In the very recent past, the use of liquefied hydrocarbon gases (LPG) in living conditions in our country was a rare phenomenon. In rural areas and holiday villages, only gas stoves operated from a gas cylinder.
The impetus for the wider use of liquefied propane as an energy carrier was the emergence of modern gas-using equipment and an increase in electricity tariffs. However, despite the wide variety of heating and water heating appliances that can operate on liquefied gas, in Russia there is still a meager selection of high-quality household gearboxes. This article will talk about the purpose, types and characteristics of household propane reducers.
Gas pressure in a gas cylinder, gas cylinder installation or container is a variable value, depending on the amount of gas in the container and temperature environment. To reduce the pressure of the gas leaving the cylinder (container) to the value necessary for stable operation of gas-using equipment ( gas stove, boiler, gas convector, gas water heater) and propane gas reducers are used.
For correct selection gearbox to your gas boiler, a convector or water heater needs to know its main technical characteristics:
- Gas consumption
- Working pressure
- Connection method
In the vast majority of cases, liquefied gas consumption is indicated in the technical documentation of the equipment in kilograms per hour (kg/hour). Gas consumption heating device thermal power, for example 5 kW, averages 0.4 - 0.5 kg/hour. The minimum productivity is 1 kg/hour. For stable operation of gas-using equipment, its gas consumption should not be greater than the performance of the reducer. If you purchase a reducer with a capacity of 4 kg/hour for a gas convector with a flow rate of 0.3 kg/hour, nothing terrible will happen - the automatic equipment of the device will still not let more gas through than necessary. Don't forget to add up the consumption per hectare 
for, if several gas consuming devices operate on the same line (from one cylinder or gas cylinder installation).
The operating pressure of a gas-consuming device is an even more important characteristic. Using a gas reducer with an output pressure exceeding the operating pressure of a gas convector or water heater will, at best, lead to flame separation and extinction gas burner, and in the worst case, to failure of the device’s automation. Most devices operate on liquefied gas with a pressure of 30, 42 and 50 mbar. Propane reducers are produced both with a fixed outlet pressure and adjustable (with a range, for example, from 20 to 60 mbar).
The method of connecting the heating device to a cylinder or gas cylinder installation is entirely your choice. If you are satisfied with the connection as usual gas hose, then you need a gas reducer with a herringbone-type outlet fitting. If you want everything to be reliable and aesthetically pleasing, then you should think about wiring gas main, for example, the widely used corrugated stainless steel pipe. In this case, you also need a gearbox with a threaded outlet.
As is known, liquefied hydrocarbon gas (propane-butane) is stored in cylinders or gas tanks under a pressure of several bar. To reach the operating parameters of consumers (30-50 mbar), in systems autonomous gas supply private objects, a special device is used - household propane reducer. If we draw an analogy with electrical network, this device performs the function of a stabilizer, that is, it reduces the pressure to the required value and automatically maintains it at the same level.
Design and principle of operation of the gas reducer.
Any propane reducer contains the following components:
- valve;
- working chamber;
- locking spring;
- compression spring;
- membrane
The throughput of this device depends on the degree of opening of the valve, which is influenced on one side by a membrane and a pressure spring, and on the other by gas and a shut-off spring. The higher the propane pressure in the cylinder and the lower the flow rate of gas-using equipment, the closer the valve is located to the seat. Conversely, as the pressure in the chamber drops and the flow rate increases, the valve opens more. The operating parameters of a household propane reducer are determined by the stiffness of the springs and the elasticity of the membrane. Some models are additionally equipped with a valve, the shaft of which is connected to a pressure spring, which allows you to manually regulate the gas supply within a certain range.
Operating principle of the device:
How to choose a household propane reducer
The choice of a device for supplying a propane-butane mixture to gas-using equipment is based on two key parameters:
- working pressure;
- gas consumption.
Sample passport for a gas stove
The operating mode of most household propane appliances is 30 mbar, 37 mbar or 50 mbar. Based on this indicator select the appropriate gearbox. If its output pressure differs from the operating parameter of a gas stove, boiler or, for example, a grill, this may lead to improper operation of the equipment and even create an explosive situation.
The characteristics of the propane reducer can be seen on it - 3 kg/h and 29mbar
30 mbar, 1.5 kg/h (kg/h)
For stable and safe work It is also important for the gas consumer that its consumption does not exceed the performance of the gas reducer. In this case, the upper level of gearbox consumption is not standardized. That is, for a boiler with a power of 24 kW with a mass flow of 2 - 2.5 kg/h, it is permissible to install a gearbox with a capacity of 3 kg/h and higher - the automatic boiler or stove will still not allow “extra” gas to pass through.
