Portable Propane to Butane Pressure Regulator

By /

Introduction

Propane is an inexpensive fuel that has excellent cold-weather operational capabilities. Propane has a very high pressure of 500 kPa (100 psi) at room temperature. Butane is an excellent fuel for fair weather. Its performance suffers near and below-freezing temperatures. Butane has a pressure of 200 kPa (30 psi) at room temperature. It is possible to regulate the pressure of propane down to that of butane using a high-pressure gas regulator. This regulation of the pressure allows you to use butane stoves, lamps, and other butane-driven devices.

Parts

The following off-the-shelf parts are readily available and easily assembled. The following parts can be combined to create a backpack portable regulator. The following setup connects a portable propane bottle, regulates the gas, and terminates at the UNEF connector used with butane tanks. Because the UNEF connector is not self-sealing, including a ball valve shut-off valve is necessary.

Portable Propane to Butane Regulator
  1. Connector: 1/4″ Male NPT Thread x 1″-20 Female
  2. Ball Valve: In-Line Ball Shut Off Valve, Quarter Turn, 1/4″ Male NPT (MNPT) X 1/4″ Female NPT (FNPT)
  3. Regulator: Single-Stage High-Pressure Regulator
  4. UNEF Connector: 7/16-28 (m) to 1/8″ NPT (f)1
  5. Propane Bottle: Flame King 1/4-lb Empty Refillable Propane Cylinder Tank

Not numbered:

All of the parts are combined in the numbered order above. Teflon gas pipe thread sealant is used for every combined part. It is important to wind the tape in the direction of the threads. The NPT threads are meant to be tightened until they seal (about two turns after hand tightening). Check for leaks using a leak detector.

Connectivity Order

A specified order is needed for a connection to practice safe operations continuously. We practice safe operation by connecting the propane tank last and disconnecting the propane tank first. While unnecessary, we included a ball valve to ensure propane does not suddenly flow out of the UNEF connector when the propane tank is connected. If you follow the proper order of connectivity, the ball valve is unnecessary, but we prefer to use it as a layer of protection. You are dealing with flammable gas.

  1. The appliance is the first to connect to the UNEF connector (4) above.
  2. Check to ensure that the ball valve (2) is closed.
  3. Connect the propane tank connector (1) to the propane tank (5).

Operation: Starting

  1. Check that the on/off valve on the appliance is closed.
  2. Open the ball valve (2).
  3. Open the on/off valve on the appliance (if equipped).2
  4. Light the appliance

Operation: Shutdown

  1. Starve the regulator and the appliance of its fuel by closing the ball valve (2).
  2. Close the on/off valve on the appliance (if equipped).
  3. Disconnect the propane Tank (5).
  4. Disconnect the appliance.
  1. This part is available in a thread size smaller than the rest of the connectors. You must use 1/4 NPT x 1/8 NPT Male Adapter Fittings to connect the regulator to the UNEF connector. ↩︎
  2. If the appliance does not have an on/off valve, be prepared to light it. ↩︎
Scroll to Top