Ok why is my LP tank iceing up...am I using too much gas?

The release of pressurized lpg makes it cold. The more that is released the more chilly it becomes. Most of the time I have seen this is with the smaller bottles. If you run a multiple burner forge from one of those it may freeze up. A couple of things may work; Use a bigger tank, or you can put the bottle in water, That will raise the temp of tank to somewhere near the temperature of the water. Warm water may make it a little more efficient, I dont use hot water. Another way is to turn your forge off beteens forgeing. The inside of the forge should light it back up by opening the valve. This works best if you are not forge small or thin items and your work willhold heat for a bit longer forgeing time. Last thought is to reduce the flow, lower the delivered pressure or fewer burners. One of my forges is a two burner and when it reaches heat I shut one of the burners off. Have fun

The 100 lb tank size typically won't freeze - at least I haven't seen it here down to the mid-20's in temps. However, the little 25 lb tanks will definitely do so - has something to do with the evaporative rate of the liquid and distance from the valve.

I use the old hair drier of my wife to get even flow of the gass the tank never freez nor the pressure but you have to remember to close it dowen when finished
Hofi

Im running a two burnner whisper momma the tank is the next size larger that what you get with a BBQ outfit...I've had it for several years and never had the problem until yesterday when my son was making pigtail steak turners ...I don't know if he had it turned on higher that what I normally use

Larry Zoeller makes a manifold kit to hook up 2 20lb tanks together (like RV use), this supposedly eliminates the freezing problems. It's a cheaper alternative to purchasing the larger tanks.

the name of the phenomena is the Joule–Thomson effect
the other obvious phenomena which wasn't addressed above is the frost point of the air in your shop (barometric pressure + specific humidity @ temperature X)

PS you shouldn't pass up a good thing when you see it :p

Edited November 29, 200817 yr by Ice Czar

Propane and other liquified gases are kept in liquid state by a combination of temperature and pressure. The release of pressure from the tank caused the temperature of the liquid to drop. Propane boils at -44 degrees F. By drawing on the tank too fast you can cool the temperature of the liquid down to below the boiling point and although there is still propane in the tank little if any gas will come out and it will appear that the tank is empty. The cooler the ambient temperature the easier it is to do this. In the winter time if I am welding up a Damascus Billet, I have to put my propane tank in a garbage can of water in order to keep the liquid propane warm enough to develop enough pressure to reach welding temperature.

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