Gas logs

[John_C]

One of my neighbors (not the one in the Corian question) was given a set of gas logs for his fireplace.

The logs are natural gas and we only have propane available.  One distributor told him the conversion would be as expensive as buying a new set of logs.  I told him I'd post here & try to capitalize on the "All of us are smarter than any one of us" ethos.

Jump right in here.  His work takes him out of the country but when he gets back I can get a make & model # if necessary.

[MountainDon]

As I understand it the only thing needed for the conversion might be the orifice the gas passes through. My gas range came as a natural gas setup and a small bag of orifices for the burners and the oven.

Hopefully the orific(s) are changeable. Orifice changes are also needed for altitude compensation so hopefully this can be done. As for size; some research is needed.

[FrankInWI]

bought a gas water heater that came as NG but with the orfice for LP in a plastic bag clipped onto the outside of the heater.  I too imagine there's been some stantardization on size and you should be able to find the one for the gas logs. Google online for gas orfices (or however the heck it'd be spelt)

[John_C]

That's my understanding as well.  What I'm not sure of is how many are in the gas logs.  If there are 40 or 50 of them it may well be cheaper to by a new set of logs.

On the other hand the hole in the orifices might be a bit bigger for propane than for natural gas and some careful drilling might be all that is called for.

[MountainDon]

There could be only one or two orifices... Like on my gas grill, there's one for each burner tube. Two total.

Get some number bits. We used to drill out carb jets that way for running alcohol fuel on drag bikes.

I can't recall for sure if the propane jets are larger or smaller than those for natural gas. 

[John_C]

...if the propane jets are larger or smaller than those for natural gas.

therein lies the rub.   Sounds like something right up Glenn's alley.  Something that would've worked .......... or blown up.  Maybe he'll jump in here yet.

[MountainDon]

 

Propane requires a smaller orifice than natural gas.

Two reasons; propane is a purer gas, more BTU's per unit, and second, propane is under higher pressure.


I did a "Google"

[John_C]

Bummer   

I usually Google everything. Didn't think of it this time. I guess he'll have to try to contact the manufacturer.    thanks

[MountainDon]

See what sort of fittings there are in it. You might be lucky and find they use a common pipe thread size.  Then you could experiment your way to success.

[glenn kangiser]

Yup - smaller for propane.

Note that it will work on many things but it will not work on a Bosch HX 125 NG to LP or vice versa. 

A whole nuther animal all the way through.

Anybody want a deal on an HX125 NG ---hmm

Seems I learned the hard way - even the dealer didn't know.  I hate acronyms  NG  LP  who'd a thunk

[MountainDon]

I just took delivery last week of a propane powered wall heater for the cabin. It's a direct vent type, made by Empire, but sold under another name. It'll work with or without the AC powered blower. (Plain Jane model, uses cut to size vent ducting instead of the sliding one-tube-in-another style that's easier to use. And more expensive. Oh, and no remote thermostat, just one on the unit. No big deal, it's meant just for those summer days when the mountain mornings are a little crisp.)

Anyhow I called them inquiring about a high altitude orifice. At that point I hadn't even bought it, but the service rep said he'd send me the required orifice for 8500-1000 feet at no charge. He did. That actually clinched the sale right there; smart guy. It came the day before the heater came from Northern Tool.

The point is perhaps you will be as lucky if you call the manufacturer of the gas log.

[Okie_Bob]

This might be a really bad idea but, since the only issue is orifice size and I know there isn't that much difference in the two sizes, how about lighting the thing up and see what happens? It will either have a hotter fire or a smaller, cooler fire. I believe propane is going to be hotter for reasons given by Mountain Don. So, just keep the valve adjusted accordingly. It's a fireplace after all and if it's too hot, shut it off and if too cool, turn it up. What's wrong with that thinking?
Okie Bob

[ScottA]

The orifice will need to be smaller for propane.

[desdawg]

As I remember when I use to order orfice kits a kit would come with a variety of orfices and some plugs. You could locate the drill that fit the existing orfice refer to a chart and determine the btu rating for that orfice on a natural gas chart. The kit contained some brass plugs. Using a larger bit you could drill out the smaller orfice to accept the plug. You could then redrill through the plug to the proper size once again referring to the chart and size the new drilling to the matching btu size for propane. These are teeny little wire drills that are turned with your fingers. You are drilling a very small hole in brass so that works. No drill motor or mechanical orce required. Any good gas service man should have a set. I would guess that if the logs were taken to a major propane company like Ferrellgas or Amerigas they could do that for you. The propane orfice will be smaller. Propane appliances operate at 1/3# of pressure as opposed to 1/4# for natural gas. More pressure smaller hole same fire.

[PA-Builder]

...if the propane jets are larger or smaller than those for natural gas.

therein lies the rub.   Sounds like something right up Glenn's alley.  Something that would've worked .......... or blown up.  Maybe he'll jump in here yet.

WOW ... I'm surprised to hear that Glenn would be involved in blowing something up ... 

[glenn kangiser]

I'm not violent.

Speaking of gas and blowing up...... boy howdy, mamma, that was some good chili and beans....