Revisions to What's the difference between white gas, propane, kerosene, and gasoline?

Corrected spelling, and a misconception about the chemical nature of "white gas". I've been absent from eastern Canada much longer than I lived there, but it's still Naphtha in Victoria, BC, and my petroleum chemistry texts (viz. http://www.eolss.net/Sample-Chapters/C08/E6-186-05.pdf)

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edit approved Jul 18, 2018 at 5:19

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1

White Gas / Naphtha

Burns clean without any smell and/or effect on food taste.
Accidental Spilling of the fuel is not much to be worried about. Evaporates very quickly, without leaving an odor. That said, make a note that the spilled fuel is very flammable
White gas is safer to store and transport than probably most of the other products.
Additional information: White gas is basically gasoline without the additives you find in the stuff that goes in your cara more volatile distillate of petroleum, to which no poisonous automotive-oriented chemicals have been added. It is much safer to store and use, with far superior shelf-life than gasoline/petrol (Credits: A comment from Mark, belowhttps://www.britannica.com/science/naphtha).

In the UK, 'Coleman fuel' is same as what is known as 'White Gas' in America.
'Propane' and 'Butane' are two universal terms for two different chemical compounds.
(Some people find it hard to understand what this means, So, it means, Propane is not equal to Butane, those are two different chemical comppounds. The compound which people around you call as 'Propane', probably almost everywhere in the world its called 'Propane', same goes for a different compound called Butane.)
US 'Kerosene' is UK 'paraffin', the same in India is 'Kerosene' and more popularly known as 'Rockel'.
US 'Gasoline' is UK 'Petrol'.
In the UK, they also have 'White spirit' which should not be confused with 'White gas', it's not the same thing.
'White Gas/Coleman Fuel' is called 'Naptha''Naphtha' in Eastern Canada, and English-speaking chemistry labs.

White Gas

Burns clean without any smell and/or effect on food taste.
Accidental Spilling of the fuel is not much to be worried about. Evaporates very quickly, without leaving an odor. That said, make a note that the spilled fuel is very flammable
White gas is safer to store and transport than probably most of the other products.
Additional information: White gas is basically gasoline without the additives you find in the stuff that goes in your car. (Credits: A comment from Mark, below)

In the UK, 'Coleman fuel' is same as what is known as 'White Gas' in America.
'Propane' and 'Butane' are two universal terms for two different chemical compounds.
(Some people find it hard to understand what this means, So, it means, Propane is not equal to Butane, those are two different chemical comppounds. The compound which people around you call as 'Propane', probably almost everywhere in the world its called 'Propane', same goes for a different compound called Butane.)
US 'Kerosene' is UK 'paraffin', the same in India is 'Kerosene' and more popularly known as 'Rockel'.
US 'Gasoline' is UK 'Petrol'.
In the UK, they also have 'White spirit' which should not be confused with 'White gas', it's not the same thing.
'White Gas/Coleman Fuel' is called 'Naptha' in Eastern Canada.

White Gas / Naphtha

Burns clean without any smell and/or effect on food taste.
Accidental Spilling of the fuel is not much to be worried about. Evaporates very quickly, without leaving an odor. That said, make a note that the spilled fuel is very flammable
White gas is safer to store and transport than probably most of the other products.
Additional information: White gas is a more volatile distillate of petroleum, to which no poisonous automotive-oriented chemicals have been added. It is much safer to store and use, with far superior shelf-life than gasoline/petrol (https://www.britannica.com/science/naphtha).

In the UK, 'Coleman fuel' is same as what is known as 'White Gas' in America.
'Propane' and 'Butane' are two universal terms for two different chemical compounds.
(Some people find it hard to understand what this means, So, it means, Propane is not equal to Butane, those are two different chemical comppounds. The compound which people around you call as 'Propane', probably almost everywhere in the world its called 'Propane', same goes for a different compound called Butane.)
US 'Kerosene' is UK 'paraffin', the same in India is 'Kerosene' and more popularly known as 'Rockel'.
US 'Gasoline' is UK 'Petrol'.
In the UK, they also have 'White spirit' which should not be confused with 'White gas', it's not the same thing.
'White Gas/Coleman Fuel' is called 'Naphtha' in Eastern Canada, and English-speaking chemistry labs.

added 321 characters in body

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edited Apr 18, 2017 at 8:33

WedaPashi ♦

31.8k
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276

I'd try and be more specific towards the kind of the fuel we are talking about:

White Gas

Burns clean without any smell and/or effect on food taste.
Accidental Spilling of the fuel is not much to be worried about. Evaporates very quickly, without leaving an odor. That said, make a note that the spilled fuel is very flammable
White gas is safer to store and transport than probably most of the other products.
Additional information: White gas is basically gasoline without the additives you find in the stuff that goes in your car. (Credits: A comment from Mark, below)

