FOUR WINDS INTERNATIONAL Chateau, Owner'S Manual

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FOUR WINDS INTERNATIONAL
During cold weather, it is important to keep ice from forming in the regulator, which will shut off the
flow of propane gas to the appliances. Have the supplier add a hydrous Methanol when
filling the tank for use during cold weather. Regulator freeze-up can occur in any weather if there
is moisture in the tank, or if the tank has been over-filled. Always use moisture-free
propane gas, and make sure the tank has not been filled beyond 80% of capacity. If moisture has
entered the tank, have the tank purged, or have hydrous methanol added by an authorized
propane gas supplier.
If you believe a regulator has been damaged or otherwise is not functioning, have it replaced by a
qualified propane gas service representative.
The term regulator freeze-up is a misleading one. Regulators and propane gas do not freeze.
However, the moisture that can be contained in the gas will freeze as the gas expands and cools
passing through the regulator. This freezing of the moisture in the gas can build up and partially or
totally block the passage of the gas through the regulator. Freezing can also occur when outside
temperatures are low enough to contribute to the freezing of the moisture in the gas.
The source of the moisture is varied. It can occur at the refinery or gas bulk plant, in the rail cars
used to transport the gas, or even within the recreation vehicle propane gas tank. Moisture in an
propane gas tank can occur when a tank service valve is left open, allowing moist air to enter and
become trapped.
A two-staged regulator helps to reduce the possibility of freeze-up because of its larger orifice size,
and the fact that heat is transferred through the walls of two regulators instead of just one.
There are several steps that can be taken to inhibit or prevent this from happening:
1. Make sure that the propane gas tank is free of moisture before refilling.
2. DO NOT overfill the propane gas tank.
3. Make sure to keep the service valve on an empty tank closed.
4. If freezing has occurred, have your propane gas dealer purge the propane gas tank before
refilling.
5. Add a hydrous methanol or other approved propane gas antifreeze or de-icing agent to the
propane gas tank.
6. Keep the regulator covered at all times.
Propane Gas Systems
9-4
Regulator Freeze-Up