How does a propane themostat work

jbpace · Mar 12, 2008

I'm trying to figure out how to add a thermostat to a propane smoker. I'm seeing the threads discussing the topic, but I'm not sure they solve my issues.

First, I need something that works with no power. It's got to work at camp in the woods, so I'll have no electricity - just propane. I was planning to use the gas control valve (2E854) & pilot w/ 750 mV generator (1RC59) from Grainger, but I don't understand the thermostat hookup. Do traditional two-pole oven thermostats require external power? If so, what type of thermostat doesn't need external power?

Thanks,
Jon

richtee · Mar 12, 2008

A heater type 'stat uses the millivolt levels output by a pilot/thermocouple to control the valve. But a 12V battery will operate a standard 24VAC control valve.

smok'n steve · Mar 12, 2008

Hey Richtee, can you explain the heater type stat again. I am a master electrician, but I've been doing more plumbing lately, LOL. Are there gas valves that can regulate temperature without electricity, using bi-metal type controls or something like that?

richtee · Mar 12, 2008

I suppose so that has to be how they work. A series connection with the thermocouple?
"Yes...we have pilot...yes..we need heat.." CLICK.

smok'n steve · Mar 12, 2008

Really man, I am drawing a blank---I am really confused. Are there gas valves that can regulate temperature without electricity by using mechanical means such as bi-metallic or fluid controls?

richtee · Mar 12, 2008

The millivolt levels apparently are enough to operate a gas valve.

smok'n steve · Mar 12, 2008

Richtee, Do you know what generates the milivolts? I think I pickled that part of my brain years ago:-)

richtee · Mar 12, 2008

The thermocouple itself. It's two dissimilar metals that when heated generate a voltage across the junction.

richtee · Mar 12, 2008

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermocouple
On edit an excerpt " Some systems, known as millivolt control systems, extend this concept to the main gas valve as well. Not only does the voltage created by the pilot thermocouple activate the pilot gas valve, it is also routed through a thermostat to power the main gas valve as well. Here, a larger voltage is needed than in a pilot flame safety system described above, and a thermopile is used rather than a single thermocouple. Such a system requires no external source of electricity for its operation and so can operate during a power failure, provided all the related system components allow for this. Note that this excludes common forced air furnaces because external power is required to operate the blower motor, but this feature is especially useful for un-powered convection heaters.

smok'n steve · Mar 12, 2008

Thanks Richtee,

I kind of figured that was what you were going to say---I probably learned that before, but ya know how it goes, if ya don't use it, you lose it.

I guess I have to do some research on valves, because it sure would be nice to set up my dutch oven and side burners for deep frying so when pre-heating I can walk away not worrying that I'll go over 400 degrees on the oil.

Thanks,

Steve

richtee · Mar 12, 2008

Yer welcome, man... I'll take a nice cobbler for payment :{)

frybob · Mar 12, 2008

I purchased this valve from the below listed website and it works like a champ. I installed it in my fridge converted smoker. It was very easy to install. It seems to only fulxuate about 2 degrees. I really love it. It is the best $30 I've spent on my smokers.

http://www.turkey-fryers.com/scb001_...trol_valve.htm

I highly recommend it,

Bob

smok'n steve · Mar 13, 2008

Thanks FrybBob, just amazing, you dream it, and they already have it---or maybe I have alzeimers!!! Thanks for the Link:-)

Richtee, I have a problem...................

UHM, I had to look up the word "cobbler", It seems that i have forgotten what it was,so, uhhm, which one of these do you want??

cobbler |ˈkÃ¤blər|
noun
1 a person who mends shoes as a job.
2 an iced drink made with wine or sherry, sugar, and lemon.
3 a fruit pie with a rich crust on top.

richtee · Mar 13, 2008

LOL welll they named the crust after me...so take a guess!

smok'n steve · Mar 13, 2008

I'll guess, I know I love the new souls I just got for my work boots!!

richtee · Mar 13, 2008

Cobbler is a time honoured dutch oven dessert..sooo good!

ds7662 · Mar 15, 2008

Yes there are thermocouples that require a pilot of normal size with a slight yellow tip on the flame to make the the gas valve work......then there are thermopiles that require a larger pilot with an all blue flame, that generate even more millivolts.

The thermocouple models generally have the t-stat built into the valve with a probe that can be placed where needed. These are not the same as say a wall mount t-stat that actually has a temp setting with numbers on it.

The thermopile generates more voltage there for allowing it to use the familar wall thermostat. The voltage takes care of opening and closing the gas valve as well as working the t-stat.

smok'n steve · Mar 15, 2008

Nice Explanation,

I finally realized, like with heating t-stats, they can be either on or off, valve open or closed, this is only possible because of the pilot being available for ignition at all times. I think---

jbpace · Mar 16, 2008

For better or worse, I've ordered all the parts I think I'm going to need. I appreciate all the help you guys gave me. I'll try to document the mod when I assemble it after all the parts arrive over the next week.

Wish me luck (e.g. no BOOM!),
Jon

How does a propane themostat work

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