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Gas detectors for butane

Learn all about butane and find the right gas detection system for butane monitoring.
Butane gas molecule

Butane and its properties

Butane, a colorless and odorless gas, is used in Industry and as a fuel. It is a component of liquid gas and is often used in lighters or camping stoves. Butane is highly flammable and must therefore be handled with care.

Gas detector

I2608-C4H10-P
C4H10
Butane
0 ... 100% LEL
S2157BU
C4H10
Butane
0 ... 100 % LEL
S4003BU
C4H10
Butane
0 ... 100 % LEL
I2608-C4H10-P-DM
C4H10
Butane
0 ... 100 % LEL
I2608-C4H10-P-RP33-LCD
C4H10
Butane
0 ... 100 % LEL
I2608-C4H10-P-RP33
C4H10
Butane
0 ... 100 % LEL
I2608-C4H10-P-RLCD
C4H10
Butane
0 ... 100 % LEL
I2608-C4H10-P-LCD
C4H10
Butane
0 ... 100 % LEL
I2658-BU-P
C4H10
Butane
0 ... 100 % LEL
I2648-BU-P
C4H10
Butane
0 ... 100 % LEL
I2618-BU-P
C4H10
Butane
0 ... 100 % LEL
I3605-LEL-M-LCD
C4H10
Butane
0 ... 100 % LEL

Set point

Information on Set points for butane

Butane gas molecule

Set point

Lower explosion limit (LEL) 1.4 Vol. – %

  • Pre-alarm 20% LEL (0.14 vol. – %)
  • Main alarm 40% LEL (0.28 vol. – %)
Butane gas molecule

gas density

  • Relative gas density 2.80
  • Mounting height 10 cm from floor

Gas characteristics

  • Colour and odour: It is colourless and has a slightly sweet odour. In larger quantities, it may exhibit rubber-like properties.
  • Flash point: With a value of -60 °C, the flash point of butane is very low, making it a very flammable gas.
  • Density: At 0 °C and normal pressure, the density of butane is 2.48 kg/m³. This means that it is heavier than air and sinks to the ground as soon as it is released.
  • Combustion: Butane burns with a blue flame and produces carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) when fully combusted.
  • Use: Used in gas cylinders for camping stoves, heaters or household appliances.

Do you require further information?

Questions about the detection of butane?

DANGERS

  • Explosion hazard: Butane can produce explosive mixtures with air, which can explode if handled incorrectly.
  • Fire hazard: Due to its low flash point of -60 °C, butane is highly flammable and can react quickly to sparks or open flames.
  • Risk of asphyxiation: In high quantities, butane can replace oxygen and cause breathing difficulties or asphyxiation, especially in rooms with poor ventilation.
  • Health hazard due to inhalation: If inhaled, butane can cause dizziness, headaches, unconsciousness and, in the worst case, asphyxiation.
  • Danger of cold in case of leakage: Liquid butane causes severe cold burns in case of skin or eye contact.

HIGH-RISK SCENARIOS

  • Explosion in the event of a leak: In poorly ventilated rooms, a butane leak can create an explosive mixture with the air. A spark or open fire can cause an explosion.
    Butane is highly flammable; sparks or open flames pose a fire hazard. Contact with sparks, hot surfaces or open flames can cause an immediate fire.
  • Asphyxiation in closed rooms: Butane displaces oxygen in high concentrations. A lack of oxygen can occur in poorly ventilated rooms, resulting in the risk of suffocation.
  • Cold burns from liquid butane: Skin contact with escaping liquid butane can cause severe cold burns because it extracts an extreme amount of heat during vaporization.
  • Damage to health through inhalation: Inhaling butane can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and even unconsciousness. In higher concentrations, it can cause more serious damage to health or even asphyxiation.

Health risks and handling of butane

Concentration

KonzentrationSymptome/folgen
%gas-rep-concentration% %gas-rep-consequences%
%gas-rep-concentration% %gas-rep-consequences%
%gas-rep-concentration% %gas-rep-consequences%

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1. Remove affected persons from the danger zone:

  • Move to fresh air immediately to avoid further exposure. If possible, ventilate the room well.

2. Keep the airways clear:

  • Ensure that the affected person’s airways are clear, especially if they are unconscious. Place the affected person in the recovery position.

3. Fresh air and tranquillity:

  • Reassure the affected person and leave them alone. In cases of mild poisoning (e.g. dizziness, nausea), the person should get plenty of fresh air and rest.

4. Call an emergency doctor:

  • In case of severe poisoning (e.g. unconsciousness, breathing difficulties), call the emergency services immediately and seek professional help.

5. Resuscitation measures (if necessary):

  • If the person is not breathing, immediately begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation and wait for the emergency doctor.

6. Do not force independent drinking or vomiting:

  • If the person is unconscious or in respiratory distress, never encourage them to drink or vomit.

1. Set up a safety zone:

  • Shut off everything immediately to avoid contact with butane vapors. Evacuate all persons from the danger zone.

2. Ventilation:

  • Ventilate an area well to reduce the concentration of butane vapor in the air. Open windows and doors to ensure good ventilation.

3. Deactivate sources:

  • If it is safe to do so, close the butane source (e.g. the gas valves and reduce the pressure to stop the leak. Do not use electrical appliances and do not create sparks.

4. Avoid flames and ignition sources:

  • Avoid all ignition sources (e.g. open flames, sparks and hot surfaces). Smoking is also prohibited.

5. Ensuring evacuation and ventilation:

  • Leave the area if the butane concentration is too high. If necessary, call the fire department or emergency services.

6. Wear protective equipment:

  • Wear suitable protective equipment, such as respiratory protection and protective clothing, when handling butane leaks.
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