1. Make sure to read the Safety Data Sheets and safety information on the cylinder / cartridge itself.

2. LPG in its natural stage is odorless, however when stored and transported in cartridges / cylinders, an odor is inserted. In case of a leak, you will be able to smell the odor.

3. Store and transport the cartridge / cylinder in an upright position. During storage, make sure it's well ventilated.

4. When you are done working, always make sure to shut off the valve of your torch and disconnect it from your gas cartridge / cylinder for maximum safety.

4. If you are operating a business (for example a workshop) and have many cartridges / cylinders, follow your local regulations regarding signage and storing of dangerous goods. This is important in case of a fire / accident. The fire services will be able to identify which type of gas is stored and will proceed accordingly.

The main difference between a cartridge and a cylinder is the gas mixture, material and pressure.

A cartridge is made out aluminium and contains a mix of propane and butane and is pressurized up to 12,5 bar (181 PSI) at 50° Celsius (122° Fahrenheit).

A cylinder is made out of steel and contains pure propane or propene and is pressurized up to 27 bar (391 PSI) at 50° Celsius (122° Fahrenheit).

Propane, propene, and butane are all hydrocarbon gases, but they have distinct chemical structures and properties:

Propane (C3H8)

Propane is an alkane with three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms. Its chemical formula is C3H8. Propane has the following characteristics:

• Boiling point of -42° Celsius (-43,6° Fahrenheit), making it suitable for use in cold climates.
• Easily liquefied under pressure, allowing for convenient storage and transport.

Propene (C3H6)

Propene, also known as propylene, is an alkene with three carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms. Its chemical formula is C3H6. Propene differs from propane in that it has a double bond between two of its carbon atoms.

Butane (C4H10)

Butane is an alkane with four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms. Butane has the following properties:

• Boiling point between -1° Celsius (30° Fahrenheit) to 1° Celsius (34° Fahrenheit) higher than propane.
• Easily liquefied and vaporized at room temperature.

Key Differences

1. Chemical structure: Propane has three carbon atoms, propene has three carbon atoms with a double bond, and butane has four carbon atoms
2. Boiling point: Propane has a lower boiling point -42° Celsius (-43,6° Fahrenheit) compared to butane -1° Celsius (30° Fahrenheit), making propane more suitable for colder climates.
3. Applications: While both propane and butane are used as fuels, propane is more commonly used for outdoor and cold-weather applications, whereas butane is often used in portable devices and as a propellant.
4. Energy content: Butane has a higher energy content per unit volume compared to propane, but propane is more efficient in combustion.

These differences in chemical structure and properties make each gas suitable for specific applications in various industries and everyday use.

Disposable Gas Cartridges / Cylinders are one time use meaning that once they are consumed you can no longer use them or refill them. It's in fact illegal to try and refill them because they are not designed for it.

Refillable Gas Cylinders are designed to be refilled. Depending on the country, check your local regulations if you are allowed to do it yourself or use a professional gas filling provider.

This varies from different countries and the type of gas cartridge / cylinder.  Check with your local municipal to act accordingly.

It depends on your application, weather conditions and the type of torch handle / burner and regulator connection.

For regular weather conditions in combination with blowtorches:

Powergas - EU 7/16" valve. This is a Propane / Butane mix and suitable for general heating applications such as soldering.

Ultragas - EU 7/16" valve. This is also a mixture a Propane / Butane mixture for general heating applications such as soldering. However, the Ultragas has a built-in sponge that allows the torch to be used upside down with no flare-ups in case you are in tight spaces and can't use the torch in it's upright position. Read the instruction manual of your hand-held torch for more information.

For cold weather conditions in combination with blowtorches:

Propane - UNEF 1" valve. This contains pure Propane and operates at a higher pressure meaning it's suitable for demanding applications like brazing. Propane  allows the torch to be used upside down with no flare-ups in case you are in tight spaces and can't use the torch in it's upright position and has a lower ignition point so it can be used during colder weather.

MAPP - UNEF 1" valve. This contains pure Propene and operates at a higher pressure meaning it's suitable for demanding applications like brazing. Propene  allows the torch to be used upside down with no flare-ups in case you are in tight spaces and can't use the torch in it's upright position and has a lower ignition point so it can be used during colder weather. Propene is more effective at reaching it's peak temperature compared to Propane.

Refillable Propane Cylinders - M14 x 1,5 valve. This cylinder contains pure Propane and operates at a higher pressure meaning it's suitable for demanding applications like brazing. Propane allows the torch to be used upside down with no flare-ups in case you are in tight spaces and can't use the torch in it's upright position and has a lower ignition point so it can be used during colder weather. This cylinder can be refilled. Consult with your local regulations about refilling.

For all weather conditions in combination with torch systems:

Refillable Propane Cylinders - M14 x 1,5 valve. Larger refillable cylinders ranging from 350 - 2000 grams that are suitable for torch systems. Contains Propane and mostly used by professional users in their daily applications such as soldering, brazing, sheet metal brazing. These cylinders can be refilled. Consult with your local regulations about refilling.

Gas Expansion & Pressure Drop

Inside the cartridge or cylinder, LPG is stored as a liquid under pressure. When you open the valve, the pressure drops, and liquid LPG rapidly evaporates into gas. This phase change absorbs heat from the surroundings, including the metal container.

Heat Absorption from the Cylinder Walls

As the gas evaporates, it draws heat away from the metal walls of the cartridge or cylinder, making them feel cold to the touch. In extreme cases (high flow rate or continuous use), frost can form on the outside because moisture in the air condenses and freezes on the cold surface.

Gas Cartridges: EN 417
Gas Cylinders: ISO 11118

Gas Cartridges (propane / butane mix) are according to UN 2037.

Gas Cylinders (pure propane) are according to UN 1978.

Gas Cylinders (pure propene) are according to UN 1077.

Disposable Cartridges / Cylinders do not have an expiration date.

Refillable Cylinders usually undergo a regular safety inspection when you refill at your gas filling supplier.