pyro's topics - tribe.net

smoke bombs

2009-11-27T14:51:00Z

Here's the problem:

I would like to make some smokebombs that are small, I would would say somewhere between a handball and a pingpong ball in size, that omits a large amount of smoke in a short period of time. Preferably I would like it to ignite on impact. Any ideas?

posted in pyro - 22 replies

Miniature Poofer - Worth trying?

2009-11-26T08:12:22Z

Hi all - I'm new to this group, but I've spent lots of time over the years reading the very valuable information many of you have posted here. It's a great resource!

Anyway, I'm contemplating trying to build a scaled-down version of a 5G two-tank supply/vapor poofer out of two Coleman disposable tanks. After chatting with my friends at our local ACE, it seems that one can remove the valve from an empty tank, thus ulitizing it as a vapor accumulator. Has anyone tried this build? Assuming I can safely remove the valve from one tank, are there any safety reasons against using disposable tanks in a poofer build, essentially scaling down a 5G poofer setup?

I know one of the crucial aspects of the design of the 5G poofers I have built is using 3/4" steel gas pipe and an all-brass high-psi valve at the top of the poofer, so I would have to design the mini-poofer with components and materials that are adequately rated for withstanding the same vapor pressures.

I did try and search this Tribe for information that has already been posted on this topic (disposable tank poofers) , and did not find anything that specifically addressed it. I apologize if I may have not searched well enough and if such a topic exits I would appreciate it if someone sent me to it.

posted in pyro - 8 replies

Gas fire "ball" explosion

2009-10-29T04:44:21Z

I have MAPP gas tied to a small accumulator. Upon pressing a button I can release gas...but it comes out in a stream rather than a gas ball "explosion". The gas orifice has to be on the smaller side (1/4" opening).

Is there any way to get a small gas "ball" explosion like I get on my 3/4" orifice fire poofer?

posted in pyro - 11 replies

I am a pyro!

2009-10-28T18:03:32Z

Hold me. I feel so bad. I torched shit so early on in life. But I learned that one shouldn't light gasoline on fire.

Ever seen that series 'The Stand'?

Yep, giggling.

posted in pyro - 1 reply

I'd like BUY a LARGISH PUFFER would you like to sell me one?

2009-10-23T22:49:49Z

Yeah, I know this sounds kind of weak, since so much of the fun is the build and experimenting, but I'm working on a project where it would just save me a lot of time if I could just buy a working puffer to integrate instead of making one from scratch, so I'm putting it out there!

Ideally the puffer (<- is there a better name?) would;
* make a fireball large enough to be impressive from about 25'
* have an electric ignition system

I'm in Los Angeles but would be willing to pick up in LA or the Bay Area.

Turn that puffer in to cash... I don't know how much, you tell me what you'd be wiling to part with it for, and thanks a lot!

-Scott

posted in pyro - 1 reply

300 or 3000 psi Sch 80 pipe?

2009-10-01T03:51:07Z

Hi all, I'm in process of designing & ordering parts for my first flame effect device, and wanted a little clarification. I saw a couple posts commenting that full tank pressure may reach upto 600psi under certain conditions, but normally is limited to the 300psi max. That being said, is the 300psi rated sch 80 steel pipe sufficient to meet BM's flame effect safety requirements (or do we want the 3000psi stuff?)

Also, Grainger lists some of their 300psi stuff as malleable iron (vs the 3000psi stuff as forged steel.) Is iron sufficient if it meets the 300psi rating?

posted in pyro - 8 replies

New World Record- Most People on Fire

2009-09-24T05:49:46Z

How I spent my summer vacation.... :D

Practice Interview, http://videos.cleveland.com/plain-dealer/2009/07/fire_record.html

YouTube Video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_H70bP00Dw

Fox8, http://www.fox8.com/videobeta/watch/?watch=2a1e0dd9-f346-4241-a325-746ab687aa4d&src=front

National Interview, http://www.foxnews.com/video/index.html?playerId=011008&streamingFormat=FLASH&referralObject=9938829&referralPlaylistId=playlist

posted in pyro - 0 replies

fire extinguisher accumulaor question

2009-09-17T21:53:41Z

When usign fire entinguisher cylinders as propane accumulators, is there a difference in pressure rating on the aluminum cylinders vs. the three piece welded steel cylinders? Run-of-the-mill Badger 14abc dry powder units are relatively easy to come by. are they safe at unregulated pressure?

posted in pyro - 8 replies

Propane Flame Effect Help in NYC-Boston Area

2009-09-17T16:28:06Z

Hello all,
I am new to the tribe. This is really wonderful. Thanks all for participating in this community.
I am trying to incorporate propane flame effects into some of my artwork, and I live in Providence RI (a little far from San Francisco, where it seems to be easier to find fire arts classes and such). Does anyone know of any collectives or organizations in this area that do pyro/flame effect workshops? Or is there anyone individually who is around and could offer some help? I am very dedicated to learning to do this right- I want to make inspiring and spectacular art, and I want to do it very safely. It seems like this community is dedicated to specific questions, wheras I am a complete novice. Any advice on where to start for live, in-person instruction would be deeply appreciated. Much love.

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Propane migration

2009-08-15T13:05:57Z

Just thought I'd throw this out there, I know some of you are aware of this, but not everyone. Since the last post had mention of the huge pressures that can be encountered when liquid propane gets trapped without heed to expansion.

When manifolding several tanks together, it is possible to get migration of propane between the tanks. (or any liquid phase compressed gas such as carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide)

An easy way to cause this to happen would be, say, if you had a few tanks manifolded together and suddenly changed the temperature of one of the tanks, while all of the valves are open. If you took one tank and tossed it in a hot water bath while the other tanks remained at atmospheric temp, propane would migrate from the warmer tank and condense in the colder tanks.

This could potentially lead to one or more tanks becoming dangerously overfull.

I now return you to your regularly scheduled whatever.

posted in pyro - 13 replies

Safety SOP for Poofer (Standard Operating procedure)

2009-08-12T03:53:04Z

Hi there, Does anyone have an example of a safety procedure/protocol for operating a propane poofer that you could share a copy of? I already have the NFPA documents, but am looking for a poofer specific safety doc. Thanks!

posted in pyro - 6 replies

Retasking old propane tanks?

2009-08-07T17:08:46Z

Am thinking of using a pair of 5-gal propane tanks for accumulators. If I can't find used ones in decent shape I figured I'd buy new ones (they're cheap) and unscrew the plumbing from the top end. I've seen how those suckers are built and I'm wondering how much of a PITA it is to get the valve off. Anyone been there/done that?

posted in pyro - 9 replies

Ruptured Accumulator

2009-08-07T17:00:41Z

Got a message from Jack stating thta the ruptured accumulator was on an art piece on the playa not an art car. Caused by fire impingement on a former fire extinguisher cyclinder 3x12 inches in size. No injuries. Burn on...carefully.

posted in pyro - 8 replies

I'm Done!

2009-07-28T23:07:44Z

I'm completely finished.

I'm finished with people asking nternet advice on the correct way to not blow themselves up without having first acquired the necessary in -depth understanding of:

The physics of flammable materials, the physics of compressed and/or liquified gasses, materials compatibility with those gasses, how to start a fire, how to avoid an explosion, how to tell if material is rated for the application, what kind of hose to use, what kind of tank to use and why..............

If you haven't taken the time to research and obtained the knowledge on your own, there's not a lot that can help you here.

posted in pyro - 2 replies

Feedback on my propane flame effect build please

2009-07-28T00:28:23Z

Hello all,

I've been reading on the site and a few others for a couple weeks. I'm at the point where I'm ready to start my build but before I start shelling out money for parts I'd like to get confirmation that I'm doing OK. I know a lot of members say you have to experiment, and I plan on it, but I don't want to start off with the wrong parts for the basics. If I blow my money on the wrong parts this project is dead before it starts. Please help :)

Objective: Propane flame effect, AKA poofer able to produce flame balls/columns about 30-40' high

Design -
* 20lb propane tank supply tank - Craigslist
* POL Fitting (supply tank to system) - Full flow - http://www.amazon.com/P-O-L-Adapter-mpt-Full-Flow/dp/B00076HM8K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1247792793&sr=8-2
* 1/4" quarter turn shut off valve - WOG rated - Source TBD
* 15' propane hose - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000AXEX3/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=AF8EGQ3KRZQB6&v=glance
* Quick connection - Gas rated - Source TBD
* 1/4" quarter turn shut off valve - WOG rated - Source TBD
* 1/4" by 3/4" by 1/4" by 3/4" cross connection - schedule 80

There are now three outputs on the cross connection (4th being the input). Output A = 3/4", output B = 3/4", output C = 1/4".

