I installed my spare narrow LPG tank in a horizontal position under a pushpit seat with the BBQ mounted to the railing above it, attached by a 3 ft hose. Its nice and secure, looks good, and I hate those throw away green bottles (are they the same liquid propane?) Anyway the valve on the BBQ became clogged and wouldn't let the LPG go thru the regulator. Could the horizonal position be the problem with the pressure pushing the liquified oily gas into the regulator or should the liquid remain in the tank and only the evaporated gas exit into the regulator? Has anyone mounted a tank horizontally and had good results? I've seen the disposable cylinders plenty of times laying sideways on picnic tables as well as the huge household tanks laying sideways and they seem to work fine. Dan H45
Will Propane clog a BBQ?
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Spiders Clog BBQs, Not Gas
The bottle should work upright, on its side or upside down. LP stands for Liquid Propane with emphasis on liquid. The gas will evaporate instantly at atmospheric pressure, but the regulator is receiving it in liquid form at high pressure. Check for spiders or bugs, they seem to like BBQ orifices.
The bottle should work upright, on its side or upside down. LP stands for Liquid Propane with emphasis on liquid. The gas will evaporate instantly at atmospheric pressure, but the regulator is receiving it in liquid form at high pressure. Check for spiders or bugs, they seem to like BBQ orifices.
Propane education please!!!!
Ross has the correct information. Incorrect usage of propane can be very dangerous. Horizontal tanks are made to draw off gas when used horizontally. Pretty basic!
Ross has the correct information. Incorrect usage of propane can be very dangerous. Horizontal tanks are made to draw off gas when used horizontally. Pretty basic!
Steve, It isn't L.P (liquid Propane) it is LPG
Liquidified petroleum gas. The regulators are designed to function on vapor phase LPG NOT on the liquid product. If you don't know what you are talking about in matters of this potential risk then hold your peace and listen.
Liquidified petroleum gas. The regulators are designed to function on vapor phase LPG NOT on the liquid product. If you don't know what you are talking about in matters of this potential risk then hold your peace and listen.
Ross read it again
Ross the original poster is talking about propane.Not Lpg! Read the whole thing slowly again.He refers to small green disposable bottles found at picnic tables.People do not use Lpg this way.They use propane.Perhaps it is you that should refrain from making hasty judgements. Steve was accurate in his post.Propane can be operated in any direction.
Ross the original poster is talking about propane.Not Lpg! Read the whole thing slowly again.He refers to small green disposable bottles found at picnic tables.People do not use Lpg this way.They use propane.Perhaps it is you that should refrain from making hasty judgements. Steve was accurate in his post.Propane can be operated in any direction.
Timm ,R,, Propane IS LPG.
Those small bottles operate at high pressure without a regulator. But the large tanks with regulators operate on vapor phase petroleum gas. Also known as propane,or butane which are not the same but are both classified as LPG.
Those small bottles operate at high pressure without a regulator. But the large tanks with regulators operate on vapor phase petroleum gas. Also known as propane,or butane which are not the same but are both classified as LPG.
Propane
I have several small disposable tanks of propane that have regulators .They are needed no matter what size tank.Look at a small propane torch.It has a regulayor albiet very simple and crude.They can be used at any angle. Even if we use your example, and have to have the tank orientated either vertically or horizontally then the tank wouldn't work when the boat is heeled now would it?
I have several small disposable tanks of propane that have regulators .They are needed no matter what size tank.Look at a small propane torch.It has a regulayor albiet very simple and crude.They can be used at any angle. Even if we use your example, and have to have the tank orientated either vertically or horizontally then the tank wouldn't work when the boat is heeled now would it?
Lpg =propane
A quick Google search shows that yes butane and propane are classified the same .One source also says that tanks should be stored upright. We have forklifts that use propane and the some use the tanks horizontally and some use these very same tanks vertically.These forklifts came from the manufacturer this way, Nissan and Toyota.
A quick Google search shows that yes butane and propane are classified the same .One source also says that tanks should be stored upright. We have forklifts that use propane and the some use the tanks horizontally and some use these very same tanks vertically.These forklifts came from the manufacturer this way, Nissan and Toyota.
Here is the scoop.
