N-Butane Gas Properties

n-Butane (C₄H₁₀) is a chemical compound, and its properties make it a versatile industrial gas. It is used as a raw material in chemical production and manufacturing for many products. 

Chemical and Physical Properties

The following are the chemical properties of n-Butane:

Safety and Hazards

n-Butane is shipped as a liquefied gas under its vapor pressure and must be transported in an open-air vehicle. It is typically stored in its liquefied form at low temperatures.

Contact with n-Butane in its liquid form can lead to frostbite. This gas is colorless, but it is highly flammable, so any liquid or vapor leak, mixture with air at low concentrations, or prolonged exposure to intense heat or fire can cause n-Butane containers to rupture and ignite.

Common Uses of N-Butane Gas

n-Butane has several fuel and industrial applications. It is commonly used in:

• Chemical production: n-Butane is used as a chemical intermediate in manufacturing propylene, ethene, butenes, butadiene and acetic acid.
• Refrigeration: In its purest form, n-Butane can replace ozone-depleting halocarbons in refrigeration applications.
• Motor fuel: n-Butane is ideal for vehicles operating inside buildings and other applications where conventional fuel exhausts would be dangerous.
• Aerosol propellants: n-Butane in pure form or mixed with other hydrocarbons is incorporated into aerosol propellants.
• Heating: n-Butane is a common fuel for heating and cooking. n-Butane in bottles can be used as a transportable cooking fuel.
• Calibration gas: n-Butane is a standard fuel gas for calibrating burners and a calibration gas for chemical, oil and gas applications.

Regulatory Compliance

n-Butane usage must comply with these regulations:

• Gasoline blends: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), n-Butane can only be blended with conventional gasoline and must be 95% pure.
• Transportation: The Department of Transportation has established standards for packaging and transporting n-Butane, which is classified as hazardous.
• Workplace safety: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has standards for exposure limits, handling and personal protective equipment to keep people using n-Butane safe.

Contact Meritus Gas Partners for n-Butane Gas Solutions

Meritus Gas Partners has extensive expertise with industrial gases like n-Butane, and we can help you find the best gas product for your application. Find a partner near you or contact us to learn more.