Flame Cannons

[bobby2sox]

HI there!

This next year (2012) will be my 6th year, and I am planning on building some flame cannons.

In the past I have built some smaller cannons that shoot 5-8' flames, but they never quite act how I want them to.

I have used old solenoid valves that I had laying around that always leaked a little and I never got the pressure I wanted to get those GIANT blasts that you see out there on the playa.

So here are my questions:

What solenoid valve should I use (hook me up with a McMasterCarr link or something)?
What size pipes should I use?
What volume accumulator should I use?
What pressure should I build the accumulator up to before releasing the propane?
And are there any other good tips or tricks you have for me?

Thank you so much for your help!

Also, I have been searching through ePlaya for quite a while now looking for my answers, if this topic is fully covered somewhere else, please forgive me and perhaps post a link to the thread?

[essjay]

HI there!

This next year (2012) will be my 6th year, and I am planning on building some flame cannons.

In the past I have built some smaller cannons that shoot 5-8' flames, but they never quite act how I want them to.

I have used old solenoid valves that I had laying around that always leaked a little and I never got the pressure I wanted to get those GIANT blasts that you see out there on the playa.

So here are my questions:

What solenoid valve should I use (hook me up with a McMasterCarr link or something)?
What size pipes should I use?
What volume accumulator should I use?
What pressure should I build the accumulator up to before releasing the propane?
And are there any other good tips or tricks you have for me?

Thank you so much for your help!

Also, I have been searching through ePlaya for quite a while now looking for my answers, if this topic is fully covered somewhere else, please forgive me and perhaps post a link to the thread?

eplaya search function sucks. Go to google and search "eplaya flame cannon" and you will find the threads you are looking for.

[Snow]

DON'T USE OLD LEAKY VALVES!!!!!

[bobby2sox]

Can you suggest a good valve to use? One of my old valves doesn't leak... But I really want to purchase new valves, but I'm curious what other people use. Can you post a link to an online store and a specific valve? Mcmaster Carr or grainger?

Thanks

[EspressoDude]

There is a lot more to 'flame cannons' than just the valve.

Davex and Propaniac teach several classes a year about doing this safely. The questions you are asking suggest you should inquire and take one of these classes before attempting this project

Davex is with BMORG, Propaniac is on Facebook and http://www.propaniac.com/Site/Home.html