Propane/Butane/Isobutane Gas

A Propane gas stove would most likely be a Canister type? So, pressurized fuel? : Might be more dangerous if canister is leaking?
Most of the products that are available are the ones that work on Propane and Primarily Isobutane. They burn hot and clean.
Pressurized fuel = No Pumping, preheating required.
No spill play at all as the canister holds the pressurized gas, so self-seals when the stove is detached: Safe!
As you don't pourpour the fuel into the canister yourself, its difficult to gauge remaining fuel level.
Performance degrades aswhen the fuel is consumed sincebeyond a certain level because the pressure is releasednot enough to inject the fuel into the jets. Take an example of a aerosol deodorant. So, when nearly emptied, the remaining fuel is apparently useless.
Fuel is more expensive.
If its Butane, it doesn't work in freezing conditions.

If its Propane, it will work under conditions roughly upto -32 C. I know someone who has used it at that temperature.

Kerosene Stove

function really well in extremely cold temperatures.
Burns hot, better than Alcohol stoves.
Relatively inexpensive fuel.
Needs proper storing, since it evaporates slowly if spilled.
Prone to spills during the pouring process. But, spilled fuel won't ignite easily.
Not Odorless.
Many of the Kerosene based stoves need pumping and pre-heating.

Some points about common terms used in different parts of the world. Thanks to A E for suggesting this concept and the data provided. I have done a mere copy+paste from comments.

It would be helpful if this question/answer also contains the translation for non-American readers.

In the UK, 'Coleman fuel' is same as what is known as 'White Gas' in America.
Terms for 'Propane' and 'Butane' are (somewhat) two universal terms for two different chemical compounds.
(Some people find it hard to understand what this means., So, ifit means, PropanePropane is not equal to ButaneButane, those are two different chemical comppounds. The compound which people around you call as 'Propane', probably almost everywhere in the world its called 'Propane', same goes for a different compound called Butane.)
US 'Kerosene' is UK 'paraffin', the same in India is 'Kerosene' and more popularly known as 'Rockel'.
US 'Gasoline' is UK 'Petrol'.
In the UK, they also have 'White spirit' which should not be confused with 'White gas', it's not the same thing.
'White Gas/Coleman Fuel' is called 'Naptha' in Eastern Canada.

I'd try and be more specific towards the kind of the fuel we are talking about:

White Gas

Burns clean without any smell and/or effect on food taste.
Accidental Spilling of the fuel is not much to be worried about. Evaporates very quickly, without leaving an odor. That said, make a note that the spilled fuel is very flammable
White gas is safer to store and transport than probably most of the other products.
Additional information: White gas is basically gasoline without the additives you find in the stuff that goes in your car. (Credits: A comment from Mark, below)

Propane Gas

A Propane gas stove would most likely be a Canister type? So, pressurized fuel? : Might be more dangerous if canister is leaking?
Most of the products that are available are the ones that work on Propane and Primarily Isobutane. They burn hot and clean.
Pressurized fuel = No Pumping, preheating required.
No spill play at all as the canister holds the pressurized gas, so self-seals when the stove is detached: Safe!
As you don't pour the fuel into the canister, its difficult to gauge remaining fuel level.
Performance degrades as the fuel is consumed since the pressure is released. So, when nearly emptied, the remaining fuel is apparently useless.
Fuel is more expensive.

Kerosene Stove

function really well in extremely cold temperatures.
Burns hot, better than Alcohol stoves.
Relatively inexpensive fuel.
Needs proper storing, since it evaporates slowly if spilled.
Prone to spills during the pouring process. But, spilled fuel won't ignite easily.
Not Odorless.
Many of the Kerosene based stoves need pumping and pre-heating.

Some points about common terms used in different parts of the world. Thanks to A E for suggesting this concept and the data provided. I have done a mere copy+paste from comments.

It would be helpful if this question/answer also contains the translation for non-American readers.

In the UK, 'Coleman fuel' is same as what is known as 'White Gas' in America.
Terms for 'Propane' and 'Butane' are (somewhat) two universal terms for two different chemical compounds. (Some people find it hard to understand what this means. So, if means, Propane is not equal to Butane. The compound which people around you call as 'Propane', probably almost everywhere in the world its called 'Propane', same goes for a different compound called Butane.)
US 'Kerosene' is UK 'paraffin', the same in India is 'Kerosene' and more popularly known as 'Rockel'.
US 'Gasoline' is UK 'Petrol'.
In the UK, they also have 'White spirit' which should not be confused with 'White gas', it's not the same thing.
'White Gas/Coleman Fuel' is called 'Naptha' in Eastern Canada.

