Can LPG Run A Barbie?

by Al
(Australia)

I have a LPG tank 25 ltr from a forklift that is on gas, can LPG run a barbie?


Answer:-

LPG is Liquefied Petroleum Gas. It is a combination of Propane (C3H8) and Butane (C4H10).

If you are running a gas barbie then normally you would run it on butane because butane has a higher flame temperature than propane.

The advantage of propane however (for campers anyway) is that it doesn't liquefy until it reaches -42 degrees Celsius or -39 Fahrenheit whereas butane liquefies just below Zero Celsius or 31 Fahrenheit. So if you're grilling in winter, propane is the way to go.

So in theory, because LPG is a combination of propane and butane and these gases are suitable for use with a barbecue grill then there's no reason why you can't use LPG. Certainly there is no issue with smells or odours contaminating the food.

My big concern however is from a safety point of view and this relates to the gas regulator. The regulator controls the pressure at which the gas is delivered to its point of use, and there's a different type of regulator whether you're using propane, butane Or LPG. Each regulator is specific with regard to the pressure of gas in the cylinder so it's absolutely vital get it right.

What if your barbecue has previously run on natural gas? You must read this post below because switching from mains gas to tank gas is not as simple as disconnecting one supply pipe and reconnecting another.

I've seen many pictures of people with burns as a result of an accident with a barbecue so I take every precaution to ensure that my cookouts are as safe as possible. Using a non-standard gas presents a risk so ultimately the decision to take that risk has to be yours.

Click here to read or post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to FAQ's.

Changing From Natural Gas to Propane

Valve Conversion Kit

Valve Conversion Kit

I have a DCS BBQ. At my previous residence it was plumbed to natural gas. I need to convert to propane because our new home does not have natural gas available.

Can you help me with the necessary equipment for the change?

Thanks, Gary

Answer:-


This isn't as simple as it first may seem and you're playing with fire if you get it wrong. Don't worry, I have a solution for you (below) but first I need to explain the background to what you're tryng to do.

The basic problem is that the difference between a natural gas burner and a propane burner is the pressure of the gas. Propane being the higher pressure.

If you were just to make the connection to a propane tank, the gas would flow through at such a rate that it would just blow itself out so in order for you to connect to propane, you need to reduce the pressure through the burners.

The pressure is determined by the valve orifice and it's important to get the size right so that you get the appropriate burner BTU output.

If you want to do a DIY job then the general rule is that to convert from propane to natural gas, you drill out the valve orifice to make it larger and there are recommended dimensions to drill out to.

The converse applies for the conversion that you want to do ie. the valve orifice holes need to be smaller. Ever tried to make a hole smaller?......almost impossible.

The easy way (and most importantly the safe way) is to buy a conversion kit. They're less than $100 and what price do you put on your safety?

See Also:-
Barbecue Grill Comparisons
Meat Smokers


Return to Home Page from Changing From Natural Gas to Propane

Click here to read or post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to FAQ's.

Solo Build It!

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Charcoal Grills

Build A Brick BBQ Grill

Stainless Steel Inserts For a Brick BBQ Grill


Stainless Steel Charcoal Grills

Adjustable Height Charcoal Grills


Charcoal Barbecue Grills

Cook 'N' Serve Range


Custom Made Charcoal Grills

Custom Built To Your Specification


Replacement Stainless Steel Cooking Grates

Replacement Stainless Steel Cooking Grates


Smokers

Offset American Smoker Manufacturing

Reverse Flow Smokers


Custom Built Trailer Smokers

Commercial Smokers


Please Help
Keep This Site Free!

Many Amazon merchants pay us a small referral fee when you click this link and purchase from them...

bit.ly/BBQSmokerRecipes

It makes no difference to the price you pay but it really helps me continue improving this website. If you like what I'm doing then save this link and use it every time you go to Amazon. For whatever you purchase through this link (it doesn't have to be barbecue) I heartily thank you in advance.