My canister stove is easy to use and has been my go-to three-season alternative for a long time. However, it’s a pain in the winter, or whenever temperatures drop below freezing, because they perform poorly or not at all. Why?
It all comes down to a little chemistry and physics. A compressed mixture of butane and propane is contained in canisters. The pressure keeps the majority of the combination liquid (you can hear it sloshing around inside the canister if you shake it), but a small percentage vaporizes into a gas above the liquid. When you connect a stove to the canister and turn it on, gas rises to feed the stove burner and heat your food or water.
The pressure inside the canister must be greater than the pressure outside the canister for this to work. However, as the temperature of the canister dips below freezing, the internal pressure begins to drop, and the burner sputters and goes off.
Why? Butane, which ceases vaporizing around 31 degrees Fahrenheit, is the main problem (its boiling point). (A chemical variant of butane, isobutane, continues to vaporize at 11 degrees Fahrenheit.)
Butane makes up the majority of the fuel in canisters, accounting for 70 to 80 percent of the total; propane makes up the rest. Unlike butane, propane, on the other hand, continues to vaporize even at extremely low temperatures (down to minus-43 degrees Fahrenheit). This has some intriguing implications for performance in cold conditions.
The fact that propane burns out at a disproportionate pace in sub-freezing temperatures is one among them. As the residual mixture changes more toward butane, less and less fuel vaporizes until the pressure in the canister drops too low to keep feeding the stove. This means that a fresh new fuel canister may run for a short time in sub-freezing temperatures, but it will cease working before the canister is completely emptied.
Another aspect that impacts a canister’s cold-weather performance is the temperature. The process of vaporizationthe transition from a liquid to a gasrequires energy. The warmth (latent heat) in the fuel mixture itself provides the majority of the energy in a fuel canister, which is why a stove canister will become substantially cooler while the stove is functioning. Even if the ambient temperature is above the fuel’s boiling point, this effect can push the canister temperature down and stop the burner cold in cold conditions.
- This FAQ on fuel blends is a great place to start if you want to learn more about the science behind it all.
So, what are your options? If you plan on doing a lot of winter camping, invest in a white gas-fueled liquid fuel stove that will keep you warm even in the coldest temps. Warm up the canister stove before using it if you’re out in near-freezing temperatures using a canister stove. For a while, tuck it inside your clothing, or bring it into your sleeping bag at night. Keeping the canister above freezing while in use can also be accomplished by placing it in a shallow dish or pan with an inch or two of water.
How cold is too cold for butane?
Butane cannot be used at temperatures below -216.4 °F (-138 °C). When the temperature around it rises above the freezing point, it stops working. Butane, on the other hand, slows down vaporization below 31.28 °F (-0.4 °Celsius), making it useless at temperatures below 32 °F.
Butane and propane are typically found in fuel canisters. Propane, unlike butane, will continue to evaporate at lower temperatures but will burn out at sub-freezing temperatures. As a result, the mixture goes closer to butane, and less gas vaporizes.
The stove or canister is powered by vaporization, with heat playing an important role. As butane is used to power the can, it will cool. In addition, in the winter, temperatures might drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below freezing. Under these conditions, internal pressure lowers, preventing vaporization and preventing fuel from reaching the stove.
Can you store butane in cold?
Because butane canisters are often offered in smaller volumes, they are easier to store than propane bottles. Butane canisters can be stored together, individually packaged, or wrapped in a protective sleeve, such as plastic foam or thick cloth, due to their compact size. Federal labels affixed to butane canisters indicate safe storage parameters, such as maximum temperature and cold ranges. Butane storage temperatures should be kept between 32 and 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Butane must be stored in a cool, dry, and fireproof setting.
What temperature can I use butane gas?
Only at temperatures above -2°C will butane gas work efficiently. It’s possible that your yellow or blue cylinder outdoors isn’t operating this morning. Although butane gas is intended for indoor use, did you know that Calor Gas offers two types of gas, one of which is propane gas, which is recommended for outdoor usage.