Dan, I've made this conversion, so no mere theory here. a)Your tank should be used only in the manner that it was intended, vertical or horizontal...it may be labeled, but your LPG supplier can tell you for sure and can confirm that it makes a difference in installation. In fact, this is the reson that the 2001 edition of NFPA 58 (the LP-Gas Code) recognizes that horizontally oriented cylinders that were manufactured prior to October 1, 1998, are unable to be retrofitted with the OPD's. As a result of this fact, the Code now exempts these cylinders from having to be retrofit with OPD valves. Any such cylinder must have a label affixed to it to inform the user and the refiller that an OPD valve is not installed. So, as a side note, if you have an older horizontal tank, you can still get them legally filled without an OPD in spite of the protestations of some ignorant dealers. Here is the link to the Q&A page of the National Propane Gas Association, http://tinyurl.com/r2o3j b)Even if you have the tank installed correctly, your grill won't work properly with the factory regulator valve if you Tee in your gas line after the tank regulator. As a previous poster noted, the factory valve is designed to regulate the straight disposable tank so double regulators result in an inadequate gas supply for the grill to operate properly. I removed the male fitting from my tank regulator installed a tee with a couple of nipples between the male adapter and the regulator. I installed a gas rated gate valve on the grill leg of the tee. If you check with your stove manufacturer, they probably offer an unregulated stove valve that will operate behind the tank valve...I know Magma does. I didn't go this route because I wanted to continue to be able to use the disposable tanks with the grill in the event that I run out of gas in the big tank.
Dan, I've made this conversion, so no mere theory here. a)Your tank should be used only in the manner that it was intended, vertical or horizontal...it may be labeled, but your LPG supplier can tell you for sure and can confirm that it makes a difference in installation. In fact, this is the reson that the 2001 edition of NFPA 58 (the LP-Gas Code) recognizes that horizontally oriented cylinders that were manufactured prior to October 1, 1998, are unable to be retrofitted with the OPD's. As a result of this fact, the Code now exempts these cylinders from having to be retrofit with OPD valves. Any such cylinder must have a label affixed to it to inform the user and the refiller that an OPD valve is not installed. So, as a side note, if you have an older horizontal tank, you can still get them legally filled without an OPD in spite of the protestations of some ignorant dealers. Here is the link to the Q&A page of the National Propane Gas Association, http://tinyurl.com/r2o3j b)Even if you have the tank installed correctly, your grill won't work properly with the factory regulator valve if you Tee in your gas line after the tank regulator. As a previous poster noted, the factory valve is designed to regulate the straight disposable tank so double regulators result in an inadequate gas supply for the grill to operate properly. I removed the male fitting from my tank regulator installed a tee with a couple of nipples between the male adapter and the regulator. I installed a gas rated gate valve on the grill leg of the tee. If you check with your stove manufacturer, they probably offer an unregulated stove valve that will operate behind the tank valve...I know Magma does. I didn't go this route because I wanted to continue to be able to use the disposable tanks with the grill in the event that I run out of gas in the big tank.
Good job Chris.
Little to add. Propane/Butane is a condensible gas. It reverts to liquid state when confined at about 80psi. That is NOT high pressure. If a tank is working other than in its intended position, it's because the level of liquid fuel in the tank is such that it is boiling off prior to the pickup tube in the tank (if so equiped). Boat heel has little effect on a proper tank that's installed as designed.
Little to add. Propane/Butane is a condensible gas. It reverts to liquid state when confined at about 80psi. That is NOT high pressure. If a tank is working other than in its intended position, it's because the level of liquid fuel in the tank is such that it is boiling off prior to the pickup tube in the tank (if so equiped). Boat heel has little effect on a proper tank that's installed as designed.
Horizontal tank
A horizontal tank will work (20 lbs) until it is about half full, then it will stop working, if the tank is not a dedicated horizontal tank. I purchased an aluminium horizontal tank for my boat last year (I had to mortgage the house to buy it.... okay... I exaggerate a bit).
A horizontal tank will work (20 lbs) until it is about half full, then it will stop working, if the tank is not a dedicated horizontal tank. I purchased an aluminium horizontal tank for my boat last year (I had to mortgage the house to buy it.... okay... I exaggerate a bit).
