Can a 300W fog machine create a smoke curtain 5 meters high?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using a 300W fog machine to create a smoke curtain that extends 5 meters high, as part of a school stage performance project. Participants explore the technical capabilities of the fog machine, the potential use of homemade fog fluid, and safety considerations regarding the smoke produced.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a 300W fog machine can effectively push smoke 5 meters up through vertical PVC pipes, suggesting that the machine's fan may not be designed for such constrictions.
  • Another participant mentions that dry ice is typically used for creating smoke effects, but acknowledges that it cannot be used in this case due to CO2 concerns.
  • Concerns are raised about the safety and health implications of using homemade fog fluid made from glycerine and water, with a suggestion to consult a chemistry teacher for assistance.
  • It is noted that the cost of commercial fog fluid is relatively low, which may be a more practical option than creating a homemade version.
  • One participant suggests that if a support structure is available, the fog machine could be placed at a height rather than relying on the machine to push smoke up through pipes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness of the fog machine for the intended height and the safety of homemade fog fluid. No consensus is reached regarding the best approach to achieve the desired smoke curtain effect.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations regarding the fog machine's design and the potential health risks associated with homemade fog fluid, but do not resolve these issues.

Shane Lautner
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Hi guys, I'm a student and I'm new to this forum. Currently me and my friends are having a small project for the upcoming stage performance at school. We are trying to build a smoke curtain. The system will have a fog machine with 300W power and some PVC pipes that lead vertically to 5 meters in the air, and then pour the smoke down on to the ground through many holes in the pipe. We are having 2 problems;

1/ Will the 300W fog machine be able to blow the smoke 5 meters up through the pipes ?
2/ We are thinking of homemade fog fluid for the machine, which will be glycerine mix with water (as I looked up). Have anyone try making smoke with this, does it have smell or health hazard ?

I would love to have your opinions before I could waste money on unnecessary thing :)
 
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Usually they use dry ice to achieve this effect.
 
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Shane Lautner said:
Hi guys, I'm a student and I'm new to this forum. Currently me and my friends are having a small project for the upcoming stage performance at school. We are trying to build a smoke curtain. The system will have a fog machine with 300W power and some PVC pipes that lead vertically to 5 meters in the air, and then pour the smoke down on to the ground through many holes in the pipe. We are having 2 problems;

1/ Will the 300W fog machine be able to blow the smoke 5 meters up through the pipes ?
2/ We are thinking of homemade fog fluid for the machine, which will be glycerine mix with water (as I looked up). Have anyone try making smoke with this, does it have smell or health hazard ?
Would your school allow you to vaporize your own concoction for your crowd to inhale?
fog fluid is reasonably cheap (~$6/litre where I am) or maybe get your chemistry teacher to make it?
As for the 5 metres, that depends on the machine. IME with small smoke machines is that the fans are only designed to push the fog out of the machine, not through constrictions, most of that 300 Watts will be used by the heater.
Presumably you have some 5m tall support structure, why can't the machine be up there?
 
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paisiello2 said:
Usually they use dry ice to achieve this effect.
For some reasons we can not use dry ice, since it's CO2
billy_joule said:
Would your school allow you to vaporize your own concoction for your crowd to inhale?
fog fluid is reasonably cheap (~$6/litre where I am) or maybe get your chemistry teacher to make it?
As for the 5 metres, that depends on the machine. IME with small smoke machines is that the fans are only designed to push the fog out of the machine, not through constrictions, most of that 300 Watts will be used by the heater.
Presumably you have some 5m tall support structure, why can't the machine be up there?
That is some helpful information, I will take it into consideration. Thanks a lot :)