59
PROPANE FUEL SYSTEM
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The fuel system in your recreational vehicle has numerous
components such as, piping, copper tubing, brass connectors,
hoses, regulators and appliances. Each of these components will
be explained in its appropriate area.
Propane is the only fuel permitted to be used in a recreational
vehicle and its appliances. This product is refined from crude oil
through natural gasses. An agent has been added for detection
should a leak occur or a valve accidentally be left open. It is
important for a recreational owner to recognize and identify the odor
of propane.
Other fuels are available but cannot be used in a RV because:
1. No orifices for appliances are available for either butane or natural
gas fuels.
2. Butane also cannot be used below freezing temperature because
boiling point is 30 degrees F.
Propane fuel is stored in liquid form under high pressure in special
containers. Boiling point is (MINUS) — 44°F, the temperature when
vapor ceases to flow. Fuel will change to vapor when released from
the container. Appliances are not designed to operate with liquid.
Liquid will damage o-rings in valves and also leave sticky, oily
residue causing poor or no operation in the regulator.
For every 10 degree increase in temperature, the pressure in
container rise’s 1.5%. Example– fill at 0 degrees in north, go south
80 degrees warmer, you now have container filled at 92%, a
potential problem with10% valve spewing out propane vapor.
Propane Container
The propane cylinder is a D.O.T. approved
container to hold liquid propane under high
pressure, normally a 20 or 30 pound capacity.
The open/closing valve, referred to as an
OPD cylinder valve is to be closed at all times
unless hooked up to a propane system or
when filling the container.
Valve assembly actually has 3 valves in one
body.
OPD
Cylinder
Valve
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