Steve, If you carefully examine the orifice
on any propane burner you will quickly see that Not even a spider egg could fit into the orifice. Now the venturi and the burner can get fouled by rust and insects. I was employed as an engineering technician in research and development for twenty years so I have a certain amount of knowledge and probably an inexcusable intolerance of folks that make statements that are purported to be facts when they haven't done their research. LPG is the term for liquefied petroleum gas NOT liquid petroleum and NOT liquid propane. Carelessly dismissing the correct terms for a substance is irresponsible. edited to add: Liquid propane will flood the regulator and prevent it from functioning properly. PS the tank in you thumb nail was designed to operate horizontally . Check the mounting feet. Further edited for spelling
on any propane burner you will quickly see that Not even a spider egg could fit into the orifice. Now the venturi and the burner can get fouled by rust and insects. I was employed as an engineering technician in research and development for twenty years so I have a certain amount of knowledge and probably an inexcusable intolerance of folks that make statements that are purported to be facts when they haven't done their research. LPG is the term for liquefied petroleum gas NOT liquid petroleum and NOT liquid propane. Carelessly dismissing the correct terms for a substance is irresponsible. edited to add: Liquid propane will flood the regulator and prevent it from functioning properly. PS the tank in you thumb nail was designed to operate horizontally . Check the mounting feet. Further edited for spelling
My Two Cents
Just a couple of points and I dont' want to cause "anymore" trouble, but... I am a fulltime blacksmith and metal artist with a very busy shop. I deal with propane for 2 of my forges and 4 building have tanks for appliances. I built most of these systems from scratch, commercial regulators with handmade forges and burners. Lots of propane use here, about 800 gallons a year or so, I don't take it lightly cause its really dangerous. I am also a survivor of a nasty propane explosion/accident at another shop without good safety, so a healthy level of knowledge and paranoia have set in. And most of my hair grew back just fine.LOL. First-These gases are liquified, and as stated the regulators work on gas only. To gasify, they must have space above a puddle of the liquid at the right temperature. If the liquid gets into the tube or line, it will not vaporize. Anyone who takes a hand held propane torch and turns it upside down has probably noticed a flare up or choking depending on the torch. Thats liquid getting past the reg and gasifying in the flame or just before the jet/orifice. BAD on your boat for that to happen with a big tank and lines. That little bottle mounted horizontally on your "Coleman" propane stove works cause the STOVE is designed to allow the liquid that may leave the bottle to vaporize in the metal line, NOT cause bottle is designed for it. Second- the stinky stuff they add to the gas so you know if there is a leak is oily, add to it the general crud that is oily and accumulates in the tank from repeated fillings with who knows how well maintained equipment. This stuff will get by a regulator with an improperly installed tank that has let liquid pass the valve and will clog orifices and jets. Third-Also regarding vaporization, generally a tank should be mounted below the appliance to prevent boat heel from allowing liquid to enter the lines. Vaporization will not occur in a saturated line and will cause endless problems. I could go on but I think its mostly been said, check with your local propane expert for more advice. DON'T FORGET PROPANE IS HEAVIER THAN AIR! Any leaks will sink to the lowest bilge area of you hull. Liquid propane passing a regulator can cause flameouts and venting of raw gas (depending on stove type).Install and vent carefully. Mark
Just a couple of points and I dont' want to cause "anymore" trouble, but... I am a fulltime blacksmith and metal artist with a very busy shop. I deal with propane for 2 of my forges and 4 building have tanks for appliances. I built most of these systems from scratch, commercial regulators with handmade forges and burners. Lots of propane use here, about 800 gallons a year or so, I don't take it lightly cause its really dangerous. I am also a survivor of a nasty propane explosion/accident at another shop without good safety, so a healthy level of knowledge and paranoia have set in. And most of my hair grew back just fine.LOL. First-These gases are liquified, and as stated the regulators work on gas only. To gasify, they must have space above a puddle of the liquid at the right temperature. If the liquid gets into the tube or line, it will not vaporize. Anyone who takes a hand held propane torch and turns it upside down has probably noticed a flare up or choking depending on the torch. Thats liquid getting past the reg and gasifying in the flame or just before the jet/orifice. BAD on your boat for that to happen with a big tank and lines. That little bottle mounted horizontally on your "Coleman" propane stove works cause the STOVE is designed to allow the liquid that may leave the bottle to vaporize in the metal line, NOT cause bottle is designed for it. Second- the stinky stuff they add to the gas so you know if there is a leak is oily, add to it the general crud that is oily and accumulates in the tank from repeated fillings with who knows how well maintained equipment. This stuff will get by a regulator with an improperly installed tank that has let liquid pass the valve and will clog orifices and jets. Third-Also regarding vaporization, generally a tank should be mounted below the appliance to prevent boat heel from allowing liquid to enter the lines. Vaporization will not occur in a saturated line and will cause endless problems. I could go on but I think its mostly been said, check with your local propane expert for more advice. DON'T FORGET PROPANE IS HEAVIER THAN AIR! Any leaks will sink to the lowest bilge area of you hull. Liquid propane passing a regulator can cause flameouts and venting of raw gas (depending on stove type).Install and vent carefully. Mark
clog
Maybe related, maybe not. I was surprised at the lackluster heat from the Magma grill I got w/my new old boat 2 years ago. Finally this summer it would not light. Cleaned the orifice on the Magma regulator w/tip of navigation dividers and the thing cooks like a blast furnace. The regulator orifice is brass and had slowly corroded shut.
Maybe related, maybe not. I was surprised at the lackluster heat from the Magma grill I got w/my new old boat 2 years ago. Finally this summer it would not light. Cleaned the orifice on the Magma regulator w/tip of navigation dividers and the thing cooks like a blast furnace. The regulator orifice is brass and had slowly corroded shut.
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