Changing from Calor Propane to Campgas

[Ian_Edwards]

Flowing on from my previous post about Calor withdrawing 3.9kg propane cylinders.
Although I resent Calor withdrawing the 3.9kg propane, not being able to use propane, and the cost of changing to Campgas, I there's nothing I can do about that, and that Campgas is the only practical solution for me.
The current system has a regulator, then a short high pressure hose which I connected to one of two cylinders in the dedicated gas locker, which is fitted with an overboard gas drain.
See photos.
What do I need to replace this with 2 R709 2.75 butane cylinders?
The locker is 440mm high.
I've carefully considered the buy a big propane cylinder and decant route, I'm sure I could do it, but I really don't want the hassle.

 

[Buck Turgidson]

Ten quid plus postage:
adaptor

 

[penfold]

The OP's hose won't take that, so a new hose is needed too. I'd also go for their Campingaz bottle fitting as it's less faff to fit and remove, no spinning bottle nonsense.

 

[Ian_Edwards]

Is that correct?
It's propane cylinder and the current connector is some form of union, witha metal to metal seal.
I can see how the screw in bit works on the Campgas Cylinder, bit not how the connection to the hose will work.

 

[wingcommander]

You will need a different governor as your going from propane to butane. The governor will have a nipple / hose connector.

 

[penfold]

The regulator the OP has is dual purpose, it will work as well with butane as propane.

 

[Martin_J]

I would go with the fittings as suggested by Penfold (from Will Hayward) or maybe even upgrade to their stainless hose with an even longer life.

The good thing about that adapter from Will Hayward is that once it has been fitted to the high pressure hose, you can remove and refit it to another CampinGaz cylinder without tools. And the smaller knob on the top is for the gas on/off.

The new hose will have a sealing washer in both ends (unlike the propane end).

With a T piece (that has one way valves on both inlet orifices) I now have both Calor and CampinGaz for the time being.

 

[VicS]

Flowing on from my previous post about Calor withdrawing 3.9kg propane cylinders.
Although I resent Calor withdrawing the 3.9kg propane, not being able to use propane, and the cost of changing to Campgas, I there's nothing I can do about that, and that Campgas is the only practical solution for me.
The current system has a regulator, then a short high pressure hose which I connected to one of two cylinders in the dedicated gas locker, which is fitted with an overboard gas drain.
See photos.
What do I need to replace this with 2 R709 2.75 butane cylinders?
The locker is 440mm high.
I've carefully considered the buy a big propane cylinder and decant route, I'm sure I could do it, but I really don't want the hassle.

You will need two cylinder adapters ( Either like Buck Turgidson suggests or the Will Hayward 4010 which Penfold suggests)

Two hoses with 21.8mm LH nuts ( aka butane nuts) or M20 nuts depending on your choice of cylinder adapters, at one end and M20 nuts at the other end. (See the BES website BES.co.uk | Next Day Delivery On 15,000 + Plumbing Supplies for a range of options, including non return butane nut fittings, and Will Hayward website )

I would then fit a Will Hayward 4104 manual change over valve rather than the simple manifold ( T piece) which Martin J shows



Finally adaptors or a hose with M20 nuts at each end to connect to your existing regulator.

.

 

[Ian_Edwards]

Thankyou all for the amazingly useful replies.
I really like the option of being able to have booth Campgas Butane, and propane available, with a manual change over valve.

 

[Ian_Edwards]

I've just worked through what I need to change from 3.9kg propane cylinders to Campingaz.
Bearing in mind that I still have 2 @ 3.9kg propane cylinders in use, but need to future proof the system, so I can use Campingaz at some point in the future.
This is from the Will Hayward site.

4010 manual change over valve to connect to the existing 4009 dual regulator.
4017 High pressure hose to BS3212 x 2
4011 Male POL (BSP) adapter x 2
4010 campingaz adaptor x 2
I will swap the adaptors at the end of the hoses when the time comes to stop using the 3.9kg propane cylinders.