Calor can provide you with a wide choice of cylinders to meet your requirements. With the installation of a new propane regulator to fit your new cylinder, converting your outdoor cylinder from butane to propane is straightforward.
How can I stop my gas bottle from freezing?
Using a heated blanket, keep the propane tank warm. Keep the tank full at all times; never let it fall below 30%. Propane cylinders should always be stored upright, never upside-down or on their sides. Protect your tank from the elements, but keep it outside in a well-ventilated area at all times.
At what temperature does a propane tank freeze?
If you’ve ever lived in the Hudson Valley, you know how frigid the winters can be. In January, the average low temperature in Newburgh is 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It gets a lot colder if we get an Arctic blast from Canada or the Midwest.
When the weather drops below freezing, you may question if the propane inside your aboveground propane tank will freeze or be damaged.
Propane has a freezing point of -44 degrees Fahrenheit. Newburgh has had temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, there’s no need to worry about your propane freezing.
While it’s rare that your propane will freeze in this climate, it can still be damaged by extreme cold. When it gets chilly, propane contracts. When it’s really cold outside, the volume of propane in your aboveground propane tank shrinks, resulting in a pressure reduction. The issue is that if the pressure in your tank drops too low, the propane within will not be able to reach your gas burner. That means you may be unable to use your propane appliances, such as your furnace or boiler, which can be extremely inconvenient in extreme cold.
That’s why, when Old Man Winter comes knocking, you should be prepared.
Avoid low propane pressure problems
- Keep your propane tank at least 30% full since the more propane you have, the more positive pressure you will have. Check your propane tank gauge and call Depew Energy to plan a propane delivery if extremely cold weather is expected.
- Allowing snow to accumulate on your gas tank is not a good idea. It should be clear so that sunshine can reach your tank and warm it up.
- Reduce the temperature in your home. Your furnace or boiler will run less frequently, allowing your propane tank’s pressure a time to rebuild.
Learn more about Depew Energy’s guaranteed propane supply during the coldest winter months – and beyond!
Can butane canisters explode?
Butane gas canisters are a fantastic way to fuel a stove or heating equipment while camping because they are inexpensive, easy to use, and lightweight. Gas canisters can build up pressure and explode if handled or stored incorrectly.
Why does butane gas freeze?
Have you ever noticed how your canister gets chilly as your burner heats up? This is caused by a phenomena that occurs inside the canister as it transports fuel to your stove. These canisters contain highly compressed fuel. As a result, the vast majority of it is liquid, with only a little quantity remaining as gas floating above the liquid. You may shake the can and feel the petroleum splashing around inside before turning on your stove.
When you turn on the stove, a small amount of this gas escapes. As it does so, the space it previously occupied gets filled with additional. The gas must be extracted from the liquid, which necessitates the use of a lot of heat. This heat must originate someplace. When you operate your stove slowly enough, like when you’re simmering, heat from the outside air passes through the edges of your canister, and the canister does not cool down considerably. When you run your stove at maximum power, though, the heat can’t get through the canister quickly enough, so it has to come from chilling the liquid. As a result, the canister becomes cooler. In some cases, this can result in frost forming on the outside.
That’s it: the basic explanation for why your canister becomes chilly when you use your stove.
What temperature does butane evaporate at?
For combustion, a combination of propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10) (LPG) is commonly distributed.
Propane is better suited to colder climates because it evaporates at -44 degrees Fahrenheit (-42 degrees Celsius) at atmospheric pressure. At atmospheric pressure, butane evaporates at 33°F (0.6°C).
The following table shows the vapor pressures of mixtures of the two products in relation to atmospheric pressure (gauge pressure).
Is butane safe to store indoors?
We provide emergency preparedness training to a wide range of people. “Where is the safest place to keep gasoline (or diesel, kerosene, Coleman fuel, butane, propane, or alcohol) for an emergency?” is one of the most often requested questions. The answer is… it is debatable. The answer varies depending on the type of fuel used and where you live.
