How Do I Solve This? Gas Splitting

[SteveMilner]

I currently have 2x Calor bottles on the from locker.

 

One connects to the van via a bulkhead regulator.

 

One connects to my Cadac via a connect to the bottle regulator, when I need to use it.

 

I am looking to replace both bottles with one Safefill bottle, but I would need to find some method of splitting the gas feed at the bottle.

 

I can find Y & T splitters, but I need to be able to turn off one side of the splitter when I am not using the Cadac.

 

Perhaps I'm think about this wrong way, so any advice would be gratefully received.

 

Regards,

Steve

[discodunc]

fit an external gas socket/port in the side of the caravan. a T-piece can be fitted in the copper pipe from the regulator, with a shut of valve if you want to, and then piped across to the gas socket/port - the external sockets are around £50 I think. you should really get a professional to fit, although its easy to do. if it all blows up, the insurance co. will want to make sure it was fitted professionally and not DIY

 

ive got all the bits in my garage to do exactly the same to our Stellar, its just been to wet so far so start the job

Edited January 16, 2014 by discodunc

[SteveMilner]

Ah.

 

I see.

 

I wouldn't attempt to do that myself - too risky.

 

I was thinking about a simple Y-Adaptor, shut off valve on one side and then connect that to the BBQ.

[discodunc]

you could put a y connector in the flexible pipe, but then you have 2 joins with jubilee clips, 2 more joins for the isolator tap and a join where it connects to the bbq - all on flexible pipe that can perish, split etc. personally I wouldn't cut the tail from the gas cylinder to the regulator. if you get a leak your only way to stop it is to turn the gas off at the bottle.

 

having said that, I used flexible pipe and y connectors on my offroad expedition trailer and it was fine, but I wouldn't advise it.

[SteveMilner]

I was thinking of a Y connector that screws into the bottle:

 

http://www. gasproducts. co. uk/acatalog/Propane_Gas_Cylinder_Y_Piece_Pol. html

 

I would then put the existing manifold connector into one side of the Y.

 

I then need a shut off valve to go into the other side of the Y.

 

I can find one, but it comes from the states, making me think that they aren't legal products in the UK:

 

http://www. ebay. com/itm/Brass-Propane-Shut-Off-Valve-1-4-NPT-Bayou-Propane-Burner-Homebrewing-Beer-/130868861795

 

And then I would attach the regulator for the Cadac to the shut off valve.

 

Regards,

Steve

[rushallmanor]

From the Y

 

one side high pressure to bulkhead regulator

 

other side traditional regulator and short length of hose to quick release (low pressure)(this will work as a shut off)

http://www. gasproducts. co. uk/acatalog/Quick_Release_Nozzle_LP_1_4__BSP_Male__x_8mm. html

 

then to Cadac

 

I use a setup like this and swop cadac/patio heater/gaslight as needed

 

 

 

Edited January 16, 2014 by rushallmanor

[discodunc]

aha, I see now - didn't realise you could get the brass bottle Y pieces, never looked for them. . interesting, ill have to do some looking myself

[SteveMilner]

I never realised these acted as a reliable shut off.

 

On my last van I had and external BBQ point with one of these type of connectors in a bulkhead fitting. It had a separate shut off valve attached so I always turned of the supply before ejecting the fitting.

 

Excellent, it looks like I have a solution.

 

Regards,

Steve

[Arc Systems]

Two very important regulations to consider;

 

1, any fitted BBQ point MUST have an isolation valve immediately at the side of the outlet.

 

2, any hose carrying bottle pressure MUST have crimp connection joints, (as found on proprietary bought pig tails), total NO NO to use jubilee clips or similar.

 

To my mind then, you need a simple manifold making up that screws to the bottle with isolation valve then BBQ reg on the end and a tee off to bulkhead reg between.

[tictag]

To my mind then, you need a simple manifold making up that screws to the bottle with isolation valve then BBQ reg on the end and a tee off to bulkhead reg between.

 

What is a 'BBQ reg'? Is this on the cadac itself? i. e. the BBQ outlet is at cylinder pressure or does the fixed fitting have it's own regulator? I hope that I am correct in saying that outlets have to be at regulated pressure.

[SteveMilner]

Two very important regulations to consider;

 

1, any fitted BBQ point MUST have an isolation valve immediately at the side of the outlet.

 

2, any hose carrying bottle pressure MUST have crimp connection joints, (as found on proprietary bought pig tails), total NO NO to use jubilee clips or similar.

 

To my mind then, you need a simple manifold making up that screws to the bottle with isolation valve then BBQ reg on the end and a tee off to bulkhead reg between.

 

Point 2 isn't a concern, since I have a screw in regulator which doesn't have any hose.

 

However, can you be a little clearer with point 1.

 

I will have:

 

Gas bottle -> Y fitting -> Caravan pigtail to bulkhead regulator.

-> Screw in Regulator -> Short Pipe -> Isolating plug & Socket Gas Connector -> Longer Pipe -> Cadac

 

The isolating plug and socket connector is similar to the one detailed here:

 

http://www. ebay. co. uk/itm/CARAVAN-MOTORHOME-8-MM-BARBECUE-BBQ-PATIO-HEATER-GAS-HOSE-CONNECTOR-/360710134391?ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:GB:3160

 

Is this OK?

 

Regards,

Stephen