LIQUID PROPANE VS. VAPOR PROPANE

Propane is a gas stored under pressure inside of a tank. When propane is stored under pressure, it turns into a

liquid. If you were to look inside the tank, the propane would look just like water. As pressure is released (i.e. when

an appliance is turned ON), some of the propane vaporizes and turns into a gas.

There are two (2) different ways to get propane from a tank (or cylinder), vapor withdrawal or liquid withdrawal.

The following two examples and illustrations will show you the difference between the two.

VAPOR WITHDRAWAL - Vapor withdrawal is simply using the vaporized gas from the top of the propane storage

tank (see fig. A). As propane vapor is used, the pressure in the tank decreases, which in turn causes the liquid

propane in the tank to vaporize, replacing the vapors which have been used. This method is typically used when

less than 100,000 btu/h is required and when the air temperature is 50°F or above.

LIQUID WITHDRAWAL - Liquid withdrawal is the method which uses the liquid from the bottom of the propane

storage tank. This is done with a special valve which is installed on a normal propane cylinder. The liquid withdrawal

valve has a tube attached to it. This tube will allow the liquid propane to be removed from the propane storage tank

(see fig. B). Because of the pressure in the tank, the liquid propane is forced through the tube whenever the valve

is opened. This method is typically used when the required output is more than 100,000 btu/h. However, as the air

temperature decreases, it becomes necessary to use liquid withdrawal for lower BTU applications.

IMPORTANT - you CANNOT use liquid propane on a vapor propane appliance. Nor, should you ever use vapor propane on a liquid propane appliance. Personal injury and/or death and property damage can occur. Also premature equipment failure will result.