precise propane regulator for just a couple of $

[POLAND_SPUD]

uhmm ok so I found an old propane regulator in my basement (of this type >>>)

It's used for gas stoves so it is really really cheap... I can get a new one for around 2$)

Anyway.... I decided to dissemble it, you know just out of curiosity - to see what's inside (I knew it's no good for me since 95% of them reg down to just 37mbar). Before I started disassembling it I noticed that there is a small screw hidden there under the lid on top of the casing (probably for fine tuning of the unit). So I hooked everything up to the blood pressure gauge that I found a few weeks ago... the regulator is so precise that the pressure changed minimally as I adjusted the screw...

Then I dissembled the unit and replaced the spring with a slightly stronger one... I assembled the unit and I tested it.... lol I got precisely 150 mmhg each and every time (~2.9 psi)

I just need to find a slightly stronger spring for my needs but it is definitely a nice find

Lol who would have thought that modding regulators is so easy
[youtube][/youtube]

[c11man]

very nice accuracy. i was given a large one , the size used for a home, and since im not allowed to make combustion's i had no use for that low of pressure and i just took it apart...

[POLAND_SPUD]

Acctually the one I modded is smaller than regular ones (since it is for for smaller propane bottles like the one below)

So I guess that I should get even better accuracy with a full sized one

[SpudFarm]

Good find! This could be a nice replacement for my current meter.

It might also be used for full or semi auto hybrids

[POLAND_SPUD]

I found a stronger spring and replaced it... tested it and voila exactly 250 mmhg!! (which is exactly what you need for a 10x butane mix.... ~4.83psi)

[Technician1002]

very nice accuracy. i was given a large one , the size used for a home, and since im not allowed to make combustion's i had no use for that low of pressure and i just took it apart...

Large ones for home come in two major versions. Due to the long run from a bulk propane tank, the pressure loss in a pipe can be considerable for high BTU appliances such as a furnace. To prevent pressure problems for stoves and water heaters, a two stage system is often installed.

A high pressure regulator often red in color is mounted on the tank and regulates to 15 PSI. At the house, one or more low pressure regulators feed the appliances with much shorter pipe lengths.

Was it a red regulator that you took apart?

[POLAND_SPUD]

nope, just a regular 37mbar reg (so it was a low pressure reg)

I think I get it now... the size of the diaphragm has tremendous effect on precision of the regulator... sure it's pretty obvious but I'd never expect that it would take my just 2 minutes or so to mod a reg

EDIT
uhmm ok I should have realised that you were referring to c11's post not mine

[Zeus]

Turns out I've got an adjustable reg too, I can remove the plastic adjusting thingy and replace the spring if I need to as well.

Edit: Here's a gauge too, this is mainly hosting