A Guide to Power Butane

As a natural gas derivative, butane is one of the most plentiful power sources known to man. Thanks to advances in drilling technology, particularly hydraulic fracturing in shale deposits, natural gas is being extracted in greater quantities than ever before. This has led to an energy boom in North America and, as a result, increased production of refined butane. If you are like the average consumer, your experience with butane is limited to disposable cigarette lighters and portable camping stoves, but the gas also is used as a torch lighter power source, which is a vital tool for plumbers, builders, and jewelry makers.

One of the most highly sought after butanes on the market is Power butane, particularly in the 5x, 7x, and 9x butane refill canisters. Power 5x butane, for instance, refers to the refinement process and is indicative of the high purity level of the gas. Thanks to its quality, Power brand butane is often used as a replacement for other inferior quality gas, many brands of which have been known to clog lighters and torches.

Material Data Safety Sheet Information

Power butane is distributed in the North American market by Los Angeles, CA based BK Power Imports Inc. and is manufactured by South Korea’s GC Caltex Corporation. Both companies take safety very seriously, as the product’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) was updated as recently as May 1, 2013. The MSDS provides information on a number of categories, among them Product and Company Information, Composition and Ingredients Data, Hazard Information, and First Aid Measures.

Popular Uses for Refined Butane

Besides disposable and refillable cigarette lighters, butane also is a gas used to power portable cooking stoves and is an important ingredient in the production of propane, which has many similar uses. But the gas has other uses, too.

Portable soldering irons.
Cordless hair curling irons.
Torches, which are used to heat and secure copper plumbing fixtures.
Garden tools, particularly mini foggers used to disperse insect sprays.
Hot glue guns, used in arts and crafts and jewelry making.
Portable space heaters used in camping and for other outdoor applications.
Mini garden tillers and portable generators.
As a culinary torch lighter, to caramelize sugar-based dessert toppings and for searing meats and vegetables.
As a refrigerant in household refrigerators and freezers.

Butane’s uses outside the consumer market are well known, too. Because butane flames can burn as hot as 1,700 degrees Kelvin, butane powered industrial grade torches are ideal for cutting steel and other high strength metals in general construction and manufacturing applications.

Campers Rejoice! How to Choose a Backpack Stove

How many times have you gone camping with family or friends, only to have to eat canned beans or other non-perishable foods because it rained, making it impossible to light a camp fire? If this has happened more times than you care to remember, then it is probably time to consider purchasing a portable backpack or camping stove. Whether fueled by Vector butane, Stok butane, or some other brand, a butane stove works reliably under many grueling environmental conditions, including rain or freezing temperatures. But how do you know what kind to buy? Here are some things to consider:

What are you going to use it for? If you are planning on summer backpacking, boiling water, light backpacking, or even gourmet cooking for a few fellow campers, then a butane powered stove is your best bet.
So you think of yourself as budding chef, right? If that is the case, then pick a camping stove with simmering and boiling capabilities. Butane creates an extremely hot flame, meaning it can boil water or sear foods very quickly, but sometimes you need control over the flame to simmer foods over time.
Modern camping stoves are light, small, and designed for portability. If you plan on cooking for a small group, purchase or rent more than one.
Depending on the length of the trip, consider bringing more than one canister of butane, or plan on refilling them on site. According to some estimates, a typical 8 ounce canister of fuel may be good for 15 to 20 small meals for one or two people.

Finally, what are some of the benefits of butane canister stoves? Though there are other kinds of stoves, small models that use butane fuel are the most popular and plentiful available. They are easy to use; compact and not heavy; there is no chance of a fuel spill; no priming is required; and the flame is instantaneous and burns at a high temperature.

From camping stoves to cigarette lighters to construction and lawn equipment, butane is the power source for many tools and applications people use every day. Contact Butane Source for more information.