In some ways they are almost or exactly the same.
However, there are some important differences that you need to know.
First, some short summary answers:
Propane vs Butane
Isobutane vs Butane vs PropanePropane’s biggest advantage is a lower boiling temperature, at -42° vs -0.4°C for butane.
So, propane will continue to vaporise – turn to gas – even in colder climates.
Conversely, butane vapour pressure is about ¼ that of propane, which is advantageous for some propellant applications.
Propane energy content is slightly higher by weight but lower by volume.
When are Propane & Butane Liquid or Gas?
When are Propane & Butane Liquid or Gas? | ||
LPG (1atm) | Liquid | Vapour (Gas) |
Propane | < -42°C | ≥ -42°C |
Butane | < -0.4°C | ≥ -0.4°C |
Propane, Butane & Isobutane Properties
This chart shows some of the physical property differences between the three gases.
You can refer back to the chart as we explain the importance of the numbers in the following topics…
Gas Properties | Isobutane | Butane | Propane |
Chemical Formula | C4H10 | C4H10 | C3H8 |
Energy Content: MJ/m3 | 110.4 | 111.4 | 95.8 |
Energy Content: MJ/kg | 45.59 | 47.39 | 49.58 |
Energy Content: MJ/L | 25.0 | 27.5 | 25.3 |
Boiling Temp: Cº | -11.75 | -0.4 | -42 |
Pressure @ 21ºC: kPa | 310.9 | 215.1 | 858.7 |
Flame Temp: Cº | 1975 | 1970 | 1967 |
Expansion: m3/L | 0.234 | 0.235 | 0.270 |
Gas Volume: m3/kg | 0.402 | 0.405 | 0.540 |
Relative Density: H2O | 0.60 | 0.58 | 0.51 |
Relative Density: air | 2.07 | 2.00 | 1.53 |
L per kg | 1.669 | 1.724 | 1.96 |
kg per L | 0.60 | 0.58 | 0.51 |
Specific Gravity @ 25ºC | 2.06 | 2.07 | 1.55 |
Density @ 15ºC: kg/m3 | 2.533 | 2.544 | 1.899 |
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