For reference:
1 kg ~ 1.9 l ~ 0.45 m3 (for propane - butane)
1000 Pa - 1 kPa - 10 mbar
30 mbar - 0.03 bar
1 bar-0.99 atm.
Some owners of autonomous gas supply systems make the mistake of purchasing industrial gearboxes instead of household ones, considering them more reliable. Firstly, such devices are an order of magnitude more expensive, and secondly, they are designed to work with more powerful gas equipment, so they are not always compatible with household appliances.
You should also pay attention to the type of thread of the device. Gearboxes designed to work with non-flammable gases are equipped with a right-hand thread, and with flammable gases they have a left-hand thread and a mark on the nut.
Rules for installation and operation of a gas reducer
To connect a propane reducer to gas-using equipment, two methods are used: using a herringbone fitting or using a threaded connection. The first option is considered the simplest and is often used to connect the cylinder to a gas stove. The second method is more reliable and aesthetic; in addition, it allows you to connect one propane tank to several consumers at once.
Connection via fitting
Whatever option is chosen, during the process of connecting the gas reducer and starting the system, you must adhere to the following instructions:
- Make sure there are no cracks or depressions on the housing, check the integrity of the pressure gauge (if equipped).
- Connect the device to the cylinder (gas holder). For better tightness of the threaded connection, you should additionally use flax or FUM tape.
- Connect the gas line to the outlet pipe of the reducer. When using a herringbone fitting, secure the pipe at the mounting location with a clamp.
- Slowly open the cylinder valve, then turn the tap on the gas consumer.
It is worth noting that the device is intended for use in temperate climates, so its use is permissible at temperatures from -15 to 45 degrees Celsius.
An example of connecting a propane reducer in a group cylinder installation
A high-quality household propane stabilizer can last for more than one year without major repairs. Only rubber materials that lose their elasticity over time are subject to periodic replacement. You should also inspect the bypass valve 1-2 times a year and, if necessary, clean it. The degree of clogging of the gas reducer directly depends on the purity of the propane-butane mixture used. For example, you can familiarize yourself with the standard forms of delivery of this high-purity mixture in accordance with GOST. If you use gas high quality, then the service life of shut-off and control valves and gas-using equipment will significantly increase, and the likelihood of sudden failures of the autonomous gas supply system will be minimized.
Liquefied gas, which is used to fill cylinders for subsequent use, is always under increased pressure. To lower it, it is necessary to install a special type of shut-off and distribution valves on the cylinder - a propane reducer. Subsequently, the reducer automatically maintains the specified level of gas pressure. According to safety regulations, the device is always painted bright red - the same color as propane cylinders.
Design and types
Propane (CH 3) 2 CH 2 – natural gas, which has a high calorific value: at 25°C, its heat of combustion exceeds 120 kcal/kg. At the same time, it should be used with special precautions, since propane is odorless, but even with its concentration in the air of only 2.1% it is explosive. It is especially important that, being lighter than air (the density of propane is only 0.5 g/cm3), propane rises upward, and therefore, even at relatively low concentrations, poses a danger to human well-being.
A propane reducer must perform two functions - provide a strictly defined level of pressure when connecting any device to it, and guarantee the stability of such pressure values during further operation. Most often, gas welding machines are used as such devices. gas heaters, heat guns and other types of heating equipment. This gas is also used for the propane cylinder of a car running on liquefied fuel.
There are two types of propane reducers - single- and double-chamber. The latter are used less frequently because they are more complex in design, and their distinctive ability to consistently reduce the gas pressure in two chambers is used in practice only with increased requirements for the permissible level of pressure drops. Common gearbox models are BPO 5-3, BPO5-4, SPO-6, etc. The second digit in symbol points to nominal pressure, MPa, at which the safety device is triggered.
Structurally, a single-chamber propane reducer type BPO-5 (Cylinder Propane Single-Chamber) consists of the following components and parts:
- Cases.
- Pusher.
- Valve seat.
- Reducing spring.
- Membranes.
- Reducing valve.
- Connecting nipple.
- Inlet fitting.
- Setting spring.
- Mesh filter.
- Pressure gauge.
- Adjusting screw.
