Space heater gas cylinder size

[alanellicott]

I have just acquired a D150 Space Heater which runs on propane gas. I will be using it in a large badly sealed and drafty workspace (not domestic).
It says on it that it must be used with 47kg gas cylinder.
Can anyone tell me why this is. Is it not possible to use a smaller cylinder?

 

[Ian2008]

If the instructions say use a 47 kg bottle this is because of the size of the burner and the amount of gas it needs per hour.
If you try to use a smaller bottle you exceed the offtake limit for the bottle and it will freeze.
When the bottle freezes no more gas from the bottle untill it warms up.

 

[OwainDIYer]

also, the heater might not be stable with a smaller cylinder inside it

 

[alanellicott]

Thanks everyone - makes sense