You have a lot more possibilities if you live on a 10-acre farm than if you live in a one-bedroom apartment. The issue is that gasoline is essential for everyone’s survival. You’ll need it to boil water, cook your food, maintain communications, and avoid dying from frostbite. Let’s take each of these sources of energy one by one.
When it comes to carefully storing fuel, don’t believe everything you read on the internet. Make sure you do your own research to make sure your knowledge is correct. Improper fuel storage could lead to poor fuel performance at best, and death and property loss at worst. Don’t take a chance!
Safety Data Sheets Provide Accurate Information
Studying the Safety Data Sheet for each fuel is one of the greatest ways to find correct information on it. This is the most up-to-date information available, as it comes directly from the manufacturer. For each of the fuels we discuss, I’ve included a link to an SDS sheet.
A detached shed is the safest place to store gasoline in general. Let’s look at the exact storage needs and circumstances for each of these fuels, as well as some potential storage places.
Best Way to Store Gasoline
The safest location to keep fuel is in your car’s tank. We recommend that you keep your tank at least halfway full at all times. One-half tank of gasoline should be enough to get you out of immediate danger if you need to flee.
Gasoline is a hazardous fuel to keep on hand. It should be kept in an appropriate red container in a cold, well-ventilated environment. Unapproved containers may disintegrate, releasing volatile gasoline liquid and fumes. It is critical to utilize only certified gasoline canisters. Make sure the containers are securely closed and labeled.
Our prepper friend allowed us to look into his fuel storage system and has given us permission to share it with you as long as we don’t expose his name or location. It’s simple to accomplish. Let’s refer to him as Bob.
Bob wishes to stockpile enough gasoline to be able to flee to a location 800 miles away in the event of a disaster. He has a gasoline generator that must be capable of running for at least 48 hours. His goal is to always keep 50 gallons of gasoline on hand.
Bob is well aware that storing this much gasoline in his garage or anyplace near his house is exceedingly hazardous. He makes the conscious decision not to do stupid things. When gasoline is not exposed to extremes of temperature, it stores well. He found a secondhand chest freezer and buried it in a shady spot distant from his house to solve his gasoline storage problem.
The next issue that needed to be solved was ventilation. To enable cross ventilation through the freezer, he drilled two holes to fit 2-inch vent pipes (lower front on one end and upper back on the other). To keep the vents dry and prevent vermin from getting in, they are screened and elbowed down.
The gas cans are kept off the freezer floor on custom pallets, which allows for better ventilation. The gasoline is kept in certified 5-gallon gas cans in an underground freezer. To assist insulate the contents from temperature variations and provide some operational security, the freezer is maintained covered.
An above-ground gasoline storage tank is a safe choice for storing bigger amounts of gasoline. These tanks are used to refill equipment on-site in farming and commercial operations. If this alternative appeals to you, look into the rules and laws in your area.
To preserve quality, gasoline should be rotated or stabilized every 9-12 months. To extend the life of the gasoline for several years, a good fuel stabilizer should be used at least once a year. Gasoline accounts for a significant portion of the energy we consume in our daily lives. For many people, storing a fair supply of gasoline makes sense.
Best Way to Store Diesel
Many of the same storage requirements apply to diesel as they do to unleaded gasoline. It’s a flammable liquid, so keep it away from open flames, heat, ignition sources, and direct sunlight. Static discharge protection is required. Diesel can build up a static charge, which can generate a spark and serve as an ignition source.
Diesel must be kept in a cool environment. The pressure in sealed containers rises when diesel is stored in a heated atmosphere. Make sure you only keep it in certified containers, the majority of which are yellow. Close the container tightly and store it in a well-ventilated area.
When used for construction or farming, diesel is usually stored in above-ground tanks. When storing in lesser quantities, keep it in the same places you’d keep gasoline, but make sure it’s in containers that are certified for diesel fuel.
