Freezing propane tanks
A few years ago on a weekend trip during the winter my propane tank froze up and was useless is there any way to prevent freeze up.
Forum Discussion
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/propane-butane-mix-d_1043.html
Here is a chart showing the vapor pressure properties of mixture of propane and butane.
At -30 degF, pure propane will have a pressure of 6.8 psig.
In a small container of propane, at the propane is drawn off, the pressure reduces and the temperature of the liquid propane will drop to its saturation temperature. So you draw off vapor fast enough the propane can reach -40 degF and will have no pressure.
The frost on the exterior is due to the propane in the tank being below 32 degF, so the water will freeze against the surface.
As note earlier, you have to be really cold to freeze propane to a solid.
More than likely, you are getting water vapor in the regulator or some oil which will cause the regulator to stop working. You do not want to put direct heat on the regulator, but you can use a heat lamp or a light bulb to warm it enough to work.
Ken
Here is a chart showing the vapor pressure properties of mixture of propane and butane.
At -30 degF, pure propane will have a pressure of 6.8 psig.
In a small container of propane, at the propane is drawn off, the pressure reduces and the temperature of the liquid propane will drop to its saturation temperature. So you draw off vapor fast enough the propane can reach -40 degF and will have no pressure.
The frost on the exterior is due to the propane in the tank being below 32 degF, so the water will freeze against the surface.
As note earlier, you have to be really cold to freeze propane to a solid.
More than likely, you are getting water vapor in the regulator or some oil which will cause the regulator to stop working. You do not want to put direct heat on the regulator, but you can use a heat lamp or a light bulb to warm it enough to work.
Ken
