All users of gas appliances operating on liquefied propane-butane deal with gas cylinders. And sometimes it happens that the cylinder becomes covered with frost or frost, and the gas inside the cylinder freezes and stops flowing into the equipment. Consequently, your grill or heater simply stops working or does not work properly - smoking, flashing, or not working at full capacity.
What to do in such a situation?
For a start - to understand the reasons why this phenomenon occurs. It is known that the gas in the cylinder is liquefied and under pressure. When gas enters the device, it changes from a liquefied to a gaseous state again. This process can take the form of vaporization or boiling.
The school physics course tells us that during evaporation, faster molecules fly out of the liquid surface first, whose kinetic energy exceeds the energy of their attraction force (bond) with the rest of the liquid molecules.
Ultimately, due to the release of faster particles with higher kinetic energy, the remaining liquid itself (in our case, liquefied gas) decreases the total indicator of its kinetic energy and simply cools down (if there is no external source of energy to heat it). And the faster the evaporation process occurs, the fewer molecules remain that are able to detach and overcome the cohesion force between the molecules to exit the liquid.
As a result, the temperature decreases to such an extent, and the level of evaporation becomes so low that gas completely stops flowing from the cylinder (the critically low temperature depends on the% ratio of propane and butane in the gas mixture in the cylinder). Therefore, the more intensive the gas flow rate, the faster the temperature of the residual liquid phase in the gas cylinder will drop.
In other words, the more gas the equipment consumes, the more intensively the temperature of the liquid gas fraction in the cylinder will decrease.
And on the contrary, with an increase in temperature, the rate of evaporation of a liquid increases, due to an increase in the total kinetic energy of its molecules, which means that the number of molecules whose kinetic energy is sufficient for evaporation also increases.
In this case, there are two logical solutions to this problem.
The first is cylinder heating. The second is to reduce the intensity of fuel consumption. There is also a third, not so obvious, but technological answer - to select fuel in accordance with climatic conditions or the winter-summer season. Now we will analyze each advice in detail.
Heating cylinder
There are many ways to implement it. One of them is to cover the cylinder with special thermal covers and heating shirts.
Note: it is impossible to wrap cylinders in any heat-insulating material, since the temperature decreases from the inside of the cylinder, and not from the outside. Wrapping the balloon in the wrong thermal insulation, you only stop the heat exchange and create a "thermos".
How to reduce the cost of regular filling and transportation of cylinders
This effect can be achieved by using several cylinders at the same time for one device. How? Using special ramps for cylinders. The arithmetic is as follows: connected two cylinders - consumption has decreased by half. If you add four, then the intensity will drop four times. Moreover, on each specific cylinder. The very ramps that connect the cylinders always have a pressure gauge and special safety valves. The pressure gauge indicates the pressure level, and the valve prevents malfunctions - in the event of an increase in pressure or sudden heating - simply bleeds off the excess gas.
Important note: if you are using multiple cylinders, then all valves (on them and on the ramp) must be open. In this case, the fuel consumption will be evenly distributed among all cylinders. And you can be sure that the safety drain valve is working properly.
Fuel selection for different seasons
This way to keep your device in "working tone" is based on the physical capabilities of different gases. After all, different gases boil and freeze under different conditions. And their mixtures acquire other possibilities. Experimentally, two formulas of optimal gas mixtures were derived - for summer and for winter.
The summer mixture is characterized by the fact that it contains more butane than propane. As a percentage -% 60 (butane) to% 40 (propane). This proportion is efficient to use and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. In the winter mixture, on the contrary, there is more propane. The ratio in percent is% 60 (propane) to% 40 (butane). Sometimes% 70 is% 30 or even% 80 is% 20. This is due to the fact that the boiling point of propane is -42 ° C (transition from liquid to gaseous state), while butane is only -0.5 ° C.
Using the correct gas mixture for the season is an effective tool for correct work any device. But besides him, it is also important not to forget about the rules for storing gas cylinders and by all means adhere to them.
When a motorist installs on his vehicle gas equipment, he quite often forgets that the gasoline has not gone anywhere. If the gas starts to "junk", the motorist needs to check how the car works under the same conditions, but on gasoline. In most cases, if the vehicle does not run on gasoline for a long period, it faces many problems, which are often hidden in the injectors or.