I'd try and be more specific towards the kind of the fuel we are talking about:

White Gas

Burns clean without any smell and/or effect on food taste.
Accidental Spilling of the fuel is not much to be worried about. Evaporates very quickly, without leaving an odor. That said, make a note that the spilled fuel is very flammable
White gas is safer to store and transport than probably most of the other products.
Additional information: White gas is basically gasoline without the additives you find in the stuff that goes in your car. (Credits: A comment from Mark, below)

Propane/Butane/Isobutane Gas

A Propane gas stove would most likely be a Canister type? So, pressurized fuel? : Might be more dangerous if canister is leaking?
Most of the products that are available are the ones that work on Propane and Primarily Isobutane. They burn hot and clean.
Pressurized fuel = No Pumping, preheating required.
No spill play at all as the canister holds the pressurized gas, so self-seals when the stove is detached: Safe!
As you don't pour the fuel into the canister yourself, its difficult to gauge remaining fuel level.
Performance degrades when the fuel is consumed beyond a certain level because the pressure is not enough to inject the fuel into the jets. Take an example of a aerosol deodorant. So, when nearly emptied, the remaining fuel is apparently useless.
Fuel is more expensive.
If its Butane, it doesn't work in freezing conditions.

If its Propane, it will work under conditions roughly upto -32 C. I know someone who has used it at that temperature.

Kerosene Stove

function really well in extremely cold temperatures.
Burns hot, better than Alcohol stoves.
Relatively inexpensive fuel.
Needs proper storing, since it evaporates slowly if spilled.
Prone to spills during the pouring process. But, spilled fuel won't ignite easily.
Not Odorless.
Many of the Kerosene based stoves need pumping and pre-heating.

Some points about common terms used in different parts of the world. Thanks to A E for suggesting this concept and the data provided. I have done a mere copy+paste from comments.

It would be helpful if this question/answer also contains the translation for non-American readers.

In the UK, 'Coleman fuel' is same as what is known as 'White Gas' in America.
'Propane' and 'Butane' are two universal terms for two different chemical compounds.
(Some people find it hard to understand what this means, So, it means, Propane is not equal to Butane, those are two different chemical comppounds. The compound which people around you call as 'Propane', probably almost everywhere in the world its called 'Propane', same goes for a different compound called Butane.)
US 'Kerosene' is UK 'paraffin', the same in India is 'Kerosene' and more popularly known as 'Rockel'.
US 'Gasoline' is UK 'Petrol'.
In the UK, they also have 'White spirit' which should not be confused with 'White gas', it's not the same thing.
'White Gas/Coleman Fuel' is called 'Naptha' in Eastern Canada.

added 321 characters in body

Source Link

edited Apr 18, 2017 at 8:25

WedaPashi ♦

31.8k
22
112
276

I'd try and be more specific towards the kind of the fuel we are talking about:

White Gas

Burns clean without any smell and/or effect on food taste.
Accidental Spilling of the fuel is not much to be worried about. Evaporates very quickly, without leaving an odor. That said, make a note that the spilled fuel is very flammable
White gas is safer to store and transport than probably most of the other products.
Additional information: White gas is basically gasoline without the additives you find in the stuff that goes in your car. (Credits: A comment from Mark, below)

Propane Gas

A Propane gas stove would most likely be a Canister type? So, pressurized fuel? : Might be more dangerous if canister is leaking?
Most of the products that are available are the ones that work on Propane and Primarily Isobutane. They burn hot and clean.
Pressurized fuel = No Pumping, preheating required.
No spill play at all as the canister holds the pressurized gas, so self-seals when the stove is detached: Safe!
As you don't pour the fuel into the canister, its difficult to gauge remaining fuel level.
Performance degrades as the fuel is consumed since the pressure is released. So, when nearly emptied, the remaining fuel is apparently useless.
Fuel is more expensive.

Kerosene Stove

function really well in extremely cold temperatures.
Burns hot, better than Alcohol stoves.
Relatively inexpensive fuel.
Needs proper storing, since it evaporates slowly if spilled.
Prone to spills during the pouring process. But, spilled fuel won't ignite easily.
Not Odorless.
Many of the Kerosene based stoves need pumping and pre-heating.

Some points about common terms used in different parts of the world. Thanks to A E for suggesting this concept and the data provided. I have done a mere copy+paste from comments.

It would be helpful if this question/answer also contains the translation for non-American readers.

In the UK, 'Coleman fuel' is same as what is known as 'White Gas' in America.
Terms for 'Propane' and 'Butane' are (somewhat) two universal terms for two different chemical compounds. (Some people find it hard to understand what this means. So, if means, Propane is not equal to Butane. The compound which people around you call as 'Propane', probably almost everywhere in the world its called 'Propane', same goes for a different compound called Butane.)
US 'Kerosene' is UK 'paraffin', the same in India is 'Kerosene' and more popularly known as 'Rockel'.
US 'Gasoline' is UK 'Petrol'.
In the UK, they also have 'White spirit' which should not be confused with 'White gas', it's not the same thing.
'White Gas/Coleman Fuel' is called 'Naptha' in Eastern Canada.