Output A - 3/4" - To accumulator
* 8" - 3/4" nipple - schedule 80
* 3/4" union - schedule 80
* 4" - 3/4" nipple - schedule 80
* 20lb propane tank with valve removed (accumulator) - Craigslist

Output B - 3/4" - To valve and flame output
* 3' - 3/4" nipple - schedule 80
* 3/4" Asco 8210 solenoid valve
* 4" - 3/4" nipple - schedule 80
* 3/4" to 1" reducer - schedule 80
* 8" - 1" nipple - schedule 80

Output C - 1/4" - To pilot flame
* 1/4" elbow - schedule 80
* 6" - 1/4" nipple - schedule 80
* Pressure regulator - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002YQP76/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance
* 4' propane hose
* 1/4" compression fitting
* 1/4" soft copper pilot line (will be band clamped to final 1" nipple as outlined above)
* Some method to cap end of 1/4" soft copper pilot line

This is all based around this design - http://www.spontaneousfire.com/TOD_firecannons.htm.

1) What does everyone think about this plan? Problems?
2) Is using an union cool? I want this to be reasonable to transport and that seemed like the easiest way.
3) Any suggestions on sourcing the parts? I included links where I had a source, the pipe I was going to get at a local plumbing supply house. What about the Asco valve? Is there better options?

Thanks in advance,
Tim

posted in pyro - 7 replies

What to do?

2009-07-21T07:43:28Z

I just scored 2 10 gal. propane tanks! I want to make a basic manuel opperated, poofer. Can I use one tank for an accumulator?

posted in pyro - 9 replies

simple propane lantern

2009-07-12T07:01:29Z

here goes with a verbal description. it's pretty simple. this is my first home made propane toy, so i'm looking for any design considerations...

20# tank to a grill regulator with 10" hose from home depot with a 3/8" fitting
3/8" fitting to 1/2" fitting (also goes between different thread patterns)
1/2" fitting to 2" nipple
2" nipple to 3 way connector
the down side has an 18" long 1/2" black pipe with an end cap
the up side has a 60" long black pipe

2 foot spike into the ground half way, the down side is simply tied to this with metal wire
i still need to tighten everything using that tape stuff
maybe check each connection with soapy water and fix any leaks
and i need some sort of a sexy top to disperse the gas all purdy. ideas welcome here, too.

but that's the basic design. sound safe? looking for any feedback before i light'r up.

posted in pyro - 26 replies

small refillable tank source?

2009-07-11T05:36:06Z

Can anyone recommend a source for smallish, refillable propane tanks? Bonus points if it's a local dealer in the S.F. bay area, but web order is ok, too. I'm looking for a 5 or 10 pound tank with a narrower diameter than the standard 20 pound grill tank. I've seen some 11 pound tanks around, but the shape is too squat and wide for my application. I think the 5 and 10 pounders are a bit less than 10" in diameter, and that's what I'm looking for. McMaster Carr has 'em but I'm hoping to find a better price and/or local pickup. Thanks for any pointers!

posted in pyro - 4 replies

High Flow Adjustable LPG regulator needed

2009-06-26T00:58:46Z

Our installation at BM uses a 5 - 100# bottle manifold (yes I did read the manifold post). This manifold provides propane for 8 poofers. we start the evening at 100 psi and end around 20 PSI as tanks cool. What we are looking for is a regulator that would provide high flows for our effects but be adjustable in the 30 - 80 psi range. Any ideas?

We were looking at these:

http://www.propanewarehouse.com/adjustableregulatordetail.asp?ID=2035

but they are backordered till August.

Any help would be great. If it is easier to explain by phone I can be reached at Greg - 208-866-8902
________________

More details if you want them:

We are trying to reduce our pressure fluxations in the system because it requires constant adjustment of our pilot lights. Each pilot light has one of the standard red regulators (there name slips my mind right now) but theses regulators still do not give a constant pressure (flow) as their supply presure changes from 100 - 20. Each time a new tank in the manifold is opened we have to climb and run around for 15 minutes adjusting regulators. I thought that a primary regulator keeping things around 45 psi in conjunction with the secondary regulators would make for a much more stable system. The primary regulator needs to be high flow as when there is a mass discharge of all poofers quick recharge is the key. At our manifold we have broken down our system into 3 seperate lines each one controling a different type effect. This means we could use 3 different regulators at our manifold cutting our need for volume by 1/3 per regulator. (To describe better, all bottles manifolded together into a main pipe, then main pipe split into 3 pipes (3 seperate shutoffs), then 3 hoses run out to varying effects.) Any ides on how to solve this problem?

Thanks again!

posted in pyro - 12 replies

Thermal Cracking

2009-05-21T02:28:42Z

Testing one of my toys last weekend, I found cracks long the side of my 3/8" brass pipe nipples. Any pressure above 20psi would cause these cracks to start spraying propane about.

Since I am using liquid for this effect I am wondering if it is possible that the gas expansion caused the pipe to freeze and when the relatively warm propane liquid finally hit the pipe I got cracks. Most of the crack is on the outside of the pipe with just a small crack seen inside. Could this be an indication that the failure came from the outside instead of the inside?

Has anyone had stress or thermal fractures like this in their brass components?

Thanks,

Captain Chuck

posted in pyro - 1 reply

Air fittings for propane?

2009-05-06T03:08:50Z

There is a guy on Ebay selling pnumatic disconnects for use on BBQs. Yeah or nea?

posted in pyro - 7 replies

12-tone poofer

2009-04-29T04:46:52Z

Managed to get prototype working on compressed air: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ifq7Z9ZSBl0
Next up: gotta concentrate on making it more robust. Already have explosion-proof solenoid valves but need to think a little about style. Any links to other fire calliopes appreciated.

posted in pyro - 10 replies

Fire Puppet

2009-04-27T02:49:13Z

Can anybody guess how this puppet works???

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy6V7uB5rHs&feature=related

I can do the fire wicks on the puppet's hands but I can't figure out the "fire breathing" apparatus or trigger????

Anybody have any suggestions? I really want to do this!!!

posted in pyro - 10 replies

Dangerous Hobbies tribe

2009-04-09T03:51:13Z

--Just taking a moment to pimp another tribe; traffic's kinda low and I'm thinking this might be a good neighborhood to troll for those with similar interests. Hope y'all don't mind.. http://dangeroushobbies.tribe.net/

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Definition: Flame Effect Operator

2009-04-07T05:38:24Z

So the NFPA regulations use this term quite a bit, but does anyone know how most Authorities Having Jurisdiction define it?

Obviously Propane Canons and that awesome puppet would be considered Flame Effects. What about puppets that were only on fire and didn't breathe? Would operators include Fire breathers and Spinners?

Thanks for the input!

posted in pyro - 1 reply

Flow rate

2009-03-23T19:50:49Z

--OK I've got my calliope working on compressed air, but due to the fact that I'm using 'standard' solenoid valves Ive got a flow rate problem which has me using an 80psi supply to the manifold. If I could get my hands on valves with wider passages I could use a lower pressure supply, bringing propane closer to happening (without heating the tanks). Can anyone recommend a source or better yet a part number for a valve that, when attached via 1/4" pipe fittings, will allow an unobstructed flow path of maybe 1/4" or 3/8" dia? The current 1/8" or less is a real obstacle..

posted in pyro - 6 replies

Furr Ball 2009

2009-03-17T16:12:24Z

We are hosting a party here in the Sacramento area with dozens of fire performers, burner fabulous costumes, and some killer fire cannons. Any pyro types who might want to check it our or even bring something to the event check it out at:

FurrBall 2009
Saturday, April 18
www.blackco.org/furrball

a Benefit for Camp Inspiratum

Captain Chuck
FurrBall 2009

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Fire Cannon Soleniod Controlled DMX Need Design Ideas Must Use Propane

2009-03-15T21:24:20Z

Hello everyone i want to build a fire cannon probably soleniod controlled but almost dont know where to start i have a lot of ideas, and i have access to a lot of propane tanks, tools and what not, im an electronics expert (EE), the only thing i need to know is what safety measures i should take so i dont have a 5-8 Gallon Tank blow up on me, i may end up using this for local shows etc etc, i read up a lot on the build of such cannon but no one really talks about safety, such as flashback arresters etc things of that sort, and design ideas sizing of accumulator, solenoid, id's & od's of piping... im looking to build something that will have a max height of about 20-25ft in the air but somehow to also limit it to about 10ft max also, may be used indoors for large events... for me the design of the cannon itself is the problem and most important for me is SAFETY! ive seen some crazy stuff with propane tanks blowing up, and i really dont need that im pretty young, ~20 yrs, i had an idea using a timing circuit to refil the accumulator with a fill soleniod, when the actually fire soleniod is fired, but i dunno if there is enough time to fill before the next fire, i might fire using DMX control, (ill be making the dmx to soleniod interface, very easy its just serial data) so i have all these ideas, now i need help with the actual build design, so if any of you guys can help that would be great, i have (aim) messenger message me for the screenname....

posted in pyro - 15 replies

AC vs. DC solenoid coils

2009-02-20T00:38:26Z

Anyone have experiences using AC valve coils on DC. I just built a squirrel sprayer(water jets to keep the pests out of the bird feeders) using sprinkler valves and didn't want to bother with 24vac to run them. Figured AC impedence is higher than DC resistance, so I tried lower DC voltage, a 12v battery.....works great.

