Stoves (Molecular weight of Butane?)

[Josh]

Greetings,I've got a question for everyone. Is butane heavier or lighter then air? I know that a propane stove is a bad idea, because it's heavier then air, and will sit in the bilge. One spark and KABLAMO. Pressurized alcohol is safer, until you blow a seal and spray flaming booze everywhere. Then theres the Origo's, that cost an arm and a leg, but are rather safe.I had settled on one of those, but then I came across a cheap little butane stove. It's an enclosed unit, and runs off of little hair spray can sized butane charges. More efficient then propane and rather compact. My question though is if this for some reason leaks, can I expect it to be as dangerous as propane by sinking into the bilge, or is it lighter and will float off into space?Josh

 

[Josh]

Nevermind...

Nevermind...contacted a butane/propane manufacturer and found out the info I needed!Josh

 

[Garry @ S/V TASHTEGO]

Nevertheless

It is probably worthwhile noting that propane, C3H8, has the same molecular weight (44) as the CO2 we all exhale constantly into our boats - but CO2 doesn't accumulate in our bilges and suffocate the roaches, rats and sleeping sailors (although it will if you fire off a CO2 extinguisher in a confined space). We breath (generally) in open spaces where the air circulation carrys the CO2 away too fast for it to accumulate. The danger from propane or butane or gasoline is from leaks into confined spaces which build up to explosive mixtures and has little to do with their molecular weight. Even hydrogen (MW 2) leaking into a confined space is dangerous. In these spaces the gas can't mix with the surrounding air and builds up to dangerous levels. CNG is just as dangerous as the others if it leaks into the enclosed spaces below decks. The way to safely use these volatile fuels is by ensuring good ventilation and using combustible mixture detectors.

 

[Paul Akers]

Josh, share it with us - nm

nm

 

[Steve Dion]

Quick!

Molecular weights:Propane - 44CO2 - 44O2 - 32CNG - 16Now we see the problem!

 

[Steve Dion]

Danger!

Check out this alert!http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml01/01198.htmlDo you really want one aboard?