What You Need to Know About Butane and Butane Gas Sensors

Butane is a hydrocarbon gas commonly produced while refining crude petroleum, or it can be found in natural gas deposits

Butane can be found in many households as it is filled in portable gas cylinders and used as a household fuel that can power anything from gas grills to heaters. But butane is found in many industrial environments, too. And for this reason, butane gas sensors are crucial in ascertaining the concentration of this harmful gas.

The Effects of Butane Exposure

Since it is usually a gas, butane can be inhaled when found in the atmosphere. In addition, it is naturally odorless and colorless, making it especially dangerous. It is also highly flammable and can ignite easily through static electricity, open flames, or other ignition sources. As a combustible gas, butane concentrations anywhere between 1.6% and 8.4% can provide an explosive mixture with air. Its presence is incredibly dangerous for individuals working nearby. The presence of butane gas can lead to many severe health effects to those who are directly exposed. These effects can include aggression, dizziness, depression, and even asphyxiation. But the dangers of butane aren’t just those presented through inhalation of the gas. It can also cause skin or eye problems when exposed to the body in liquid form. It may cause frostbite or freezer burn. For industrial applications, an explosion can be a tremendous hazard. If heated or exposed to heat or another combustion source, it can damage property, cause fires, and result in death or injury and destruction of property. And since butane is relatively common in many industrial applications, the potential for an explosion is high when a butane leak is encountered, especially if the leak occurs in an area with poor ventilation. And explosions can be devastating o a company, particularly if workers are injured or die as a result of the explosion. These workplace accidents often lead to costly court judgments, workers’ compensation payments, regulatory fines, and even compensation for losses. The bottom line is that there is no room for error when it comes to detecting butane leaks. You must be able to quickly identify a leak in order to properly mitigate the threat, which is the only way to keep your employees and your company safe.

Selecting an Optimal Butane Gas Sensor

Detecting harmful and combustible gases is essential when working in many different industries. Implementing the proper types of fixed and portable gas sensors and detectors is one of the most significant ways to enhance workplace safety and protect operations. While there are many best practices while handling butane, they are no substitute for the ability to detect the presence of this harmful gas reliably. When considering which butane gas sensor is the best for your environment and applications, you will want to consider several factors, such as:

• Performance: The optimal performance can be achieved by selecting a gas sensor that detects butane and delivers an easy-to-understand reading of the levels. Sensors can be optimized for performance in certain environmental conditions or to work in low- and no-oxygen environments.
• Reliability: A butane gas sensor can provide many benefits, but only if the data the user receives is reliable. Working with a gas detection vendor with a proven track record for reliability is crucial.
• Cost: While cost is always a factor in any business decision, it’s essential to understand the lifetime costs of any sensor or detector. While some may have less of an upfront investment, they may have poor performance and reliability. Additionally, they may require more frequent recalibration, making the lifetime costs of these sensors much higher than if you initially purchased a quality one.

NevadaNano’s MPS sensor detects butane and other harmful gases accurately and reliably. And it can work well in a wide range of environmental conditions. To learn more about using the MPS to detect butane and enhance your workplace, contact us today!