Quite often, drivers who run a car on gas are faced with special problems that usually do not occur with gasoline. Very often there is a problem of freezing of the gas reducer. When this device freezes, it turns white and is completely covered with frost. Almost immediately, a strong smell of gas begins to emanate from the reducer. Most motorists immediately sound the alarm that the reducer has started to pass gas, and go straight to the gas workers, which is not entirely correct, since this kind of malfunction is repaired by locksmiths.
1. Causes of freezing of the gas reducer
Initially, it is necessary to determine the root cause of why it freezes. In modern automotive world There are several reasons for this problem. The most common oversight is a common mistake of a car owner who forgot to fill the car's cooling system with coolant. In addition, air locks can periodically appear in the coolant system. Quite often there are problems that are directly related to a clogged collector pipe, as a result of which the liquid is sent for cooling directly to the gearbox. Another common cause can be pump failure.
2. What to do to prevent the gas regulator from freezing
It is important to first say what needs to be done if a motorist has already encountered problems of this kind with freezing of the gas reducer. First of all, it is necessary to check, according to the reason, whether there is coolant in the system. This problem is the most common. In the absence of this liquid, it will be necessary to top up it. The easiest way to deal with airlock, since it will be necessary to simply remove the hose from the manifold and wait for the moment when the coolant will go further.
Besides, the motorist should also check the pipes on the gearbox.If these parts are cold, you will need to remove the hose from the gearbox and check for coolant leaks. In the event that, when removing the hose, nothing will flow out of it, you can try to start the vehicle and sharply press the gas pedal several times. If, during such a procedure, the liquid flows, but very weakly, then the problem may lie in a malfunction of the thermostat device or pump. In addition, it is necessary to clean the manifold outlet openings.
Few motorists know that the gas reducer device can freeze very strongly if the gasket is even slightly burnt directly under the engine head, since it is this element that will be able to gradually pass gases into the liquid for cooling. This is determined quite simply: with bubbles begin to emerge, the engine internal combustion it will heat up excessively, boil, and the stove will warm up the car very weakly.
In order to avoid the possible above problems, the motorist will need very little. First, you need to monitor the coolant level, change it and top up periodically. In addition, it is necessary to regularly check the car manifold and gearbox for the possibility of clogging or clogging, since these reasons can also do a lot of harm to both the gas gearbox and the entire car.
3. Other malfunctions of the gas reducer
It is a common problem that a car is very difficult to start using gas. For gearboxes electronic type there are several reasons: incorrect and inaccurate adjustment, a problem with a gearbox malfunction, a malfunction of the permitting electric valve, malfunctions and problems with the electronics unit, the starter device has become unusable, the internal combustion engine is badly worn out.For a vacuum type gearbox, a lack of vacuum in the intake manifold device due to wear must also be added piston group, choke, starter malfunction. In addition, for vacuum-type gearboxes, in order for the start-up to occur with improved parameters, it is necessary to install a forced gas supply electromagnet.
Quite often there is a bad acceleration dynamics, failures when climbing uphill and accelerating. This kind of malfunction occurs as a result of incorrect adjustment of the dispenser or the gearbox itself, or a malfunction of the whole unit. The filter in the gas device of the solenoid valve may also be clogged. Quite often, the flow line speed valve device also operates abnormally. There are also problems when an excessively low temperature is triggered for a given gas composition. The same problem affects the gearbox itself, which can be very cold for normal and stable operation.
The most common problem for a motorist is increased gas consumption. Such a malfunction is the result of the same incorrect setting of the metering unit or reducer, reducer malfunction. Interruptions in the ignition system occur due to malfunctioning of the car's spark plugs. There may also be very low engine compression, pops in intake manifold... And, of course, the problem may lie in low-quality fuel. In the event that several candles have malfunctioned, the consumption will be frantic, and the power will be lost several times, as a result of which it is necessary to constantly monitor such problems.
Another common problem for many motorists is the smell of gas in the passenger compartment. This is the most dangerous problem, since the lives of all passengers and the driver directly depend on it. vehicle... If such a problem is found, the motorist needs to immediately close the supply and filling valves and continue the further journey only on gasoline. You should not postpone a trip to a special car service. Sometimes this kind of problem is not related to gas leakage, but is the result of carelessly removing gas condensate directly from the reducer. It is important to note that the smell of gas is very light and almost invisible. That is why some craftsmen add a certain concentrate to this liquid in order to quickly identify it in the event of a breakdown.
