Calor Gas shortage - options?

[jdc]

In the light of the debate about whether it might be Butane or Propane or a mixture, it is essential to assume 100% Propane if subsequently transferring by weight gas obtained from a forecourt pump between bottles. See here for the relationship between weight of Propane and weight of Butane a bottle can safely take: Butane Capacity = Propane Capacity x 1.17


That way you may fill with a bit less than you could do, but it won't be over-filled.

However if filling from a forecourt pump the measure is volume not weight, ie in litres not kilograms. For this the gas composition is less important but one should allow for temperature (due to the very high coefficient of expansion of liquid Propane) to keep with the '80%' rule. This table shows the volumes which should not be exceeded.


However I can't say that filling one of the smaller cylinders is a good idea; better I think is to fill (always from empty) a 13, 19 or 47kg cylinder and then transfer, assuming Propane as I said above, to the smaller cylinders. And always round down by the likely measurement error in weight, volume or temperature.

For the avoidance of doubt I am neither advising filling from a forecourt nor advising against; I view transferring between bottles or from a pump rather like eating wild fungi - you best know exactly what you're up to and be on first name terms with the latin (or physics)! In a similar vein, you should treat these graphs and tables with caution and make some independent check of the numbers before just using them - I believe them correct but make no guarantee and would be pleased to be told of errors.

 

[FairweatherDave]

Just back from a long chat with a bloke at my calor gas supplier....the impression I formed was there will always be supply problems with the 4.5kg blue calor. Yes I could wait and take a chance on full ones coming in between now and next spring but really the 4.5kg are being phased out. He blamed the boom in staycations and increase in motor home and caravan ownership, and new ones all come with the bigger cylinders. Camping gas is the future in this size and the small volumes of gas will always be expensive. As mainly a weekend sailor the costs are not the end of the world but ouch, £35 for 2.75kg of camping gaz when a year ago 4.5kg for £20.50 . Another way of looking at it is my sailing cost have gone up by £120 a year. If I used a lot more I'd be tempted to investigate the "alternative" solution but my practical skills are merely average.

 

[capnsensible]

 

[capnsensible]

2 4.9kg tight fit in a moody 33.

We found that on our Caribbean cruises in particular they got filled with 'cooking gas'. Absolutely no idea what went in but it worked!

 

[Denek]

We have three 4.5 kg blue bottles which we rotate and have not been able to get a refill all season. We are getting low now will definitely need to get some before next year. I am interested in how you fill these yourself from a larger bottle? do you need any special equipment to do this. Pardon my ignorance but I never heard of this before.

 

[Daverw]

i e also bern looking at this, from what I see you need two direct fitting hose tails that you join together, weight the empty cylinder and with the large bottle upside down let gravity do the work.

this is basically how we transfer refrigerant gas between bottles.

just need to not over fill and do outside well ventilated area

just need to now find empty large bottle,

 

[mattonthesea]

i e also bern looking at this, from what I see you need two direct fitting hose tails that you join together, weight the empty cylinder and with the large bottle upside down let gravity do the work.

this is basically how we transfer refrigerant gas between bottles.

just need to not over fill and do outside well ventilated area

just need to now find empty large bottle,

Unfortunately, if cruising, this doesn't work. No room on the boat for bigger bottles.

 

[Keith 66]

Found a full 4.5 kg one in an abandoned boat recently, of course i had to remove it for safetys sake. Happy days!

 

[jonic]

Managed to swap a 4.5kg at Viscount Leisure in Bursledon today. Happy days having been looking nearly all season. They had 3 or 4 I think.

 

[V1701]

I got a refill (4.5kg) from the Aladdin's cave of a chandlers at Lady Bee marina in Shoreham yesterday, only proviso was that I bring an empty. Ever so friendly folk and only charged £21, i.e. they haven't put their prices up. They're a main supplier in the area, Premier Brighton haven't had any for many months and I'm sure it was £25 the last time I did get a refill from them...

 

[DJE]

Our boatyard's Calor supplier recently took all his empty 4.5kg bottles, promised to replace with full ones but didn't! Up to then the yard had always been a reliable supplier.