Best Way to Store Kerosene
K-1, K-2, and Klean Heat kerosene are available for purchase. Some kinds can be purchased in containers or poured similarly to gasoline.
Kerosene should be kept in a cool, well-ventilated area when not in use. It should be kept in its original containers or in blue, vented containers that have been certified. Store away from strong oxidizers. It is less fickle when it comes to storage than gasoline and diesel.
Best Way to Store Coleman Fuel or White Gas
Coleman fuel should be stored similarly to unleaded gasoline, with the exception that it should be kept in the original bottle. Keep the original containers away from heat, sparks, open flames, and oxidizing materials in a cool, well-ventilated environment.
Best Way to Store Butane Cartridges
Preppers often use butane cartridges as a source of fuel. Compressed fuel in a can could be hazardous to keep in big quantities. Over time, the can will degrade and the butane may escape. We recommend keeping the amount of canisters you have on hand to a minimum and rotating them.
The can must be kept cool and not exposed to temperatures more than 50°C/122°F. Heat, sparks, an open flame, oxidizers, and direct sunshine should all be avoided. It’s best to keep the container in a well-ventilated environment. Because butane is heavier than air, it should never be kept in basements, cellars, or other low-lying areas where vapors can collect. Do not keep in automobiles or other similar settings where excessive heat could result in an explosion.
Following one of our seminars, a woman contacted us and revealed that she had a large number of these canisters sealed in 5-gallon buckets in her garage. According to the manufacturer’s safety guidelines in the Safety Data Sheet, this strategy has two major flaws.
- The butane canisters are not well ventilated in sealed 5-gallon buckets.
- The temperature in most garages may fluctuate significantly, and it may go dangerously close to 50°C/122°F.
Butane canisters are similar to little bombs that are waiting for the ideal conditions to detonate. I’d keep the amount of canisters I store to no more than 8-12 and keep them in my pantry where the temperature can be controlled. While not ideal, a limited number of people in this regulated area would not make me feel uneasy.
Remember that butane canisters are not suitable for storage in basements, therefore don’t keep them in a basement food storage room.
I fell in love with our little butane stove during our 90-day Grid Down Cooking Challenge. You can learn more about these useful stoves by visiting Butane Stove: Cooking for Power Outages in a Portable and Convenient Way
Best Way to Store Propane
One of my favorite fuels for emergency preparedness is propane. We make a concerted effort to keep all of our gas tanks topped off. Propane tanks are much safer to store than liquid fuels, which is a big plus.
One-pound disposable propane containers are convenient for emergency situations, but they are not as safe to store for longer periods of time as bigger propane tanks. I would not recommend storing big quantities of disposable propane bottles. The container’s seal may deteriorate with time, allowing propane to escape into the atmosphere.
Leaks in these containers should be examined on a regular basis. Propane, like butane, will not evaporate but will concentrate in a low-lying location, posing an explosive threat.
Propane should be kept away from flames, sparks, heat, strong oxidizers, and extreme temperatures in a well-ventilated environment. When chlorine dioxide is present near propane, it can cause an explosion. Only store in approved containers, and keep the valve closed. Explosive vapors may be present in empty propane containers. Whether your propane containers are full or empty, be careful where you keep them.
Our 20-pound propane tanks are kept in a popup tent trailer away from our house. This keeps them out of the sun and protects them from the elements. Not the best option, but we’re doing the best we can with what we’ve got.
One of our students proposed keeping the 20-pound propane bottles in a 150-gallon deck box, which is commonly used for garden equipment storage. The deck box should be kept out of direct sunlight in a shaded location. Cross ventilation would be required in the deck box (large holes drilled on both sides of the box). It may be a terrific method to keep 20-pound gas bottles out of the house and protected from the elements.
Propane, rather than gasoline or diesel fuel, is a superior alternative for garage storage. However, keeping huge volumes of fuel in a garage should always be avoided.
