Gas Comparison Chart
This is an interesting table which shows some characteristics of different gas flames as they come out of a torch.This chart compares the flames you would find coming out of a standard hand-held torch.
| Butane | Propane | MAPP | Acetylene | |
| Flame Temperature in Air (°F) | 3,200 | 3,450 | 3,650 | 4,350 |
| Total Heating Value (BTU/CuFt) | 3,374 | 2,498 | 2,406 | 1,470 |
| Primary Combustion Heating Value (BTU/CuFt) | 315 | 255 | 517 | 507 |
| Specific Gravity of Gas in Air | 2.076 | 1.52 | 1.48 | 0.906 |
| Pounds Per Gallon | 4.7 | 4.24 | 4.8 | N/A |
| Explosive Limits in Air (%) | 1.9 - 8.5 | 2.2 - 9.5 | 3.4 - 10.8 | 2.5 - 80.00 |
| Toxicity | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Shock Sensitivity | Stable | Stable | Stable | Unstable |
| Tendency to Backfire | Slight | Slight | Slight to Moderate | Considerable |
| Vapor Pressure @ 70°F | 30 | 125 | 120 | 250 |
| Reactions to Backfire | Few Restrictions | Few Restrictions | Avoid unalloyed Silver, Alloys containing more than 67% Copper & Magnesium | Avoid alloys with more than 67% Copper |