5-5
SECTION 5
LP GAS SYSTEM
WINTER USE OF LP GAS
Due to vaporization characteristics of LP gas,
it is important that the winter camper knows how
to most efficiently use the LP system. The vapor-
ization rate of LP gas decreases in a direct rela-
tionship to a decrease in temperature. Propane
will convert to a usable gas temperatures down to
-44
°
F. For this reason, propane is a popular heat-
ing fuel in cold climates. However, even propane
vaporizes at a slower rate as it becomes colder.
The greater the amount of liquid gas in the
tank (up to 80% level) the greater the amount of
LP gas vapor generated. The following is an ex-
ample of the number of BTU’s available from an
84-pound tank at 0
°
F at three levels. As you can
see, the number of BTU’s decreases as the tank is
emptied. Nearly twice as many BTU’s are avail-
able from a full tank than one that is one-fourth
full.
BTU’s Available at 0
°
F.
Tank Level
BTU’s
80%
64,000
50%
50,400
20%
33,000
The following LP Gas Vaporization and Tem-
perature Relationship chart typifies the LP gas
loss with a decrease in temperature. The percent-
age figures are the increase or decrease of vapor
that would be available at 0
°
F. These figures ap-
ply to any size LP gas tanks.
Percentage of BTU’s
Temperature
Available at 0
°
F.
20
°
F.
200%
10
°
F.
150%
0
°
F.
100%
-5
°
F.
75%
-10
°
F.
50%
-15
°
F.
25%
-20
°
F.
12 1/2%
-44
°
F.
Propane will
not vaporize
Never use an open flame to test for
gas leaks. When testing for gas lines
leaks with a soapy water solution, DO
NOT use a detergent containing
ammonia or chlorine. These sub-
stances may generate a chemical
reaction causing corrosion to gas
lines, resulting in dangerous leak con-
ditions.
WARNING