Main technical characteristics propane reducers are:
- Maximum throughput capacity in terms of gas volume per unit of time, kg/h (marked with a number located immediately after the letter abbreviation; for example, a propane reducer type BPO-5 is designed to pass no more than 5 kg of propane per hour);
- Maximum gas inlet pressure, MPa. Depending on the size of the device, it can range from 0.3 to 2.5 MPa;
- Maximum outlet pressure; in most designs it is 0.3 MPa, and is adapted to a similar indicator for a gas-consuming unit.
All produced propane gearboxes must fully comply with the requirements of GOST 13861.
Operating principle of the gearbox
The device is connected to a gas cylinder using a union nut, the thread on which is strictly defined: Sp21.8LH (left). This is done in order to exclude the possibility of connecting a gearbox for other equipment. The connecting nut is made of brass and must be equipped with a transition projection, which prevents possible gas leaks. When using propane cylinders manufactured according to the European standard KLF with an already installed sealing ring and a filter on the fitting, you will also need a special adapter.
A propane reducer works like this. The gas from the cylinder first passes through a mesh filter, from where it enters the lower chamber at high pressure. Next, the required operating pressure is adjusted. To do this, the adjusting screw is rotated clockwise, acting on the set spring. The spring pushes the pressure plate, and through the reducing spring, pusher and diaphragm transmits force to the reducing valve. It opens, and through the gap between the valve and its seat, it opens the way for propane into the working chamber. A low pressure gauge is used to monitor the actual gas pressure. In order to connect a hose, cutter or other unit to the device, an output connecting nipple is provided. For connection, a union nut with an M16×1.5LH thread is usually used.
When gas is supplied under initial pressure, the following occurs: the membrane closes the inlet valve (the level of pressure required for this depends on the area of the membrane, its diameter and the setting of the drive spring). The level of propane pressure at the outlet of the reducer depends on the degree of blocking of the hole. Since when gas is supplied high pressure the membrane moves abruptly; household gas reducers of this type are often called “frog”. “Frog” is a typical representative of a propane reducer, which is used to supply gas to simple household devices. Unlike the above-mentioned devices BPO 5-3, BPO 5-4, etc., the “frog” does not have a unit for adjusting the inlet gas pressure, and its performance is determined solely by the physical and mechanical characteristics of the membrane material. Therefore, such gearboxes are designed for use strictly in the conditions specified by the manufacturer. “Frogs”, as a rule, have reduced operational capabilities (in particular, flow rate and outlet pressure), but are more compact and have a lower price (290...350 rubles versus 450...700 rubles for single-chamber devices or 1200...1300 rub. – for two-chamber). The “frog” can be connected using a clamp.
How to choose a propane reducer model?
Required conditions for the devices in question industrial production should be:
- Having a tight fit to the body metal cover.
- Indelible marking indicating the pressure parameters for which the device is designed.
- Universal connection nipple for commonly used hose diameters (6.3 mm, 9 mm).
- Tight fit of all sealing parts (gaskets) to the corresponding surfaces. This is usually checked using soap solution, when applied to the surface no air bubbles should form
- Brass body (steel is prone to rust).
- Convenient handwheel for moving the adjusting screw.
- Spare gasket (optionally, an adapter for propane cylinders of European standard, Swedish or Norwegian production can also be included).
- Compliance with domestic safety standards - GOST 12.2.052 - 81.
In the process of choosing the standard size of a propane reducer, the permissible level of external temperatures at which its use does not pose a danger to others is also taken into account. Typically, the climatic class of these devices is UHL2, which allows the use of the gearbox in the temperature range of -25...+50°C. For the UHL class (temperate zone), the corresponding range is -15...+45°C. The coefficient of unevenness of the transmitted pressure should not exceed ±0.15.
Important For the possibility of using a gearbox, the external condition of the device is also important. The body of the propane gearbox should not have surface dents or scratches, not to mention changes in shape. The same applies to the condition of the control pressure gauge. Before installation in a stationary state, the pressure gauge should be checked for serviceability by applying compressed air: if the arrow of the device is stationary, the gearbox cannot be used.
The purchased device must be fully consistent with the technical characteristics of the unit for which it is intended. In particular, gas consumption cannot exceed performance characteristics gearbox If the pressure at the outlet of the gearbox exceeds (compared to the nominal values), the automatic control of the main equipment, as a rule, fails, and the equipment itself is switched off. The limit values of the pressure used should not exceed the permissible values for equipment of this class by more than 10%. The device must have a certificate of conformity in Russia.
Sequence of installation and use
A propane reducer of any type and design is considered a high-risk technique, therefore, when installing it, it is necessary to observe a number of mandatory requirements:
- The room (if the gearbox is mounted to an internal consumer) is thoroughly ventilated. Moreover, the window/vent must remain open throughout the entire duration of the initial start-up.