Next thought....Stainless steel ITT solenid valves (UL listed) on the shelf from old project with 120vac coils.......will they work on my 24vdc system?? yes, and they work on 12vdc. Don't get warm on 24vdc, so I think this will work for FOGBANK .

Anyone done this successfuly or have xperience doing this??

posted in pyro - 6 replies

Trying my best to make my project unique

2009-02-11T05:30:09Z

Hi there fire people. I spent a bit of time reading previous posts, and it's been great. It's given my ideas, and then some. Propane devices were the first that I had seen in person, as well seen actual diagrams for. Making burners for home made forges got my toe in the door for dealing with propane, but certainly not on this level. I've always liked the sound of a portable, low to mid range, flame effect device. Making a nice one with my own finishing touches sounds highly entertaining. Hopefully my questions won't irritate the veteran builders too much. There is a picture of a specific device I swiped from the forums that caught my attention too. I'll put a pic up below.

On a basic level, I'm trying to understand why the flame effect generated by a device using an acculator tank is different than the average oversized weed burner. My guess would be that since the pressure up to the accumulator, and leading out of it, can be regulated to a lower setting you are afforded more control over the burn rate of the propane (thus altering the charachteristics of the effect). Not sure if that makes any sense or not.

posted in pyro - 4 replies

Certified Flame Effects Operator

2009-02-10T16:41:28Z

Can anybody help point me in the right direction? I have been searching for a program or class to become certified to operate LP flame devices but to no avail. Even the state fire marshal had no clue where to direct me.

posted in pyro - 15 replies

Supply shops in LA area?

2009-02-06T05:45:41Z

I'm trying to put together a propane flame cannon -- anyone know where I can get the parts in the LA area?

This is my first one so I'm busy reading all the info I can and getting set up. Any help is appreciated.

posted in pyro - 3 replies

Lots to learn--propane questions

2009-02-05T07:50:55Z

I've been reading through the posts here and learning a lot about how fire effects work. But there are still a few gaps I need help with.

- What effect does the bore size of the outlet pipe have?
On those weed-burner jet torch units, the outlet appears to be about 1/16" -- what would happen if this was opened up to 1/8", or even 1/4"?

- Along those lines, what purpose does the accumulator serve?
I get the "how," but still need to figure out the "why." If someone were to connect their poofer/cannon/shooter? straight into a propane tank, what effect would they get?

- Flashback arrestors?
I see them mentioned in articles but haven't seen them in diagrams so often.

Thanks everyone.

posted in pyro - 3 replies

Pilot light proximity

2009-01-14T21:59:28Z

I'm workin' away on my calliope and I've reached a point where I'm tinkering with the pilot light. Here are photos of the device that needs to be serviced by the pilot: http://www.nmpproducts.com/blog/
I failed to find a shop that would roll (not bend) up a ring-shaped pilot burner for less than a fortune so I've welded one up out of 12 identical segments of some 1/16" wall, 5/8" square tube I had on hand. The plan is to put the pilot ring as close as I can get it to the apertures whence cometh the propane but I'm wondering if I should put it at the same height or higher than that source and if higher by how much. I'll try to post some more photos tomorrow, to explain the situation better. Stay tuned?

posted in pyro - 3 replies

Wisdom of the masses

2009-01-10T03:10:40Z

I want to put something to the group. I have been at debate about this with myself foir some time.I would like to hear what some of you think.. I am getting out of the Bm scene I have a shit ton of major flame projectors both propane and liquid along with alot of parts tanks
and the reg stuff one collects after doing this for years..

My question is do you think it is responceible to just sell this stuff?? My stuff isnt small My smallest propane projecter sucks down a 20lb tank in 2 shots..

I love to hear some feedback

posted in pyro - 8 replies

100# tank for sale

2008-11-23T16:51:04Z

Hey guys,

I've got a 100# propane tank for sale. It's brand new and full. I'd take $150ish for it, or make an offer. Pickup in berkeley (at the shipyard), would need to be in the next few days.

If you're interested, just send me a Tribe message, thanks.

posted in pyro - 1 reply

The theory of poofers

2008-11-16T20:32:34Z

Hello all!

I and several friends set up a somewhat large theme camp at a regional burn a couple times/year. Part of our setup is a set of scaffolding upon which we mount speakers, colored lights, strobe lights and so on. Our tallest scaffold is 20' high and we got the idea of building a giant fireball spewing contraption and mounting it on the big scaffold.

And that is what brings me here. We have a 100 lb. propane tank to work with and we'd like to build a poofer sizeable enough so that people dancing on the ground 20' below the poofer can feel some warmth when it's triggered. I am not sure if, given the equipment we have, this is realistic, but that is the goal.

I have previously examined other pepole's poofers and from what I remember, they simply had a huge propane tank hooked to some hose terminated in a 6' section of 1/2" black pipe with a ball valve on it. There was a pilot and he just threw the lever on the valve to fire the poofer. This was also 3 or more years ago when I checked it out so I could be remembering wrong. I know this is ultra-simplistic and furthermore, will cause excessive cooling in the propane tank if used too frequently, but I remember it working just fine.

Anyways, browsing through your archives here, it seems most poofers' basic design is a line off of the propane tank comes to a T-fitting, splitting it into 2 lines - A & B.

Line A has a regulator and continues to the terminus where a pilot light burns.

Line B goes to an expansion tank of whatever size and then goes....? I believe there needs to be another T-fitting in there, yes? Because a valve is thrown to charge the expansion tank from the main tank and then closed to isolate the main fuel tank once the expansion tank is charged.

Am I understanding this correctly?

So a couple questions:

1) What is the purpose of the expansion tank? It seems to me that its presense would cause the expansion tank to take the brunt of the cooling effects from depressurizing a gas. Because the expansion tank has less mass than the 100# fuel supply tank, it get closer to ambient temperature more rapidly if it has been cooled, allowing for more frequent firings. Is this accurate? What if one were to skip the expansion tank if they were satisfied with only firing every, say 10 minutes or so?

2) Once you hit the first T-fitting off of the main tank, what happens to the two lines coming out of it (A & B)? I wrote my best guesses in my introductory paragraphs but those are only that - guesses.

Thanks for any help.

posted in pyro - 11 replies

Fireboarding Lady Liberty@BRC2008

2008-10-18T21:07:58Z

Well it ended up being a very downscaled bicycle trailer piece, and was largely playa built. Worked as well as I had hoped thogh. DMV fire folks were great although they expressed concern about the one gallon can gas tank pressure vessel. If 4lb co2 regulator failed can might burst. I had omitted clamp on co2 line for that very reason(hose can pop of barb). They passed it, and next time I will build the gas tank to a higher pressure rating.
By next burn our nation will probably still be torturing, and our rights will still be firmly abridged by the "patriot" act, so Lady Liberty will return for more playa abuse.
Have posted pics in my profile pics, Happy Burn.

posted in pyro - 4 replies

Mass Burn Unit with Pyro

2008-08-20T15:07:17Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGeQ_K9V8uo

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Opinions on Fire Poofers and the Neighbors

2008-08-19T16:26:52Z

Set off my fire poofer in my private back yard one too many times. The police came and then the whole fire department, hook and ladder and all!

I have tried to contact all my neighbors that we have a flame effect in the back yard but somebody thought we were setting off flares.

The police and fire fighters were VERY very nice and were interested in the thing as they had not seen anything like it before.

Does anybody know if there Is some kind of nusiance code that I am breaking? Neither the police nor firemen knew of anything like this....(by the way , 3 police and 5 firemen showed up. Quite a party!).

posted in pyro - 16 replies

Disappointing trial run

2008-08-14T06:41:58Z

Trying to figure out what's not right in our rig. What we've got is a great pilot light, so thanks to Bart and others for that part. But the whooshy part of the system is pretty feeble. From a 5-gal supply tank I've got a 3/8" pipe tee. One leg has 1/4" tube going to a regulator, then up to the pilot light about 10ft in the air. The other leg of the tee runs 3/8" tube to a quarter-turn ball valve, then directly into a 5-gal reciever. Reciever also has a tee; one leg being supply, the other being a 1" whistle valve, followed by all 1" pipe fittings and runs right thru the middle of the pilot ring.
Now' when we crack the supply valve to let propane into the reciever I expected to get an audible hiss, but it's pretty feeble. And after maybe 30 seconds of fill, when Gothalot tooted the whistle valve, I expected to hear a whoosh and see a decent tongue of fire. But instead we got a very feeble puff and the pilot light noticeably dimmed. So what's not right? Tomorrow I'm thinking I'll have Gothalot remove the plumbing between the propane tank and the reciever to make sure there isn't some sort of unanticipated blockage, but beyond that I'm stumped. Suggestions appreciated.

posted in pyro - 4 replies

Steam Whistles and Fire Poofers

2008-08-14T04:39:27Z

I hooked up a steam whistle to my fire poofer. Other than making a very loud and obnoxious sound (which I love) and pissing off my neighbors, is there any problems with sending propane through an all brass steam whistle?

posted in pyro - 13 replies

Burning Man Ticket Raffle

2008-08-09T07:42:30Z

Burning Man Ticket Raffle

Just three days left in the Burning Man ticket raffle! For just $5 you get one chance at winning a ticket to Burning Man 2008! So far we've got just over a dozen people participating so your chances are good! The drawing will be held next Monday August 11 when we will announce the winner who will be randomly chosen by Peaches the Jack Russel Terrier, so get involved and get your raffle on! Tickets to Burning Man are currently $295 and there will be no gate sales this year, so here's you chance to get onto the playa for cheap!

