Maintaining Camping Stove Gas Pressure

[SimpleMan]

I have a large three burner propane camping stove. When the temperature is chilly, or the 20lb tank approaches 50% or less capacity, there is not enough gas pressure to feed all three burners.

I know they sell electric tank blankets, but those are out of the question because electricity/generators are not available/used where I go camping.

I know there are non-electric insulated tank covers, but I am not sure how effective they are when the propane tank is stored in a non-heated/insulated area before and during camping.

Does anyone know of any type of regulator, device, or trick which will increase gas pressure when the temperature and/or propane level drops?

power-blanket-20-lb-propane-cylinder-warmer-1.jpg hvd-ptkcv-1-l.jpg

[NRATC53]

Handwarmers. Blankets will only keep the cold in, as the boiling of the propane inside the tank requires heat energy

[SimpleMan]

Handwarmers. Blankets will only keep the cold in, as the boiling of the propane inside the tank requires heat energy

That is a great idea! I did some additional research and learned that I can buy large warmers (4” x 5.5”) which last for 24 hours.

They also sell body/kidney belts which can hold two warmers, and can be used to wrap around the tank (instead of using duct tape)..

http://www.safetycentral.com/24holainwa30.html

http://www.safetycentral.com/blkiwabewire.html

yhst-140423944563824_2417_28345490.jpg yhst-140423944563824_2417_29414337.gif

[bigbore44]

Better yet, get that insulating blanket, and just drop a few warmers down low, inside around the perimeter. I can attest to the fact that they really can last for 24hrs.

[Idiocracy]

those wont do shit for a propane tank that is frosting over. the constant evaporation of liquid propane to gas lowers the temp in the tank significantly and the moisture in the air around the tank is condensing due to the temperature difference. This serves to create the frost that lowers the tank pressure. Its a self propagating issue. We all know this. If the air temp is warm, a fan will help in the short term to postpone your issue, but not for long. A warm water bath is what I used when I would run a 250,000 BTU burner for my still. Ultimately you need two tanks, to allow one to warm up while you use the other

[SimpleMan]

those wont do shit for a propane tank that is frosting over. the constant evaporation of liquid propane to gas lowers the temp in the tank significantly and the moisture in the air around the tank is condensing due to the temperature difference. This serves to create the frost that lowers the tank pressure. Its a self propagating issue. We all know this. If the air temp is warm, a fan will help in the short term to postpone your issue, but not for long. A warm water bath is what I used when I would run a 250,000 BTU burner for my still. Ultimately you need two tanks, to allow one to warm up while you use the other

I thought about the two tank option. It is probably the only guaranteed solution absent less than 44 degree (?) temperatures.

I also read on-line that placing a tank in water will slow down the freezing process.

That aside, I am still willing to try the "large" body warmers within an insulated blanket.

[Idiocracy]

the tank in water will work, until the water freezes with it. A second tank is the best way to go.

[Southshorerob]

Adjustable regulator

http://www.webstaurantstore.com/backyard-pro-36-rubber-gas-connector-hose-and-10-psi-lp-regulator-male-connection/554BP10REGR.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=COXJ5bXe9swCFUgehgodulIMYg

[GettingFedUp]

Instead of handwarmers, just heat up a large flat stone in the campfire and then grab your welder/fireplace gloves and put the warm/hot stone under the propane tank.

[SimpleMan]

Adjustable regulator

http://www.webstaurantstore.com/backyard-pro-36-rubber-gas-connector-hose-and-10-psi-lp-regulator-male-connection/554BP10REGR.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=COXJ5bXe9swCFUgehgodulIMYg

Do you know if this will compensate for when the pressure within the tank drops due to internal and external temperatures?

[Southshorerob]

Yes

[Idiocracy]

I have one...your tank will still freeze. BBQ regulators are set at about 4 lbs. That regulator is good to 30 i think. It will help you keep the pressure up, but your tank will freeze faster

[SimpleMan]

Instead of handwarmers, just heat up a large flat stone in the campfire and then grab your welder/fireplace gloves and put the warm/hot stone under the propane tank.

This is probably the best solution.

One question, where can I buy a large flat stone?

[SimpleMan]

Southshorerob commented
05-26-2016, 06:19 PM
Yes

Awesome. Thank you.

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