I'd be very grateful if someone could look over the list for obvious mistakes or omissions.

 

[VicS]

I've just worked through what I need to change from 3.9kg propane cylinders to Campingaz.
Bearing in mind that I still have 2 @ 3.9kg propane cylinders in use, but need to future proof the system, so I can use Campingaz at some point in the future.
This is from the Will Hayward site.

4010 manual change over valve to connect to the existing 4009 dual regulator.
4017 High pressure hose to BS3212 x 2
4011 Male POL (BSP) adapter x 2
4010 campingaz adaptor x 2
I will swap the adaptors at the end of the hoses when the time comes to stop using the 3.9kg propane cylinders.

I'd be very grateful if someone could look over the list for obvious mistakes or omissions.

4104 manual change over valve
It has a 21.8mm LH male outlet so if you are connecting the the regulator you will need regulator 4208 . Otherwise a 21.8.mm LH female ( butane nut) to M20 hose or an adapter to connect to yoru 4009 regulator ( I have not identified an adapter though)

Consider the age of your regulator . If it is approaching 10 years maybe just as well to change it now.

Also look at the 4408/SS and 4408/R manual changeover valve and regulator kits which only need the cylinder adapters to be added. I think it works out cheaper than buying individual items.



All these numbers fuddle the brain !

 

[Ian_Edwards]

Thanks Vic, I was trying to save money by using the existing regulator, which is only 2 years old.
It will be much easier to fit, if the change over valve is directly connected to the regulator.
I'll look at the cost of the kit, as you say it may be cheaper.
And
I agree all these number are somewhat confusing, me being an old "bear of very little brain".

 

[Ian_Edwards]

First off thanks for all the input.
I've got a solution, which works.


I got Leisuregaz cylinders for my local caravan shop. Total cost, for two cylinders, new contract, ie no returned cylinders, £120.
The new regulator pipe and valves from Haywards, as per the recommendations in this thread.
I also bought connectors for Calor propane which fit the ends of the hoses, should I be able to conjure up some 3.9kg propane cylinders.
The caravan shop said they couldn't get Campingaz 907's, and were having problems with Calor Gas deliveries, not getting the number or sizes of cylinders they ordered.
The leisuregaz are interchangable with the 907, 2.7kg of butane cylinders.

 

[VicS]

First off thanks for all the input.
I've got a solution, which works.


I got Leisuregaz cylinders for my local caravan shop. Total cost, for two cylinders, new contract, ie no returned cylinders, £120.
The new regulator pipe and valves from Haywards, as per the recommendations in this thread.
I also bought connectors for Calor propane which fit the ends of the hoses, should I be able to conjure up some 3.9kg propane cylinders.
The caravan shop said they couldn't get Campingaz 907's, and were having problems with Calor Gas deliveries, not getting the number or sizes of cylinders they ordered.
The leisuregaz are interchangable with the 907, 2.7kg of butane cylinders.

That looks good except for the bend in the copper pipe being so close to the compression fitting, but if it does not leak I guess its OK.
Nit picking I guess. I realise that is an existing bend

 

[Ian_Edwards]

Yes Vics, you're correct, and well spotted.
I was very concerned about it when I made up the compression fitting.
I had to shorten the copper pipe to centre the regulator on the bulkhead.
When I removed the protective hose pipe it became clear that the copper pipe had been mangled at some point.
However, replacing the whole pipe, all the way to the cooker isn't practical mid season. I'd have to dismantle quite a lot of furniture to get at it.
It's yet another job to do over the winter.
Ì commissioned the system carefully, one section at a time and carefully checked that the compression fitting isn't leaking.

 

[Martin_J]

And it's too late now to mention the bubble detector (that's shown in my picture just to the right of the regulator)... sorree...

 

[Martin_J]

It's nice to have got one task out of the way though... and as you say, with different hose tails, easy to use any cylinder brand now.