Butane - C4H10
This page presents information about butane (C4H10): appropriate detection means - butane detector - and respiratory protective equipment (self-contained breathing apparatus and supplied air respirator).
Butane properties (C4H10)
Butane (C4H10) is an alkane hydrocarbon. This gas is produced while refining crude petroleum or in natural gas deposits. It is mainly used filled in cylinders as a household fuel (water heater, cooker, heating). However butane is used in industrial environments as well, particularly in the synthesis process of ethylene, propylene or butadiene.
| CAS | LEL | UEL | IP | Density / Air | Filter / SCBA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 106-97-8 | 1.6 % | 8.4 % | 10.63 eV | 2.01 | AX / ARI |
Butane effects on health
If inhaled, butane can have severe consequences on human health that can lead to death (asphyxia, ventricular fibrillation). Butane combustion can also lead to these hazards as it exhausts harmful substances like nitrogen dioxide. When combustion is incomplete - because of an oxygen deficiency - butane combustion produces carbon and carbon monoxide as well.
When its concentration reaches 17,000 ppm, butane is a central nervous system depressant. At high levels, it acts like a simple asphyxiating agent that can move the necessary to breathing oxygen. It is also dangerous in confined spaces where its concentration has to stay under 10% of the LEL (lower explosive limit) - 1,600 ppm.
Butane is slightly soluble into water but dissolves into alcohol and ether. Odorless and colorless, it is gaseous at room temperature but can liquefy at relatively low pressure levels. Butane is highly flammable. It easily ignites in presence of static electricity, flame or any other ignition source. Between 1.6 and 8.4%, it forms an explosive mixture with air.
Butane detector (C4H10 - combustible gas meter)
As butane is indiscernible through smell, only a butane detector, usually a combustible gas meter, can accurately measure concentrations of this gas. Two butane gas sensor technologies are available: either in toxicity with ppm measurement (not recommended), or in explosive capability with a LEL percentage monitoring (combustible gas meter).
For calibration and gas testing of your fixed or portable gas detectors, butane calibration gas cylinders are available.
C4H10 respiratory protection
As it is not always detectable through smell, only a propane gas monitor can accurately measure concentrations of this combustible gas. It is recommended to use propane detection systems that monitor the explosive concentration potential with measurements in percentage of the LEL (explosimeter).