I'm using a 20lb propane cylinder to run my water heater. It works just fine in warm weather, but once it gets cold, it stops working. Any thoughts?
Propane issues
- Thread starter C02Man
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Is the propane cylinder outdoors? Propane doesn't change well to the gaseous state when it is very cold.
http://www.documentation.emersonprocess.com/groups/public/documents/bulletins/d4500147t012.pdf
Info from Univ. of Alaska:
"Keeping Your House Operating During A Cold Alaskan Winter
Propane fueled appliances can stop working because of extreme cold. Liquid propane boils (changes into gas) at minus forty-four degrees Fahrenheit and liquifies at the same temperature. When the contents of a propane storage tank reach that temperature, gas cannot get to your appliances. The propane has changed to liquid.
There are a number of steps which you can take to cold-weather protect propane systems:
Sheltering and insulating the propane tank and line is the most practical approach to prevent propane freeze-up.To beat even the coldest weather, install an explosion proof light that can be turned on when needed for heat. A small, insulated frame shelter is adequate. Heat stripping can also be used. A commercial product similar to electric heat tapes, but designed for propane tanks, is also available.
Loose snow piled all around the propane tank often proves to be an effective insulation.
If you have a permanent bulk propane tank, bury it to protect its contents from periods of severely cold weather.
To prevent propane regulator and line freeze up, insulate the system. See the suggestions for sheltering and insulating oil fired supply systems"
https://www.uaf.edu/files/ces/publications-db/catalog/eeh/EEM-04955.pdf
http://www.documentation.emersonprocess.com/groups/public/documents/bulletins/d4500147t012.pdf
Info from Univ. of Alaska:
"Keeping Your House Operating During A Cold Alaskan Winter
Propane fueled appliances can stop working because of extreme cold. Liquid propane boils (changes into gas) at minus forty-four degrees Fahrenheit and liquifies at the same temperature. When the contents of a propane storage tank reach that temperature, gas cannot get to your appliances. The propane has changed to liquid.
There are a number of steps which you can take to cold-weather protect propane systems:
Sheltering and insulating the propane tank and line is the most practical approach to prevent propane freeze-up.To beat even the coldest weather, install an explosion proof light that can be turned on when needed for heat. A small, insulated frame shelter is adequate. Heat stripping can also be used. A commercial product similar to electric heat tapes, but designed for propane tanks, is also available.
Loose snow piled all around the propane tank often proves to be an effective insulation.
If you have a permanent bulk propane tank, bury it to protect its contents from periods of severely cold weather.
To prevent propane regulator and line freeze up, insulate the system. See the suggestions for sheltering and insulating oil fired supply systems"
https://www.uaf.edu/files/ces/publications-db/catalog/eeh/EEM-04955.pdf
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