Section 4
LIVING QUARTERS, LP and ELECTRICAL
LP Gas (Liquid Propane) (Cont’d)
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-stage regulator helps reduce the possibility of freeze-up because of its larger orifice size and
that heat is being transferred through the walls of two regulators instead of only one.
Tips to help prevent LP regulator freeze-up
• Make sure your LP tank is free of moisture before refilling.
• DO NOT overfill the LP tank.
• Be sure to keep the service valve on an empty tank closed.
• If freezing occurs, have your LP dealer purge the LP tank before refilling.
• Check with your dealer to determine what de-icing agent is approved to add to the LP tank.
• Keep the regulator covered at all times.
NOTE: IF FREEZE-UP DOES OCCUR, SHUT THE LP OFF AT THE TANK. A FROZEN
REGULATOR MAY PERMIT LP GAS TO FLOW AT HIGH PRESSURE, RESULTING IN
LEAKS AT APPLIANCES OR IN THE LINES. 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 REOCCURENCE. HAVE THE SYSTEM CHECKED BY YOUR LP
SUPPLIER.
As outside temperatures drop, the BTU value of the LP gas is lessened. The colder liquid LP in the tank/s
requires heat from the surrounding air to vaporize. This lowering of BTU value can significantly affect
the performance of the system. Keeping your LP tanks as full as possible in cold weather and reviewing
the BTU/hr rating plates on LP appliances will help insure proper LP management.
Notes:
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Revised September 2012
