11
WARNING:
Small amounts of propane can escape and evaporate during the fueling process. Protect bare skin.
Instant freezing will occur if exposed to liquid propane.
Propane exists in both liquid and vapor form within the tank. A full tank is approximately 80% liquid.
The pressure inside the tank varies with the temperature of the liquid. All tanks are required to have a safety
pressure relief device to release excess pressure. When the tank is full, the gauge on the tank will only read ¾.
The monitors are adjusted to indicate full at this point.
NOTE:
If the tank is new and being filled for the first time, inform the service technician to purge any air
from the tank prior to filling.
Tank Operation
Manually open the primary shut-off valve located on the propane
tank.
Turn off the primary valve on the propane tank when the tank is
being filled, when driving, in between trips and when in storage.
Hand-tighten the primary valve only.
DO NOT
use a wrench
or pliers. This will over-tighten the valve. The primary valve is
designed to be closed by hand. Over-tightening may permanently
damage the valve seat.
NOTE:
In some States and Canadian provinces, it may be illegal to drive the motorhome while primary valve
on the propane tank is open.
propane fUnDamentalS
050272c
Propane Level
Gauge
Typical propane tank
#Capacity
gallon Capacity
BTU Capacity
5
1.18
107,909
10
2.36
215,807
11
2.59
237,387
20
4.72
431,613
30
7.08
647,420
40
9.43
863,226
The above capacities allow for 20% vapor space on
each cylinder.
Data taken from the National Fire Prevention
Association (NFPA). Pamphlet #58-1998.
PROPANE STATISTICS
Pounds Per Gallon
4.24
Specific Gravity of Gas
1.50
Specific Gravity of Liquid
.504
Cubic Feet Gas Per Gallon of Liquid
36.38
Cubic Feet Gas Per Pound
8.66
BTUs Per Gallon
91,502
BTUs Per Pound
21,548
Dew Point in Degrees Fahrenheit
-44
˚
F
Vapor Pressure at 0
˚
F
31
Vapor Pressure at 70
˚
F
127
Vapor Pressure at 100
˚
F
196
Vapor Pressure at 110
˚
F
230
Flash Point
842
˚
F
BASIC FACTS ABOUT PROPANE
Propane detectors are a federal requirement on
all propane equipped recreational vehicles.
Propane is a by-product produced by refining oil.
Odor is added to propane after the refining
process.
Each liquid gallon of propane produces 91,502
BTUs (British Thermal Units).
Temperature affects pressure of propane.
Internal tank pressure can exceed 200 psi.
Tanks or valves contain pressure relief valves. The
relief valve opens at 125% above tank rating.
Propane stops vaporizing at -44˚ F.
Standard propane operating pressure is 11" of
Water Column or approximately 6 ¼ ounces per
square inch.
An inch of Water Column is a measurement
of applied pressure to one side of a U-Tube
½ filled with water at sea level. The amount of
pressure required to raise the water level 11",
represents 11" of Water Column.
