Is this indicating a leak of the BBQ propane regulator?

[lucseawalker]

Perhaps someone can confirm my suspicions??

Last night, when I used our Force10 propane BBQ to cook some fish ... when I shut the regulator valve off, the low pressure regulator attached on the side of the BBQ, I noticed the regulator very cold and wet ... while the BBQ was quite hot itself since it was on for 15 min ..

My suspicion is that the regulator might have a leak .... the escaping of the gas creating the cold effect (like when purging a scuba tank quite fast)...

Since these small regulator are all sealed, there is probably no easy and/or safe way for me to repair it ... but I might have a spare in my parts


Just like to have some informed opinions before I start to take things apart as it rarely works easy!


Thanks

[cal40john]

It is a pressure regulator. It reduces the pressure in the tank to what is used in the BBQ. As volume increases, temperature decreases in adiabatic conditions.

I've seen ice form on a 10 lb tank hooked up to a big grill.

https://physics.stackexchange.com/qu...hen-i-spray-it

[boatpoker]

Yup ! sounds like a failed regulator. I've been using propane on the boat for almost 30 years and only once experienced the same thing. Can't be repaired, chuck it and get a new one.

[lucseawalker]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Yup ! sounds like a failed regulator. I've been using propane on the boat for almost 30 years and only once experienced the same thing. Can't be repaired, chuck it and get a new one.

Thanks for confirming my suspicions ... This is my first time in about the same 30 years ah ah! I only replaced one of these regulators before because it was all corroded on the outside ... And I just found out that my spare part (I thought I still had) is the one now having failed ... So will need to buy a new one ... when i get a chance!

[GordMay]

FWIW: I think it's best to first turn off the propane at the bottle/tank valve, then the regulator, or appliance.

[steve77]

I would try some soapy water to see if it is leaking. The cold temperature may indicate a leak, but I would confirm it before buying a replacement.

Steve

[lucseawalker]

Originally Posted by GordMay

FWIW: I think it's best to first turn off the propane at the bottle/tank valve, then the regulator, or appliance.

Yes, I always shut down the BBQ like that so no gas stays in the hose . but yesterday, the flames were still on 5 min after I shut down the tank valve and I felt the valve regulator at the BBQ very cold and wet?? what I never experience before???

[Mazu]

Cold is a result of the fuel changing state from liquid to vapor. When change of state occurs heat is removed from the fuel itself causing the cold to touch apparatus.
If you are delivering liquid fuel to the regulator then the flash is taking place at the regulator and it will be quite cold.
If just pressure dropping vapor it will be cool.
Shut off the regulator leaving the tank valve open without having operated the grill. The regulator should remsin at ambient temperature. If cool remove the regulator and in the same configuration as above soap bubble the outlet. No bubbles then all is good. You would probably be able to smell the propane at the outlet as well but soap solution is the safer way to check it.

[roland stockham]

There is a simple way to check. Soak a cloth in a strong solution of dish soap and wrap it round the regulator. You woll see bubles at the edges if it is leaking. Just had the same issue whith a new one that had a faulty diapham.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by cal40john

It is a pressure regulator. It reduces the pressure in the tank to what is used in the BBQ. As volume increases, temperature decreases in adiabatic conditions.

I've seen ice form on a 10 lb tank hooked up to a big grill.

https://physics.stackexchange.com/qu...hen-i-spray-it

This ^.

Regulators and tanks can get quite cold due to gas changing state. This does not necessarilly indicate any problem at all. Ive had ice form on both during high altitude camping.

Of course...gas changes state very fast around a leak too. I found a propane leak once due to the ice forming around the leak!

Not a bad idea to test for leaks just in case. I like to use a sponge for this. Saturate with liquid soap and minimal water. When squeezed it makes nice thick foam which stays in place and lasts a long time.

[Cheechako]

Regulators often ice up normally.

[lucseawalker]

Originally Posted by steve77

I would try some soapy water to see if it is leaking. The cold temperature may indicate a leak, but I would confirm it before buying a replacement.

Steve

Good idea! Easy to do

[CF32907]

Capt VR here, hi all.
A little liquid soap and water in a spritzer bottle will tell you if it's leaking. Many regulators get cold, any time you have escaping gases expanding, there going to draw off heat. I have a very large 4 segment/burner with a side burner grill. Using one or two burners, regs and tank are normal, top of tank a little cool. We had a boat club meeting over here, had all four grills lit and the side burner, actually had thick frost on tank and regulator. Two ways to tell if it's leaking, nose or soap bubbles.
Capt. Vince Rakstis, Ret. MS PS: Happy sailing all...