To enter, go to www.paypal.com and send $5 for EACH entry to darkskies@vegasartists.com
Good luck, have a great burn, and thank you for supporting your
regionals!

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Tank heating on the playa

2008-08-07T03:26:07Z

So all -

I've got my first largish effect on the playa this year (feeding from three 100#, if not four, 100# tanks) and I'm trying to figure out how to heat my tanks.

In the real world I use a water bath and heat it with 2kW heaters.

Any sugestions? Just dont heat? Wrap them with insulation? I don;t want to make a water mess. Just put grey water in a tub and sit my tanks in it? Feels like that would turn into mud quickly.

posted in pyro - 5 replies

schedule 80 fittings/suppliers

2008-08-06T03:56:40Z

I know that, with LPG, schedule 80 is the way to go for anything that sees full tank pressure. So OK, pipe is schedule 80 black steel.

What about fittings, though? Most of the fittings I see are rated to a pressure instead of giving a schedule number. For example, at least in black steel, McMaster only gives a schedule number for welded fittings. All the threaded fittings are rated by pressure.

Grainger has a variety of black steel fittings rated to 300 psi WOG at 150F. That exceeds the NFPA 58 requirement of 250 psig for lines that see tank pressure, and it's the same rating Grainger gives on its schedule 80 nipples. That's sufficient, right?

Also, who has the best prices on schedule 80 pipe in the bay area? Any place that will cut to length and tap? Grainger only has nipples and they're pretty pricey.

posted in pyro - 4 replies

Integrity of rusted LPG tanks

2008-08-03T21:28:11Z

So the other day I acquired a 10gal lpg tank that I would like to use as an accumulator but it has some rust issues. The outside is rusted with the paint layer flaking off. The tank is still very solid, no cracks or errosion from the rust. The valve is missing so there might be some rust inside but it is very hard to see even with a flashlight.

My question is if this tank is still sound enough to use as an accumulator or should I just toss it.

posted in pyro - 13 replies

Circular Thrust

2008-07-30T21:16:36Z

I'm tryin to conceptulize a Flaming vortex generator. That's 100 percent portable, indepentant of power, and long running. I've decided to go with the convection method of making the vortex.. So I simply need to spin a cage around a flame. Nothin massive, bust still impressive maybe 4 feet or so. The idea I've currently been toiling over is for a bike tire mounted on it's side with a 1lb coleman tank mounted so that in some unknown fashion I can connect it directly to the valve stem on the tire. Following designs for hero's engine holes poked at an angle around the tire would vent in a certain direction to cause the tire to spin. Mounted atop the tire a screen supported by a modify'd tomato plant grower attached to the rim of the tire, Botled to the topside center a pint-sized paint can full of rags and whatever fuel I happen to have around to spin fire with at that time.

Currently known problems preventing the project from taking life...
Is there even a way to connect a propane tank to a bike tire valve?
What size-shape and amount of holes will produce the best thrust? I'm thinkin large sewing needle. maybe 15 holes.
Will the rubber melt, or will the time it takes the propane to properly mix act as a heat shield?
Will the flame comming out of the tires be self supporting once lit and spinning. How cool would it be if the flame randomly jumpped from jet to jet around the tire.

If I had a power supply where I'd want to be running it an intertube wrapped around the post of a box fan motor, and held against the edge of the tire with the whole propane system omitted would be perfect.

Overall problem.. getting the tire to spin for awhile with enough speed without outside influance. I wanna set it up and forget about it. Anything over 30 minutes would be acceptable.

Maybe I should just strap the tank to an edge, tap it then apply a flame, let the tank do all the pushing. How long would a 1lb tank thats just freely venting run for?

posted in pyro - 12 replies

Pilot lights?

2008-07-28T03:27:46Z

--Trying to come up with an optimal design that will be wind-proof and reliable for a flame calliope. The plan is to have 12: 1" dia pipes spaced about 1/1/2" apart. What I need is a pilot light that will encompass all 12 of them at their throat openings. On single whistles I've used propane torch nozzles but these run very hot and a bunch in such a small space might cause other problems. Instead I'm thinking of adapting something like a porous ceramic or possibly bronze wool stuffed into a horizontal pipe with a slit on one side. Comments and suggestions welcome.

posted in pyro - 20 replies

Burning Man ticket Raffle is on!

2008-07-23T04:48:35Z

Burning Man ticket Raffle is on!

That's right for just $5 YOU can get a chance at one ticket to Burning Man! Tickets to Burning Man 2008 are currently $295 on the web and there will be NO GATE SALES this year either. Yikes! So, here's your chance to get ONE TICKET for the ridiculously low price of just $5. How can we do this? We must be CRAZY to make this kind of offer! Dark Skies was gifted an extra ticket and we want to help a deserving burner and we're doing a fund raiser as well, so to tie it all in we're raffling this ticket off for $5 per entry. The drawing will be held on August 11th when we will announce the winner who will be selected by Peaches the Jack Russell Terrier rummaging in the ticket bowl.
Purely non-scientific but a lot of fun nonetheless!

TO ENTER: send $5 PER ENTRY via PayPal to darkskies@vegasartists.com
You may purchase as many entries as you wish, they are $5 each.
Each $5 entry buys you ONE CHANCE at winning this free ticket!
Good luck and have a great burn in 2008!

posted in pyro - 0 replies

oxy-fuel mixing strategies and point of combustion

2008-07-19T19:02:58Z

Hi everyone!

I'm building something that's essentially a big vertical oxypropane torch: oxypropane because in addition to high total BTU output, I need to heat the thing at the other end of the torch to a high temperature, and propane in air doesn't get hot enough.

So I've got my regulated propane line, and I've got my regulated (gaseous) oxygen line. Now, just like in a hand-held oxypropane torch, I need a way to mix them well at an operator-adjustable ratio (probably in the vicinity of a 3:1 to 4:1 oxygen:propane molar ratio for a slightly oxidizing flame in air.) And the mixing probably needs to happen somewhat upstream of the point of combustion so the mixing has time to complete.

What I've learned from book-larnin' on this:

* When fuel pressure and oxidizer pressure are about equal, like in an oxyacetylene torch, I guess you can just join the two flows together, tune the mixture with upsteam needle valves on the fuel and the oxidizer supply, and the right thing happens. But when you need different amounts of oxidizer and fuel, like in an oxypropane torch, the usual thing is to use the higher-pressure gas to drag in the lower-pressure gas venturi-style. Did I get that right?

Seems like it's backpressure that'd make the equal-pressure approach not work in unequal pressures. I was reading about sonic chokes, but I don't think that's going to be a realistic solution here :)

* Having made a flow that has the right molar ratio, you want the gasses to actually get mixed up together, and this can be done without moving parts by inducing turbulence somehow.

Questions:

1) Anyone have experience mixing gasses in a unequal ratio like this? Do you use a venturi?

2) Any suggestions on what to do to get turbulence for mixing? Also, looking at mixer patents, sometimes there are "rectifier vanes" post-mixing to restore laminar flow and get your pressure back.

3) So yeah, with this mixing of fuel and oxidizer ahead of where I want it to burn, I'm going to need a way to prevent backflash to the mixing area. My best idea so far is to keep the output of the mixer sufficiently pressurized that the mixed gas velocity is comfortably above the flame wavefront propagation speed. Is this how to do it?

and tangentially:

4) I just ordered a few of those ehcotech/'valves4projects' values from ebay. 12VDC, Buna N, brass, 115psi, Cv 7.6 on the 3/4"... seems worth a shot at $35. Anyone have experience with these / am I going to regret it?

thanks much!

posted in pyro - 2 replies

Teflon tape?

2008-07-18T19:13:55Z

I hear tell there's a different kind of tape or sealant recommended for propane pipe fittings but I can't find any more info than that fact. Can someone set me straight?

posted in pyro - 9 replies

Smaller Is Better

2008-07-13T06:37:13Z

First off I would like to thank the members of this tribe for being so gracious in sharing so much knowledge. I would especially like to thank Jack, Jason and Tedward for all the information I have garnered from their posts.

I say smaller is better because space and weight is a real concern for my design. I am putting together a flame puffer for my rickshaw. My propane source is a 20 lb tank. I am about to order a lever valve from McMaster. The decisions that I need to make are on expansion tank size and valve diameter. I have found an 11 lb propane tank that I like. Does anyone have any experience using this size tank? Another question is what size lever valve should I use 1/2 or 3/4? I would imagine the size of the opening on a propane tank would be the limiting point and therefore the determining factor, but this is just a guess.

