Making a Flame Thrower: Safety Tips & Risks

  • Thread starter Thread starter dusty8683
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Safety Tips
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the construction of a homemade flamethrower using a PVC tank pressurized to 80 psi, connected to a 1.5-inch metal pipe gun. The device utilizes denatured alcohol as fuel, ignited by a propane torch positioned 8 inches from the nozzle. Key safety concerns include ensuring the vacuum breaker provides a gas-tight seal to prevent backflow and the inherent risks of spraying flammable liquid towards an open flame. Participants emphasize the dangers involved and the potential legal repercussions of such activities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of pressurized systems and safety protocols
  • Knowledge of flammable liquids and their handling
  • Familiarity with basic plumbing and valve mechanisms
  • Awareness of fire safety regulations and risks
NEXT STEPS
  • Research safety measures for handling pressurized flammable liquids
  • Learn about the design and function of vacuum breakers in pressurized systems
  • Investigate fire safety protocols for DIY projects
  • Explore legal implications and liabilities associated with homemade incendiary devices
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for DIY enthusiasts, safety engineers, and individuals interested in understanding the risks and safety measures associated with constructing homemade flamethrowers or similar devices.

dusty8683
Messages
22
Reaction score
0
my friend and i recently made a flame thrower that was posted on other forums. it has a tank made from pvc that we pressurize to 80psi, the tank connects to a hose, through a vacuum breaker, through more hose, to a gun made from 1.5in. metal pipe. the gun has a valve where you can open it to spray whatever is in the tank out. we've tested it with water and it works excellent... no leaks... pressure holds. to make it into a flame thrower, we would fill the tank with denatured alcohol and add a pilot light about 8in. away from the nozzel (propane torch). the stream of denatured alcohol would pass through the torch flame and create a massive flame. the vacuum breaker is to prevent any backflow into the tank. does anyone have any other suggestions on how safe this will be and what inherent risks we may have overlooked? thanks
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Inherent risk which has perhaps been overlooked: The issue of pressurised flammable liquid being squirted at a naked flame!
 
You want to make sure your vacuum breaker provides a gas-tight seal.
 
and point away from your friends...unless you don't want to share the flamethrower with them
 
Why do you want to build a flamethrower?

Are you in the running for a Darwin Award?

Seriously... if you get hurt, you got no advice whatsoever from here. We can't afford the potential lawsuit, either from you, or from the 8 year old lurker who got the idea from you.

Sorry.
 

Similar threads

Constructing a Safe Flame Thrower
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Chemical/Paint Make Your Own Refillable Aerosol Spray Can
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
7K
Graduate Possible webpage title: Is the Nuclear Industry Putting Public Safety at Risk?
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
11K