Heater question

[GMCAMARO]

I have a propane fired heater. Its the variety with an air intake and 6 vents. Within the heater are 6 jets. The jets are located vertically. In the absolute cold of the winter(lower than 20F), in the evening the heat is turned off, the lowest jet will become obstructed with ice, setting off the back fire sensor. The thought was to insulate around the heater slowing down the formation of ice so that it can be removed through the condensation lines.

The condensation line has a wire heater wrapped around it and it stays plugged in through the night.

Thoughts.

 

[enrgeezone]

I am a little lost on what is freezing...the line or jet itself...... I think you want to say orfice....... if that is the case being propane, I have seen when the tank gets low.....hence the name liquid propane it may be loosing pressure..... I have witnessed these with ice forming coming through the orfices... it may be so cold that it will not atomize to the fullest and bring some liquid with it.....Is the tank full..... how long is the run to the heater..... have you checked the regulator pressure at the tank and the heater.... this would be where I would start.......

 

[GMCAMARO]

I am a little lost on what is freezing...the line or jet itself...... I think you want to say orfice....... if that is the case being propane, I have seen when the tank gets low.....hence the name liquid propane it may be loosing pressure..... I have witnessed these with ice forming coming through the orfices... it may be so cold that it will not atomize to the fullest and bring some liquid with it.....Is the tank full..... how long is the run to the heater..... have you checked the regulator pressure at the tank and the heater.... this would be where I would start.......

Thank you, yes the bottom orifice is freezing.
Yes the tank is near full and the anti-icing material was added to the tank. The total run is around 12 to 15 feet. The regulator has not been checked yet.

The general question though, is there any value in adding insulation around the heater? In your opinion is it worth it?

 

[Identaltech]

How big is your tank?
If your tank is to small you get the same effect.

 

[enrgeezone]

Honestly... I cant really say,.. they are somewhat insulated from the factory ....at least in todays equipt. I don't think it will do ya really one bit of good, now on the other side what can it really hurt? Here in NJ everything in now energy star and for inspection we have never had to wrap the heating system itself.....may be a fire hazard? could starve it for combustion air... the bad list could go on and on versus the good list!

 

[p_mori7]

tank is too small probably.

 

[GMCAMARO]

tank is too small probably.

150 Gal or Lbs which ever the measurement is. Its large.