Problem with a propane gas system.

[Ian_Edwards]

I've just changed 3.9kg propane cylinders, empty to full, and the gas flow has stopped (right in the middle cooking super).
The gas hob was working ok when the gas supply ran out, but now no is getting though to the cooker.
The cylinders is connected to a regulator with a short pigtail. And then into the original copper pipe work. Both the regulator and the pigtail were new in March this year when I had the gas system checked by a gas safe engineer, when the new pigtail and regulator were fitted.
I've check that the cylinders is full, it's heavy, and I've cracked very briefly cracked the union between the cylinders and the pigtail, and got a loud hiss and a smell of gas.
The only thing I can think of is the the regulator had failed, when I opened the valve on the new cylinder.
Is that likely to happen?
Fortunately I have a small portable induction hob on board, which will run off the 3kW inverter, it's just 800 W. So did eventually get some hot food.

 

[Iliade]

A few regulators have a leak cut-off system. Vis., If you have a catastrophic leak they will shut off the gas.

Turn the hob off, disconnect the low pressure hose from the regulator and see if air will pass freely down the pipe. If so, you have a catastrophic leak and the reg. saved your boat. If not, the reg. probably died. It happens... Hence I carry a spare regulator.

 

[KevinV]

As above, but some regulators will also "trip" when the supply pressure drops off sharply - usually there's a (see through) plastic cap - unscrew this, pull the thingy, job done

 

[Ian_Edwards]

Thanks for the reply.
The regulator had tripped, probably caused by my putting the gas on to boil some rice, then sometime later noticing that it was no longer boiling, the propane had completely run out.
This is the 1st time I've replace the cylinder, since the new regulator was installed, and wasn't aware of the trip and reset.
I now use very little gas now, I have a microwave (800 W) and a vacuum kettle electric kettle (1.5L, 1500 W), which is very efficient, and I use them most of the time. A 3.9Kg propane has lasted since early April, with 99 day on board so far this year.