Propane regulator, gas vs. liquid?

[ISX 59 1 Vehicles]

How do you tell the difference between a liquid propane regulator and gas propane regulator? I know they used LP regulators back in the day then it would turn into a gas later down the line.

[AH64ID 1,090 2 Vehicles]

I thought all propane was regulated as a gas, from the top of the tank.

[ISX 59 1 Vehicles]

That's what I have always thought, but some old man with an old machine is telling me they used the liquid in the old days. Not sure what to believe and he wasn't sure his machine used the gas or liquid since it has apparently never ran. Figured there must be a way to check.

[AH64ID 1,090 2 Vehicles]

Hmm.. In tanks its all liquid, your just taking the gas off the top. I have always heard it all called, LP "liquid propane", but all the appliances use gas. Good luck.. looking fwd to the info.

[ISX 59 1 Vehicles]

Yeah I knew how worked. The LP boils off into gas at anything over -44F and then you get your gas. I don't see why it wouldn't work though, putting the tank upside down so all the liquid comes out the regulator instead, then vaporizes in the lines or something. Not sure, don't see it as being impossible so just wondering on this thing.

[LiveOak 133]

Yeah I knew how worked. The LP boils off into gas at anything over -44F and then you get your gas. I don't see why it wouldn't work though, putting the tank upside down so all the liquid comes out the regulator instead, then vaporizes in the lines or something. Not sure, don't see it as being impossible so just wondering on this thing.

This is a VERY dangerous thing to try. The only application that I am aware of where this is done is when propane tanks are filled. If liquid propane were to reach a burner........it would NOT be a good thing. Mike has experience as a fire fighter. I am sure he can elaborate on that.

[ISX 59 1 Vehicles]

I didn't think it was smart either and yeah the only time I could think of using it is the filling stations. The only reason I am asking is based on what this guy says, he might be completely full of crap. He seemed to think the liquid went out the tank and into some other thing on the engine and then it vaporized and the engine ran. I am beginning to think he was just guessing.

[MnTom 406]

The set up you are thinking of was used on vehicles. There was a liquid line that ran to a heat exchanger that was heated by the engine cooling system. By getting liquid to as close to the point of use there is a lot more vapor (power) available (required when it is cold out). Generally the liquid regulators are a pressure reducing valve and the vapor regs are a diaphragm type. For some reason my laptop won't let me put pictures on here, but go to this page for pictures: http://oem.cadregister.com/asp/PPOW_Entry.asp?language=GB&elementID=23801004&product=PS&referrer=V3Redirect&ori=/CADREgister.ppow& Clear as mud??

[ISX 59 1 Vehicles]

That's exactly what I wanted to know! I knew there had to be some reason the guy was talking about it. Thanks for the help!