Which type of orifice is larger for 1000 Btu: natural gas or LP gas?

The correct answer is that natural gas orifices are larger for 1000 Btu. This is because natural gas has a lower heating value compared to liquefied petroleum (LP) gas.

When it comes to gas appliances, the orifice size is critical for regulating the amount of gas that flows to the burner. Natural gas, which consists primarily of methane, has a lower specific energy content per cubic foot relative to LP gas, which is denser and has a higher energy content. As a result, to achieve the same amount of heat output (in this case, 1000 Btu), natural gas requires a larger orifice to allow more gas to flow through it.

LP gas, on the other hand, is more energy-dense, meaning less volume of gas is required to produce the same amount of heat. Therefore, for applications needing equivalent heating values, the orifices for LP gas would be smaller compared to those used for natural gas.

Understanding this principle is essential for ensuring that gas appliances operate safely and efficiently, as using an incorrect orifice size can lead to poor combustion, increased emissions, and potential safety hazards.