How can I connect a UK LPG/Propane appliance to a US propane system?
I'm trying to install a UK propane appliance (http://www.parry.co.uk/our-products/132/385) into a food truck in the US.
As I understand it, US regulators provide 11 water column inches of pressure. This appliance is expecting 37 mbar, which is 14.8 water column inches.
Can I expect the appliance to not operate properly if I only provide 11 water column inches? How can I provide the correct pressure? Can I adjust a secondary regulator manually to increase the pressure it provides?
Update:This is interesting. There's a chart at the bottom of this page:
http://www.solaronics.fr/index.php?option=com_cont...
That suggests that G31 falls within the range of 25-45 mbar, which is basically 10" WC to 18"WC. Seems like quite a range. But if it's true, then is seems like the American standard 11" WC regulator should work.
Apparently I can also modify some regulators up to 13" WC by turning a screw in them.
Anyone have any comments about that?
Comments
If you only supply 11"wc to it you are under-fueling the burner. It will not operate properly and the heat output will be significantly less. You will also probably be creating noxious emissions.
If you look at any fuel burning appliance sold in the US it will have a rating plate that proves the appliance is "certified" for use in the US. It will typically show a certification by someone like Underwriter's Laboratories which is a certifying agency.
Your UK built appliance will not have this. The first thing you need to do is have the appliance altered by someone who is a qualified burner technician, so that it meets all US code requirements and operates using a regulating system that meets all US code requirements.
Once these modifications are complete the appliance can be tested by U.L. or someone similar and if it passes all requirements they will give you a certification for that particular appliance.
Sound complicated? Well it is! And it is also very expensive! You could easily spend a couple of thousand dollars getting that work done.
You have two alternatives. Find a similar product in the US that is already certified.
Or you can try and mess with the appliance yourself and get it working reasonably well using bits and pieces from the local propane supplier. The problem with this is if anyone is hurt or property is damaged, insurance companies will deny the claim because you are using an "unapproved" appliance.
I seriously suggest you try and find a US product of similar design. It is by far the cheapest and safest way to proceed.
I know this is isn't what you were looking for, but that's the truth of the matter. Be Safe!
EDIT: Most regulators do have an adjustment range that you can adjust using a manometer to measure inlet pressure at the appliance. Just make sure that the regulator you select is also sized properly for the btu load of the appliance(s), not just the delivery pressure.
You buy a 37 mbar regulator, it will be a special order.
Someplace in your town there is a propane store where they know everything about that stuff, have all the adapters in stock, and will fix you up.