butane

Learn everything about butane and find the right gas detection system for butane monitoring.

Butane and its properties

Butane, a colourless and odourless gas, is used in industry and as a fuel. It is a component of liquefied petroleum gas and is often used in lighters and camping stoves. Butane is highly flammable and must therefore be handled with care.

Gasmessfühler

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limit values

Information on butane limit values

limit values

Lower explosion limit (LEL) 1.4 Vol. – %

Pre-alarm 20% LEL (0.14 vol. – %)
Main alarm 40% LEL (0.28 vol. – %)

gas density

Relative gas density 2.80
Mounting height 10 cm from floor

Gasmerkmale

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, butane has a very low flash point, making it a highly 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, when completely combusted, produces carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O).
Use: Used in gas cylinders for camping stoves, heaters or household appliances.

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DANGERS

Explosion hazard: Butane can form explosive mixtures with air, which may 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 suffocation: In high quantities, butane can replace oxygen and cause breathing difficulties or suffocation, especially in poorly ventilated rooms.
Health hazard through inhalation: When inhaled, butane can cause dizziness, headaches, unconsciousness and, in the worst case, suffocation.
Risk of frostbite upon escape: Liquid butane causes severe frostbite upon contact with skin or eyes.

HIGH-RISK SCENARIOS

Explosion in case of leaks: In poorly ventilated rooms, butane escaping into the air can create an explosive mixture. A spark or open flame 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 immediately cause a fire.
Suffocation in enclosed spaces: In high concentrations, butane displaces oxygen. Poorly ventilated rooms can experience oxygen depletion, resulting in a risk of suffocation.
Cold burns caused by liquid butane: Skin contact with escaping liquid butane can cause severe cold burns because it extracts an extremely large amount of heat when it evaporates.
Health hazards from inhalation: Inhaling butane can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and even unconsciousness. In higher concentrations, it can lead to more serious health problems or even suffocation.

Health risks and handling of butane

Konzentration

Konzentration	Symptome/folgen
often below 0.1 ppm	Normal values outdoors
18,000 to 84,000 ppm	explosion hazard
from approx. 25,000 ppm	oxygen displacement

Konzentrationstabelle nur im Querformat sichtbar.

Erste Hilfe

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.

Bei Unbeabsichtigter Freisetzung

1. Set up a safety zone:

Immediately seal off the area to prevent contact with butane vapours. Evacuate all persons from the danger zone.

2. Ventilation:

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

3. Deactivate sources:

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