What kind of propane regulator to use?

[Ralph Johnstone]

We just like the ship-board experience.

Time to 'fess up. I worked for RCCL from 2000 to 2005 as their Island Engineer on Coco Cay :

It was a retirement present to myself after escaping from my last job. It was fabulous.

If you were on the Majesty or Sovereign of the Seas and visited Coco Cay during that time, we may have bumped elbows without knowing it.

During our Canadian winters, I'd be willing to go back and work for food only.

Several years ago RCCL pumped 3/4 of a billion into the island. I visited two years ago to meet with the fellow who I had worked with 20 years ago who had moved up to my position. The equipment there is now top of the line for any operation anywhere I've travelled. Almost re-applied for any job I could get there.

 

[jssailem]

We enjoyed our visit with the grandkids on Coca Cay in 2023.

It was a great break from the Pacific Northwest cold. Seeing my 7-year-old granddaughter convince the guy controlling the Dueling Demons that she was able to take the plunge. Two drop slides launch riders 75 feet from a vertical position, launching her and dad on the water slide. All the while, she is telling her dad it will be okay. When the floor fell out, you could hear him screaming. I wish I had a video.

 

[Rich Stidger]

@Ralph Johnstone - Sweet job! We have been to Coco Cay several times, but I think not back as far as 2000-2005. And I don't think we have been on either of the two ships you mentioned.

I sent you a PM describing my work experience.

 

[jssailem]

Back to GAS...
I found this 2-stage Propane regulator. $37 seemed too good to be true. I just received the unit.



It weighs about 2.5 lbs. It feels substantial and well finished. Automatic switchover is possible with dual tanks. The regulator has a tank-empty indicator. It meets the 11"-12" (280mm +_ 50)H2O outlet pressure demand.

I'll let you know my hook-up experience.

 

[Rich Stidger]

Back to GAS...
I found this 2-stage Propane regulator. $37 seemed too good to be true. I just received the unit.

View attachment 227176

It weighs about 2.5 lbs. It feels substantial and well finished. Automatic switchover is possible with dual tanks. The regulator has a tank-empty indicator. It meets the 11"-12" (280mm +_ 50)H2O outlet pressure demand.

I'll let you know my hook-up experience.

View attachment 227179 View attachment 227180 View attachment 227177 View attachment 227178

Looks good if you have two tanks. I only have room for one 10# tank.

 

[jssailem]

Prior to my 2017 altercation with a helm less fishing boat, I had two tanks attached to the stern pulpit (one on each side of the stern). I just completed the build of a box (with the help of my sailing buddy Les) to house the tanks.

It will hold two 6lb aluminum tanks.

 

[Rich Stidger]

Prior to my 2017 altercation with a helm less fishing boat, I had two tanks attached to the stern pulpit (one on each side of the stern). I just completed the build of a box (with the help of my sailing buddy Les) to house the tanks.


It will hold two 6lb aluminum tanks.
View attachment 227191

Nice custom solution. Currently I have my stern rail pretty much filled with "stuff". One of the things is a custom 4" PVC tube with a vented cap at the bottom and a sealed cap with a tether at the top. This tube was pre-cut at Home Depot and very nicely holds three 1# propane tanks for my BBQ. It attaches to my rail with commonly available hinged clamps. I use refillable 1# tanks sold by Flame King. I refill from my 20# tanks at home with a simple inexpensive adapter that I put together. Refills only cost about 60 cents each. Four refills on each tank is the break-even point over buying the disposable tanks.

 

[jssailem]

I liked that tube idea when you first posted it a while back. I think I'll do the same as I finish outfitting my boat.

What adapter?

 

[Rich Stidger]

I don't have a picture of the refill adapter, so I will describe it.

Listed in order of connection:
POL or QCC tank adapter
female-female coupler
short length of brass piping
female-female elbow coupler
long length of brass piping
brass shut off ball valve
short length of brass piping
1# cylinder adapter (and coupler if needed)
All brass piping and adapters are 1/4"

The 20# source tank is turned upside down on a secure surface. It must be upside down so that liquid propane will fill the small tanks. The adapter is screwed onto the source tank with the valve and 1# adapter pointing down. Close the adapter valve and open the source tank valve. Briefly open the adapter valve to purge the air out of the adapter tubing. Attach the 1# tank to be filled. It will be in a vertical position. Open the adapter valve. Then open the bleeder port on the small tank to allow air to escape while the liquid propane flows into the tank. When liquid vapor sprays out of the bleeder port, shut the adapter valve and close the bleeder port. Done. Replace with another 1# tank and repeat.

