Gas Patio Heater Regulator
If you're planning on cozying up in the cold outdoors with a propane patio heater, you need to know how to properly make use of this device. Matthew Griffith, chief of the prevention division of Montreal's Fire Department says that shoppers should look for products that have safety certifications.
It's also crucial to make sure that there are there are no nearby combustible objects and that the patio heater is securely connected.
Pressure Regulator
Gas regulators are a simple mechanical devices that we pass through every day in our cars and homes without giving a second thought. Their invention, which took place 135 years ago, has changed the way propane and natural gas are used for cooking, heating, and welding with oxy-fuel. The basic function of regulators is the same, however there are many variations. The regulator uses an element that senses pressure, typically a fabric-reinforced dialythm to control a valve's location and limit the flow of gas.
The diaphragm is connected to the valve stem with rods that run through the set spring, through the diaphragm, and finally into the valve. The pressure of gas coming from the house or the pipeline is detected by this mechanism, and it adjusts the position of the valve plug to match it to the demand of the house. As the gas consumption in the home decreases, so does the pressure between the regulator and the house. The diaphragm is deflated downward and the valve plug moves closer to the orifice to stop the flow. As the gas demand increases in the home, the valve opens more, increasing the flow.
When the valve plug is closed, it is held in position by the spring force until the house's demand decreases, which opens the valve to increase the flow. This process is called"sizing" and 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 hose's outlet port via venturi tubes. This pressure can be adjusted by adjusting the screw or handle located on the outside regulator. When the screw is turned counterclockwise it increases and decreases the pressure. When it is turned clockwise it lowers the pressure.
When selecting a pressure regulator, remember that the minimum and maximum nominal pressures are determined by commercial standards, and not the pressure at the supply line. The regulator must also be compatible with your hose. Find a hose marked whistle-free. It should have alternating rings of different sizes. This will stop resonance noises from forming throughout the length.
Thermocouple
Thermocouples operate on the premise that metals of different composition when in contact at their ends can produce an electric current, even when they are at very varying temperatures. They are used to determine the temperature differences between different points in the 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, like thermistors. They are able to measure extremely high temperatures and function in harsh environments.
The measuring (or hot) junction is created by connecting two dissimilar metals at one end, while the other end, the reference (or cold) junction, is maintained at a constant temperature. Thermocouples operate as passive devices, which means they do not require power to operate. The voltage generated is proportional the temperature difference between the measuring junction and the reference junction. The thermocouple manufacturers and organizations that offer metrology standards, such as NIST provide reference tables for the function E (T). displaystyle scriptstyle e(T) for each specific thermocouple type.
There are three main kinds of thermocouple junctions: an exposed, grounded, and wire that is welded. The exposed style of junction is a bit higher than the protective sheath, and offers the fastest response. In the event of measurements under corrosive conditions, a grounded thermocouple should be utilized. A thermocouple welded to a wire is physically insulated from the sheath with mgO powder to stop the penetration of gas or moisture that could cause errors.
A thermocouple welded to a wire offers the added benefit of being more resistant to vibration. It is recommended for use in harsh environments and with pressures as high as 3000 psi. A thermocouple that has been damaged is usually the result of a lack in the polarity. If the sheath is not been properly polarized, both ends of the thermocouple might have different voltages at their junction for measurement. This can result in an inaccurate reading, or even damage the instrument. A sensor that isn't properly calibrated or installed could cause a malfunctioning thermocouple.
Thermostat
Gas patio heaters unlike electric heaters which are wired to the wall they are portable and are powered by natural gas or propane. Thermostats control the flow of energy to these cylinders in order that they don't overflow, but can still provide heat when required. The thermostat accomplishes this by detecting the temperature of the air that is passing through it. The thermostat also determines that the room is at a temperature that is comfortable and turns off the heating.
Digital thermostats are the most common. It utilizes a microcontroller that converts a fluctuating electrical resistance into a measurement of temperature. It can do this more accurately than the older mercury switch thermostats that utilized a coil of mercury that had three wires that moved in accordance with the temperature. This enabled it to tilt a mercury switch connected to the electrical circuit of a heater or air conditioning unit, turning it off or on.
A mechanical thermostat is a different type. The thermostat is opened when the wax contained in the small cylinder begins to melt, which is around 180 degrees F. (Different thermostats have different opening temperatures). When the wax is hot, a rod that is connected to the thermostat opens the valve. As garden patio heater gas fireplacesandstoves cools down, the wax contracts and the rod is pushed into the cylinder, closing the valve.
There are thermostats that can be programmed to switch at different times of the day. You can save energy by programming your heating system to turn on and off while you are working, or sleeping, rather than having it always on. You can also set the thermostat to turn on earlier, so that your home is a comfortable temperature when you arrive back from school or work. Thermostats typically have a feature called the heat anticipator, which will stop the heating system from turning on too early. This is because parts of the home often attain the temperature set before the thermostat itself does.
Pilot Light
Many modern heating systems, homes, and furnaces are no longer entirely with pilot lights. However older homes still rely on them to ignite gas in the burner chamber. If the pilot light ever extinguished, it's important to know how to re-light it safely.
A pilot light creates small flames that warm a thermocouple, which generates electricity and keeps the gas valve open. When the pilot flame stops, the thermocouple cools down and ceases to produce electricity, thus closing the valve. Pilot lights are found in a wide range of propane- and natural gas-powered appliances, including water heaters, fireplaces, barbecues, furnaces, ranges and hot tubs.
To relight a pilot, you must first shut off the gas on the appliance. Then, you have to take out any doors or panels that may hinder getting to the pilot light. Find the pilot light tube, and follow the instructions on the back of the appliance to open it. After you've relit the pilot then turn the gas valve knob back to "on".
Safety is the main reason to keep the pilot light on. If it's accidentally extinguished the gas constantly venting out of the pilot light tube could build up in your home until sparks from an cigarette lighter or static electricity ignites it and causes an explosion. Pilot tubes are designed to include a built-in cutoff valve that can keep this from happening.
A constant burning pilot light is not only dangerous, but it also wastes energy. Different studies have proven that a pilot lamp can consume between $7 and $18 worth of gas each month. The wasted fuel puts a heavier burden on the air conditioner during summer. A pilot light can also attract spiders that can spin webs and block up the pilot tubes. Finally, a constant flame can release trace amounts of the mercaptan compound that causes the rotten egg odor that is found in natural gas. If you're ever worried about these issues, consider purchasing a gas fireplace with a remote control or replacing a fireplace with a more efficient and modern-day model.