Make: Fire: The Art and Science of Working with Propane

by Tim Deagan

Overview

Learn how to safely build projects that burn, poof, "boosh," and flare! This complete reference and hands-on guide to working with propane explains how to create a variety of flame effects projects that can be built with common tools and materials.

Starting from the basics, this book explains everything you need to know to safely work with propane. An essential reference for building projects like fire cannons, forge torches and flaming sculpture, Make: Fire explains the history, chemistry, and combustion of propane. Using that knowledge as a foundation, readers can then construct a variety of flame-based project on their own using illustrated, step-by-step instructions provided by the author. With simple tools, you can build a gorgeous flambeau, a torch capable of melting aluminum, or flame effects that ignite jaw-dropping fireballs in the sky.

Focusing on safety at every step and written by a licensed Flame Effects Operator, this book provides information that has never been brought together in one place. With this guide, readers will master the fundamental components of almost all propane-based projects and develop the skills they need to create their own flame devices and artworks.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781680450873
Publisher:	Make Community, LLC
Publication date:	04/15/2016
Pages:	366
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 9.70(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	16 - 18 Years

About the Author

Tim Deagan has written for Make: magazine, Nuts and Volts, and other technical publications. He is a licensed Texas Flame Effects Operator and the Flame and Safety Coordinator for the Austin Mini Maker Faire. After years of building flame effects, aka "booshes," in the local Burn community, Tim began teaching classes called "Propane 101" and "Build Your Own Aluminum Foundry" to help other interested makers create their own projects. As a former firefighter in the Brent Volunteer Fire Department and captain of a Red Cross Disaster Action Team, Tim has always believed that the most exciting pursuits are at their best when safety is fully understood and becomes part of the culture. Tim is also a contributor to the open-source 3D CAD program OpenSCAD and an active member of the Handibot CNC and Printrbot 3D printer communities.

Table of Contents

Preface xiii

Acknowledgements xviii

1 Understanding Propane 1

Basic Propane Chemistry 2

Pressure 7

Combustion 14

2 Equipment and Parts 19

Cylinders 19

Hoses, Pipe, and Tubing 24

Regulators 28

Thread Designations 30

Fittings 32

Valves 35

DIY Propane Tools 50

3 The Low-Pressure Source 57

Parts 59

Construction 62

Testing 63

4 The Flambeau 67

Parts 68

Construction 74

Testing 86

Ideas for Enhancing 89

5 The Potable Fire pit 93

Parts 95

Tools 98

Construction 99

Operation and Shutdown 119

Enhancements 120

6 The Experimenter's Rubens tube 123

Parts 126

Construction 129

Assembly and Testing 141

Operation 142

Experiments 146

7 The High-Pressure Source 149

Parts 152

Construction 153

Testing 154

8 The Venturi Burner 157

Parts 159

Construction 163

Tuning and Testing 171

Operation 177

Enhancements 177

9 The Boosh 189

Parts 195

Construction 201

Testing 224

Operation 230

Enhancements 238

10 Pilot System 243

Parts 244

Construction 246

Assembly and Testing 249

Operation 251

11 Arduino Control 253

Parts 256

Design 258

Construction 262

Software 269

Testing 276

Casing the Project 280

Enhancements 284

12 The Digital Step Valve 287

Parts 288

Construction 292

Testing 302

Operation 304

Ideas 304

13 Beyond Vapor 307

Liquid Systems 308

Afterword 317

A The Gas Laws 325

B Resources 329

Index 333