Dirty Propane

[eastont]

I have just purchased a Magma BBQ and the instructions refer to a separate regulator to be used for a 20lb tank and a 1 lb tank. When I asked the salesman at the store, West Marine, he knew nothing of this and in fact doesn't have the regulator mentioned in stock, nor could he find it listed in the Magma catalog.
So I called Magma direct and was told that there is no real need to have 2 regulators, and the one for the 20lb tank is a special order item. When I asked why there was a different regulator and what did it do, the person told me that propane sold in re-filled tanks tends to be dirty and the special regulator filters out this dirt.

I've never heard of this before, and when I asked the local propane supplier about this, he laughed and said it's just a bunch of crap meant to sell something not needed. His propane is as clean as the stuff in a 1 lb bottle.

 

[mscher]

Re: Dirty Propane

I'm not a rocket scientist, but since LP propane turns to gas, before it hits the regulator, not sure what there would be to filter out.

 

[mla2ofus]

Re: Dirty Propane

I smell smoke and it's aimed right at your butt
Mike

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Dirty Propane

Never heard of that before. I think the guy was pulling an excuse out of his _____ (the air).
I've worked on many propane furnaces and grills. If there was a problem with dirt in propane, all the appliances would have an inline filter. I suppose if you were worried about it, you could install a R22 refrigerant filter drier. However there is no need.

I think the differences between the two regulators is the ability to hook up to the tank since both require different type fittings. They do make an adapter hose that will convert a 1 lb canister regulator to hook up to 20 lb tanks. I use one on my boat grill..........SS

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Dirty Propane

In the old days, people working in 'marine stores' knew their stuff. With the advent of the West Marines and Boaters Worlds, the kids they hire more often do not have a clue!

Ditto on the 'dirty' propane. It's a dirty little story!

 

[rbh]

Re: Dirty Propane

The only filters I have ever seen are on my old campers 3 way fridge, and the impco propane system on my van.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Dirty Propane

That's pretty funny.

Bulk propane can be dirty, with dirt or water in it. It all settles to the bottom, and about the only time it is transferred intact is when a portable tank is filled by pumping liquid from the bottom of a bulk tank.

Any bets on which container of propane is going to be the cleanest? At any rate it distills in the tank before you use the vapor.

Any outdoor store, and most Wal-Marts have adapters so you can set a 20 lb tank on the deck and pipe full pressure gas to whatever 1 lb tank fitting you have on your appliance. Just be aware they will pop a phart of flamable gas when you disconnect them, basically the hose full at 125 lbs or so.

hope it helps
John