About Butane. Butane (a.k.a. Butanes) refers to a group of alkane isomers with four carbon atoms. There are different isomers depending on the molecule structure. It is a highly flammable and colorless gas. It is one of the hydrocarbons present in a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) mixture. The main source of butanes is petrol distillation, but they can also be synthesized with syngas.
Butane trade may occur in the spot market for immediate delivery. Spot prices, unlike contract prices, depend on commodity availability and are vulnerable to disruptions like plant closures, natural disasters, supply shortages, or changes in regulations by country governments. Conversely, lower demand and increased producer inventories tend to drive spot prices down.
Butane Handling. Bulk Isobutane is usually shipped by pipeline, rail cars, barges, see tankers, tank trucks and metal bottles around the globe. Liquid butane may be stored both above and below ground. Besides storage in liquefied form under its vapor pressure at normal atmospheric temperatures, refrigerated liquid storage at atmospheric pressure may be used. The compound is extremely flammable, so it must be transported and stored away from heat, sparks, flame, or other sources of ignition.
Butane Uses. Butane is a very versatile commodity: it is used in various organic synthesis and in hydrogen production worldwide. It is also a key synthetic rubber precursor; aerosol propellant; refrigerant; and industrial solvent. In gasoline blending, it plays an important role since it has a high octane number and is capable of raising the Reid vapor pressure (RVP), which is crucial for winter fuels. As a refrigerant, butane is a much more environment-friendly alternative and has largely replaced halomethanes (CFC).