Best Way to Store Alcohol
Because it is not explosive like many other fuels, alcohol is an excellent storing fuel. Simple storage precautions are recommended. Keep the container well covered and away from sparks, open flames, and strong oxidizing agents. It’s best to keep alcohol in its original container.
The shelf life of alcohol is limitless. In our basement storage area with our food storage, we keep a reasonable amount of Everclear, SafeHeat, and denatured alcohol. That way, it’ll be ready to use whenever we need it. Only alcohol is a fuel I’d feel safe storing in my basement alongside food. When utilized as a prepper fuel, the fact that it never goes bad is a huge plus. Always keep the amount of fuel you store indoors or in your garage, including alcohol, to a minimum.
Unless you reside in a climate with extreme temperature variations, you may be able to securely keep denatured alcohol in your garage, according to the Safety Data Sheet. Storage requirements for alcohol are far more flexible than those for other fuels.
Because it creates very little, if any, carbon monoxide when burned, alcohol is an excellent choice for cooking and heating indoors. Learn more about alcohol as a fuel source in our piece, Best Alcohol Cooking Fuels for Campers and Preppers.
Best Storage Locations for Fuels
Any fuel should be stored in a detached, insulated shed that is sheltered from direct sunlight and temperature extremes on both ends. Stability of temperature is ideal. Never store gasoline in a structure you can’t afford to lose if it burns down.
Fuel is essential for survival, yet most of us must make do with what we have because we do not live in an optimum climate for fuel storage. When storing fuel, safety must be a major priority. If you store fuel incorrectly, your homeowner’s insurance policy may be voided if you have a fire. Check with your insurance agent to be sure you’re adhering to your policy’s restrictions.
In the event of a fire, a flammable storage cabinet is an excellent way to store fuel and keep it confined. The storage cabinets have self-closing hinges and are ventilated. These metal cabinets are costly, but they allow you to properly store fuels in your garage. To avoid static build-up, it’s critical to ground storage cabinets.
Always store fuel in containers intended particularly for that fuel and follow all storage recommendations on the Safety Data Sheet from the manufacturer.
Legal Restrictions and Common-Sense Practices
We highly advise you to observe all applicable legal standards and use common sense when storing your fuel. Depending on where you live, there will be different legal restrictions on gasoline storage. Your local fire department will be the finest source of factual information for your area. Our post Safe Emergency Fuel Storage Guidelines contains an example of legal guidelines.
Fuels are hazardous and must be treated with caution. Always keep in mind the people who may be affected by the fuels you store. Make them the most important thing in your life.
How Much Fuel Do I Need to Store for Emergencies?
How much fuel do you need to keep on hand in case of an emergency? That is debatable. What are you getting ready for? How long do you think you’ll be without access to public services?
The photo depicts a large backup generator for a local public utility, complete with diesel fuel tanks. In most cases, you won’t require something that outstanding to meet your demands in an emergency. If money isn’t an issue, you may put in fantastic backup solutions for your home. The majority of us are just concerned with stockpiling enough fuel to last till things return to normal.
Check out this Action Plan – Fuel Safety and Storage to get you started calculating how much food, water, and other supplies your family will require to get through a catastrophe. Spending a little effort and money now could go a long way toward ensuring that you have the fuel you need to cook your food and remain warm if you lose power or natural gas.
Conclusion
Water, food, air, and fuel are the four essential necessities for survival. This puts fuel at the top of the priority list. Storing fuels is far riskier than storing grains or water. Make sure you set up some extra time.
in learning about the fuels you keep on hand and the best procedures for keeping them securely. For more information on a variety of fuels, check see our post How to Safely Store Fuel for Emergencies.
How long does butane last in storage?
Sealable butane canisters, in general, do not go bad; in fact, experts agree that they can last up to ten years, perhaps even longer. Butane canisters that have been opened but have not been used for a while are still flammable and will operate in your camping stove, although the quality of the gas may diminish over time.
