Propane vs. Natural Gas

[mk-ultra]

For whatever it's worth, I finally bothered to Google a little bit to figure out why propane systems like Jetboil are so kick-ass when compared to a similarly sized flame on a home (natural gas) cook-top.

For the volume of natural gas that would have provided 1000 BTUs... propane provides 2500.

That's a pretty strong argument for using propane anytime factors like space/weight are a consideration.

Anyone know how much thermal energy is provided per weight unit of white gas? I know: apples and oranges... a lot depends on how the white gas is aerosolized... but (thinking as a backpacker) it would be nice to know which gives the most bang for the buck, weight-wise.

I, personally, haven't found anything that beats pressurized propane. No pumps... no heavy fuel cans... no leaks... modular heat/light using the same tanks... no spills... less fire hazard... yadda yadda yadda.

P.S. I'm a dork. This was supposed to be a reply to the "Jetboil" thread. Mods feel free to merge.

[ygmir]

I'm sure you can google energy per measure regarding white gas/propane, and on and on......

In general, per unit volume, white gas will have more stored energy, btu's........as such.
The general rule of thumb is:
the heavier/denser a liquid/gas fuel is, the more btu's per volume.....
And, as you say, some depends on the mechanism used to burn said fuel.......

As you comment, something should be accounted for convienence.

But, I'd say a quart of white gas will heat more water than a quart of propane, all else being equal.........

Of course, I'm not an engineer, so, .............

[gyre]

Jetboil uses propane-isobutane.
I think there is more to it than the fuel though.

[MikeVDS]

The difference in energy density is big but the bigger difference in home natural gas vs. propane is that NG is usually around 5psi and propane is usually 30psi+. At higher pressures you can get nice flames from NG as well.

[ygmir]

Mike:
when you say working pressure on propane is 30 psi, to what do you refer?
Is that backpacking stuff, or, "torches"?

Propane home and RV appliances operate at about 1/2 psi (37 mbar). Very low, you can easily stop it with your finger.

Not being picky here, but, I'd hate someone to read that and then hook their stove to a 30 psi regulator by mistake.

It may be different for backpacking equipment, I don't know about that.

[MozyBonz]

The difference between propane, or liquid petroleum gas (LPG), and natural gas comes down to their portability, compression, energy efficiency, and cost. However, there is generally no difference when it comes to performance in appliances for heating, cooking, or drying. The mixture of natural gas is comprised of propane, along with other gases like methane, butane, ethane, and pentane.

One difference in the physical properties of propane and natural gas is how easily they liquefy and transport. Propane turns into a liquid at —46° F (-43° C), so it's easy to compress and carry in a portable tank. You can buy compressed propane at most gas stations. It's decompressed by a valve at the source of use, such as a barbecue grill. Yet natural gas doesn't compress as easily. It usually comes to your home from a utility company along dedicated lines to power things like a central heating system, clothes dryer, and water heater.

Propane is heavier than air which is heavier than natural gas. Both natural gas and propane will dissipate into the air if they are released in an open enough environment and both can pose an explosive risk if they concentrate enough and are ignited. However, because propane is heavier, it tends to fall to the ground, collect, and pose a greater explosive risk. On the other hand, because natural gas is lighter than air, it tends to rise and dissipate into the air, posing less of an explosive risk.

Propane provides more energy per unit volume than does natural gas. Heat is measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units. Propane provides about 2500 BTUs for the same volume of natural gas that only gives 1000 BTUs. However, natural gas can be less expensive at up to one-sixth the cost of propane, depending on where you live. Utilities in colder climates might supply natural gas for less money, especially during winter months. Some rural areas don't have access to a utility company that provides gas service.

Since they are both petroleum distillates, made of hydrocarbons, these gases have comparable power. Natural gas, as its name implies, develops naturally in deposits underground, so it only needs to be pumped out to use. Propane, since it is one of the gases in those deposits, must be further separated and distilled.

You probably couldn't tell the difference between their performance on a grill or water heater. They ignite at the same temperature. Some barbecue enthusiasts prefer natural gas because it is a cleaner burning fuel, which means it doesn't release as many pollutants into the air. Exhaust from propane might affect the taste of food. To the end user, there aren't many differences between natural gas and propane, but they do differ in their chemical properties.

[MikeVDS]

Mike:
when you say working pressure on propane is 30 psi, to what do you refer?
Is that backpacking stuff, or, "torches"?

Propane home and RV appliances operate at about 1/2 psi (37 mbar). Very low, you can easily stop it with your finger.

Sorry about that. That's just the pressure without regulation. So if someone was to make a pilot without regulation off a propane tank, it's going to be at least 30 psi unless it's VERY cold. On a hot day it's going to go over 100psi.

Yeah cooking equipment I've run off propane is usually less than 1 psi. I guess I kind of figured the difference he noticed was in the use of flame effects, but I see how that assumption could be completely wrong.