How do I keep my propane tank regulator from freezing?

Question

I have a Rinnai tankless water heating system that is used to heat my mobile home. It continues to set a code 12 ,lack of fuel flow, due to condensation freezing in the propane tank regulator ( or so I'm told). I've installed heat tape around the lines to no avail. When this code sets, the heating system shuts down, and resets by manually shutting the unit down and restarting. It then continues to work until it freezes up again .Its pretty cold in N.H. !! Any help is appreciated!Thanks,

Answer 1

I find it hard to believe that the propane is freezing inside the regulator. Now, if water is freezing inside the regulator, you should go buy a new regulator because the seal is bad.

Otherwise, it sounds like even though you have some propane left in your tank, the cold weather is affecting the pressure within the tank, which subsequently slows the flow of fuel.

Solution 1: Top off the tank.
Solution 2: Buy a few more tanks to swap out during the cold weather. Once it gets warmer, you'll be able to use the partial tanks left over from the swap.
Solution 3: Buy an electric tankless water heater.
Solution 4: Heat your propane tank - but this could become very cumbersome, expensive, and even dangerous. HINT: It will not work to just heat the regulator, your problem is with the tank temperature.

Answer 2

Propane Regulator Freezing

Answer 3

The solution is to install a two stage regulator system. The first stage is a high pressure regulator that connects to your tank. This regulator reduces the pressure to around 5-10 psi. The second regulator is installed at the house inlet pipe. This reduces the pressure to the proper level for appliances about .5 psi.

Call your propane company for more info.

I always use this setup where I live. Night time temperatures regularly fall below 0 deg F. In fact it was -24 deg F, without the windchill factor (which was -57 deg F) 2 weeks ago and no problems with my propane system.

One other note: If it gets to -40 deg F or colder you are going to have problems with low propane pressure no matter what. This getting near the temp where propane liquefies regardless of pressure.

Answer 4

Here is a temporary solution perhaps. Put a card board box with a light bulb under it over the whole thing. Cover the box with old blankets, towels, rugs etc. It won't be pretty, but it may get you through to spring. Your other option is to let it freeze, and join us here in New Orleans. We are having a great time at Mardi-Gras this year. It has been a little cold here also, Low of 34, High 68 today, but after a few drive thru daiquiris nobody notices. It is a sunny day:-).

Answer 5

LPG doesn't freeze at low temperatures. You have moisture in your system. Not knowing exactly where the regulator is I can't say for sure who is responsible but I would start with the LPG supplier. In any case your system or some part of it needs to be dried out, flushed or some methanol added somewhere in the system to counteract the moisure.

Answer 6

Have you tried covering your regulator? Keep the wind/cold air from hitting it. Perhaps a shoebox lined with insulation (rigid 1" foam type) could help.

Also read about having methyl alcohol injected into your cylinder to prevent regulator freezing.

Answer 7

What??? Using a tankless water heater for heating??? Of course its going to freeze up!!! Tankless water heaters are not designed for that application. Heat tape on it is only going to blow you up.