Converting dryers from LNG to Propane

[NJ Jon]

I have a chance to add a couple dryers to a mat I am planning to buy, but the dryers currently run on LNG (I think - what ever it is that comes from the gas company through the pipes in the street).

The mat I am looking at uses propane to heat the existing dryers. Can I just hook up the "new" units or is there some type of conversion kit that is needed to burn the different gas?

Has anybody done this before?

Thanks for the help.


NJ Jon

[Lar Hylobates]

The two are not interchangable.

I don't have the specifics, but the Propane dryers will be accustomed to more pressure, using a second regulator of sorts,

I'm sure any dryer can be converted, the question is will the parts you need be manufactured for this purpose or will you need to "create" them.

[David]

I think you have to change the regulator and the orifices.

But I'm sure the dryer manuf. can tell you much better than I.

Call their service dept and ask!

[NJ Jon]

Hylobates & David -

Thanks for the info. I was hoping someone had gone this route before. I'm just starting out, and I don't want to "blaze any new trails".

The next step will be to call the manufacturers. I can just see the dollar signs in their eyes now........


NJ Jon

[pete f]

I have a different opinion.

When I bought my Dexters I needed 4 for my propane store, they came with a propane kit, it was an orffice that had to be changed. The propane is regulated before it goes to your dryers. When I had bought my 4th mat it had SQ dryers that had been taken out of a propane store and put in my NG store. The installer drilled the orffices slightly bigger. I do not think you need gas valve or regulator changed, it is the orffice. call the equipment manufactor and get the spec. It should be a very simple task.

[CharlieS]

Pete is on the right track. I have both a natural gas store and a propane store. The conversion to propane is very simple and the kits are cheap.

Natural gas is regulated, typically down to 1/2 PSI, about 7 water column inches, at the meter. Your gas appliance has its own regulator, which usually brings the pressure down to about 4 water column inches.

Propane is regulated at the tank or shortly thereafter, to 11 water column inches. The appliance regulator is modified to full open, performing no further regulation. This is usually a simple modification, involving removal of a spring or installation of a pin. Then the orifice is replaced with a different size orifice. Thats it. Each manufacturer will make a kit, and they are usually less than $20 each, sometimes even less than $10 each.

Charlie

[NJ Jon]

Pete and Charlie -

Thanks for your input. I tried to reply this weekend, but my home computer didn't want to cooperate!

I'm glad to know that conversion kits only cost about $20, but something Charlie said has me confused, and I hope you can set me straight.

According to Charlie, LNG from the street comes in at 7 W.C.I. and the appliance regulator brings the pressure down to 4 W.C.I.

Propane after the tank regulator is 11 W.C.I. , and according to Charlie, the applicance regulator is adjusted to full open.

Does this mean that propane should run at almost three times the pressure of LNG ( 11 W.C.I vs 4 W.C.I)? I've spent the weekend trying to figure this out, and sure would appreciate some help.


Thanks,

NJ Jon

[CharlieS]

Yes, you are correct. LP runs at a higher pressure than NG.