Technical Implications of switching from Propane to LPG

[Nenagh52]

On a few recent trips in Europe I see lots of folk with a fixed LPG cylinder, with external inlet, in place of the propane gas cylinders, gets over the different propane cylinder connections in different countries and LPG is pretty widely available in Europe

Just wonder what are the issues/considerations:
new regulator?
different nozzles in fridge, water heater and kitchen .
A few were Uk and they said about 800 quid for the conversion work.
Thanks as always

 

[Communicator]

LPG is an abbreviation for Liquified Petroleum Gas. Propane is a petroleum gas and is sold iin liquified form.

Autogas may be a mixture of propane and butane, but my understanding is that in the UK it is approximately 100% propane.

Regulators in motorhomes are set to a standard pressure of 30mB, and appliances are required to accept either gas at that pressure.

The largest problem with using Autogas (LPG) in the UK ,is the declining number of outlets.

 

[NeilDD]

Exactly as @Communicator says.
Fit the tank under the van, it has it's own regulator built in, A 12V source to open the solenoid valve and it all works.
The other option is to use refillable tanks in place of existing Propane bottles

I have a Gasit 20l under floor tank, which easily lasts me a year, and fill up at the local FloGas depot.

 

[theoneandonly]

Depending on age of motor home a 30mb bulkhead regulator may already be fitted so the simplest method may be to swap out a "calor" bottle with a refilable. the are several suppliers available. For you the easiest source may be a Gaslow 6 or 11kg from Hamiltons in NI and a new pigtail (pipe between bottle and regulator) plus all the advice you need. Dont forget the reliable side of the system and adaptors required if travelling in Europe.

Gaslow Refillable Gas Cylinder Systems | Caravan & Marine | gasproducts.co.uk

Buy Gaslow Refillable Gas Cylinder Systems online from gasproducts.co.uk. Fast UK and European delivery.

www.gasproducts.co.uk

 

[Nenagh52]

Thanks for all the insights, much appreciated.
Is there any need to change the gas nozzles in the heater or fridge or hob ?

 

[Communicator]

Thanks for all the insights, much appreciated.
Is there any need to change the gas nozzles in the heater or fridge or hob ?

No. See line 3 of post #2 in this thread.

 

[Nenagh52]

No. See line 3 of post #2 in this thread.

Thanks, the refillable LPG cylinder seems like a decent compromise, without the need for a external filling point.

 

[bugsymike]

The only thing I noted was that LPG is part Butane so possibly a lower Calorific value than Propane.This may affect performance.
Just found this online.:- Propane has a higher calorific value which means it gives out more energy than butane. Propane has a hotter flame temperature.
When I ran an old gas fridge on Calor/Butane I noticed by switching to pure Propane the fridge got colder quicker so I presume it ran more efficiently.
I used whichever regulator came/matched that bottle.

 

[Communicator]

Thanks, the refillable LPG cylinder seems like a decent compromise, without the need for a external filling point.

I would not recommend such an installation. When detaching a gas gun there is always a puff of gas released. While gas lockers should have gas drop out vents, they cannot be garanteed to be kept clear of obstructions, so gas may lodge in the bottom the locker. Secondly there havve been several serious fires at filling stations associated with motorhomes filling their lpg tanks. Site staff are understandably wary, and several sites have banned MHs from filling with LPG. Anything other than an external filling point is liable to arouse suspicions of a sub standard installation, with consequent refusal. With the decline in the number filling stations having LPG pumps, it would be a great disservice to the MH community to encourage blanket bans. I do appreciate that there are safe refillable cylinders with 80% cut off valves, but would you or the FS staff be able to differentiate at a glance?

 

[Jockstrap]

Filling stations with LPG pumps should be supported .
I fill with diesel whenever I want LPG.

The Autogas in UK and myLPG in Europe are useful Apps.

Used them or lose them