Butane Gas Heater - Am I going to Die?

Oops the better half and google dispute this - so best ignore the above post!

Cheers

The ventilation holes are still a great idea John. Both Carbon Monoxide and dioxide are not heavier than air. The butane is though so any gas leak will pool on the floor of a camper/tent. There have been a lot of deaths in Europe and eastern block countries in bathrooms as they use an internally mounted, gas fired instantaneuos hot water system that produces monoxide. Eclosed bathroom...carbon monoxide, sleepy time for sure.

Hi Mick,

Must disagree with just one point you make (and risk getting off topic!). CO, carbon monoxide is very close to the same density as O2, oxygen and N2 nitrogen, the major components of air. In fact the 3 elements C,N,and O are adjacent in the periodic table so have very similar mass. CO, O2 and N2 molecules each consist of 2 atoms. BUT the CO2 molecule consists of 3 atoms, so it is roughly 50% heavier than the others. Consequently it tends to fall and can even pool like a liquid in depressions. Fortunately it's non toxic.

I once had a near death experience with CO2. We were filling a huge grain shed with it to displace the air and hence control grain insects. CO2 had leaked and filled the underground area where wheat was tipped to feed the elevator. Without thinking I started to climb down to retrieve a dropped tool. It was just like climbing down into a swimming pool filled with invisible water. Once my head went below the surface the breathing reflex, usually triggered by our own CO2 production kicked in. Fortunately I realised what was happening (CO2 plus saliva goes to carbonic acid which tastes pretty sharp!) and managed to avoid more than that one breath while taking that one step up the ladder to clear air. No long term effects, but, believe me, CO2 is heavier than air!!

Cheers

John

Hi John, still not quite right, more than 5% CO2 in air can be lethal even if there is oxygen available. But you're certainly right about CO2 being heavier than air, as what you describe in the grain silo can happen naturally in limestone caves if there is no air circulation.
Normally in rooms, etc there is enough stirring of the air to get the gasses to mix up, but if conditions are very quiet then a gas leak can pool.
And if you had a gas heater going in an enclosed space, you'd probably find it would start "raining" in the morning, from condensed water vapour!

Cheers, John

Thanks John and John,

great answers. Carbonic acid as an indicator is a worthwhile tip.

Cheers Mick