Flamethrower design

[PyroDude80]

general lack of common sense. the back flash/regulator/pop-off valve bit showed some of it. As did the fuel level gauge made of glass.

While you may view this as lack of common sense, I think most would view it as paranoia. The backflash (check) valves, regulator, and pop-off are not required, I agree with you. But they sure can't hurt. And if they make me feel safer wearing this thing on my back, then why not?

They make glass sight tubes (used for water-level gauges on water well systems, among other things) rated to several hundred PSI. These would work fine for this application. The lexan tube I'll be using is even better. If you're worried about the glass breaking, you have a point, but isn't there also a risk of the clear plastic tubing you're using breaking/rupturing/tearing?

I understand why you may not agree with one or more aspects of my design but I don't find any of it to be "retarded" in the least bit... If anything, it just seems paranoid...

Why is any of that actually a stupid idea?

[benstern]

Pop off valves on a flamethrower are just plain dangerous. You don't want anything coming out of a flamethrower while in usage except at the nozzles

[PyroDude80]

Pop off valves on a flamethrower are just plain dangerous. You don't want anything coming out of a flamethrower while in usage except at the nozzles

OK, so without the pop-off (or with one with a much higher trigger pressure, such as 200psi), can you spot any flaws in my design?

I really appreciate your comments and your help in refining my design. Constructive criticism is the best way to improve a concept like this.

PS - I was just thinking about it, and a 150psi pop-off should be perfect. Since it's at the top of the tank, if it's triggered, it will be releasing propane gas, not liquid fuel. Also, the valve should re-seal at around 110-120 psi, which is perfect for this application. So I think a 150 psi pop-off should be fine in this configuration... I don't see why it would ever be triggered except under a backflash condition, and if it was triggered, it should harmlessly release excess propane and re-seal at a reasonable pressure...

[ammosmoke]

I think, as a precaution, that you should attach the popoff valve to an elbow that faces backwards, away from your head and hair.

[PyroDude80]

I think, as a precaution, that you should attach the popoff valve to an elbow that faces backwards, away from your head and hair.

This is another one of those paranoid things that isn't really required, but sure can't hurt.... Good idea, ammo smoke. I'll do that.

[benstern]

backwards.... where most people would be standing.

[ammosmoke]

LOL yeah, better them than you. At least they would have a chance to move out of the way, while you wouldn't with it strapped to your back.

[hashem10890]

regarding the adjustable regulator, you said to set it to 90 psi. i have only seen them go up to 60 psi. where did you find a 90 psi regulator?

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

regarding the adjustable regulator, you said to set it to 90 psi. i have only seen them go up to 60 psi. where did you find a 90 psi regulator?

This post is over four years old, you're unlikely to get a response from the original participants of this thread.

A bit of research will show you that you can easily get regulators that go to much higher than 90 psi.

[warhead052]

Might I add, why is this even unlocked on the forum?! I thought this sort of stuff was "illegal"?

I like the design, but there are much easier ways to do this.

[DYI]

Discussion of this sort of thing is typically regarded as questionable here, and directed toward more suitable discussion boards. It isn't specifically forbidden in the rules, but such discussions often end up being locked, and the mods tend to discourage people from posting finished builds.

[warhead052]

Never mind... deleted post...