I'm aiming to get one of these for the gas supply on our boat, can anyone explain to me how they work? I just want to know out of interest really.
Here's a link to one:-
It looks similar to the fermentation trap used on the top of a brewing/wine making vessel / jar in concept.
Basically as gas passes through it, its forced to bubble through a liquid, hence making any gas flow "visible". So if installed near the supply after the regulator, any bubbles indicate gas being passed into the system. If all the taps are off, then you know something is leaking or letting by.
Its 44.91 at BES, so that seems like a decent price.
John Rumm submitted this idea :
I would agree with that description, though I have never seen one.
They are probably not much more useful than checking for leaks by turning everything off, then the regulator off - leaving it off for a while, then back on. If the regulator hisses, then you have leaked some pressure. You do though have a constant check with the bubbler, for potential leaks.
If it's that simple why is it so expensive?
Though looking at a close up of the device:-
It still seems a bit of a rip-off price, typical boat equipment! :-)
Wouldn't dream of using one on a boat as it would give no audible warning. By the time you've noticed it showing a leak the bilges could be filled with gas or you could be accelerating skywards
Paul Mc Cann
Hmm, I think I'd rather have a good visible indicator of a leak rather than wait for a possibly fallible detector system to tell me that the leak had already happened.
I don't think it's meant to replace a gas detector, more as an additional safeguard.
Tim
I'm not considering it as the *only* safety device. It will however spot very small leaks that might not cause any serious problem for a very long time but which might become worse in time.
Yes, exactly, a regular check of the bubble detector will show up even tiny leaks before anything else is noticeable.
A Gaslow gauge will detect leaks on boats. Ensure all taps are closed then turn off the cylinder valve. The gauge will show green. Check that the gauge stays green for at least 24 hours.
Much more important on a boat is to turn off the gas at the cylinder when sailing and whenever the gas is not in use. There's no hazardif the gas cylinder is turned off and it is installed in a free draining gas locker.
Doesn't sound particularly practical on a boat you're actually inhabiting ...
Gas and boats are a poor combination. Leaving gas turned on on a boat is Russian roulette.
Houseboats are floating caravans, not boats.
Surely that would be a huge leak to empty the gas cylinder to that extent in 24 hours.
Even less hazard if you don't carry any gas at all! :-)
Err the valve to the cylinder is closed. You're just monitoring losses from the pipes/seals. Given that the pipe is usually 8 or 10mm any leaks will show up quickly.
That is the best solution. May I introduce you to the concepts of diesel heating, diesel ovens and Origo spirit burner hobs?
You missed the bit about turning the cylinder valve to off. The Gaslow will indicate the low pressure, if pressure is lost.
Basically the same idea as I suggested - turn all appliances off, turn cylinder valve off, leave it a while and turn it back on - if there is a hiss from the regulator, some pressure has been lost somewhere in the pipe work.
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