Gas Patio Heater Regulator
It's crucial to know how to use a propane patio heater if you want to stay warm in the cold winter. Matthew Griffith, prevention section chief at Montreal's fire department, said shoppers should look for products that are safe to use.
It's also essential to make sure that there are no combustible materials are nearby and that the patio heater is correctly attached.
Pressure Regulator
Gas regulators are simple mechanical devices that we pass through every day in our cars and homes without giving a second thought. Their invention made 135 years ago has revolutionized the way propane and natural gas are used for cooking, heating and oxyfuel welding. The basic role of regulators is exactly similar, but there are many variations. The regulator uses a pressure sensing element, often a fabric-reinforced diaphragm, to control the position of the valve plug and restrict the flow of gas.
The diaphragm joins the stem of the valve by rod that runs through the diaphragm and spring, then into the valve. The pressure of gas coming from the house or the pipeline is sensed by this mechanism and it adjusts the position of the valve plug to align it with the demand from the house. As the consumption of gas in the home decreases and the pressure decreases between the regulator and the house. The diaphragm is deflated downward and the valve plug is moved closer to the orifice in order to stop the flow. As the demand in the house increases, the valve opens further and increases the flow of gas.
The valve plug stays closed until the demand for the house decreases. The valve is then opened to increase the flow. This process is known as size and is the primary function of the regulator.
When the valve is opened the pressure builds up in the main chamber of the regulator, which is connected to the hose outlet port by a venturi tube (see picture). The pressure can be adjusted by turning the screw or handle on the outside of the regulator. When the screw is turned counterclockwise it increases the pressure. When it is rotated clockwise it decreases the pressure.
When you are choosing a regulator for your pressure be aware that the maximum and minimal nominal pressures are established by commercial standards, not the pressure at the supply line. The regulator must also be compatible with the hose you are using. Find a hose marked whistle-free. It should have alternating rings of different sizes. This will stop resonance noises from forming along the length.
Thermocouple
Thermocouples work on the principle that different metals when in contact at their ends can produce an electric current, even when they are operating at extremely different temperatures. They are used to measure the temperature difference between two points in a system and transform this information into an electrical signal that can then be read by a thermocouple meter or other instrument. Thermocouples are superior to other sensors, for instance thermistors. They can measure extremely high temperatures and function in corrosive environments.
A pair of different metals is connected at one end of the sensor to form the measuring (aka hot) junction, and the other is kept at a constant temperature, referred to as the reference (aka cold) junction. Thermocouples are passive devices meaning they do not require power to operate. The voltage generated is proportional to the difference in temperatures between the reference and measuring junctions. The thermocouple manufacturers and organizations that provide metrology standards, like NIST offer reference tables for the function E (T). Displaystyle scriptstyle e(T) For each type of thermocouple.
There are three types of thermocouple connections: exposed, grounded and welding. The type of junction that is exposed protrudes from the protective sheath and offers the fastest response. For measurements in corrosive conditions, a grounded thermocouple should be used. A welded wire thermocouple is physically isolated from the sheath with mgO powder to prevent penetration of moisture or gas that could cause errors.
The thermocouple welded wire also has the added benefit of being more vibration resistant. It is recommended to use in harsh environments, and with pressures up to 3000 psi. A thermocouple that is damaged is usually due to a lack in the polarity. If the sheath hasn't been polarized, both ends of the thermocouple may have different voltages at their measurement junction. This can result in an inaccurate reading, or even damage the instrument. A sensor that's not properly calibrated or placed in the right place can also cause a faulty thermocouple.
Thermostat
Contrary to electric heaters, which need to be wired directly into the wall, gas patio heaters are portable and utilize propane or natural gas cylinders for fuel. Thermostats regulate flow of energy into these cylinders to ensure that they don't overflow, but they still provide heat when needed. The thermostat detects the temperature of the air that passes through it. The thermostat also determines if the room has been cooled to a comfortable temperature, and shuts off the heating.
The most commonly used type of thermostat is a digital one. It utilizes a microcontroller that converts a changing electrical resistance into a measure of temperature. It can perform this task more accurately than previous mercury switch thermostats that utilized a mercury coil with three wires inside that would change according to temperature. This enabled the thermostat to tilt the mercury switch that was connected to an electrical circuit that was used to power the air conditioner or heater, turning it off and on.
Another type of thermostat is one that is mechanical. It is tiny cylinders filled with wax which begins to melt when it reaches a temperature that is perhaps 180 degrees F (different thermostats open at different temperatures). When the wax is hot, a rod attached to the thermostat opens the valve. As the room cools the wax shrinks and the rod is pushed into the cylinder, closing the valve.
You can also program thermostats to alter the temperature at various times throughout the day. This can help you conserve energy by setting your heating to come on and off when you are at work or sleeping, instead of being constantly on. You can also set the thermostat to come on earlier, so that your home will be a comfortable temperature when you arrive back from work or school. Thermostats often have an option called the heat anticipator that stops the heater from switching on too soon. This is due to the fact that certain areas of the home reach the desired temperature prior to the thermostat.
Pilot Light
While many newer heating and homes have done away with pilot lights, older homes and furnaces still use them to light the gas in the chamber for burning. If the pilot light is ever extinguished, it's important to know how to re-light it in a safe manner.
A pilot light produces a small flame which heats the thermocouple. The thermocouple produces electricity, and keeps the gas valve open. When the pilot flame stops, the thermocouple cools down and stops producing electricity, closing the valve. Pilot lights are found in the majority of propane and natural appliances, such as fireplaces, water heaters, barbecues, grills, furnaces and hot tubs.
The process of lighting a pilot light requires that you first shut off the gas valve in the appliance. You will then need to take off any doors or panels that may be blocking the access to the pilot light. Follow the directions on the front to open the pilot light tube. Once you've reopened the pilot then turn the knob of the gas valve back to "on".
Safety is the primary reason for leaving the pilot light on. If you accidentally shut off the pilot light, the gas constantly venting from the tube can build up in your house until a spark or static electricity sparks the gas, causing an explosive explosion. To prevent this from happening, pilot tubes are equipped with a built in cutoff valve.
homepage burning pilot light is not just dangerous but also wastes energy. A pilot light can burn between $7 to $18 worth of gas per month, according to numerous studies. This fuel is wasted and is a bigger burden on the air conditioner in the summer. A pilot light may attract spiders which can spin webs and clog up the pilot tubes. Additionally, a flame that is constant can release trace amounts of the compound mercaptan, which causes the rotten egg odor that is found in natural gas. If you're ever worried about these issues, think about purchasing a remote-controlled gas fireplace or replacing your old fireplace with a new efficient and efficient model.