Help, something is really wrong with my grill

[Beau Vine]

I took the propane tank in for a refilling, and tried to cook on it for the first time last night.

It lit fine and the steaks were going fine, but then I noticed that the round silver thing just up from the connector:

Well, it was frozen. Literally, ice was forming on it, and my fingers nearly stuck to it when I touched it. I turned the grill off for a few minutes, and when I started it again, the same thing eventually happened.

What's wrong?

 

[Brisketexan]

After careful and thorough examination of your picture, a re-reading of your post, and some extensive research on the internet, I think I know what your problem is:

You are a dumbass.


Actually, I have no idea what the issue is. I just wanted to call someone a dumbass today, and my co-workers get annoyed when I do it to them.

 

[Smoky Brisket]

pv=nrt?

I'm guessing it's fine.

 

[Luke Duke]

That "round silver thing" is called a regulator. Your grill is working fine. Gas gets cold when it expands. You probably never noticed it before either because you weren't paying attention or because is was less humid and there was less water in the air to freeze.

 

[Beau Vine]

Thanks for your help Luke.

I'm positive that it has never frosted up this much. The other new thing that is happening is when I unhook the propane tank from the regulator, some cold "steam" comes POOF! shooting out of the connection. It has never done that before.

Does that sound like no problem, too?

 

[jimmyjazz]

When you disconnected the tank from the regulator, did you shut off the tank valve first?

I'm actually not sure that ice on the regulator is that big a deal. It has been extremely humid lately.

Do what I do when I have concerns with my gas grill. Walk around with a lit flame at arm's length. If nothing explodes, you're good to go. (Seriously, I figure if the grill is lit, then I have a hard time imagining a way for gas to accumulate and cause an ignition hazard. Maybe out away from the grill, but it's unlikely.)

 

[Tex Pete]

Yep, just high humidity. No big deal.

Besides, if it's creating a chilling effect, that means the gas is flowing, not collecting.