Educational Material
Appliance Tests     Battery Diagrams      Glossary      Making of a Solar Cell       Module Tilt and Orientation   Propane Facts     Solar Water Pumping      System Diagrams      System Planning        System Sizing     Warranties    Wire Loss Tables      Using Lead-Acid Batteries   

Contact US     Home 

ADVANTAGES OF TWO-STAGE REGULATION: Reduced Freeze-up Problems – According to national code, a two-stage regulator must be used on RV’s. A two-stage regulator greatly reduces the possibility of freeze-ups.

Improved Regulation – The second stage regulator receives a relatively uniform pressure from the first stage regulator. This helps the second stage regulator to maintain appliance pressure at a nearly constant 11” WC.

POL Prest-O-Lite®, the Union Carbide brand under which this particular style of gas fitting was originated.

Fixed Liquid Level Gauge. Clear vapor less than 80%: white mist 80% or above.

Vapor Withdrawal Tube – Used on tanks where service valve is not located on top of tank.

Base ring, stand legs, or mounting brackets.

Relief Valve – discharges LP-gas if the pressure in the container is too high. If LP-gas is discharging, call the Fire Dept. and get away from the container.

OPD – or Overfill Prevention Device is a valve designed to assist LP-gas fillers to fill the cylinders to safe levels of propane.

Automatic Stop Fill Valve– with 1 3/4” ACME

Visible Sight Gauge – Available with remote sender.

Never allow your LP-gas container to be filled above the maximum safe level as indicated by a scale or the fixed liquid level gauge (outage). Do not use the visible gauge for filling.

Do not use a wrench or pliers to close the service valve or fixed liquid level gauge. These valves are designed to be closed leak-tight by hand or screwdriver as appropriate. If wrenches are necessary to stop a leak, the valve needs repair or replacement.

When tightening the POL Nut (left-hand thread) on the service valve, draw it up snug with a proper wrench. This is a machined male brass fitting which seats securely against a female seat in the POL valve – no pipe dope is necessary. Acme/Type 1 valves have right handed threads which are secure when hand tight, and on the Quick Disconnect/Type 2 Valves, the male connection is inserted into the female connection on the cylinder valve. (No wrenches required for both the Acme and the Quick Disconnect.)

When using container, slowly open service valve all the way. Listen to the regulator. A continuous hiss may indicate a leak or an open valve on an appliance.

Check all tank and the line connections periodically to be sure they are tight. When testing for leaks, use approved leak detector solution – not matches.

Make certain your container is properly fastened in place.

Turn container with open part of container guard towards trailer (travel trailer installation). This protects valves and regulator against flying rocks and mud. Transport container in the proper position in which it is used, with the valves closed and POL Plugs inserted for POL Valves, or Dust Caps for Acme Valves. Secure the tank against falling or rolling.

Check for leaks after connecting. Apply approved leak detector solution to connections, turn off all burners and pilots, and open service valve. Leaks will be detected by the growth of the bubbles. If bubbles grow, tighten or repair the connection as needed. Repeat leak test until problem is corrected.

LP-gas is non-corrosive, you need not worry about the inside of your container. However, the outside should be kept free from rust by a periodic coat of paint in a light reflective color. It is very important to inspect and maintain the bottom and footring on the container.

Do not store LP-gas containers indoors or in enclosed areas. Do not expose LP-gas container to heat. Always store with service valve closed and plugged as required.

Do not attempt to repair any containers, container valves, regulators or appliances by yourself. Use only trained, certified LP-gas service personnel to perform repairs.

Basic Facts About LP-Gas
Pounds per gallon	4.24
Specific gravity of gas	1.50
Specific gravity of liquid	504
Cu. ft. gas per gallon liquid	36.38
Cu. Ft. gas per pound	8.66
BTU per gallon	91,502
BTU per pound	21,548
Dew point in degrees F	-44F
Vapor pressure at 0º F	.31 psi
Vapor pressure at 70º F	96 psi
Vapor pressure at 100º F	127 psi
Vapor pressure at 110º F	230 psi
In cold climates, in order to keep vaporization of LP-gas at the highest level, keep the fuel levels above 50%.