Attention: TDR Forum Junkies I'm using a barbeque style propane tank for my jet engine.
Last time I ran it I used the pre-OPD (overfill prevention device) tanks without a regulator, just an open line to the ball valve.
I was going to run it today, got everything back together and my new OPD-equipped tank filled up. I bought a fitting for it but lost it. The tank has the big right-hand thread coarse male valve on it. I went to the hardware store to get a new plastic fitting with the brass nipple on the inside and 1/4" pipe thread male fitting on the inside. It matches the outside and screws on properly, but does not allow good flow, and it must have a flapper valve in it or something, as I can not see light through the other side.
Today was 30-35 degrees, tank was full and reading 60 psi. As soon as I would get the engine spooled to light, the ball valve would let the propane through, but the guage would read zero, valve full open. When I closed the valve, the pressure would slowly build back up to 60.
Now, propane is liquid under compression, boils off into gas and into the line. I am guessing that the liquid could not boil off fast enough to provide me with constant pressure due to being cold outside.
This, coupled with the small orifice fitting may have been the reason I did not have any pressure.
I am thinking I am going to drill out that fitting from the 1/8" to 3/16" but all the way through.
Anyone know what's going on and why?
Thanks!
Nick
Last time I ran it I used the pre-OPD (overfill prevention device) tanks without a regulator, just an open line to the ball valve.
I was going to run it today, got everything back together and my new OPD-equipped tank filled up. I bought a fitting for it but lost it. The tank has the big right-hand thread coarse male valve on it. I went to the hardware store to get a new plastic fitting with the brass nipple on the inside and 1/4" pipe thread male fitting on the inside. It matches the outside and screws on properly, but does not allow good flow, and it must have a flapper valve in it or something, as I can not see light through the other side.
Today was 30-35 degrees, tank was full and reading 60 psi. As soon as I would get the engine spooled to light, the ball valve would let the propane through, but the guage would read zero, valve full open. When I closed the valve, the pressure would slowly build back up to 60.
Now, propane is liquid under compression, boils off into gas and into the line. I am guessing that the liquid could not boil off fast enough to provide me with constant pressure due to being cold outside.
This, coupled with the small orifice fitting may have been the reason I did not have any pressure.
I am thinking I am going to drill out that fitting from the 1/8" to 3/16" but all the way through.
Anyone know what's going on and why?
Thanks!
Nick
