Propane tank valve freezing

[GETINMERRY]

No pressing urgency on this question, more of a survey.

2 years ago I purchased a gas grill (Sears) with the new style hook-up at the
tank. On occasion when I go to use it the gas hardly comes out. I then need to
turn the grill off and disconnect the tank and let the needle valve in the neck
of the tank defrost for 10 minutes or more. I have used 3 different tanks all
with the same result. I know a few other people with different brand grills who
have had the same problem on a routine basis. My father even called the
manufacturer and got a new regulator to correct the problem on his
grill...didn't work, the problem got worse.

It doesn't matter if the tank is full or near empty, does it either way. At
first I thought I was getting liquid into the regulator, but I have since ruled
that out. It's an annoyance to say the least, especially when dinner is half
cooked and it freezes up.

I know the new valves are considered a "safety feature", but I think it's just
inviting trouble, especailly if people like me are constantly undoing the
regulator to let it thaw. (if you don't take it apart it takes 30-45 minutes to
defrost) you're just asking for leaks from untightened regulators.

Is anybody else having this problem? Is it a design flaw?

Thanks,
Mark

[Mike J Oropeza]

GETINMERRY wrote:
> 2 years ago I purchased a gas grill (Sears) with the new style hook-up at the
> tank. On occasion when I go to use it the gas hardly comes out. I then need to
> turn the grill off and disconnect the tank and let the needle valve in the neck
> of the tank defrost for 10 minutes or more. I have used 3 different tanks all
> with the same result. I know a few other people with different brand grills who
> have had the same problem on a routine basis. My father even called the
> manufacturer and got a new regulator to correct the problem on his
> grill...didn't work, the problem got worse.

I think this happens because your tank is not large enough for the
demand. Propane gas must be "boiled" off the liquid in the tank, which
requires a great deal of energy (heat). Larger tanks will absorb more
heat from environment and are less likely to freeze. In fact, some folks
that use propane in their home will add a second tank to handle
large-demand appliances like pool heaters because of this.

If a larger tank is not practical, you can also pour hot or boiling
water over the tank while you're cooking. I don't think it is related to
the new valve and connectors. Those are a blessing.
--
Mike J Oropeza
Those who hear not the music, think the dancers mad ~{';'}~

[GETINMERRY]

>I don't think it is related to
>the new valve and connectors

It is though...the needle valve is restricting the flow enough to cause a
freeze situation while cooking for longer than a few minutes. The problem is
strictly in the neck of the tank and causes the regulator to freeze sometimes
to if I don't catch it soon enough. It's not a huge grill...35,000 BTU. Should
be able to handle the quantity of propane needed...that's what it was designed
to do.

Thanks for the reply!
Mark

[Conase]

Are you sure you don't have moisture in the tank that is freezing as it is
used. My neighbor dumped a whole tank of gas since it kept freezing. People
forget to close the valve on the empty tank so moistue laden air doesnt' get
in. When I got my tank the company purged it with nitrogen several times
before filling. I had to ask what he was doing and why. He told me to get any
air that might be in the tank out.

[GETINMERRY]

It could perhaps be moisture, but alot of people aroud here have the same
problem. Maybe a bad propane supplier? Since there's only one supplier (I don't
mean dealer) locally you may be on to something. Hmmm.........

Thanks
Mark

[Mike J Oropeza]

How large is your tank? Do you notice ice on the outside of the valve or
tank? Is your tank enclosed in a cabinet or tank cover?

It is possible that a new Acme OPD valve is experiencing "lockout". They
are designed to sense a condition where too much gas is drawn (e.g. a
cut hose) and will typically limit the amount of gas if it senses more
than 125,000 BTU demand. When a lockout occurs the grill will act as if
it is out of gas or if it lights will have very low flames.

There is a simple fix for lockout in most cases.
1. Shut off the tank and grill.
2. Wait for any gas to dissipate from the grill.
3. Turn tank back on slowly and light grill following instructions.
4. If the grill continues to lockout repeat 1-4 except try
disconnecting and reconnecting the tank between steps 2 & 3.
5. If the grill continues to lock out after steps one through four
- grill must be checked for leaks or other problems by a qualified
service person.
6. If a lockout occurs it is very important to shut the tank and
grill off or gas will continue leaking until the tank empties

(courtesy of http://www.grillman.com/tanks.html)