The propane gas regulator is one of the most important parts of a propane gas system. The purpose of the regulator is to control the flow of gas and lower the pressure from the LP Gas tank to the appliance(s) in the gas system. The regulator not only acts as a control regarding the flow and distribution of propane but also as a safety barrier between the high pressure of the tank and the end use appliance(s). Most will rightfully argue that the LP Gas regulator is the heart of any propane gas system.
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Propane tank pressure can range from under 10 psig to over 200 psig. Residential applications will generally require 11 inches water column (amount of pressure required to push a column of water up 11 inches in a manometer, or about 6.3 ounces per square inch) and the regulator compensates for these pressure differences in the tank to supply a steady flow of required pressure to the household appliances. Not all applications are similar to that of residential use and will therefore utilize regulators for higher and lower pressures as required by the appliance(s). In summary, the purpose of a propane regulator is to "bottleneck" the propane down to a safe and usable pressure. An important point to note is that under normal operation, a propane regulator will make a "humming" noise. This is normal and should not be construed as a problem or regulator malfunction.
Although the purpose of a propane regulator is the same, different applications require different types of regulators. Regulator selection is determined solely by the propane application requirements. The demand downstream of the regulator is what determines what type of regulator is to be installed and where it's to be placed within the system. Some propane systems incorporate multiple regulators for efficiency while others such as a grill need only a low BTU grill regulator. Types of regulators include:
"A regulator is a regulator" is a misleading statement that many consumers believe to be true. The fact is that installing the wrong kind of LP Gas pressure regulator will generally render a propane gas system inoperable. People don't realize that buying an LP Gas regulator from a friend or an internet site will more than likely result in wasted money. Regulators aren't all the same regardless of what one may think and an improper regulator or faulty LP Gas regulator installation means the entire installation is illegal and unable to be serviced until fixed. Keep in mind that replacing the regulator means interrupting the flow of gas and a leak check is required before the gas can be turned back on. Don't put yourself in danger by attempting to buy and install your own regulator. Call your propane company or a licensed LP Gas plumber. It will be safer and cheaper in the long run.
Like any part of a propane system, the regulator needs to be protected. Protecting a regulator, for the most part means keeping it covered. Regulators are generally found under the tank dome or if installed outside the dome, they will have the vent pointed down. The vent is pointed down to prevent rain, ice and debris from entering the regulator. The vent should have a screen that keeps insects out of the regulator as some insects, such as the Mud Dauber (a.k.a. Dirt Dauber) will make a nest in a regulator that's missing its protective vent screen. Unprotected regulators that are exposed or not pointed with the vent facing down can easily be protected by cutting an empty plastic milk bottle to fit over the regulator until its placement and position can be corrected.
Regulators have internal moving parts that are subject to wear and tear and after some time, the regulator needs to be replaced. Propane companies can tell consumers when the regulator needs to be replaced due to age or malfunction and the consumer needs to take this advice seriously. The industry norm is 15 years before a regulator needs replacement while some regulator manufacturers recommend replacement every 25 years. If any regulator has ever been under water, such as on an underground propane tank, it needs to be replaced immediately. One very important fact to point out is that although propane regulators may be adjusted by licensed propane professionals, they are not repaired or subject to repair. They are replaced.
Blog
August 2020
by Gary Lieb, Fuel Products Market Manager
The propane gas regulator is one of the most important components of a propane gas system. Not only does it control the flow and distribution of propane, but it also provides a safety barrier between the high-pressure tank and the appliances it fuels. To keep the system running smoothly and safely, it needs to be replaced regularly.
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Incomplete combustion—which can be determined by the height and color of the tank’s flame—occurs when the propane burns improperly.
When the regulator is working correctly and the propane-fueled appliance is adjusted, the flame should be blue and evenly dispersed around the burner. If there are yellow or orange flames, there is likely a problem with the regulator. Other signs of incomplete combustion include soot deposits on the burner and popping sounds when the tank is turned on and off.
Propane has a distinct odor. If you can smell it, you’ve got a leak.
If it’s a leak in your regulator, it’s most likely coming from the diaphragm—a flexible disc that works with the regulator vent to adjust the flow of gas when changes in pressure occur. If you smell propane coming out of the vent, there’s probably an issue with the diaphragm—and the regulator.
If a propane regulator gets wet, it’s all over.
The water allows chemicals and debris to enter the regulator spring area, which can lead to corrosion and failure. Though it may seem undamaged at first, the equipment will unevenly disperse the gas through the appliance and lower its efficiency.
All regulators have a date code and should be changed out according to manufacturer specifications.
Keep in mind that though propane regulators may be adjusted by licensed propane professionals, they’re never repaired or subject to repair. They must be replaced. And if you’ve noticed one or more of these warning signs, it may be time for that replacement.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Lpg Regulators. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.