HI I've build my own fire poofer but I want to add a solenoid to it I see you have the similar set up. I already have the solenoid just wondering how you hook the solenoid to the switch. Thanks for your help in advance.
Dazhi Lu I just wired a plug on the end of the 2 wires from the solenoid and plugged it into a surge protector that was then plugged into an outlet. I simply just rock the switch for a second to send power. My solenoid is 120v so I'm limited to less mobile locations, but any voltage solenoid will work. Just wire a rocker switch or any momentary closed push button switch in line with the solenoid.
I've used it for probably 4-5 hrs at a time and never run out. It would last a really long time on a 30lb tank. The ignitor is just a small pilot tube off the tank of vapor up the stack to a burning piece of steel/copper wool.
Jay Dragon I'm using a 220v compressor heating element. (Basically a large resistive element that can be tightened around tank belly) I currently only run it as 120v for supplemental heat on cooler nights. Wrapped around the tank it only gets warm to the touch. Never seemed as if I've needed more heat, and honestly, don't feel confident running it hotter without extra gauges to monitor temps and safety blowoffs on tank.
Cold liquid propane (in october my supply tank is stored outside) being vaporized off into a sealed container does not vaporize like if you just open your tank to the atmosphere outside. The full tank pressurizes the empty tank in a second, but that vaporization of propane without a pressure drop takes quite a while to occur on its own in an equal pressure siphon scenario. And you need a tank of just vapor and not mostly liquid to get a fireball with only a second of valve release. Liquid can't vaporize fast enough. You could heat one tank and chill the other to speed yourself to over 100psi, but I'm never in a hurry.
Thank you. The first step in the journey
HI I've build my own fire poofer but I want to add a solenoid to it I see you have the similar set up. I already have the solenoid just wondering how you hook the solenoid to the switch. Thanks for your help in advance.
Dazhi Lu I just wired a plug on the end of the 2 wires from the solenoid and plugged it into a surge protector that was then plugged into an outlet. I simply just rock the switch for a second to send power. My solenoid is 120v so I'm limited to less mobile locations, but any voltage solenoid will work. Just wire a rocker switch or any momentary closed push button switch in line with the solenoid.
On a full tank of liquid propane how many uses will this setup last
EDIT: also what are you using as a igniter
I've used it for probably 4-5 hrs at a time and never run out. It would last a really long time on a 30lb tank. The ignitor is just a small pilot tube off the tank of vapor up the stack to a burning piece of steel/copper wool.
change pilot to brass wool... it doesn't burn up
Stainless steel is the standard used in the fire arts community. Easier to find, also.
What are you using for a tank heater? and how hot are you running it?
Jay Dragon I'm using a 220v compressor heating element. (Basically a large resistive element that can be tightened around tank belly) I currently only run it as 120v for supplemental heat on cooler nights. Wrapped around the tank it only gets warm to the touch. Never seemed as if I've needed more heat, and honestly, don't feel confident running it hotter without extra gauges to monitor temps and safety blowoffs on tank.
It takes a couple HOURS for your accumulator to fill????? It should take a few seconds. Are you at the north pole?
Cold liquid propane (in october my supply tank is stored outside) being vaporized off into a sealed container does not vaporize like if you just open your tank to the atmosphere outside. The full tank pressurizes the empty tank in a second, but that vaporization of propane without a pressure drop takes quite a while to occur on its own in an equal pressure siphon scenario. And you need a tank of just vapor and not mostly liquid to get a fireball with only a second of valve release. Liquid can't vaporize fast enough. You could heat one tank and chill the other to speed yourself to over 100psi, but I'm never in a hurry.