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Characteristics and properties of propane butane technical mixture
Propane butane technical mixture is mainly used as fuel for cars. In technical propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10), about 1% of unsaturated hydrocarbons are added to obtain a mixture.
Liquefied gas can be produced both from the condensate fraction of natural gas and from oil. Separation into fractions is carried out in special columns of the absorption-gas fractionation unit.
Propane, like butane, is purified from sulfur compounds, water, alkali, and other elements. And depending on the receipt of the required brand of propane butane, the technical mixture is made in certain proportions of the components.
Propane butane technical mixture has the following properties:
- Mass fraction in%: propane 50 ± 10, unsaturated carbons 6, carbons С4 and liquid residue at + 40оС are absent;
- Saturated vapor pressure: at –20 ° С: 0.07 MPa, at +45 ° С: 1.6 MPa;
- Mass fraction of sulfur compounds and sulfur not more than 0.01%, including hydrogen sulfide not more than 0.003%.
Technical propane butane has octane number 100-110, and no detonation occurs during engine operation, however, the characteristics of these types in certain cases differ. Technical propane butane with an average octane rating of 105 is superior to any brand of gasoline. If the octane number is even higher, then this indicates a lesser danger of explosions of gas vapors than gasoline vapors.
Technical propane butane can be used in any climatic region, at an ambient temperature of the tank not lower than -20 ° C. Specifications propane allows it to be used in those climatic regions in winter where the ground temperature at the required depth of the installed tank does not fall below -20 ° C or -25 ° C.
In order to fully develop technical propane in the spring that meets the GOST standard, its temporary use up to -10 ° C is permissible. If the temperature is higher, the pressure in the tank rises. In cold climates, propane-butane technical mixture must contain a large proportion of propane if the gas is intended for boiler or automobile fuel. Since in the liquid state, propane remains at temperatures below -42 ° C, and butane only up to -0.5оС. The gas filling station receives propane butane technical mixture of GOST 27578-87 of two grades - summer with a propane content of 50 ± 10%, and winter with a content of 90 ± 10%.
The density of the liquid phase of a gas depends on temperature conditions, the higher the temperature, the lower the density. If it is 15оС, and atmospheric pressure is normal, then the liquid phase of butane is 0.58 kg / l of density, and propane is 0.51 kg / l. The propane phase of steam is 1.5 times heavier than air, and the butane phase is 2 times heavier. Gasoline starts to boil at a temperature higher than environment, and technical propane butane gost evaporates at a pressure that corresponds to the temperature conditions of the environment. Consequently, in the tank, gasoline can be in a liquid state at atmospheric pressure, and propane - butane technical mixture in a container at a pressure corresponding to the temperature conditions of the environment.
Propane butane technical mixture mixes easily with air, burns out evenly. That is why on heating elements soot does not form in the furnace. The UN Economic Commission for Europe drew up rules according to which it is necessary to install an auto device, which limits the filling of the tank, where the propane-butane technical mixture should be located, to 85% of its volume. This is explained by the high coefficient of expansion by volume of the liquid phase. For butane it is 0.002, and for propane it is 0.003 per 1 ° C increase gas temperature... For example, this coefficient for butane is 10 times, and for propane it is 15 times higher than for water.
Gas may not be - in frost
Can natural gas freeze and why?
Do you mean that at natural winter temperatures?
And what interests not so much the freezing of gas, but its supply to consumers?
"Natural gas consists of 80-100% hydrocarbon gases - methane and hydrocarbons homologues of methane:
ethane (C2H6), propane, butane (C4H10),
and from non-hydrocarbon substances:
water (as steam), hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), helium (He). "
What gas is supplied to residential buildings and boiler houses
How low pressure natural gas freezes
Low pressure natural gas - after hydraulic fracturing, gas distribution point (regulatory substations) - it is gas with pressure for consumers, pressure - about 130 mm wc, maximum pressure rate - 300 mm wc.
In low-pressure pipelines, gas freezing is unlikely (freezing of the butane component); rather, these are ordinary ice plugs. Natural gas contains water, natural gas from scammers contains a lot of water. It is not so much a matter of "diluting" the gas, but of the absence of the hassle-costs of gas drying.
