Gas Patio Heater Regulator

If you're planning to warm up in the cold outdoors with a propane patio heater, you need to know how to properly use the appliance. Matthew Griffith, prevention section chief at Montreal's fire department, advised that customers should be looking for items that have safety certifications.

The patio heater natural gas heater must be securely attached and there should be no materials that could ignite nearby.

Pressure Regulator

Gas regulators are mechanical appliances that we use in our vehicles and homes every day without even giving them a second thought. Their invention made 135 years ago changed the way propane patio gas and natural gas are used for heating, cooking and welding using oxyfuel. There are a variety of variations in regulator design, but their basic function is the same. The regulator utilizes a pressure sensing element, often a fabric-reinforced diaphragm, which controls the position of the valve plug, and to limit the flow of gas.

The diaphragm connects to the stem of the valve using rods that run down through the set spring, up through the diaphragm before entering the valve. This mechanism detects gas pressure inside the house or pipeline and adjusts the valve plug's position to meet the demand. As the gas consumption in the home decreases and the pressure decreases between the regulator and the house. The diaphragm expands downwards and the valve plug moves closer to the orifice in order to restrict the flow. As the demand in the house increases the valve expands which increases the flow of gas.

The valve plug stays shut until the demand of the house decreases. The valve is then opened to increase the flow. This process, called"sizing," is the basic operation of the regulator.

When the valve is opened the pressure builds up in the main chamber which is connected to the outlet port of the hose via a venturi tube. The pressure can be adjusted by adjusting the screw or handle on the outside regulator. When the screw is turned counterclockwise it increases and decreases the pressure. However, when it is turned clockwise it lowers the pressure.

When selecting a pressure regulator, keep in mind that the maximum and minimum nominal pressure is determined by commercial standards, not the pressure of the gas at the supply line. The regulator should also be compatible with the hose you are using. Choose a hose which is whistle-free, that has various sizes of rings to prevent resonant sounds from building up throughout the hose.

Thermocouple

Thermocouples operate on the premise that different metals in contact at their ends can generate a voltage, even if they are at wildly different temperatures. They are used to identify temperature differences between points in an electrical circuit and convert that data into an electronic signal that can be read by thermocouple gauges or any other instrument. Thermocouples are superior to other sensors, for instance thermistors. They can measure extremely high temperatures and function in corrosive conditions.

A pair of metals that are dissimilar are connected at one end of the sensor to form the measuring (aka hot) junction, and the other end is kept at a constant temperature, referred to as the reference (aka cold) junction. Thermocouples are passive devices, meaning they don't require power to operate. The voltage generated is proportional the temperature difference between the measuring junction and the reference junction. Thermocouple manufacturers and metrology standards organizations such as NIST provide tables of reference for the function E (T) Displaystyle scriptstyle e(T) for each type of thermocouple.

There are three main types of thermocouple junctions- an exposed, grounded, and welded wire. The exposed style of junction is a bit higher than the protective sheath, and provides the fastest response time. A thermocouple grounded is recommended for measurements in corrosive environments. A thermocouple welded-wire is physically separated from the sheath using mgO powder. This stops moisture or gas from penetrating and causing errors.

The welded wire thermocouple is also a benefit in being more vibration resistant. It is recommended to use it in abrasive environments that have pressures up to 3000 psi. A thermocouple that has been damaged is usually due to an insufficient polarity. If the sheath hasn't been correctly polarized, the two ends of the thermocouple could have different voltages at their measurement junction. This can result in an inaccurate reading, or even damage the instrument. A sensor that isn't properly calibrated or placed in the right place can cause a malfunctioning thermocouple.

Thermostat

Gas patio heaters in contrast to electric heaters that are hardwired to the wall, are portable and operate on natural gas or propane. The thermostats regulate the flow energy to these cylinders in order they don't spill over, however they can still provide heat when needed. The thermostat senses the temperature of air passing through it. The thermostat also determines when the room is at a comfortable temperature and turn off the heating.

Digital thermostats are the most popular. It utilizes a microcontroller that converts a fluctuating electrical resistance into a reading of temperature. It is able to do this more accurately than the older mercury switch thermostats which used a coil of mercury with three wires that moved in accordance with the temperature. This enabled the thermostat to tilt a mercury switch that was connected to an electrical circuit to the air conditioner or heater by turning it off and on.

A mechanical thermostat is another kind. It is an cylinder of small size filled with wax which begins to melt at a certain temperature that is maybe 180 degrees F (different thermostats are open at different temperatures). A rod that is connected to the valve is then pressed into the wax and opens the valve when it's hot. As the room cools, the wax expands and the rod is pulled back into the cylinder, closing the valve.

There are also thermostats that can be programmed to alter at different times of the day. This allows you to save energy by setting your heating to turn on and off when you are at work or sleeping, instead of being constantly on. You can also set your thermostat to turn on sooner to ensure that you arrive home to a comfortable temperature. Thermostats also often include an option called the heat anticipateor which prevents the heater from turning on too soon. This is because parts of the house typically reach the set temperature before the thermostat does.

Pilot Light

While many newer heating and home systems have done away with pilot lights, older homes and furnaces still use them to ignite gas in the burner chamber. If the pilot light is ever snuffed out, it's vital to know how to light it safely.

A pilot light produces tiny flames that heat the thermocouple. This produces electricity and holds the gas valve open. If the pilot flame ceases to burn, the thermocouple cools and ceases to generate electricity, thereby closing the gas valve. Pilot lights are utilized in the majority of propane and natural appliances, such as water heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, ranges, barbecues and hot tubs.

To relight a pilot light, you must first shut off the gas at the appliance. You will then need to take off any doors or panels that might be blocking access to the pilot light. Follow the instructions on the front to open the tube for the pilot light. After you've relit the pilot, turn the knob on the gas valve to "on".

The main reason to leave a pilot light on is to ensure safety. If you accidentally turn off the pilot light, gas constantly venting from the tube could build up in your house until an electric spark or static charge sparks the gas, causing an explosive explosion. The tubes designed for pilots include a built-in cutoff valve to keep this from happening.

Aside from the safety concerns that a burning pilot light also consumes an enormous amount of energy. A pilot light can burn between $7 to $18 worth of gas heater for outdoor patio every month, based on numerous studies. This wasted fuel also places a heavier load on the air cooling system in summer. Pilot lights can draw spiders, which can spin webs, and clog the pilot tubes. A flame that is constant can release small amounts of the compound Mercaptan, which is the cause of the rotten-egg smell in natural gas. If you're ever concerned about these issues, think about purchasing a gas fireplace with a remote control or replacing your fireplace with a more efficient and modern design.