yeah, what floppy said. the blue, butane, freezes at about +2 to +3 dc. the red one , propane, tends to cope with colder temps much better. freezes at about -5 to -8 dc.
We use red, and have not had a problem so far. Saying that, it has warmed up each time before we cook breakfast. Use EHU for everything else if we have it.
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What is the operating temperature range for each of the gases?
BS 5482 part 1 states: "For Butane cylinders, satisfactory service might not be obtained at a temperature of less than 10°C; the most suitable temperature range is from 13 to 30°C. For temperatures less than 13°C, the use of propane should be considered."
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We also used ours this new year gone. Did not notice any difference, although I did not look for any. I suppose most of the pipework is in the van, and that might help.
------------- Reality is an illusion created by lack of alcohol!!
Butane stops gassing completely at -2c, (freezing), however as changing from liquid to gas actually cools the bottle further it's little or no use at +2 or 3c as far as caravanning is concerned. Calors higher figures would be based on sustained high usage, (worse case scenario), which would reduce bottle temperature to 'freezing' point even when outside temperatures are quite mild, however in my experience relatively small caravan heaters don't draw of the gas to this high degree. It also has to be said that bottle diameter and hence the surface area of the liquid to gas interface has a direct influence on the ability to change state, ie, a bottle lent to one side will increase the surface area and allow more liquid to turn to gas at any given temperature above -2c. You must alway ensure the neck is not in liquid so it only works with bottles perhaps half full or less but useful to know if you get caught out.
There are no real problems with Propane as it gasses right down to -47c