Table of Contents
Advertisement
a problem. The correct line pressure should be 6 ¼ oz. or 11 inches of water column.
Because air is required for proper operation of the regulator, it is very important that
the regulator vent is kept clean and free of dirt and debris. This is why it is necessary
to keep the vent facing downward and the regulator covered to protect if from
contamination. A toothbrush can be used to clean the vent if it becomes clogged by
foreign matter.
If you believe a regulator has been damaged or otherwise is not functioning, have it
replaced by a qualified propane gas service representative.
During cold weather, it is important to keep ice from forming in the regulator, which will
shut off the flow of propane gas to the appliances. Have the supplier add a hydrous
methanol when filling the tank for use during cold weather. Regulator freeze-up can
occur in any weather if there is moisture in the tank, or if the tank has been over-filled.
Always use moisture-free propane gas, and make sure the tank has not been filled
beyond 80% of capacity. If moisture has entered the tank, have the tank purged, or
have hydrous methanol added by an authorized propane gas supplier.
The term regulator freeze-up is a misleading one. Regulators and propane gas do
not freeze. However, the moisture that can be contained in the gas will freeze as the
gas expands and cools passing through the regulator. This freezing of the moisture
in the gas can build up and partially or totally block the passage of the gas through
the regulator. Freezing can also occur when outside temperatures are low enough to
contribute to the freezing of the moisture in the gas.
The source of the moisture is varied. It can occur at the refinery or gas bulk plant, in
the rail cars used to transport the gas, or even within the motorhome propane gas
tank. Moisture in a propane gas tank can occur when a tank service valve is left open,
allowing moist air to enter and become trapped.
A two-staged regulator helps to reduce the possibility of freeze-up because of its larger
orifice size, and the fact that heat is transferred through the walls of two regulators
instead of just one.
Take these steps to inhibit or prevent this from happening:
1. Make sure that the propane gas tank is free of moisture before refilling
2. DO NOT overfill the propane gas tank.
3. Make sure to keep the service valve on an empty tank closed.
4. If freezing has occurred, have your propane gas dealer purge the propane
gas tank before refilling.
5. Add a hydrous methanol or other approved propane gas antifreeze or
de-icing agent to the propane gas tank.
6. Keep the regulator covered at all times.
Note:
IF FREEZE-UP DOES OCCUR, shut off the propane gas at the
tank. A frozen regulator may permit propane gas to flow at high
pressure, resulting in leaks at appliances or in the lines. If freeze-up
does occur, NEVER attempt to thaw with an open flame. Once
thawed, be sure to take the proper steps to prevent a reoccurrence.
Have the system checked by your propane gas supplier if freeze-up
continues.
Remember that as outside temperatures drop, the BTU value of the propane gas
is lessened, since the colder liquid propane in the tanks requires the heat from the
LP System
Regulator Freeze-Up
117
Advertisement
Table of Contents
