What causes LP regulators to fail?

[memphis02]

I went to my storage building this afternoon to get some measurements off my car hauler and noticed a heavy propane smell emanating from my in-laws puddle jumper M/H. It seems that they accidentally left their bottle on and propane was leaking at the 2-stage reg. I had this happen the first winter I had my Seneca and, now, carry a spare because of that experience.

My question is: what causes this? Is moisture getting in there and freezing/busting something or something similar; and subsequently, is there anything to protect against it?

I'm just glad I caught theirs before it took out their rig and mine along with everything else!

Thanks in advance for any insight/knowledge!!

[Swampy]

Originally Posted by memphis02

I went to my storage building this afternoon to get some measurements off my car hauler and noticed a heavy propane smell emanating from my in-laws puddle jumper M/H. It seems that they accidentally left their bottle on and propane was leaking at the 2-stage reg. I had this happen the first winter I had my Seneca and, now, carry a spare because of that experience.

My question is: what causes this? Is moisture getting in there and freezing/busting something or something similar; and subsequently, is there anything to protect against it?

I'm just glad I caught theirs before it took out their rig and mine along with everything else!

Thanks in advance for any insight/knowledge!!

memphis02,

The inner workings of a regulator are nothing more than a rubber diaphragm and a few springs, and a couple of valves. In my opinion, I would surmise that the principle cause of failure is the diaphragm cracking and leaking. This diaphragm is a thin sheet of rubber and while working must constantly move back and forth as the atmospheric pressure changes or the demand for propane varies, in order to keep the low pressure at a constant pressure. I suspect the rubber fatigues and a crack or pinhole develops and you have failure.

I am a retired engineer by profession, and have made many forensic investigations into cause and effect over the span of my 39 years of service.

I hope this sheds some light on your questions?

Good Camping ...... Swampy