 

[MikeHoncho]

The pressure fluctuation is the result of LPGs vapor pressure and is consistent with the data. They can get a little off due to LPG being a blend. Vapor Pressure is the reason the gauges you can buy at HD or Amazon are a complete fraud. Liquified gases will continue to generate their VP at a given temperature within a container as long as there is liquid. This means those inline gauges will read full until the tank has no more liquid then they will read empty.

Your regulator has an excessive flow valve. You vented too much volume of gas through the valve and it closes allowing a very small amount to go through. If you left the tank on and closed all the discharge points, the system would have repressurized again due to the small amount alowed to pass and in doing so, open/reset the excessive flow valve

 

[MikeHoncho]

I don't have a picture of the refill adapter, so I will describe it.

Listed in order of connection:
POL or QCC tank adapter
female-female coupler
short length of brass piping
female-female elbow coupler
long length of brass piping
brass shut off ball valve
short length of brass piping
1# cylinder adapter (and coupler if needed)
All brass piping and adapters are 1/4"

The 20# source tank is turned upside down on a secure surface. It must be upside down so that liquid propane will fill the small tanks. The adapter is screwed onto the source tank with the valve and 1# adapter pointing down. Close the adapter valve and open the source tank valve. Briefly open the adapter valve to purge the air out of the adapter tubing. Attach the 1# tank to be filled. It will be in a vertical position. Open the adapter valve. Then open the bleeder port on the small tank to allow air to escape while the liquid propane flows into the tank. When liquid vapor sprays out of the bleeder port, shut the adapter valve and close the bleeder port. Done. Replace with another 1# tank and repeat.

DO NOT REFILL one pound bottles with an adapter unless you are weighting them while doing it. By the law, you are not suppose to refill them regardless. They do not have OPD (overfill protection device) and you can easily overfill the tank. This is really bad because if there is no vapor space or not enough, you can rupture the tank due to hydraulic stress. The liquid expands due to heat and the tank fails. Not enough vapor space allows the same as previous but now you are also dealing with increased pressure due to vapor pressure. Now……if you do it right, fill them this way…….start with a little liquid in the 1lb tank. Take your adapter and screw it onto the 1lb tank allowing the tank to vent to atmosphere. You will feel it get really cold ( autorefrigeratiin) . With the tank really cold and now very low in pressure due to the temp and how vapor pressure works, fill the tank properly while weighing it. It will fill a lot faster. Obviously due this out in open space with no potential of ignition sources down low. I always use the tank right after filling to generate a vapor space in the event I don’t weight it correctly.

 

[Rich Stidger]

DO NOT REFILL one pound bottles with an adapter unless you are weighting them while doing it. By the law, you are not suppose to refill them regardless.

The bottles that I am refilling are designed to be refilled. They have a dip tube that will indicate the correct fill level. I do weigh them afterward to be sure of the correct amount.
These bottles are not the 1# disposable units.

 

[MikeHoncho]

The bottles that I am refilling are designed to be refilled. They have a dip tube that will indicate the correct fill level. I do weigh them afterward to be sure of the correct amount.
These bottles are not the 1# disposable units.

I just read-read you post and apology for not picking up on your statement on opening the vent on the 1lb bottle. I should have noticed it as the typical 1lb disposable bottles do not have these. Unfortunately most others wouldn’t notice it east her and use the adapters to fill the disposable ones knot knowing the physics involved. Are you happy with the refillable type? I’ve looked at them before but haven’t pulled the trigger.

 

[Rich Stidger]

I just read-read you post and apology for not picking up on your statement on opening the vent on the 1lb bottle. I should have noticed it as the typical 1lb disposable bottles do not have these. Unfortunately most others wouldn’t notice it east her and use the adapters to fill the disposable ones knot knowing the physics involved. Are you happy with the refillable type? I’ve looked at them before but haven’t pulled the trigger.

I bought one and then liked it so I bought 4 more. I keep 4 on my boat and one at home for torch use. They refill easily and they appear to be a quality tank. It has an internal dip tube attached to the vent so it's easy to stop filling when liquid propane begins to spray out of the vent. The cost about $15 each. It's nice to get a fill for 50 cents instead of paying $4-5 for a disposable.
The refill adapter is just a one-time cost of about $20. I refill my own bottles and a buddy's bottles too. He has a CO2 system so he keeps my Soda Stream bottles filled for me! Saving money and eliminating water- its a great combo!!