UK Cigar Scene Magazine October Issue 10 | Page 14
Butane Basics
By Michael Barrett
Every time I see a fellow cigar fanatic pick up a can of Butane lighter fuel and give it a
vigorous shake before filling his lighter, I cringe. There are a few unfortunate myths about
Butane and lighters so let’s get scientific about this not so obvious topic.
So first let’s debunk some Butane myths:
Myth # 1 - As the lighter empties, it fills with air.
If you don’t believe there is enough pressure in a lighter “to keep the air out”, guess
again. Liquid Butane changes to a gas as this gas exits the lighter through the
output valve, reducing the pressure which is keeping the Butane liquid. There is
always more pressure in the lighter than outside, otherwise the valves would not
work to keep the fuel in.
Myth # 2 - Shaking up the refill can “mixes” up the Butane for better filling.
It’s not paint.
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Unfortunately, the lighter should, for
the same reason be filled with the fill
Butane is a gas at room temperature and
valve down (so the liquid stays near the
pressure. When you transfer it under
valve) but it’s impossible to do both, so
pressure to the lighter via the inlet
you should always bleed the excess gas
valve, it will remain liquid, but turns to
pressure out of the lighter before filling,
gas when you release the pressure: when
keeping the inlet (filler) valve up as you
you let the gas release through the outlet
depress it with a small tool or whatever.
valve and orifices where it is ignited.
I have a number of clear-bodied lighters,
There is always a bit of Butane gas in the
and you can actually see the surface
lighter; more as it empties, since there
of the remaining Butane “boil” as you
is less pressure in the pressure chamber
release the pressure. Very instructive.
as you remove fuel. Ditto with the refill
can. That is why you hold the can with
Shaking the can does nothing but
the tip down- the liquid fuel is then at
encourage more liquid to turn to gas
the bottom and goes into the lighter, the (adds energy), reducing the amount
gas stays up at the top.
available for transfer