I realize this is a subjective question, but any guess how long a 20 lb tank with an 11 lb expansion chamber might last? I know I could build my puffer and run a full tank as a test to figure out fuel consumption, but that may be unrealistic.

Thanks in advance. And when you see a flaming rickshaw on the playa please come say hi.
Captain-Doctor Berkey

posted in pyro - 6 replies

Need help building "Propane Poofer / Cannon"

2008-07-04T21:29:25Z

How does one go about building a small propane poofer? Need one for the art car this year. Any suggestion?
Thanks,
J

posted in pyro - 2 replies

Removing propane valves

2008-06-27T03:01:55Z

Well FWIW we tried the trick of lassoing a propane tank to a tree; we used two load binders and a piece of neoprene to keep the tank from sliding around. I got a big-ass pipe wrench and put a decent cheater on the end but it was no use. In the end we piled the tanks into the truck and headed over to a propane distribution store. Got lucky at the first stop: Blue Star Gas in Santa Rosa (corner of Hwy 12 and Fulton Road) has seen a fair share of 'artistes' and we were not the first asking for the mod. They charged us $5.- per valve removal: a bargain methinks. Now it's onward and upward! :-)

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Locking Quarter Turn Ball Valves

2008-06-24T22:01:05Z

I'm shopping parts for a poofer system and I came across ball valves that are equipped with a padlock. That got me to thinking...

Has anyone here ever had a problem with someone using your Flame Effect system when you didn't intend for it to be used? I'd like to think that wouldn't happen on the playa. But just curious if any folks have had to deal with that either on or off playa before.

posted in pyro - 2 replies

Inexpensive Wiring options..any ideas?

2008-06-14T00:52:33Z

I will be creating a fairly simple console which will have 8 buttons on it controlling all the poofers or flame effects. I need to run about 1500 feet of wire so each button is linked to each poofer. Any idea of what the cheapest wire to use would be? Something I can roll up easily is preferred. I have used extension cords in the past but was hoping for something less money. They will be buried for a week in the desert and reused.

posted in pyro - 5 replies

Fire Safety needed tonite

2008-06-13T22:00:23Z

I need a safety in Costa Mesa. Our 2 shows are at 9:30 and 10:15 the pay is $50.00
Contact me ASAP
Blessings,
Courtney
raiden@infernoinc.com

posted in pyro - 1 reply

3/4 vs 1/2 inch poofers

2008-06-11T00:15:04Z

In the past I have shot 1/2 inch asco valves attached to a 20 lb accumulator. Should I expect much of a difference moving to a 30 lb accumulator with 3/4 asco valves? Anyone have a knack for guessing at this kind of stuff?

posted in pyro - 2 replies

Simple Project but need help

2008-06-10T17:54:05Z

Ive got this simple art piece I'm making... more for a serene backyard fire feature but Im struggling with it. I have zero experience with fire sculpture plumbing so i'm just faking it here and blatantly calling myself a fire sculpture artist!

The piece is my default photo, which looks great I lucked out with the picture because in 10 minutes those flames dont last and I begin to lose flame height on the farthest holes and there is a lot of black smoke. Eventually I lose almost all flame.

Here is my setup - a 3/8 in copper tubing with small holes drilled into it, the end of the tube is flared into a flare fitting then i put in a ball valve which goes to a 10 ft hose and 0-30 PSI adjustable regulator to a 5lb tank.

What would be my solution for keeping the flames even and for getting rid of the smoke and for having the whole piece just go down in flames... (and not the good flames). Ive been looking into cast iron venturi's but not sure if that will solve my problem.

Thanks for the help.

Kristen

posted in pyro - 10 replies

100 lb. accumulator used with 2" solenoid valve question

2008-06-06T00:04:44Z

I was asking for advice this weekend on building a 2" poofer with a 100 lb. accumulator. It would be 100 lb. tank to 3 feet of 2" pipe, to an ASCO 8210G100 valve and then 3 more feet of pipe. I was told to cut a hole in the 100 lb tank and weld in a 2" piece of pipe to make this work. Questions:

Is welding the correct approach? would the bottle neck (literally) be too much restriction for a large 3-8 second burst?

Should I do anything with the tip (expand or reduce at exit)? Effect will be aimed straight up.

Thanks again. If anyone would like to talk off tribe that is fine. Tribe mail, e-mail, or phone are possible.

posted in pyro - 13 replies

Poofers...Natural gas an option?

2008-06-05T17:49:38Z

I was picking up my poofer from a warehouse today and some gas guy was there and when I told him what I was doing he said "Propane?...you need to be using natural gas. It is 1/4 the price of propane these days and you can use all the same cylinders and stuff."

Is he high or is this a valid option? I like NG propensity to rise and 1/4 the prices sounds nice.

Can the two be mixed in a manifold?

posted in pyro - 18 replies

Switches

2008-06-04T23:22:51Z

To control 8 asco valves from one easy to access point, what would be the best switches to use? At halloween I hook them into a door bell switch for all the kiddies, but is that reliable enough for a week in the desert? I normally use a standard outdoor 110v switch in a waterproof housing, but for 8 switches that would get a bit cumbersome. The all have to be close together and momentary switches.

(Side note....sorry for all the postings but I am about 24 hours from ordering all the supplies and with the cash entrusted in me I want the project to kick ass....the tips are wonderful and off topic stuff ....... amusing (to be polite)

posted in pyro - 2 replies

Adjustable propane regulator question

2008-05-29T22:56:40Z

I am creating a set of poofers for our camp. The last set I built used the standard pilot light system with small holes drilled in a pipe wrapped with steel wool. To adjust the height of the pilot lights I placed a 1/4 turn valve in the pipe and moved it as needed. The problem is that as the propane cooled I was forced to constantly adjust the 1/4 turn valve.

With the new set I hope to use adjustable regulators so that I can set them once and be done. Does anyone have any ideas as to what I need to look for in a regulator? Is there a certain construction type I need? Manufacturer? Model #? range of adjustability...0 - 60 psi?

Thanks for your help and we hope you enjoy the show!

posted in pyro - 4 replies

looking for a propane fire cannon

2008-05-29T00:26:28Z

I am looking for some one who sells propane fire cannons. I would like to get a set of small one's that could do bursts and maybe fire rings?Any info would be of much help.thanks Will

posted in pyro - 1 reply

Ventury nozzle

2008-05-19T17:07:16Z

Has anyone played with designing a ventury nozzle for a pilot light shroud? Seems like a feasible way to lower turbulence at the ignition point, maybe allow for a tighter / longer flame. any thoughts?

posted in pyro - 6 replies

Dark Skies Art Festival - Workshop Leaders Wanted

2008-05-16T04:00:40Z

The Dark Skies Arts Festival is looking for a few talented fire performers who are willing to hold a couple of workshops during the festival, performing in the evening, and who are willing to have a fabulous time hanging out at the Southern Nevada regional burn. We have a very limited number of free/artist tickets available to select fire professionals by participating at Dark Skies. It's all happening June 19 to 22 in Meadview AZ. Just 107 miles east of Las Vegas. Dark Skies is being held on 80 acres of private land in a beautiful joshua tree forest
Currently we need the following workshops covered: Fire safety, intermediate and advanced poi, and all levels of contact staff. Other fire toys are welcome too. For consideration please send your name, contact info, what your talent is and how long you have been doing performing. Please include a video url (youtube etc) if you have one.
Please submit your inquires by June 6th for consideration to Indigo at itsallbrite_AT_hotmail_DOT_com or call 702 218 2041.
For more information on the Dark Skies please visit http://darkskies.vegasartists.com/

Peace n Luv,
Indigo

posted in pyro - 0 replies

What are some things that you’re going to miss if you don’t go to Dark Skies?

2008-05-15T04:23:26Z

The friendly security forces at Hoover Dam that want to be nosey and pick through your stuff before you cross!
Driving through the most beautiful Joshua Tree forest you’ve ever seen (no really)!
Wondering if you’re lost while driving through said forest!
Suspiciously studying your rear view mirror on a dirt road looking for the damn BLM (they won’t be there)!
Beautiful sunrises with your friends
Hugging furry people
Fantastic theme camps with such amazing content as:
Porn-a-oke yep that’s right it’s karaoke with porn (and pirates of course)!
The always cool Dark Skies locale….Party Naked whipping up drinks while you take it off…..or not!
Come party with the living and the un-living in Dr DNA’s -The Underworld!
Adopt some art, leave some art with caretaker Anti-M!
Meditation and spiritual readings if you dare!
A unique bar that will distill your beverage in a body part replica…gotcha thinking’ don’t it! You’ll be sucking on more than a lime with these shots!
What regional would be complete without a complementary spanking amongst other treats!
The ska/reggae retreat of the Skaruba Café serving up delicious delightful beverages
A house made of turquoise that used to be a hub for the Pony Express
Burners
Hippies
Freaks
Costumes
Naked guy hula hooping
Workshops so you can be the naked guy hula hooping
Friendly greeters
The poof poof of propane poofers
Workshops so you can learn really cool stuff
Drum circles
Twilight yoga and fire spinnin
Hot Rangers
Very hot BBQ’s, Pancakes and Bacon
The purrrrrrr of generators in the dusk
Bands
DJ’s
Petting furry people
Fire spinners
Chocolate chip cookies
Howling at the moonrise
Art Cars
Dirt between your crevices (you pick the crevice I ain’t touching it)!
Our oh so fun Men’s Hot Legs Contest
The new addition to our contests the Drag Olympics (read drag queen Olympic events)
Sitting around a burn barrel wondering why you are because it’s 75 degrees out!
Beautiful sunsets with your friends
Dancing until dawn
A very “Dark Sky” full of stars for gazing
Geodesic dome love
Getting to know your fellow freaks in a intimate setting
A lovely trial setting to test out your dome, mutant vehicle, art, sound system, costume, attitude or shade structure before Burning Man
Driving from the desert having just spent an unbelievable weekend with your friends

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Solenoid Valve Seals

2008-05-14T07:17:00Z

Hello All!