- The correct sequence for using the device is as follows: first, the valve on the propane cylinder opens smoothly. Then the valve of the reducer opens and only then the valve of the gas-consuming equipment. By rotating the adjusting screw handwheel, the required level of operating pressure is set. Disconnection is made in reverse order. When extraneous sounds appear - clicks, hissing, etc. - the equipment is immediately turned off.
- After establishing a stable flow of gas through the reducer, monitor the readings of the pressure gauge needle, which should not deviate more than the pressure fluctuation values indicated in the passport. Otherwise, the use of the technology is stopped. A slow increase in gas pressure is considered especially dangerous.
- Once every 2...3 months, the tightness of all connections is checked, and if necessary, the threaded fasteners are tightened.
- If routine maintenance of the propane reducer is necessary - purge the valve - the device is disconnected from the gas main, after which the remaining gas is released from all working cavities of the device. All subsequent operations are performed only in special workshops that have test benches.
- After finishing use, the inlet valve on the gearbox is closed all the way. In this case, the binding of the spring is eliminated, and its performance increases.
- To comply with the rules against fire safety It is advisable to provide flame extinguishing devices between the reducer and the gas consuming installation.
This regulator (stabilizer) is intended for use with household equipment, it gives precise control of the outlet pressure regardless of the gas pressure entering it.
The regulator (stabilizer) is used in autonomous or stationary gas supply systems and ensures the supply of gas at the required pressure to household appliances, smoothing out possible fluctuations (increases) in pressure and ensuring stable operation of the devices. This reducer is also installed in cases where devices with different input pressure requirements are connected to the same low-pressure pipeline.
Regulates pressure from low to low.
It has in its design:
- underpressure shut-off valve (UPSO)
- overflow shut-off valve
Models
Those. data
- Inlet pressure: up to 400 mbar
- Outlet pressure set: 20 mbar
- Outlet pressure min-max: 18-25 mbar (it is possible to replace the spring with a range of 15 - 37 mbar or 30 - 60 mbar)
- Input thread: G 3/4" internal (right).
- Outlet thread: G 3/4" internal (right).
- Operating temperature range: from -40С° to +60С°
- Productivity: up to 15 kg/h (6-10 m3)
- Weight: --- g.
- Service life: up to 10 years.
Add. information
Examples of the use of stabilizers.Example 1: The pressure in the pipeline is 50 mbar. A boiler with an operating pressure of 50 mbar and a stove with an operating pressure of 30 mbar are connected to it. A stabilizer is placed in front of the stove, which reduces the pressure from 50 mbar to 30 mbar.
Example 2: in a village with main gas, the gas pressure jumps. In the evening, at maximum flow, the pressure is normal. High blood pressure day and night. Installing a stabilizer solves the problem with increased pressure.
Manufacturer - |
Before performing work with gas equipment, it is necessary to thoroughly study the regulatory literature on this issue, as our regular author Andrei Dachnik did. Otherwise, such work should be entrusted to a certified specialist or contact the gas service.
Hob installation
The panel was placed in the center of the wall ventilation duct, to which the kitchen hood will be connected. It was planned to install an independent oven under the countertop. The opening for the panel was cut out by first drilling holes in the corners into which it was easy to insert an electric jigsaw blade. Since our kitchen has a chipboard countertop, we protected the edge of the opening from water and swelling by applying a layer of sanitary silicone sealant to it. Sealing tape was glued to the edges of the opening under the slab.
The panel needed to be replaced gas injectors because she was tuned to main gas. Modern manufacturers include a set of nozzles with holes of various diameters in the delivery package of their products.
We placed our cylinder installation on the street. This is required by fire safety standards set out in the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 390 “On the fire safety regime”. And although some other documents allow the installation of cylinders in apartments, we still decided not to risk it.
Correct placement of the gas cylinder
There are also a number of requirements for placing gas cylinders on the street.
Thus, they must be located in a steel cabinet, grounded and protected from corrosion, closed from entry by unauthorized persons, rigidly fixed in a vertical position, with ventilation holes above and below. Gas cylinders must be placed on a solid base that prevents them from tipping over, or must be secured vertically.
Cylinder cabinet - installation
The cabinet for cylinders should not be located on the main facade of the building, but in a place where gas cylinders cannot be heated above +45°C.
