- Propane -- sometimes also called liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG -- is a hydrocarbon fuel derived both from the processes of refining natural gas and from refining crude oil. The portability of the gas and its ease of storage make it a favorite fuel for cooking and space heating for home and commercial applications where main utilities are not available.
- Propane gas regulators moderate the flow of pressurized propane, reducing the relatively high pressure at which the gas is stored -- often in a liquid form -- to the much lower, usable pressure at which it is supplied to appliances. Regulators are located between the storage tank and the distribution system, most commonly on the outlet of the tank itself. Regulators also act as a one-way valve, preventing any source of ignition from moving backward through the system from a burner and entering the tank.
- Residential appliances normally work best on a sustained pressure of 6.3 ounces per square inch, or 11 inches water column if using a manometer to take the measurement. Propane-fueled grills are also optimized to operate at 11 inches water column. There is no pressure difference between a gas grill and a propane oven.
- Because gas grills and propane ovens work at the same pressure, many manufactured homes, residential -- park model -- trailers and recreational vehicles are fitted with an exterior gas port intended for fueling a grill from the main storage tank. This system saves the bother of storing and refilling the smaller bottles that are commonly associated with propane-fueled grills. Homes supplied with natural gas cannot be branched into to supply a propane grill.
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