Glycol Fog Machine: Is Pipe Pipe Reconstitution Possible?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of pumping glycol fog through a 3/4" pipe without it reconstituting into liquid form. Participants explore the implications of pipe size on the behavior of fog, particularly in relation to condensation and flow dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why the glycol fog would become liquid, noting that fog is essentially tiny droplets suspended in gas.
  • Another participant cites recommendations from fog machine websites that suggest using larger ducts (3"-6") to prevent recondensation of fog into liquid.
  • A participant discusses the potential advantages of using larger pipes, suggesting that a bigger diameter could reduce premature condensation of vapor, although they express uncertainty about the mathematical implications of pipe size on flow and condensation.
  • Concerns are raised about the possibility of condensation leading to leaks or clogs in a smaller pipe, indicating that the output may not match the input in terms of fog volume.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effects of pipe size on fog behavior, with no consensus reached on the optimal approach or the feasibility of using a 3/4" pipe for this application.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in their understanding of the mathematical relationships involved in flow and condensation, and the discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the practical implications of using smaller versus larger pipes.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in fog machine operation, fluid dynamics, or those considering practical applications of glycol fog systems may find this discussion relevant.

Braden T
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Is it possible to pump glycol fog through a 3/4" pipe without it reconstituting into liquid?
 
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Why would it become liquid ?
BTW fog is already liquid ... just an accumulation of tiny droplets in a gas.
The droplets are so small that the hole pretty much doesn't matter.
 
I have read on several fog machine websites that they recommend transferring the fog through a 3"-6" duct to keep the fog from recondensing into its liquid form again. I'm intending on pressurizing several hundred feet of 3/4" pipe with a glycol fog and have it coming out of several small outlets throughout the line.
 
Wait.
If you are talking about glycol vapor being pumped through the pipes, the bigger pipe will have an advantage.
The bigger the pipe, the less vapor would condense prematurely in the pipes before coming out.
Sadly, but I don't really have a clue how you would figure out mathematically how big of a difference it would make.
Having a pipe with a four or more times lower radius will significantly influence the flow and condensation in the pipe.
Sadly, I cannot really tell whether it would still work. My guess is yes, but you would have quite a bit of condensation in the pipes which could be a problem.
They might leak glycol or clog the flow or something.One thing is for certain: you wouldn't get as much fog out one side as you put in the other.
The people who write the websites you read through will have some experience with this, so if you are going to do it right maybe take the bigger pipes(they probably know what they are talking about).
30 meters of pipe doesn't sound like a little garage project :wink:
 

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