Owner`s manual

147
2008 LAPALMA XL
LP-GAS SYSTEMS — 7
lp-gaS regulator
LP-Gas is compressed into liquid form in the
tank. Only the vapor is used during combustion
by an appliance. As vapor is removed from
the tank, the remaining liquid will vaporize
to maintain pressure that is removed during
consumption. This process will continue until
there is no liquid remaining in the tank.
Temperature affects the vaporizing action of
the liquid. If temperature of the liquid is - 44º
F, the liquid remains stable with tank pressure,
about 0 psi. If liquid temperature is 100º F, the
liquid quickly vaporizes with tank pressure,
about 200 psi. Vapor pressure must remain
relatively consistent, regardless of temperature,
for the appliance heat output to remain stable.
Vapor pressure regulation is performed by the
regulator.
The two-stage regulator reduces vapor
pressure so that it is safe for use. The rst
stage of the regulator reduces tank pressure
to a range of 10 to 13 psig (pounds per square
inch gauge). The second stage further reduces
pressure to a working pressure of 0.4 psig (11
Inches of Water Column or about 6¼ ounces
psi.). A vent is installed to allow the internal
diaphragm to move with atmospheric pressure
change. It is important to keep the vent clean
and clear of obstruction or corrosion. If the vent
becomes clogged, pressure from LP tank may
cause erratic pressure regulation. If there is any
corrosion, contact a qualied LP-Gas service
technician. The regulator is mounted so that
the vent faces downward. If the vent becomes
clogged, clean it with a toothbrush.
Under normal atmospheric conditions an
LP-Gas regulator will not freeze, nor will the
LP-Gas. Vapor passing through the regulator
will expand and cool, condensing moisture in
the gas. The moisture will freeze, build up and
block the vent. The possibility of freeze up is
greatly reduced with the two-stage regulator.
To Prevent Freeze Up:
Ensure the LP-Gas tank is totally free of
moisture prior to lling.
Ensure the tank is not overlled.
Keep the valve closed when the tank is
empty.
If A Freeze Up Occurs:
Have an LP-Gas distributor purge the
tank.
Have the LP-Gas distributor inject
methyl alcohol in the tank.
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Damage to the regulator can occur when the
tank is overlled. The regulator is designed
to work with vapor only. This is why the tank
is lled to only 80% of its liquid capacity.
The other 20% allows for vaporization of the
liquid. The primary vapor valve is located in
the vapor section of the tank. In an overlled
tank, liqueed petroleum can ll the regulator.
Vaporizing liquid can freeze the diaphragm.
High tank pressure on a frozen diaphragm can
cause a rupture and result in erratic pressure
regulation. This is why it is important to
have the LP-Gas pressure checked for proper
pressure and accurate regulation during
appliance operation. Erratic pressure regulation
dramatically affects refrigerator operation on
LP-Gas.
WARNING:
DO NOT attempt to adjust the
regulator. Adjustments require special
equipment. Failure to follow these
instructions may result in a fire or
explosion, and can cause severe personal
injury or death. DO NOT operate
LP-Gas appliances until the LP-Gas
pressure is checked and a leak down test
is performed!
Manometers:
The manometer is the best way to accurately
determine LP-Gas pressure. There are two
different styles of manometers: Gauge and
U-tube. Gas pressure is measured in Inches of
Water Column. This is the amount of pressure
applied to one side of a U-shaped tube half lled
with water. The amount of pressure needed to
raise the column of water 11" represents 11
Inches of Water Column.
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