Any substance that, when reacting with oxygen, produces heat, gas or flame is considered a fuel. In nature it is possible to find different energy sources, which can be renewable or non-renewable. Butane, for example, is a non-renewable fuel, as it is a petroleum derivative.
Widely used as cooking gas, this fuel, obtained by slowly heating oil, is a gaseous hydrocarbon, whose chemical formula is C4H10. Butane is a colorless gas, highly flammable, toxic and odorless, that is, it does not have an odor.
As it has no odor, a substance with a detectable odor is introduced into containers with butane (cylinder or pipelines), otherwise it would not be possible to detect a leak, thus making it difficult to control possible accidents.
In addition to cooking gas, butane is very common in lighters, as a raw material in the production of synthetic rubber, heating saunas and swimming pools, in addition to having been used as fuel for blimps. As it is highly flammable, presenting a great risk of explosion, butane must be stored in safe places.
By Wagner de Cerqueira and Francisco
Graduated in Geography
Brazil School Team
Fossil fuels - fuels - geography - Brazil School