Just found out that I will actually be attending the burn this year! Thought that this was going to be the first year I missed (since I started in '01) since we just had a baby (!!!) but I was given a ticket for my 30th by my loving wife and friends... looks like I'll be there!

Anyhoo... I am going to modify my poofer (based around a 1" dc valve that in it's current version gives a helluva bang!) to create some more elaborate effects and drag it along behind my bike. Now I need to acquire a few more solenoids and I cant remember what the material is that the seal needs to be made from to resist breaking down from the propane. Since I will be dragging this thing around this year i want to make damn sure that is is as safe as possible. Anyone remember what that material is?

posted in pyro - 4 replies

The Only Circus magazine in the WORLD!

2008-05-04T10:06:20Z

(X-Posted - and you can do it to!)
Step right this way, ladies and gentlemen, and enter the Big Top! A place of wonder, delight and whimsy, a place of dreams and desires!
A place called home. (link here for the ADD krew – bigtopmagazine.com )
This site began as a vision of mine somewhere around a year ago, and though it has been met with many challenges in it’s creation – with more to come, I’m sure – here it is, for you.
One of the primary goals I have for it is connecting us, all around the world. The artists, the dreamers, the people who have the power to change the world through beauty – and do. That’s absolutely everybody as far as I’m concerned, but maybe someone just needs a kick in the ass to get them going.
Please push and post this site everywhere you possibly can think of; It is the first and only of it’s kind out there as far as I know, and maybe someone has been looking for it – which is where the seed for this dream was planted. I was that person not too long ago.

Though I wish to keep away from political issues, I do want to address the numerous ways we can improve the world around us. Red, Black, White & yellow – with a Green tint. Dig what I’m saying?

SO – please check out the site, promote it to everyone, everywhere, and most importantly, enjoy it.

www.bigtopmagazine.com

With lots of love,

~ kSea flux

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Smoke rings?

2008-05-04T05:48:11Z

The large, roiling, black smoke rings that rose from the playa were awesome. I did not get to talk to th guy doing it, but it looks like he might be driving a volume of diesel fuel w/ an accumulated gas or nitrogen charge. Really like the effect and would like to understand it. Does anyone out there know?

posted in pyro - 8 replies

Oxygen tank valve removal

2008-04-27T00:37:23Z

Help I am having a hard time getting the top valve off of an oxgen tank that is going to be used for my fire cannon. Is there a trick to this that I am missing?

posted in pyro - 8 replies

Max distances with accumulator effects

2008-04-26T00:41:17Z

Hey gang,

I need to pull off a poofer accumulator effect where the distance between nozzle and acc. tank is approximately 30-ish feet. At this distance, I'm going to need to really maximize pressure to get any sort of bang out of it. Does anyone have practical tips for this? I'm considering either feeding multiple propane tanks into one manifold to keep my fuel sources from freezing up or perhaps even warming the tanks in a warm water bath. But that's only half the problem. I'm thinking I'll need about 200-ish PSI to get the kind of poof I'm after.

I'm in the design stage now. Anyone have experience in successfully placing a nozzle so far removed from the tank? Thanks!

posted in pyro - 4 replies

Black powder?

2008-04-24T03:48:19Z

--Went to a cannon shoot yesterday; great fun but I need to get some better powder! FFG is the coarsest I can find in Santa Rosa. Anyone got a source for coarser powder nort of the GG bridge? Also found that my mail-order fuze doesn't stand the test of time and am looking for something more reliable.

posted in pyro - 5 replies

Want to make my first cannon

2008-04-23T15:49:09Z

Hey,
I just got back from a burn and I cant take it anymore....I have to have a fire cannon..I think I have the basic idea of how to make one but I dont want to blow myself up one the first try!! so if any one can help out I want to make a propane cannon that can make a good flame out of the top like 20 feet or so
Thanks a bunch

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Flame/Sound cannon to music

2008-04-23T00:31:19Z

Has anyone done this: Operated a propane poofer, or in my case, propane sound cannon to music. Something like recording a third track to fire the valves to fill the bore, then the fourth track to fire the sparkplugs.

Thinking about AC/DC For Those About to Rock (WeSalute You)

"For Those About to Rock" BOOMM!!! "WeSalute You" BOOOMM!!! "FIRE" BOOOMM!!!
"SHOOT" BOOM!! "SHOOT" BOOM!! "SHOOT" BOOM!! "SHOOT" BOOM!!
"FIRE" BOOOMM!!!
etc.

Some of these are pretty quick, like 2-3 seconds...hope the fire goes out before refill of the barrel

posted in pyro - 3 replies

What is wrong with my ASCO valve?

2008-04-20T13:51:16Z

I am testing my ASCO 8210G100 .....2"..... normally closed.......120 V......5 PSI min operating pressure and I have a problem.

For these tests, the valve was hooked to a 40 PSI compressor and hooked up to the "IN" side of the valve.

Here are the symptoms:

Power off - valve is closed correctly.
Energize - valve opens normally
THEN when i turn power off the valve stays open. The only way to get it to close is to completely remove the green electrical unit. As soon as I take off the green electrical unit valve closes normally.

Other test (similar to one above)

Solenoid powered up through entire exercise... valve is flowing normally then I take off the green electrical unit....... valve closes normally. Slide the energized green unit back on valve opens. As fast as I can put the solenoid on and off it fires perfectly.

What is the problem with the valve? Keep in mind the unit uses existing pressure to open and close itself (5 psi min). Is there some left over magnetic charge in the green electrical unit that makes it want to keep the valve open?

Thanks for any help.

- Greg

posted in pyro - 11 replies

DARK SKIES TICKETS TO GO ON SALE SATURDAY APRIL 12 @ NOON PST

2008-04-10T05:38:45Z

DARK SKIES TICKETS TO GO ON SALE SATURDAY APRIL 12 @ NOON PST

TICKETS:
Tickets to The Dark Skies Arts Festival, June 19-22 at Mojave Drums near Meadview, Arizona are going on sale this Saturday 4/12/08 at twelve noon PST under the following price structure:
FIRST TIER: 75 tickets @ $75
SECOND TIER: 150 tickets @ $95
THIRD TIER: The remaining 75 tickets will be $125
Gift Tickets: we have a very limited number of gift tickets available where we trade you admission for your work on site. See below.

ATTENDANCE CAPS AND NO GATE SALES THIS YEAR
We are capping attendance at 300 and there will be NO GATE SALES this year! Advance ticket sales will cut off about a week out from the event. Under 18 with parents only, kids under 12 are free. No in-out, no pets.

Dark Skies is the southern Nevada regional burn, now to be held across the dam in Arizona! All of Burning Man’s 10 principals apply including leave no trace, no vending and the gift economy.

THEME CAMPS
We are requesting that all theme camps register and determine the minimum required amount of space that you can fit into. We are also asking most participants to drop their camping gear and park out by the front gate in order to keep the event site open and allow art cars, pedestrian traffic, and bicycles to traverse the site safely. There’s plenty of room on this site for our event, we just have to use it judiciously and creatively. Please please please register your theme camp and art so we know who’s coming!

FIRE
Dark Skies 2008 is operating in a high fire season, and in an area of pristine high desert in a beautiful Joshua Tree Forest. Dark Skies Fire Safety will be operating under the jurisdiction of Meadview Arizona Fire Dept. All final decisions regarding fire will be up to them.

• Fire performers will be allowed i/e: poi staffs breathers and all other hand held fire performance toys.
• Small propane flame effects; ie hand held puffers and small lpg flame effects with neither having a vertical flame length exceeding 10ft unless pre approved will be allowed.
• Fire barrels; fire barrels will be provided and maintained by event staff and will be in community areas.
• No personal burn barrels and fireplaces unless pre-approved in advance of the event.
• All generators used will be required to have an abc fire extinguisher and a pointed shovel within 20 ft at all times.
• Tentative fire times will be between 7pm and sunrise. Fire times will be subject to blackout in case of winds sustained in excess of 12 mph.
• All fire artists and participants must check in with DSFS. DSFS has the final say when it comes to fire of any kind.
• Smoking is to be conducted on developed and groomed areas only, no smoking is allowed in the vegetated areas of the event site. Leave no trace; never let it hit the ground.
• Fireworks of any kind are illegal and banned 100% at this event.
• All fire activities will be restricted to fire performance areas and then only at pre approved times. We will clearly mark these areas on site.

