Gas connections

[Csail]

I am currently using a space heater with a huge propane cylinder, should i use ptfe on the coupling?

 

[Hardley]

Not normally needed, test it and if there is a leak, then use ptfe, but make sure it is for gas installations, normally coloured yellow and then test again.

 

[Bilgediver]

Depends on how big a bang you want to make.....Just don t destroy the Torchwood Offices .

If you are talking about the connection to the bottle then surely there is a gasket like on a butane bottle.

The new spare gasket comes free with butane bottles and though usually thrown away it is secured inside the plastic connector protector on the re charged bottle. is there no gasket in the plastic cap that comes with propane bottles.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
If you are talking about the connection to the bottle then surely there is a gasket like on a butane bottle

[/ QUOTE ] Its not a flat joint like a butane bottle. Its a conical joint like those on oxygen and other gas cylinders:
propane regulator from BES......

The thread does not make the seal anyway. Nor does it on a butane bottle so the answer is no to tape in both cases. Tape is for tapered threads. Flat joints like those on a butane bottle have a washer

Butane regulator ...

 

[milfordman]

The seal is made made metal to metal between the conical faces. You should examine the faces for damage, slight marks running around the circumference are usually ok, but grooves running radialy are unacceptable. the nut should be done up hand tight plus a gentle tap. You can test the joint is gas tight by spraying a fluid over it. Ideally you would use a propriatory leak testing fluid. Years ago gas fitters just mixed a drop of washing up liquid with some water, untill we were told that could be corosive, and then of course we all desisted.

 

[colvic987]

you can get some gastite compound and some leak detector from a plumbing shop.(only a couple of quid)

i am in the process of fitting a new cooker to the boat and want to get the fittings on and tested at home first, so i've only got one end of the hose to take off and refit at the boat...

 

[VicS]

Gastite I think you will find is intened for natural gas not LPG. There is a compound, Calortite, IIRC, for lpg, however it would not be appropriate to use it or any other jointing compound on the connection to a propane cylinder.

This page fom the Calor website gives the instructions for connecting a propane cylinder

 

[Bilgediver]

Its not a flat joint like a butane bottle. Its a conical joint like those on oxygen and other gas cylinders:
...................................................................................


Thanks Vic......yes a straightforward metal to metal connection and not suitable for tape which will be cut or gung wether gas tite lpgtite or B&Q tite

If a problem then new connections are cheep enough.