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I don't know what the heck you're talking about. First, according to code, what I have is not only within code, it is the accepted standard in my area when tanks are more than 75 feet from a home. A tank is usually pressurized at 150 PSI. A single stage regulator drops that 150 PSI down to 2 PSI. A two-stage regulator does the same, but in two steps and thusly has two sets of pressure drops. Subsequently, it is less apt to freeze because such freezing often takes place at the site of a large pressure differential. With my setup, it is still two stage regulation - just does it with with separately housed regulators. In regard to your somewhat cryptic remark, i.e. " Man, where to start. I believe there's more to the story that were NOT hearing about." What are you alluding to? I've been here for 25 years - on top of a mountain with a steep dirt road that is considered "seasonal." Due to that, we've had many problems with running out of propane in the winter - usually because the delivery trucks are on a scheduled route. If the day comes when they were scheduled to come here, and the road was too icy for them to make it up, they'd skip our house and wait until the next delivery date. Often, we'd run out before that next time came. So, we asked for a bigger tank to buy us more time - and several companies told us "no" because we didn't use enough gas. And, to compound the issue - we have several older gas stoves with pilot lights - and some companies will not hook up to them. Then, we found a small company that assured us we'd never run out. They put their tanks in - one for the house and one for the barn (for hot water). We ran out twice the first winter. Then, a regulator went bad, and full pressure gas came into the house - and the stove was like a blow-torch. Since then, I've installed double regulators on everything that needs it - but most modern gas equipment already has its own backup regulator. So, after years of bullsh*t, we found a company that told us - if we paid for our own tank - they'd fill us at the lowest rate on an ad hoc basis. So, that's what we did. Paid around $800 for a new 500 gallon tank, bought new regulators - I set the tank in place, and the propane guy came over and filled it. It holds enough gas that no one has to come here all winter. So, now - the only problem is the moisture. Now, what is it you're referring to in regard to high pressure at my appliances ?? You've lost me again. My system has a 10 PSI regulator (coded red) at the tank, and 2 PSI regulators at the house (coded green) - on the outside - with shut-off valves and side-taps for a pressure gauge testing - before entry through the wall and into the house. This is a common and acceptable practice to cut down on pipe size for long runs. What you said, "You do NOT increase gas pressure to over come this pressure loss" is simply NOT true. There are some homes in my area that run even higher pressure - usally a 20 PSI regulator at the tank. Also, in regard to you saying you've never experienced a propane technician that "would refuse to correct a system mistake that he filled" - I've seen this happen with electricians, carpenters, heating contractors, auto mechanics, etc. I guess things are different where you live - but the reality here is still the same. In fact, the company that was providing us with LP gas when the regulator went bad and nearly blew the house up? I called him and told him what happened, and he said he was busy and it might be a week before he'd come here and change the regulator. So, I told him that if he wasn't going to do it - I would. He got angry and forbade me to touch "his tank and regulator." I informed him the equipment was on my property, it was dangerous, and I would fix as necessary if he wouldn't. I did fix it, and then sent him a letter cancelling service. That's when I decided to change companies again - and finally buy my own tank. By the way, the gas guy came this afternoon. He kind of took me by surprise because he came on foot. Ends up his truck would not make it up the road - since he couldn't get his 4WD to work. It's a fairly new Dodge 1/2 pickup. But, he's the second guy I met recently who's four-wheel drive wouldn't engage. Makes me glad to have older trucks with mechanically engaged 4WD. So, he came on foot with a gallon jug of methanol in one hand, and a hand-pump injector in the other. He put it in, we'll see how it goes. Here's a link with specs. for LP pipe sizing, two-stage systems, etc Link ADVANTAGES>Link OF A TWO STAGE SYSTEM - less freeze ups and more consistent pressure at the house. The installation of a two-stage system ---- one high pressure regulator at the container to compensate for varied inlet pressures, and one low pressure regulator at the building to supply a constant delivery pressure to the appliances --- helps ensure maximum efficiency and trouble free operation year round. It is important to note that while pressure at the appliances can vary up to 4 inches w.c. using single stage systems, two stage systems keep pressure variations within 1 inch w.c.. Regulator freeze-up occurs when moisture in the gas condenses and freezes on cold surfaces of the regulator nozzle. The nozzle becomes chilled when high pressure gas expands across it into the regulator body. This chilling action is more severe in single stage systems as gas expands from tank pressure to 11" w.c. through a single regulator nozzle. Two-stage systems can greatly reduce the possibility of freeze-ups and resulting service calls as the expansion of gas from tank pressure to 11" w.c. is divided into two steps, with less chilling effect at each regulator. In addition, after the gas exits the first stage regulator and enters the first-stage transmission line, it picks up heat from the line, further reducing the possibility of second stage freeze-up.
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