Important fire information; All fire activities may be banned in the case of a regional “red flag alert”. A red flag alert occurs when high winds regionally create a situation whereby all fire activities are banned. This is not the same as the high fire season ban which runs April 15 – Nov 15 and for which we are applying for variances too for this event. This is also NOT the same situation we had last time where CCFD “stuck it to us” at the last minute and bummed a lot of people out. Our hosts want to see fire at this event. But we have to play by their rules. Lets hope for low winds on the weekend of the event!

VOLUNTEER!
The heart of any regional event is the volunteers, and we love our volunteers! We have limited Volunteer opportunities available for Dark Skies.

Please check the website and the event’s news group which is located here
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DARKSKIES_LASVEGAS/

Pictures of the new site are here
http://darkskies.vegasartists.com/pictures/3-08sitesurveyweb/index.htm

The event’s website is understandably undergoing some changes since the move and is here
http://darkskies.vegasartists.com/

Thank you to the community, to our wonderful volunteers, and to all of the artists and theme camps that make this and every regional event so darn special! We cannot do any of this without YOU.

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Yuri's Night

2008-04-09T18:14:59Z

False Profit Labs represents this Saturday at Yuri's Night with the debut of The Hydrogen Economy for 2008 with a new Hydrogen chamber, entirely polycarbonate clear plastic aesthetic, and 8-40x more explosions than before.

Calling all cosmonauts, inventors, dreamers, and explorers...
tickets for Yuri's Night Bay Area 2008
are now on sale!

2PM–2AM SATURDAY 12 APRIL 2008
NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER, MOFFETT FIELD, CA

www.ynba.org

$40 online, $50 at the door
VIP tickets $200
Tickets are available at www.ynba.org

Once a year in over a hundred places all over the world, Yuri's Night commemorates the anniversary of the launch of the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin.

This year the San Francisco Bay Area will be home to the largest Yuri's Night celebration ever. At the NASA Ames Research Center over 8,000 people will join scientists, musicians, and artists to learn, celebrate, and pay tribute to our global space heritage; and to celebrate the anniversaries of the first human spaceflight and the first space shuttle mission. Yuri's Night Bay Area 2008 is a one-of-a-kind local community event: a perfect fusion of celebration and tribute, technology expo, Maker Faire, art exhibition, and music festival; all rolled into one.

Yuri's Night Speakers

Come and be inspired by amazing talks by NASA scientists and other pioneers in space exploration and radical technology, and keep your minds moving through the event with our brand-new Festival of Ideas!

Here are some of this year's speakers to whet your appetite:

World-renowned video game designer Will Wright, creator of SimCity, SimEarth, The Sims, and many other games, including his exciting upcoming game of life, evolution, and exploration, Spore
NASA astrobiologist Jonathan Trent, leader of the new NASA G.R.E.E.N. team for green technology research
Saul Griffith, an MIT-trained mad scientist and founder of one of the most innovative green power companies today, Makani Power
Remarks by Stewart Brand, a founder of The Long Now Foundation and creator of the Whole Earth Catalog
... and many more!
Yuri's Night Music

This year we are expanding our musical offerings to include TWO FULL STAGES, which means more performers and more variety. Artists from a wide array of musical traditions will be playing all day long. Check the schedule for details.

Electronic music by:
Amon Tobin (Ninja Tune, Montreal)
A special twilight downtempo set by Tipper (HI)
John Tejada (LA/palette recordings): live set
Lusine (Ghostly Intl., Seattle): live set
Scuba (Hotflush Recordings, UK)
Digitonal vs. Posthuman (UK): with live violin
... and many more!
Live vocal and instrumental music by:
Telstar (Featuring: Phil Lesh, Steve Molitz, & John Molo)
Freezepop (Rykodisc, Boston): indie synthpop / new wave
Particle (LA): free-wheelin' space grooves
BLVD w/ Souleye (LA): hip-hop flavored jam shred
Zoë Keating: avant garde looping cello
... and many more!
Other Highlights

A technology showcase featuring leading Bay Area alternative energy companies including SolFocus, Wrightspeed, The California Cars Initiative, and Tesla Motors.
Dozens of art and science installations spanning everything from NASA Lunar Research Robots to the unveiling of the newest sculptures by Michael Christian the Flaming Lotus Girls.
Live performances of all kinds, from dance and acrobatics by Capacitor (San Francisco's ground-breaking interdisciplinary dance company) to aerial demonstrations featuring Yuri-Gagarin-era Aerobatic Aircraft.
...and much, much more! Check out www.ynba.org for all of the details.
2008 VIP Information

The VIP area will feature a quiet indoor lounge overlooking the hangar, in addition to a heated tent providing easy access to the rest of the event; both will be excellent for small business meetings and networking. The VIPs will also have private demonstrations from several of the technology exposition participants about current and future technologies and projects.

The VIP package is fully catered and includes food and drinks throughout the day in addition to a dinnertime meal. Discounted hotel accommodations may be available for out-of-town VIPs. VIP tickets are onsale now for $200.

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Solenoid part numbers

2008-04-06T17:20:27Z

Hey all -

So far, I've always been pretty lucky at pickig up vales from ebay, surplus stores and industrial surplus stores.

I've had really good experiences with Burket DC valves. In particular the 6013 direct and 6213 pilot.

But I'm working on a much bigger piece this year, and I want bigger, fast valves. Burkert DC pilot operated valves don't seem to have quite the speed(200 CPM ish) for the CV facotrs I'm looking for (as much as possible) And I need alot of them, so I need to order them as I don't think I will get lucky and find them in the quantities and uniformity I need.

McMaster has some "Brass sure fit" but their max PSI if 60 - I need to be about 100.

I've been told some good things about ASCO red hat valves. I started to research them today, but there are alot of valves.

What I am asking -

Does anyone have a good ASCO valve they can recommend? 100PSI, about 100CPM minimum (200 preferred) CV as large as possible. DC greatly preferred, but AC looks like it will be neccessary.

Help?

posted in pyro - 5 replies

Fire effect on top of water?

2008-04-01T01:10:04Z

So I've got this idea to bubble propane or natural gas through water and let it burn at the surface as kind of a funky fireplace kinda thing. Has anybody here tried such a thing?

My thinking is that it would look as though I've got a container of liquid fuel that's boiling and on fire. Kinda dangerous looking and stuff. Has somebody done this and discovered that is was impractical or lame?

I can't imagine that I'm the first to think of it. Especially with some of the ingenius things I see on this tribe. But if I am the first, I'm prepared to forge ahead and see what kind of damage I can do.

posted in pyro - 24 replies

Maybe of interest?

2008-03-28T17:22:40Z

There's going to be a cannon shoot near Covelo, CA on the 5th and I'll be taking my stash of muzzle loaders out there. Hope to bring back good images; stay tuned?

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Thermocouples!

2008-03-22T01:58:52Z

I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow my pilot out! What keeps the effect from spewing propane then, and how does it work!

posted in pyro - 2 replies

Accumulator Tanks - Free to good home

2008-03-19T23:25:34Z

Hey you! Yeah you with the roasted eyebrows and singed hair.

I've recently redesigned and upgraded two of my systems and am trying to reduce the amount of junk laying around my house.

If you're in the Los Angeles area and need a couple of propane tanks to convert into accumulator or expansion tanks I have two tanks that have the old style POL valves that I'm more than willing to part with. The collars and valves are still intact and are a bit past their respective certification dates. No rust on the bottoms or seams, so they're safe enough to use as accumulator tanks.

I also might be willing to part with one or two of my old propane accumulator tanks with the valves already pulled.

posted in pyro - 1 reply

Anyone have a schematic or a drawn design for a flame effect cannon

2008-03-14T15:32:44Z

I need to submit something to a fire department for permitting. no it's not my tool, but I need to have something for them to understand.

PM if you can help

Taz

posted in pyro - 0 replies

new to fire art...

2008-03-04T00:50:45Z

I've been working on a sculpture for about a year - did a prototype of it at BM07 but i didn't have time to add the fire elements I was hoping for...

I'm curious what I'd need for a basic flame cannon setup that serves most of the time as just a torch - it would be coming out of the top of a 13ft tall steel tree - kind of like a giant candle until you hit the trigger. I'm not looking to scorch the moon, just have a nice little blast to make the kiddies jump.

i'm not sure what kind of regulating valves I need to control the propane...

posted in pyro - 1 reply

Dark Skies Poll

2008-02-29T09:10:37Z

Greetings and much dusty love from Dark Skies!
Please help us plot the course of Dark Skies, the southern Nevada regional Burn for 2008.

