Instructions for making a propane cannon

Bob A · Post by **Bob A** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 7:37 pm

I saw a really neat propane cannon this last year. IT used a fork lift tank for an expansion tank, a length of gas pipe threaded into it a couple of valves and a pilot light at the point of ignition. The guys that built it gave me a pretty good run down and said there were instructions on the web. I've searched every possible combination I could think of. I Now know all about propane cannons for scaring birds in british Columbia, flame throwers and lots of other cool stuff, but no cannons at all.

I've also searched eplaya and have found the question asked but no answers.

I have enough of an idea to figure it out and enough skill, but would rather have some instructions, considering It is propane and exploding gas.

Please help me make fire

Bob A

Atar · Post by **Atar** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 9:36 pm

http://www.flaminglotus.com <- I'll betcha these people can help

spectabillis · Post by **spectabillis** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 3:16 am

I just worked with the smaller and portable units. This design came from Jim Mason.

regionalchaos · Post by **regionalchaos** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:37 am

There are so many fun projects I feel inspired to do! Working with a small propane cannon / fire art piece is definately one of them. Thanks for the nice sketch!

I just have to keep chanting to myself "A dome is enough for this year. A dome is enough for this year. ...."

Bob A · Post by **Bob A** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:46 am

spectabillis wrote:I just worked with the smaller and portable units. This design came from Jim Mason.

Wow that's a good one. I think I'm looking for a little simpler design for my first one(no nitrogen yet).

THe one I saw at bm 05 got enough bang, for me, with just propane and the expansion tank. It also had all mechanical valves, which I think wil make life eaiser for the first time.

Bob A

spectabillis · Post by **spectabillis** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 12:33 pm

Bob A wrote:. It also had all mechanical valves, which I think wil make life eaiser for the first time.

Those would be whistle/pull valves, and can be one of the more expensive pieces.

Bob A · Post by **Bob A** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 1:18 pm

spectabillis wrote:
Bob A wrote:. It also had all mechanical valves, which I think wil make life eaiser for the first time.
Those would be whistle/pull valves, and can be one of the more expensive pieces.

well I know they guy I talked to said he made 2 of them for about $100 each. using free used forklift tanks. so he bought the gas pipe, copper tube for pilot, fittings and values.

Bob A

Gravity Mike · Post by **Gravity Mike** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 1:24 pm

For this particular design, the purpose of the nitrogen is 2-fold (this design looks to me like propane is only for the pilot - 'fuel' makes the big flame):

1) provides pressure to 'fuel' (which I assume is some sort of liquid, gas or diesel) without a compressor, and more importantly,

2) prevents an explosive fuel/air mixture from accumulating in the tank!

If you go with a liquid at room temperature fuel, definately use nitrogen!!

Gravity

Mr. Polando · Post by **Mr. Polando** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 3:07 pm

Spectabillis - that's a great diagram - what are the cone like spray nozzles? Some sort of atomizer?

spectabillis · Post by **spectabillis** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 9:31 pm

Mr. Polando wrote:Spectabillis - that's a great diagram - what are the cone like spray nozzles? Some sort of atomizer?

Dont know, sorry but its not my design.

Bob A wrote:]well I know they guy I talked to said he made 2 of them for about $100 each. using free used forklift tanks. so he bought the gas pipe, copper tube for pilot, fittings and values.Bob A

What kind of valves did he use? I guess since its this big stationary piece you dont need a quick and clean on/off like you do a portable hand unit.

Megaflow · Post by **Megaflow** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 11:23 am

Maybe this is what you're looking for, a hand held propane flame thrower.

http://community.webshots.com/album/528061711QxmARx/1

http://community.webshots.com/album/230310076PBuoeH