[Robotgroup] Propane Torch

[Edwin Wise]

On 28 Aug 2007, at 11:44 AM, brooksdesign wrote:

> if you want to modify by adding hose or differant nossle you may  
> want to add a check valve or device I think is called a flash back  
> blocker which is kind of like a stone filter for fish tanks but is  
> made of a low melting point metal powder that seals itself if the  
> flame tries to travel back up the hose .you can get them at any  
> welding supply place .

A flashback arrest is a good device (it acts by cooling any flame  
that flies back up the tube, extinguishing it) and is vital for  
systems that use extremely volatile gasses such as acetylene.   
Acetylene is touchy stuff -- but in my reading so far, nobody seems  
to think you need one for propane.  Propane won't burn in the tube w/ 
o air, and unlike acetylene it won't ignite due to shock waves or  
pressure, so as long as you have positive pressure, it should be good.

If I'm mistaken, please point me at a good reference... I've done a  
fair chunk of research so far and propane seems to be pretty darned  
safe overall.

Be careful about hoses and stuff, though; propane dissolves rubber.   
A good supplier for parts is:

http://www.cajunshoppe.com/burner.htm

and

http://www.flameengineering.com/

Edwin!