane

Inhalation of it can cause narcosis, cardiac arrhythmia, drowsiness, and asphyxia. Furthermore, burning it produces nitrogen dioxide (a highly toxic gas).

Also, it causes asphyxiation when released in a confined area.

In addition, a high concentration of it leads to nervous system depression. Also, skin contact may cause frostbite, whose symptoms may include prickling, numbness in affected are and itching of skin.

Besides, severe frostbite causes blistering, gangrene and tissue death. Moreover, contact of liquefied butane gas to eyes can cause permanent eye damage.

Butane Uses in Everyday Life

We use it in various field and for various purposes. Besides, some of them are:

Butane Torch

It takes full advantage of its flammable properties. Besides, it’s most common use is for glass making, plumbing project, and craft project which require heat.

Also, campers can use it as a portable grill. That’s why we store it in canisters because of their availability.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas

It also contributes to the household gas cylinder. Moreover, if we combine it with propane and other substances it forms LPG.

Also, we can find Liquefied Petroleum Gas in the manufacturing of petrochemicals that are used in the purest state. Furthermore, we can use it to calibrate instruments and as a refrigerant.

Refrigerators

In the very purest form, we can use it as refrigerants and due to the risk put by methane gas on the ozone layer, it has completely replaced the use of methane in household refrigerators.

Furthermore, adding it to gasoline does not increase the flammability of gasoline. But it enhances the quality and performance of the gasoline. Also, we use it as a food additive too.

Solved Question for You

Question. How many carbon atoms are there in Butane?

A. 3
B. 5
C. 6
D. 4

Answer. The correct answer is option D.

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