We purchased a ready-made steel cabinet for two 50-liter gas cylinders. It must be said that the commercially available samples are made of thin metal and have poor quality painting. We had to completely repaint the cabinet we bought.
To install the cabinet we have prepared reinforced concrete foundation with grounding. They did this near a blind wall on the north side of the house, on the opposite wall from the entrance and the main facade. We secured the cabinet to the foundation using dowel nails, and then connected the grounding. Additionally, the cabinet was attached to the wall of the house to prevent it from being deliberately tipped over or stolen.
Bellows pipe connection
All we have to do is lay a gas pipeline from the cylinder to the gas hob. We used a Kofulso non-breaking steel bellows gas pipe in a polymer shell for the gas pipeline. It is protected by thermal insulation and a polymer corrugated sleeve, laid underground before entering the house. Underground installation will protect our gas pipeline from excessive cooling in winter. They introduced the pipe into the house directly in the kitchen - next to the hob.
The bellows pipe is connected using a special fitting with a dielectric gasket, which is required to protect against accidental occurrence electric arc. The second reason for its use is protection against transmission static electricity for gas cylinders.
When laying a gas pipeline externally in a room, a shut-off valve must be installed in front of the gas stove. Also, to increase safety, you can install a thermally activated valve and a valve that shuts off the gas supply if the critical concentration is exceeded carbon monoxide. We installed them in gas cabinet using Kofulso fittings with dielectric gaskets. Our gas panel, in addition, is equipped with a system automatic shutdown gas supply when there is no flame in the burners.
A gas reducer is installed at the outlet of the cylinders, reducing the pressure from 0.1 mPa to 0.002-0.003 mPa.
Buying a high-quality household gas reducer in Russia is not easy: the market is flooded with counterfeit devices. Distinctive features of a high-quality gearbox - the following: the presence of packaging and instructions, bronze union nuts, high-quality mesh in the lumen of the connecting fitting, the presence of markings indicating the manufacturer and the absence of grammatical errors in the markings.
Installation of a gas reducer
The gas reducer can be connected directly to the bellows gas pipe. However, it is difficult to find gas reducers on sale with threaded connections at both the inlet and outlet. Most have a flexible hose connection at the outlet. However, connecting using a gas-resistant reinforced hose is even more convenient when replacing the cylinder. In addition, the dielectric properties of the hose will protect gas cylinders from static electricity.
So, we chose a high-quality Austrian gas hose from Semperit and connected it to a gas reducer. To do this, I had to make an effort and moisten the fitting with clean water.
Bronze was used to tighten the nut. spanner. If you don’t have one, you can use a steel one, but in no case an adjustable one, since with it there is a much greater likelihood of a potential difference of static electricity and a spark occurring.
After completing the installation of all elements of the gas supply system, carefully open the valves of the cylinder and gas pipeline step by step, sequentially checking the tightness of the connections using soapy water or shaving foam. If everything is in order, we perform the first test ignition of the gas stove.
And finally, a little more about fire safety. Everyone knows that there should be a fire extinguisher in the house. Meanwhile, in case of kitchen fires, the fastest way to extinguish a local fire is with a fire blanket, which you need to have in the kitchen.
How to connect a gas cylinder to a kitchen stove - photo
1.The packaged gas hob is awaiting installation.
2.Marking the opening for installing a gas hob.
3. Drill holes in the corners of the opening in the countertop...
4….and cut out the opening with a jigsaw.
5.Apply silicone sealant on the edges of the opening in the tabletop.
6.Glue the seal around the perimeter of the opening.
7.Fix the hob in the countertop.
8.Surplus sealing tape cut around the hob.
9.Replacement of gas burner nozzles.
10.Panel installed
11. Ready cabinet for cylinders. Ventilation holes are visible in the bottom.
12.Pipes driven into the ground will become part of the foundation and at the same time the grounding for the cabinet.
13.The foundation for the cylinders was covered with porcelain stoneware with wide gaps for ventilation and the grounding conductor was installed.
14. The cabinet for gas cylinders is installed on the foundation.
15.Inserting a gas pipeline into the house and laying it along the wall. Bellows used gas pipe Kofulso in a polymer shell.
16.Connecting the shut-off valve in the gas cabinet.
17. Household gas reducers with threaded connection. On the left is a fake from an unknown manufacturer. On the right is a high-quality European-made gearbox.
18. The gas reducer with the connected gas hose is installed on gas cylinder. The working position of the gas reducer is strictly horizontal!
Andrey Dachnik St. Petersburg www.dom.dacha-dom.ru Photo by the author
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