Gas flows through curved pipes with shut-off valves and other "irregularities". Although the flow and pressure are small, the gas flow is still non-uniform - somewhere warmer, somewhere colder. And there is a process of water condensation, like fogging-freezing of windows. The lower the temperature and the higher the humidity, the thicker the ice crust. And at one incredible moment, the walls of the ice converge - the gas pipeline is blocked by ice.
Condensate collectors are installed to prevent the accumulation of condensate water. Condensate in the form of water-liquid is understandable, but how do gas workers "fight" ice in a gas pipeline? It's very simple: melt.
The danger of ice clogging increases when gas is scarce. An unstable and weak flow ("it goes out, then goes out") acts as the absence of wind - the laundry does not dry!
This is always a test for a motorist, and for owners of HBO, winter often turns into one big problem. Quite often in winter, with a car with gas equipment, a nuisance arises when gas cylinder freezes, thereby causing certain inconveniences to motorists. In this article I will try to answer the question: " Why does the gas cylinder freeze up?", you will find out why this is happening and how to deal with this trouble.
Why is this happening?
Gas in a cylinder, as you know, is in a liquid state, under high pressure, and itself occurs in such a way that the balloon is filled to about 80% of its volume. This is necessary so that in the event of gas expansion during heating (when the ambient temperature rises), the cylinder does not burst. During operation, the vaporous phase of the gas rises up and is used first. As gas is consumed, the liquid phase gradually turns into a vapor state, this process is accompanied by the loss of "fast" molecules, which have a stronger kinetic energy. These molecules are consumed and the liquid gradually loses its energy and cools. In this case, the cooling rate of the liquid directly depends on the evaporation rate, as well as the remaining liquid in the cylinder. When a critically low temperature is reached, evaporation deteriorates and the gas supply stops. IN winter timewhen the air temperature drops, this process becomes more difficult and the freezing of the gas cylinder accelerates.
The second reason why the cylinder freezes up is poor quality gas fuel... Often the solution to the problem of freezing lies in low-quality gas, which we fill with you. In winter, gas stations must be filled exclusively with the "winter" version of propane-butane, in which propane should prevail, for the reason that this gas evaporates perfectly even at sub-zero temperatures. However, the cost of propane is higher than butane, therefore, gas workers often deliberately save on "summer" fuel.
The gas cylinder freezes up - what to do?
- There are several ways to solve this problem. The first option is to provide heating of the cylinder, the second option is to reduce fuel consumption. In the second case, it is not meant to reduce fuel consumption in general for the engine, but to lower it by limiting its use. Now in more detail ...
Heating a gas cylinder means increasing the temperature around the tank. This can be the movement of the cylinder into the vehicle interior. A higher ambient temperature (in the cabin) will allow you to move the threshold at which the LPG cylinder freezes over.
- The second option is to insulate the location of the cylinder. In this case, there is a risk of creating even worse conditions under which the cylinder will be even more susceptible to freezing. Why? The fact is that the cooling takes place from the inside of the cylinder, as a result you will get a refrigerator or thermos that will generate cold and keep it in the walls of the insulation.
- The third option is to increase the number of cylinders. If several cylinders are connected to the system, the instantaneous gas consumption for each cylinder will decrease three times, therefore, this will not allow critical low temperatures... This option is not suitable for those who have a minimum of space in the trunk.
- Another way to "defeat" the freezing of the gas cylinder is to install heating. This method is cardinal and poorly studied, therefore, before embarking on its implementation, it is necessary to study everything properly.
It is important to remember that non-compliance with safety regulations and the introduction of self-made improvements in gas system, is fraught with sad consequences!
There are craftsmen on the network who claim that get rid of freezing of the cylinder by installing electric heated mirrors ( big size) under the bottom of the cylinder. Others say that seat heating kits, which are equipped with a thermal relay and temperature sensors, are suitable as heating. But again, I repeat, this heating of the cylinder is just someone's idea, which has no scientific basis and is not recommended for use by any HBO manufacturer. therefore be careful, everything you do - you do at your own peril and risk .
Summing up
If a balloon freezes and you regularly experience inconveniences, in this regard, I recommend contacting professionals, I think they will find the true reason why this happens and will be able to recommend you some original solution to your problem.
I have everything, thanks for your attention! I would be glad to hear your options for solving the problem when a gas cylinder freezes on a car with HBO. Take care of yourself while!
