Four Winds 2005 Mandalay, Owner'S Manual

Page: 97 / 111

REGULATOR FREEZE-UP
The term regulator freeze-up is a misleading one. Regulators and LP 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 cars used to transport
the gas, or even within your own LP tanks. Moisture in an LP 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 your LP tank is free of moisture before refilling.
2. DO NOT overfill the LP tank.
3. Make sure to keep the service valve on an empty tank closed.
4. If freezing has occurred, have your LP dealer purge the LP tank before refilling.
5. Add a hydrous methanol or other approved LP antifreeze or de-icing agent to the LP tank.
6. Keep the regulator covered at all times.
NOTE:
If freeze-up does occur, shut off the LP Gas at the tank. A frozen regulator may permit LP Gas to flow at
high pressure, resulting in leaks at appliances or in the lines. If freeze-up does occur,
NEVER
attempt to thaw
with an open flame. A small light bulb can sometimes be useful to provide heat and aid the thawing process.
Once thawed, be sure to take the proper steps to prevent a reoccurrence. Have the system checked by your
LP supplier if freeze-up continues.
OTHER COLD WEATHER FACTORS
Remember that as outside temperatures drop, the BTU value of the LP Gas is lessened, since the colder liquid
LP in the tanks requires the heat from the surrounding air to vaporize. This lowering of BTU value can
significantly affect the performance of the system. You can help insure proper performance by keeping your
LP tanks as full as possible in cold weather, and reviewing the BTU/hr plates on LP appliances for proper LP
management.
11-4 Mandalay