One for the gas gurus (gurii?)
Submitted: Friday, Aug 31, 2007 at 09:22
ThreadID:
49174
Views:
2620
Replies:
6
FollowUps:
0
This Thread has been Archived
Ian from Thermoguard Instruments
I talking about caravan LPG systems not vehicles.
Can any tell me definitively whether the normal two-stage regulator on a caravan LPG system actually vents any gas in normal operation? Like many others' our 'van has the LPG cylinder in the front boot. Until now, we've never noticed any smell of gas in the boot (except when changing cylinders, of course).
Lately we have noticed a slight whiff of gas (I stress, very slight) when we open the boot. I have soapy-
water-tested every joint and the hose, with nothing showing up. The only difference is the van is currently parked in a large shed, with little air movement. So, if the regulator does vent very small quantities of gas in operation, maybe we are just noticing it more in the very still conditions?
I'd appreciate advice from those knowledgeable in these matters.
Thanks, Ian
Reply By: Member - Mark L (WA) - Friday, Aug 31, 2007 at 10:29
Friday, Aug 31, 2007 at 10:29
Ian I have noticed the same thing with my gas system on our caravan, I have dual gas bottles (9kg) in the front boot, did the same thing as you with the detergent but found nothing.
Cheers
Mark
AnswerID:
259682
Reply By: T.D. - Friday, Aug 31, 2007 at 17:52
Friday, Aug 31, 2007 at 17:52
Ian
Gas regulators dont vent gas,if they do then they have had the gong. Two possible reasons for a gas smell, the first if the cylinder has been recently filled by decanting it could be overfilled. (check the rear of the valve with soapy
water) And second when a cylinder gets low the oderant tends to permeate and linger as if there is a gas leak.
TD
AnswerID:
259749
Reply By: tonysmc - Saturday, Sep 01, 2007 at 14:47
Saturday, Sep 01, 2007 at 14:47
Ian, While soapy
water is a good way to find where the leak is, the best/only way to find if the system has any leaks is to use a manometer. They are basically a clear tube bend into a U shape and half filled with
water. They are very easy to make up however you need the right fittings to connect it and I don't think a
forum is the place to explain how as playing with the gas lines you really need to be a licenced gas fitter.
Tony.
AnswerID:
259867
Reply By: Patrolman Pat - Saturday, Sep 01, 2007 at 15:10
Saturday, Sep 01, 2007 at 15:10
A regulator shouldn't vent to atmosphere, however the top half of the reg will have an air hole and you may find the smell is coming from there. I see at work and the leak, if any, is too small to register on my digital manometer but a slight odour is present in enclosed spaces that have been unopened for a long period.
You can never be too careful though so I'd be getting it checked out by a licenced gas fitter.
AnswerID:
259870
Reply By: Ian from Thermoguard Instruments - Sunday, Sep 02, 2007 at 09:50
Sunday, Sep 02, 2007 at 09:50
Thanks for the info and advice, guys. I'll get it checked-out at the next opportunity.
By the way, Tony, I'm familiar with manometers but not on how to use one to detect slight leaks. Perhaps you could PM me with some more details? Thanks.
AnswerID:
259937
Reply By: pojo - Monday, Sep 03, 2007 at 14:03
Monday, Sep 03, 2007 at 14:03
I had the same problem with my regulator and was told the diaraphram had blown and the only way to fix it was to replace it also was told that this is a common problem new reg. was $95.00
AnswerID:
260077