How to Make Your Propane Patio Gas Less of an Eyesore
Propane patio heating systems are a great alternative for outdoor heating. They are easy to use, and don't require a gas line, as gas heaters do.
Sometimes, it is known as Calor patio gas, the fuel is stored in green cylinders and is ideal for BBQ's and outdoor heating appliances. It is compatible with 27mm clip-on regulators.
Safety
Propane is a highly explosive gas, could pose a danger to safety if not stored and used in a safe manner. Propane is an oil-based byproduct. It should be stored in cylinders or tanks that have an air pressure regulator and leak-proof seals. A propane patio heater equipped with an ignition source and is connected to the gas bottle via a regulator is designed for safe operation. However, there are times when a issue can arise. It is essential to follow certain safety precautions until a professional can assess the problem and repair it.
The first step is to search for signs of a leak. This could include rotten eggs or smell of skunk, a hissing sound coming from your tank, and a burning smell. If you notice any of these signs, shut off the valve in your tank, get out of the area immediately and contact 911 and the local fire department. Then call your propane retailer to report the problem.
Examine your propane tank and connections for corrosion, rust, or deterioration that could lead to leaks. Make sure that the connections to your hose aren't damaged and are tight. Also, clean out the vents for vapors to remove any debris. A damaged connection or a crack in the tank could result in an unintentional leak of propane which can be extremely dangerous.
Finally, it is important to have your propane appliances, including the patio heaters, checked on a regular basis. A propane specialist can inspect the connections and the hoses to check for damage, leaks or other issues that may increase the risk of a fire or leak.
Be aware that you should not try to relight an ignition source that has been extinguished. This can be very dangerous especially if there's an issue with the thermocouple or any other safety component that prevent the pilot from turning on. In these instances it is recommended to switch the pilot light off and call an expert in propane to your home to look into the issue.
Stores
Propane patios are a reliable and flexible heating option for any outdoor space. The large propane tanks can be a source of eye-sore and aren't always a good fit with a backyard or yard. Fortunately, there are many ways to hide the propane tank and make it less of an eyesore in your home.
A natural way to hide the propane tank is by planting screening plants around it. Planting dense shrubs and bushes like photinia or juniper is a good choice, since they grow quickly and can disguise the propane tank. Planting the screens on all three sides will provide a good cover, while still giving easy access to the tank for maintenance and refills.
A fence is another way to cover the propane tank. gas or electric patio heater can be a high fence, a low-wall or even a garden. You must still allow access to the tank in order that it is able to be serviced and filled. A propane tank that is locked or fenced in could be dangerous.
Some people choose to store their tanks in the ground to keep them from being visible. This option may work best if your propane tank is in an out-of-the-way location however it is harder to check on and service as needed. Additionally, an underground propane tank could lose pressure when temperatures change, so it is important to keep up with yearly maintenance services.
There are many kinds of propane cylinders. Patio gas stored in green cylinders has an adjustable regulator clip-on and is suitable for patio gas heaters, whereas propane stored in blue cylinders has lower boiling points and is better suited for camping, single burner cooking appliances or commercial power generation and heating.
Propane cylinders need to be connected to the appropriate gas regulator to be able to dispense correctly. It's important that you don't switch between different types of cylinders without swapping out the regulator. This can cause your propane gas to smell like rotten eggs or skunk, and it will not work in your appliance.
Bottles
LPG gas bottles are a common sight for most of us, whether we're going to the pub for barbeque, cooking in the caravan or simply heating our homes with a gas fireplace. Bottled gas comes in many different sizes and shapes depending on the type of gas you need. Most appliances come with regulators that lower the pressure. The regulators are either screw-on or clip-on, and this will depend on the type of cylinder you're using.
Patio gas (propane) is stored in green cylinders and is usually supplied for outdoor heaters or barbecues. It is compatible with 27mm clip-on regulators. Patio gas can also be used to power camping equipment or single-burner cookers in touring or static caravans. It is also great for use in homes as well as light commercial and for home use such as blowtorches. Gas Trac is available in 13kg bottles.
Butane is stored in blue cylinders, and is used to heat caravans and mobile heaters during winter. It is a great choice for those who need to heat their home or outdoor area but don't have space for a bulk LPG tank. It is also a favorite among commercial users who need to operate ovens, tools or forklift trucks and is available in bottles ranging from to 47kg in size.
Both butane and propane are flammable hydrocarbon gases that come from natural gas refining and gas processing and are liquified by pressurisation. Propane has lower boiling points of -42degC and is therefore suitable for use outdoors in the U.K where temperatures are colder however butane has a higher boiling point so is most often employed indoors.
The majority of leisure appliances come with a regulator valve that lowers the pressure inside the cylinder, which reduces the pressure in the gas supplied to the appliance. This is done to safeguard your appliance and ensure the safety of the gas supply. The type of regulator you need will depend on the cylinder that you're using, which is why it's important to know what you want to do with the bottle prior to buying it.
Regulators
Propane regulators regulate the pressure of propane gas as it moves from the propane bottle to the propane appliance. A first-stage regulator decreases the initial pressure of the container to 10 psi (0.70 bar), and then permits the gas to pass through to a second-stage propane regulator, which further reduces gas pressure (to approximately 11 inches of water column or WC). A gauge on a propane tank is a measure of the pressure of the gas as it leaves the regulator.
Installation is crucial to ensure the safety of operation. A licensed gas plumber with LP should always be hired for any propane installations in the home, including barbecues, patio heaters and other outdoor appliances. They can make sure that the hoses are routed correctly and installed and kept away from hazardous materials as well as enclosed spaces like garages.
The type of regulator needed depends on how the propane tank is being used. A restaurant that uses appliances that are highly demanded may require different equipment than a home owner who uses a propane grill during the summer. When a company purchases propane it is able to sit down with a customer to discuss their requirements and then provide the appropriate regulator for each use.
Regulators should be kept out of direct sunlight in a location that is well ventilated. This will keep snow, ice and rain from blocking the regulator vent, and preventing gas from moving through the system. Regulators should be located in a place where they are easily accessible to refill and maintain.
Leaking vents can indicate that a regulator for propane needs to be replaced. This could indicate that the diaphragm has been damaged by an object or there is a build-up of corrosion in the spring area of the regulator. It is best to replace the regulator as soon as possible in the event that it is leaking.
Propane is a very flammable substance that should never be exposed to flames or high temperatures. Propane appliances should be kept away from any flammable substances and in an open space to avoid fires and accidents. If an appliance that is propane emits a noxious smell, this is typically an indication that there is a leak. It is recommended to replace it as soon as possible.