Take a few moments and complete this anonymous survey so that we may get a better idea of what YOU the community wants to do. You don’t need to log into any Yahoo groups this time. We’re making this as easy as we can so that as many of you as possible will respond. Ready? Here you go:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=IuYUSoOLJPqcL6jBREqJyA_3d_3d
or
http://tinyurl.com/2hoe59

We will post the results once we close the poll.

Thanks!
The Dark Skies Team

posted in pyro - 0 replies

?

2008-02-25T04:57:56Z

Anyone here have any experience with building hybrid rocket motors?

posted in pyro - 0 replies

MILITARY FLAMETHROWER ! ! !

2008-02-25T04:57:02Z

Hello Everybody !
I am 32 Year Old, I am an engeneer in mecanic, and I Love to play with fire ...
But the thing I love over All is .... Flamethrowers !
I ' ve got a lot of technical data, pictures, schematics ...
I am writing a book on this subject !
Your like Flamethrowers, you are intersted by HomeMade Stuff, then we could become Friend and talk ...
But I don't know Propane system, my informations are only about Military Flamethrowers, but you knows, they can be very fun ( but you must be serious with it, it is not a toy, and even if morphin exist, it is not fun to be burn , then it is not for Children ! )

posted in pyro - 37 replies

Is fireboarding torture?

2008-02-25T04:54:10Z

Want to build art installation with the Statue of Liberty being waterboarded in the day, and fire boarded at night. Dressed in Nomex w/ face wrapped in Kevlar, points of crown sticking out, would use white gas at night. Flamless torch on ground. Book (metal) on ground burning w/ propane flame. 12v bilge pump for water, white gas driven by low pressure nitrogen. Would need to connect to brc elec. grid. I don't have the resources to do this on my own, but I'd like to make this statement about the "American Dream"

posted in pyro - 3 replies

Dark Skies Budget is posted

2008-02-20T05:06:46Z

Greetings and dusty road weary hugs from Dark Skies!

We are pleased to announce that the pre event budget for DS ‘08 is posted for your perusal, dissection, and discussion.
http://darkskies.vegasartists.com/about/accounting.php

There’s still a couple items missing and we actually got the Lincoln County numbers this afternoon so those are wrong. And yes ‘vehicles’ does indeed have an “H” in it. But you’ll get the idea of what it costs to produce this event. Based on this, and a senior staff meeting happening this weekend, we anticipate TICKETS GOING ON SALE, ON SATURDAY MARCH 1ST AT 12 NOON PST .

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter, but we can’t reply on every list that this message has been posted to, there are simply too many lists out here to monitor them all. So please direct all correspondence to/at us on the event’s Yahoo group, which is located here
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DARKSKIES_LASVEGAS/

A full email blast with volunteer information, art, and theme camp registration is forthcoming. Just keeping you the community in the loop, so watch this space and we hope to see you all out on Delamar Lake this June!

Love and (yummy) cookies,
The Dark Skies team

posted in pyro - 0 replies

hole Advice

2008-02-17T03:02:27Z

HI, I'm creating a 6 foot ring of fire for a sculpture in our camp.

The 1ft prototype worked great, it is just some copper tubing with tiny holes drilled every inch and wrapped in stainless steel wool.

For the prototype I used a size 72 (wire gage) drill and it looked great but with the 6ft one I am snapping plenty of drill bits as the copper is over 18ft long so it's a lot of holes.

Would I be fine using something like a size 60 drill for the holes as the are much more robust than these tiny fuckers I'm using.

Thanks for any advice.

Phil

posted in pyro - 15 replies

Transformus invites

2008-02-16T16:59:46Z

[You should have just received this if you are subscribed to the announce-only list (http://www.transformus.com/announce). If you think you are subscribed but you didn't receive the new (February) Mountain Holler, then either you aren't subscribed, or it probably went to your junk mail folder. In either case, please make sure you are receiving announcements! Official announcements are not posted here, but in the interest of making sure as many people get invite news as possible, here it is again.]

Invites!
We are using a new system for invites to address the likelihood that more people will want to attend the event than we are able to accommodate.

We are able to invite 1,500 people to the event this year. Each invite will cost $55. Children age 5 and under enter free with legal guardian.
One person may request one or two invites using a form that will be available on the web site (http://www.transformus.com) starting at 12:00 noon (Eastern time) on Friday, February 29. You will have until the end of the day on Sunday, March 9, to complete the form, so there is no need to all rush at noon on Friday. (There is no advantage in completing your form before others, as long as you meet the March 9 deadline.)
At that time, the first 1,350 invites will be determined from all the requests that have been submitted.
We will inform you as soon as we have completed that process, no later than March 16, and if we were able to invite you, you will have until noon on April 9 to pay via PayPal.
We are going to repeat the process to distribute the remaining invites.
Just like the first two years, we are going to issue electronic instead of paper tickets. You will receive a souvenir paper ticket when you arrive, but in order to gain entry each person must present his or her own personal secret code that we will issue.
On or before February 28, more detailed instructions will be sent via e-mail to the announcements list and posted on the web site at http://www.transformus.com.
What you should do now:

Please go to http://www.transformus.com, create an account (if you don't already have one) and make sure you can log in.
Contact web@transformus.com if you have any technical issues.
Stay tuned for detailed instructions via e-mail announcements and on the web site.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________
Transforma mailing list
Transforma@lists.transformus.com
http://lists.transformus.com/listinfo.cgi/transforma-transformus.com

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Tank Decorations

2008-01-27T02:16:30Z

So, I notice that people that don't understand what we do habor a general fear mainly of the tanks themselves. Yet when they are decorated and covered I.E the serpent mother people's fears subside. I'm curious what other types of decorations have been used specificly on tanks. I've personally used pillow cases for awhile. Not very creative but it has the right effect other examples I've thought of would be like gargoles sitting atop the tank, maybe something stenciled on it, or a sign to lean on it.. maybe even design something from el-wire to light up when the effect hits. While all these examples still show the tank they would work to at demishing general fears.

To an exterme of this I've thought of hidding the tank in a demonic carebear . :P I wanna know what everyone else has thought of to put people's minds at ease.

posted in pyro - 5 replies

puffers for your fireplace?

2008-01-21T21:05:24Z

Anybody done this?
Idea's?
For beauty and even to get logs going.

posted in pyro - 6 replies

FIRE ARTS FOR MONEY

2008-01-16T00:27:32Z

Hello, I'm sorry if this is not relevant so please delete this post if it does not fit with the community's rules.

My questions:

how long did it take people to become established fire artists/troupes;

can you do it for a living (I don't mean £££, I mean enough to fill your stomach and van) ;

and is there any other advice you would give a budding artist?

posted in pyro - 2 replies

Dark Skies Fire Arts Festival

2008-01-07T22:39:59Z

Greetings and much dusty love from the Dark Skies Fire Arts Festival!

Currently we are waiting on the cost recovery numbers from the BLM and costs from Lincoln County on top of those. Once we have all of that we will be able to produce a working budget and price the tickets logically (who knew?).

We will then announce the start of ticket sales. The tickets are printed and boy are they purty! It’s been somewhat quiet around here at DS HQ the past few months but rest assured that the hamsters are working overtime on this year’s event. We have much to announce, we have much to discuss, we have many needs from you the community as well. This is just a short note to let you know that the dates and location have been set.
June 19-22, 2008 and yes it will be on Delamar Lake in Lincoln County.
Much more coming soon, BOOM!

posted in pyro - 8 replies

PERFORMERS INSURANCE

2008-01-02T19:30:38Z

I would like to officially announce that American Fire Artists, LLC is now up and running.
You can visit our site at http://www.americanfireartists.com/
We plan on running our policies from March to March. If you have any questions please contact us through the contact us page on the site.
We will begin a mailing list so we can spread the news when we are open for sales.

Best regards,

Salyc & Cyricx

posted in pyro - 6 replies

Flexible LP Hose?

2007-12-28T06:10:46Z

I building a new car with new flame throwers. In the past i have not had a problem hard piping every thing. With this one being a bit smaller and my flame throwers being larger, I was wondering if there is such a beast at 1" or 1.25" LP hose.

Thank You in advance.

posted in pyro - 9 replies

SuperSonic!

2007-12-19T20:50:43Z

Flames progress at a defined rate through a flammable mixture. The "maximum flame velocity" of a methane/air mixture is 1.48 ft/sec under lab conditions. If this mixture flows through a pipe at 1.5 ft/sec, any flame will be unable to propagate against the flow. This fact is used in designing flare tips, burner nozzle and some flame arrestors – by designing for gas velocity above the flame velocity, the flame can be prevented from moving upstream from the point of ignition. NOTE: as a flame front moves through a vessel or pipe, the flame velocity increases. With long enough piping the velocity can increase to detonation levels, which are supersonic.

How could an effect be built to create a supersonic detonation and quickly reloaded?

posted in pyro - 17 replies

Tis the Season..

2007-12-17T17:56:46Z

So where's the pics and videos of the Pyro X-mas Art?? ,been itchin to build a reindeer...

posted in pyro - 1 reply