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Gas Patio Heater Regulator If you're looking to cozy with the cold outside with a propane patio heater, it's crucial to be aware of how to use this appliance. Matthew Griffith, prevention section chief of the Montreal fire department, advised that customers should be looking for products that have safety certifications. It's also important to ensure that no combustible materials are nearby and that the patio heater is securely attached. Pressure Regulator Gas regulators are mechanical devices that we pass through every day in our cars and homes without giving a second thought. Their invention, made 135 years ago, revolutionized the way natural gas and propane are utilized for cooking, heating, and oxy-fuel welding. The basic function of regulators is the same, but there are many variations. The regulator is based on a pressure sensing element typically a fabric-reinforced diaphragm, which controls the position of a valve plug and limit the flow of gas. The diaphragm connects to the stem of the valve using rods that run through the set spring and diaphragm before entering the valve. The gas pressure from the house or the pipeline is detected by this mechanism and it adjusts the position of the valve plug to match it to the demand from the house. As the gas usage in the house decreases the pressure between the regulator and the house reduces also. This causes the diaphragm of the regulator to deflate downward, and it pushes the valve plug closer to the orifice, limiting the flow. As the demand for gas in the house increases the valve expands, increasing the flow of gas. When the valve plug is closed it is held in position by the spring force until the house's demand decreases, which then opens the valve to increase the flow. This process is called sizing and it is the primary function of the regulator. As the valve opens it creates pressure up in the main chamber of the regulator, which is connected to the hose outlet port with the venturi tube (see the image). The pressure is controlled by adjusting a screw or handle located on the outside of the regulator. When the screw is turned counterclockwise, it increases and decreases the pressure. However, when it is turned clockwise it decreases the pressure. When choosing a regulator for pressure be aware that the nominal maximum and minimum pressure is determined by commercial standards, not the pressure of the gas in the supply line. The regulator should also be compatible with the hose. Find a hose that is marked as whistle-free with various sizes of rings to stop resonant sounds from accumulating throughout the hose. Thermocouple Thermocouples are based on the concept that two different metals in contact at each end create a voltage potential, even when they are at very different temperatures. They are used to identify temperature differences between points in an electrical circuit and convert that data into an electronic signal that can be read by a thermocouple gauge or other instrument. Thermocouples have several advantages over more common sensors, such as thermistors including the ability to measure very high-temperatures and to operate in environments that are corrosive. A pair of dissimilar metals is connected to one end of the sensor to create the measuring (aka hot) junction, and the other end is maintained at a set temperature, known as the reference (aka cold) junction. Thermocouples are passive devices which means that they do not require power to operate. The voltage generated is proportional to the difference in temperature between the reference and measuring junctions. Thermocouple manufacturers and metrology standard organizations such as NIST provide tables of reference for the function E (T) Displaystyle scriptstyle e(T) for each type of thermocouple. There are three kinds of thermocouple connections: exposed, grounded and welding. The exposed type of junction protrudes from the protective sheath, and provides the fastest response. For measurements in corrosive conditions it is recommended that a grounded thermocouple be utilized. A thermocouple welded to a wire is physically insulated from the sheath using mgO powder to prevent the penetration of moisture or gas that could cause errors. The welded wire thermocouple is also a benefit in being more resistant to vibration. It is recommended to use in harsh environments and at pressures as high as 3000 psi. A thermocouple that has been damaged is usually the result of an insufficient polarity. If the sheath isn't properly polarized, the two ends of the thermocouple will be in a state of discordant voltages at the measurement junction that could lead to an inaccurate reading and even end up damaging the instrument. A sensor that isn't properly calibrated or installed could also cause a faulty thermocouple. Thermostat Gas patio heaters, unlike electric heaters that are wired to the wall they are portable and run on natural gas or propane. Thermostats regulate the flow of energy into these cylinders to ensure that they do not overflow, but they still provide heat when needed. The thermostat is able to detect the temperature of air passing over it. The thermostat also can tell that the room is at a temperature that is comfortable and turn off the heating. The most common type of thermostat is a digital one. It uses a microcontroller that converts a fluctuating electrical resistance into a measure of temperature. It is able to do this more accurately than older mercury switch thermostats, which employed an mercury coil with three wires inside that moved based on temperature. This enabled the thermostat to tilt the mercury switch that was connected to an electrical circuit that was used to power a heater or air conditioner, turning it off and on. Another type of thermostat is one that's mechanical. The thermostat is activated when the wax contained in the small cylinder begins to melt, which is around 180 degrees F. ( calor gas patio heater have different opening temperatures). A rod that connects to the valve is then pressed into this wax and opens the valve when it's hot. As the room cools, the wax contracts and the rod is pulled into the cylinder, closing the valve. You can set thermostats to change the temperature at various times during the day. You can reduce energy usage by setting your heating to be turned off and on while you're at work or asleep, instead of having it on all the time. You can also set the thermostat to come on earlier so that your home is a comfortable temperature when you arrive back from school or work. Thermostats usually come with a feature known as the heat anticipator, which will stop the heater from turning on too early. This is due to the fact that certain areas of the home are at the desired temperature prior to the thermostat has even been set. Pilot Light Many modern heating systems, homes and furnaces have done away completely from pilot lights. However older homes still rely on them to ignite gas in the burner chamber. It is important to know how to safely to relight the pilot light in case it ever fails. A pilot light generates tiny flames that heat the thermocouple. This thermocouple generates electricity and keeps the gas valve open. If the pilot flame goes out, the thermocouple cools and ceases to produce electricity, thereby closing the gas valve. Pilot lights are utilized in a wide range of propane- and natural gas-powered appliances, including water heaters, fireplaces, barbecues, furnaces, ranges and hot tubs. The process of lighting a pilot light requires first that you shut off the gas valve in the appliance. The next step is to take out any doors or panels that could be blocking access to the pilot light. Follow the directions on the front of the light to open the tube for the pilot light. Once you've switched off the pilot then turn the gas valve knob back to “on”. The main reason to leave the pilot light on is to ensure safety. If it's accidentally extinguished the gas constantly venting out of the pilot light tube can accumulate in your home until sparks from an spark from a cigarette lighter or static electricity ignites it and causes an explosion. To prevent this from happening, pilot tubes have an inbuilt cutoff valve. In addition to the safety issues that a burning pilot light is also a significant amount of energy. A pilot light burns between $7 and $18 worth of gas every month, based on numerous studies. This wasted fuel is a bigger burden on the air conditioner in summer. A pilot light can also attract spiders which can spin webs, and clog up the pilot tubes. Also, a constant flame could release trace amounts the mercaptan compound, which creates the rotten egg smell found in natural gas. If you're concerned about these issues, you should consider getting a remote control gas fireplace or replacing your fireplace with a more modern efficient model.