I have seen some intricate plans for black iron nozzles but I wonder if anyone knows of pages with any information about the -how- and -why- of propane nozzle design. I'm wondering if I could shape one directly into the firebrick.
The answer is yes, you can, and this isn't uncommon in high temp foundry applications where the burner can generate temperatures high enough to melt the nozzle.
I must ask, however, why?
Thanks for your response, Richard.
As I am working with a ridiculously small 2 in. sq. (8 cu in) kiln, I was thinking about more evenly distributing the output of a propane torch by having the four corners of the floor drilled for small nozzles. Unless I have some knowledge about the actual science of nozzle design though, I can't see creating anything efficient enough to warrant the effort. Unless I know what I am doing, it would be easier to just add a second torch at cross purposes.
For instance, I found a reference that implies that the traditional bend in a propane torch is there for a reason other than making the flame angle adjustable. The article did not state so, but I suspect that it more fully mixes the air/propane flow before it hits the expansion chamber. I could accomplish that with an offset Bernoulli type air port, or even an adjustable set screw-like protruding perturbance if I knew for sure that was the reason.
I'll be pestering Google for the next few hours but if someone reading this knows a little more than I do, some hints about accurate search terms or even a link for actual nozzle design would be a blessing.
Err... substitute "venturi" for "Bernoulli"
BTW, I did just find one interesting page,
it dawned on me Bill that you're thinking of a propane bottle torch, like that used in brazing pipes, when potters think of propane torches are those used for raku kilns or main kilns in general.
intriguing idea of using those small torches in a small kiln! i bet that can be made to work well for small items. hot hot do you fire? a typical propane brazing torch might actually last in your size kiln.
that kiln would surly be under your budget price of $200 or so. i've seen kilns in the local penny saver newspaper for around that price. bigger ones that might actually be too big for what you're doing.
see ya
steve
Bill DeWitt wrote:
Yes, I'm sorry. Apparently my handy-man biased assumptions were confusing. I've learned a little overnight, but really would like to see wider sources of information.
I have made glass-like beads out of clay-like mud, but have no other real indication of top temperatures acheived. My extreme noob status concerning kilns cannot be overstated.
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