I bought a van with a new two-stage regulator, it worked at
home and when we went out west it blocked. I am on my
forth regulator in 2 years.
I agree with you (Rob in archive). I think that those who aren't having problems may be cruising the highways and not going on rough roads or have a you beaut regulator that I need!
I contacted the local gas examiner and also spoke to the Gas Examiner from
Brisbane about this problem. The mercaptan (odorant) is an oil suspended in gas.
I am told that on rough roads that the oil splashes up into the regulator.
I was told that I should put the regulator higher.
I was told by another Gas dealer that it doesn't make any difference.
The first encounter with this problem I had a regulator that could be opened. I opened it up and found a grease substance on both stages (mercaptan apparently turns to grease in the regulator. If you look at the gauze in the regulator it is extremely fine and possibly the mercaptan oil passing through blocks or condenses the oil to grease. Being a firie and seeing the result of gas / van fires I replaced it and didn't take chances.
If your cruising along on a smooth free way at 90 km/ h you may not have a problem, but if your like me and go west and do 110km/h the gas will shake up.
I have let the gas settle for an hour before turning it on to no advantage. I ask the Gas Company if I waited longer would it help? He said no!
I like the idea of the American reg. the gauze might be larger? (see below)
Maybe the info below is the way to go... use a different odorant. It's worth a try!
PLEASE - if you have a regulator that is working when you travel on rough roads Name them on here! I have met literally 100's of people having the same problem.
DON'T put a single stage regulator on your van as they are illegal in Qld at lease. and will void your insurance. If you cause harm to someone else, human regulators will be your problem! :)
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Dimethyl Sulphide (DMS) has an odour that is detectable at very low levels. For this reason, it is included as a component of dangerous gases to allow the detection of leaks by smell.
DMS has an advantage over odorant like methyl mercaptan in that it is very chemically stable. Mercaptan odorant oxidise over time, and the ability to smell their presence diminishes.
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Recommended Gas Regulator from archives - CAMEC Australia.. Its a Model 290 "Marshall Gas Company, San Marcos, Texas, USA"
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I feel strongly about this problem.
our lives are worth more than cheap imports in a potential explosive situation. If they block up what else is inferior in them?
gas authorities to sort out the problem even if some people aren't having issues.
I have emailed my local member, member for mines and energy, Consumers Affairs, and others that came up in google. I hate being ripped off!
I would ask you to email your member etc to make this problem come to the surface.