Lpg Regulator Defective?

[raro]

We just refilled the LPG tank for the kitchen. We refitted the regulator and the pressure on the outlet side is unusual high. That high, that the valve from the stove cannot hold the pressure!

We have the feeling that the gas station (the one opposite the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital) filled the tank up to the max, i.e. the pressure is very high.

Now I am a bit familiar with gas valves as I did maintenance for SCUBA regs before. They are balanced in a way that the pressure on the outlet side is constant towards the surrounding pressure. Does this also apply to the LPG valve? Or is the outlet pressure depending on the pressure going in?

[JetsetBkk]

From my 'A' level Physics... at any temperature, the pressure of a gas when in equilibrium with its liquid form must be constant. So I can't see how you can get too much pressure coming out of the tank. Which leaves only the regulator valve. One of these:

So I would think there's something wrong with it - maybe some dirt got in?

Edited: after re-reading the OP. Oops.

Edited September 12, 2007 by JetsetBkk

[raro]

Very valid point! But from my C level of applied Janitoriology I know that you have to question the Einsteins nevertheless and I just swapped regulators with the neigbour. Indeed, our regulator was the culprit, just wonder why it seemed to work fine at the gas statin last night...

[Gary A]

Considering the safety factor, I'd spend 300 baht and buy a new one. No use to take a chance of having a fire or worse.

[chownah]

Very valid point! But from my C level of applied Janitoriology I know that you have to question the Einsteins nevertheless and I just swapped regulators with the neigbour. Indeed, our regulator was the culprit, just wonder why it seemed to work fine at the gas statin last night...

You take your regulator with you when you get the tank filled?....why?

[JetsetBkk]

Considering the safety factor, I'd spend 300 baht and buy a new one. No use to take a chance of having a fire or worse.

There are two types of regulators that I know of - a "safety" type (about 700 baht?) and a standard type (cheaper). The safety type cuts off the gas if there's no back-pressure, i.e. if something happens to the pipe from the regulator to the appliance, the regulator should stop any gas coming out. And after connecting everything up and opening the gas tank valve, the regulator has a small button on it that you have to press in to get the gas to come out.

[raro]

You take your regulator with you when you get the tank filled?....why?

not quite...I brought the regulator with me after that, without the tank, for checking.

There are two types of regulators that I know of - a "safety" type (about 700 baht?) and a standard type (cheaper). The safety type cuts off the gas if there's no back-pressure, i.e. if something happens to the pipe from the regulator to the appliance, the regulator should stop any gas coming out. And after connecting everything up and opening the gas tank valve, the regulator has a small button on it that you have to press in to get the gas to come out.

It is amazing that they sell regulators WITHOUT that safety option....

/edit: spelling at 11 pm...

Edited September 13, 2007 by raro

[Tony Clifton]

My regulator has a 5 baht coin size screw on top to adjust .

[JetsetBkk]

My regulator has a 5 baht coin size screw on top to adjust .

Now that could be quite useful for appliances like gas ovens that don't have a temperature control. You may be able to get a better gas flow control using the regulator than using the oven's control knob.