Inexpensive Electronic Propane Regulator

[bassplayer142]

First off, I'm not sure If the best place to post this would be in the ME or EE section.

I'm basically looking for an inexpensive electronically controlled regulator. I want to hook it up to a standard propane tank that you would see on a grill and be able to control the output flow in preferably the full range. Following the chart in the link I would say it would need to regulate from 0 - 200 psi for safe usage up to around 110 degrees F. I would preferably want analog voltage control but I could definitely use another if need be such as 4-20ma.

I found some regulators from proportion air that seem that they would work but the larger values are quite expensive to say the least as seen in the ebay listings.

Any help would be appreciated it someone could point out another source or if the qb1 series is indeed something that would work. My electronics knowledge is good but my mechanical knowledge of pressure and flow lack.

Thanks in advance for any help.

http://www.propanecarbs.com/propane.html
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=qb1+proportion+air+&_trksid=p5197.c0.m627
http://cgi.ebay.com/PROPORTION-AIR-INC-QB1SAFEE435-NSPP-QB1SAFEE435-/390305956840?pt=BI_Control_Systems_PLCs&hash=item5ae00c43e8#ht_878wt_905

 

[engineer111111111]

These valves you posted are rated for AIR! As such they leak a bit. That is acceptable for systems using normal air because if they leak it doesn't matter. In your case, it's unacceptable because that leaking propane could build up in the localized area and combust unpredictably. You need a gas rated valve. Sounds expensive!

I posted this for the people that might have found this off google. Obviously this is an old post. Please everyone be safe and do your research before messing with propane. Another safety concern is if the pilot light goes out and your gas builds up. You need some method of monitoring the flame.

 

[LakeGazer]

Yes, safety should be the governing criteria, rather than cost. If your regulator will be located in an enclosed area, you must start looking for equipment that will not be able to cause inhibition of the propane while operating. The safest thing to do is to buy a regulator from a knowledgeable vendor for propane service. The is not the situation to DIY it.