How Does a Propane Regulator Work?

Propane barbecue grills deliver carefully regulated, even heat.
••• Ryan McVay/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Propane Tanks

At one point in time, propane gas was used for interior gas stoves and home heating. Today, small propane tanks now heat our grills for barbecues and modern outdoor kitchens. These tanks contain a flammable liquid that is pumped from larger tanks into the smaller ones used for the home consumer. Since this gas is a liquid under pressure that becomes a lighter-than-air substance when being consumed, it can build to a very high pressure. This pressure must be regulated as it exits the tanks, or else it can rupture hoses or, worse yet, create a substantial explosion. Pressure regulators are generally used on propane systems for this exact reason: to dispense the liquid in the tank so it can be consumed in a safe and efficient manner.

Brass Aluminum Connections

Propane regulators and the connection they make to the tank are made of brass. Brass is used because it is generally resistant to sparking. In other words, if you were to slip with the wrench when tightening the fitting from the regulator to the tank, a spark would not necessarily be created. Sparks and propane can lead to a deadly combination. Aluminum is another metal that is used in the construction of the regulator. Not only is the metal lightweight, but it also has a resistance to being a spark generator. Generally, the housing that holds the mechanism of the regulator is made of aluminum. Most regulators look as if they were modeled from a flying saucer. This saucer design contains the interior controlling diaphragm. At the top and center of the saucer is a round cap. This round cap contains the pressure spring.

Springs and Diaphragms

The purpose of the regulator is to control the high-pressure gas that exits the propane tank and reduce it to a safe level. Generally propane regulators emit a working gas pressure in the area of less than 1 lb. of pressure that can be measured on a gauge. This is accomplished by a rubber diaphragm that is attached to the inside of the aluminum saucer. The pressure spring rides against this diaphragm and helps to control the exiting gas. This is done by the force of the spring against the diaphragm to exert a back pressure. This back pressure retards the flow of the high-pressure gas in the tank. Some regulators have a removable cap in which the interior spring can be replaced. This allows for different pressures exiting on the outlet side of the regulator. Slightly higher pressures of propane may be needed for the modern full-sized outdoor cooking grill in which more than one burner is used.

Generally, the stronger the spring, the lower the gas pressure on the exit side, and the lighter the spring, the greater the pressure coming from the regulator. Typically, though, most home consumer propane regulators have a fixed cap on the spring housing. This prevents tampering with the pressure because the final result could be explosive.

Related Articles

How Do Butane Lighters Work?
How a Hydraulic Relief Valve Works
How Do Pneumatic Controls Work?
Can a Propane Tank Explode?
Types of Navy Patches for Damaged Pipes
How Hydraulic Pilot Valves Work
Types of Gas Welding
How to Perform a Fire Pump Churn Test
Types of Mixing Valves for an Oil Furnace Boiler
Homemade Altitude Chamber
Solar Water Heater Component Parts
How to Build a Pressure Tank
The Advantages of Open Pit Mining
How to Generate Steam
What Is the Function of a Voltage Regulator?
How to Calibrate Pressure Switches
How Does a Solenoid Work?
How Do Aneroid Barometers Work?
How to Make Your Own Waste Oil Heater

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!