5-5
SECTION 5
LP GAS SYSTEM
LP GAS ALARM - See page 1-2.
WINTER USE OF LP GAS
Due to vaporization characteristics of LP gas,
it is important that the winter camper knows how
to most efficiently use the LP system. The vapor-
ization rate of LP gas decreases in a direct rela-
tionship to a decrease in temperature. Propane
will convert to a usable gas at temperatures down
to -44
°
F. For this reason, propane is a popular
heating fuel in cold climates. However, even pro-
pane vaporizes at a slower rate as it becomes
colder.
The greater the amount of liquid gas in the
tank (up to 80% level) the greater the amount of
LP gas vapor generated. The following is an ex-
ample of the number of BTU’s available from an
84-pound tank at 0
°
F at three levels. As you can
see, the number of BTU’s decreases as the tank is
emptied. Nearly twice as many BTU’s are avail-
able from a full tank than one that is one-fourth
full.
BTU’s Available at 0
°
F.
Tank Level
BTU’s
80%
64,000
50%
50,400
20%
33,000
The following LP Gas Vaporization and Tem-
perature Relationship chart typifies the LP gas
loss with a decrease in temperature. The percent-
age figures are the increase or decrease of vapor
that would be available at 0
°
F. These figures ap-
ply to any size LP gas tanks.
Percentage of BTU’s
Temperature
Available at 0
°
F.
20
°
F.
200%
10
°
F.
150%
0
°
F.
100%
-5
°
F.
75%
-10
°
F.
50%
-15
°
F.
25%
-20
°
F.
12 1/2%
-44
°
F.
Propane will
not vaporize
Never use an open flame to test for
gas leaks. When testing for gas lines
leaks with a soapy water solution, DO
NOT use a detergent containing
ammonia or chlorine. These sub-
stances may generate a chemical
reaction causing corrosion to gas
lines, resulting in dangerous leak con-
ditions.
WARNING