I'd try and be more specific towards the kind of the fuel we are talking about:

White Gas

Burns clean without any smell and/or effect on food taste.
Accidental Spilling of the fuel is not much to be worried about. Evaporates very quickly, without leaving an odor. That said, make a note that the spilled fuel is very flammable
White gas is safer to store and transport than probably most of the other products.
Additional information: White gas is basically gasoline without the additives you find in the stuff that goes in your car. (Credits: A comment from Mark, below)

Propane Gas

A Propane gas stove would most likely be a Canister type? So, pressurized fuel? : Might be more dangerous if canister is leaking?
Most of the products that are available are the ones that work on Propane and Primarily Isobutane. They burn hot and clean.
Pressurized fuel = No Pumping, preheating required.
No spill play at all as the canister holds the pressurized gas, so self-seals when the stove is detached: Safe!
As you don't pour the fuel into the canister, its difficult to gauge remaining fuel level.
Performance degrades as the fuel is consumed since the pressure is released. So, when nearly emptied, the remaining fuel is apparently useless.
Fuel is more expensive.

Kerosene Stove

function really well in extremely cold temperatures.
Burns hot, better than Alcohol stoves.
Relatively inexpensive fuel.
Needs proper storing, since it evaporates slowly if spilled.
Prone to spills during the pouring process. But, spilled fuel won't ignite easily.
Not Odorless.
Many of the Kerosene based stoves need pumping and pre-heating.

Some points about common terms used in different parts of the world. Thanks to A E for suggesting this concept and the data provided. I have done a mere copy+paste from comments.

It would be helpful if this question/answer also contains the translation for non-American readers.

In the UK, 'Coleman fuel' is same as what is known as 'White Gas' in America.
Terms for 'Propane' and 'Butane' are (somewhat) universal.
US 'Kerosene' is UK 'paraffin', the same in India is 'Kerosene' and more popularly known as 'Rockel'.
US 'Gasoline' is UK 'Petrol'.
In the UK, they also have 'White spirit' which should not be confused with 'White gas', it's not the same thing.
'White Gas/Coleman Fuel' is called 'Naptha' in Eastern Canada.

I'd try and be more specific towards the kind of the fuel we are talking about:

White Gas

Burns clean without any smell and/or effect on food taste.
Accidental Spilling of the fuel is not much to be worried about. Evaporates very quickly, without leaving an odor. That said, make a note that the spilled fuel is very flammable
White gas is safer to store and transport than probably most of the other products.
Additional information: White gas is basically gasoline without the additives you find in the stuff that goes in your car. (Credits: A comment from Mark, below)

Propane Gas

A Propane gas stove would most likely be a Canister type? So, pressurized fuel? : Might be more dangerous if canister is leaking?
Most of the products that are available are the ones that work on Propane and Primarily Isobutane. They burn hot and clean.
Pressurized fuel = No Pumping, preheating required.
No spill play at all as the canister holds the pressurized gas, so self-seals when the stove is detached: Safe!
As you don't pour the fuel into the canister, its difficult to gauge remaining fuel level.
Performance degrades as the fuel is consumed since the pressure is released. So, when nearly emptied, the remaining fuel is apparently useless.
Fuel is more expensive.

Kerosene Stove

function really well in extremely cold temperatures.
Burns hot, better than Alcohol stoves.
Relatively inexpensive fuel.
Needs proper storing, since it evaporates slowly if spilled.
Prone to spills during the pouring process. But, spilled fuel won't ignite easily.
Not Odorless.
Many of the Kerosene based stoves need pumping and pre-heating.

Some points about common terms used in different parts of the world. Thanks to A E for suggesting this concept and the data provided. I have done a mere copy+paste from comments.

It would be helpful if this question/answer also contains the translation for non-American readers.

In the UK, 'Coleman fuel' is same as what is known as 'White Gas' in America.
Terms for 'Propane' and 'Butane' are (somewhat) two universal terms for two different chemical compounds. (Some people find it hard to understand what this means. So, if means, Propane is not equal to Butane. The compound which people around you call as 'Propane', probably almost everywhere in the world its called 'Propane', same goes for a different compound called Butane.)
US 'Kerosene' is UK 'paraffin', the same in India is 'Kerosene' and more popularly known as 'Rockel'.
US 'Gasoline' is UK 'Petrol'.
In the UK, they also have 'White spirit' which should not be confused with 'White gas', it's not the same thing.
'White Gas/Coleman Fuel' is called 'Naptha' in Eastern Canada.