Problem with propane tank and the cold

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by Jduche17, Dec 5, 2016.

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  1. Jduche17

    Jduche17 Initiate (0) Dec 4, 2015 Canada (QC)

    I wanted to know if anybody has an idea how to resolve this problem. Last week i was brewing a 10 G batch of stout and brewing outside in northern Canada the wheather was cold around 30 . Into the main boil the flame of the burner was very small and no way to increase the output . I realized that my tank was freezing up . Any ideas on how to brew outside in winter without the tank freezing . Thanks for the help
     
    #1 Jduche17, Dec 5, 2016
  2. billandsuz

    billandsuz Pooh-Bah (2,097) Sep 1, 2004 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    Place the tank in a tub of hot water.
    Add hot water as needed.
    If you shake the tank liquid propane will go into gas but that only last for a few minutes.

    But it might not be the tank that's freezing, it's the regulator. Pour hot water on the regulator as needed.

    Cheers.
     
    #2 billandsuz, Dec 5, 2016
    inchrisin, SFACRKnight, wspscott and 1 other person like this.
  3. scottakelly

    scottakelly Maven (1,487) May 9, 2007 Ohio

    I brew in my detached garage and get this problem myself in the dead of winter. My solution is to store my propane tanks indoors in a closet during this time.
     
    #3 scottakelly, Dec 5, 2016
  4. Applecrew135

    Applecrew135 Crusader (431) Jul 18, 2012 Pennsylvania

    YIKES! I don't think homeowner's insurance is gonna cover that if there were ever an accident. Don't think that's a good solution... at least not for me.
     
    #4 Applecrew135, Dec 6, 2016
  5. SFACRKnight

    SFACRKnight Grand Pooh-Bah (3,348) Jan 20, 2012 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Hot water bath. The process of propane changing from liquid to gas gives off heat on it's own, doing it at freezing temps doesn't help. If you can keep the temps up you'll be fine.
     
    #5 SFACRKnight, Dec 6, 2016
  6. Brewday

    Brewday Zealot (721) Dec 25, 2015 New York

    I doubt it's the propane unless it's 10 degrees out every day. Try tapping on the regulator or do what bill said with hot water.
     
    #6 Brewday, Dec 6, 2016
  7. scottakelly

    scottakelly Maven (1,487) May 9, 2007 Ohio

    Tons of people store them in an attached garage. There are homes all around me with 500 gallon tanks a couple feet from the home. I don't see much difference. Outside of a house fire they won't spontaneously combust.
     
    #7 scottakelly, Dec 6, 2016
  8. Applecrew135

    Applecrew135 Crusader (431) Jul 18, 2012 Pennsylvania

    That may be true, but if there is even the smallest leak, storing them in an enclosed space could be explosive.
     
    #8 Applecrew135, Dec 6, 2016
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  9. billandsuz

    billandsuz Pooh-Bah (2,097) Sep 1, 2004 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    Homeowners insurance does cover mistakes and other less than intelligent decisions. As long as it isn't fraud you would not be denied coverage for accidentally burning your house down.
     
    #9 billandsuz, Dec 6, 2016
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  10. Jduche17

    Jduche17 Initiate (0) Dec 4, 2015 Canada (QC)

    thanks i will try the hot bath trick . I'm pretty sure the tank was freezing because there was a lot of frost acumilating all over the tank and the gas had turned to liquid form .

    PS . where i live below 10 for many many days is a reality :slight_frown:
     
    #10 Jduche17, Dec 6, 2016
  11. warchez

    warchez Zealot (545) Oct 19, 2004 Massachusetts

    When its super cold out I start with boiling a couple gallons of water, put it in the bottom of a big tub with the propane tank and cover the thing with a couple old towels. Then brew as normal, usually don't have a pressure issue after that.
     
    #11 warchez, Dec 6, 2016
    skivtjerry likes this.
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