Gas regulator - different problem

[Paul_5074021]

Hi

We had the grat fortune to be on a non-hook up site in Mid-Wales over this last weekend - 14 hours/day sun and mid-20's temperature for 4 days - so typical of Wales!

On Monday, after a long walk, we returned in the early evening to the van - a 2006 Swift Conqueror 480 - to find a smell of gas. Investigating, we found that gas was leaking from the bulkhead mounted regulator through a little yellow relief valve. We had left the gas on to supply the fridge, the van was facing south and the gas cylinder was full (originally) as I had just changed it that morning. Presumably the gas pressure rose due to the temperature and the relief valve operated to release the pressure, but it should surely have then closed, once the excess pressure had been released.

Fortunately I was carrying a spare regulator (due to earlier reports of potential blocking problems) and was able to replace the offending item and our enjoyment of the site continued unabated.

Thinking back, it is probably the first time we have left the van with the gas connected in hot conditions - normally we have experienced such conditions in France, using hook-ups and leaving the van with gas cylinder closed off when away during the day.

Has any one else experienced such a problem,which has potentially serious safety implications?

Have Swift or Truma any comments on this?

Should there be a warning about leaving the gas supply operating in hot conditions?

Any thoughts/information appreciated.

Paul

 

[cobminor]

Were you using Butane or Propane? The pressure in a Propane cylinder is far greater than a Butane one. I would still only expect the releif valve to go in a really bad situation though, cylinders are made for the climate. Ty contacting the regulator manufacturer for their opinion.

 

[Paul_5074021]

Hi Cobminor

Thanks. I forgot to say that I was using Propane.

Paul

 

[gary]

My first though was the new bottle was overfilled? or I'd say the regulator valve is faulty, certainly should not happen.

 

[George_374396015]

Hi, The regulator vents gas if the wholesystem is OVER pressure. The temperature rise between morning and afternoon could cause this, in which case all is functioning correctly.

it only takes a minute quantity of gas to leave a long lingering smell.

geo

 

[Paul_5074021]

Hi George

In this case, when we returned to the van and investigated the source of the gas, we found that it was literally hissing out of the relief valve. Between a third and a half of the 6kg cylinder had escaped durning the day.

Paul