Flame Effects for Mutant Vehicle

(Addendum to Mutant Vehicle Application by Jon Dickinson et al.)

June 2009

 

Contact:        Shawn “Shiva” Neely

Email:             maxweb@gmail.com

Phone:            510-530-1991

 

Fire Safety Liaison: Shawn “Shiva” Neely

• Flame Effects for the Artist course participant at the Crucible, Oakland, CA, July 27-28, 2008 (Ian Baker, instructor)
• Flame Effects Workshop participant, San Francisco, CA, May 2-3, 2009 (Dave “DaveX” Sholl and Eric “Propaniac” Smith, instructors)
• Burning Man participant 2004-2008
• Fire Conclave participant 2005-2006

 

Project Summary:

Propane accumulator flame effect for mutant vehicle (as yet unnamed, registering artist Jon Dickinson), in which a fireball of compressed propane vapor is discharged upwards by an electric solenoid valve operated by a hand-held trigger switch and ignited by a pilot flame.  (Group I Flame Effect as per NFPA 160 specification)

 

Specifications:

• 20 lb. (nominally 5 gal.) propane cylinder fuel source with regulated vapor draw
• 2.5 gal. accumulator tank
• All tanks to current date certification
• All appurtenances rated for LPG fuel type and pressure ranges
• Pressure regulation at source tank for minimal pressure to achieve desired effect
• LPG hose (350 PSI rating or greater) with permanent crimped brass fittings
• Pipe fittings: brass and Schedule 80 steel
• Manual quarter-turn shut-off valves at fuel source and before main effect valve
• High-pressure 2-way normally-closed solenoid main effect valve
• Regulated pilot flame provided via copper tubing and stainless steel wool
• Control system using thumb trigger at end of orange cable (for visibility), safety key switch to lock out effect, and control box indicator lamps for system status (Power, Armed, Fire)

 

Requirements:

• 120v AC outlet (10 watts minimum power) for control system and effect valve, provided by generator or battery/inverter
• Flame-resistant work gloves easily accessible for emergency use
• Fire extinguisher of appropriate class ratings (BC) readily available (preferably a CO2-type extinguisher for use when appropriate to minimize residue)

 

Safety Issues:

• The effect shall not be deployed if wind is strong enough to extinguish pilot flame.
• Pilot flame and main effect discharge shall be at least 10 feet above the ground and well overhead of vehicle crew, passengers, and spectators.
• The Flame Effect Operator shall remove the control key for security purposes when the vehicle is unattended or the flame effect apparatus is not in use.
• Smoking near the fuel tanks or flame effect apparatus shall not be permitted.
• Flame-resistant work gloves shall be available for use in emergencies to reduce the possibility of burning from heat (flame or hot metal apparatus) or cold (liquid propane leakage).
• Flame Effect Operating Procedures binder shall be labeled and readily available at vehicle and shall include pertinent information, Emergency Plan of Action, MSDS hazard sheet for propane, etc.
• If the registered Fire Safety Liaison is not present in the vehicle, an alternate Flame Effects Operator may be designated as a Fire Safety Assistant and shall be instructed in the safe operation of the flame effects apparatus and related emergency procedures before operating such apparatus.
• Additional requirements as per Burning Man DMV Fire Safety Agreement for Mutant Vehicle application shall be followed.

 

Flame Effect Operation Checklist

Prior to starting flame effect device, confirm that:

• Fire extinguisher of appropriate rating class is readily available
• Fire-resistant work gloves are readily available
• No smoking or open flame near propane tank or effect apparatus
• Vehicle crew and passengers are briefed and aware of potential hazards associated with flame effects

 

To Start Flame Effect Apparatus:

• Ensure that control box key switch is in the “OFF” position.
• Plug control box into 120v outlet and make sure if necessary that electric cables are positioned in a manner which avoids accidental tripping or snagging.  At this point, control box should indicate green “POWER” light only.
• Open propane tank valve.
• Check for leaks by smelling and listening to hoses and fittings.  If leak is detected, correct first as per appropriate Leak section below.
• Open pilot valve and manually light pilot flame.  Adjust if necessary.
• Hold the main effect actuator thumb switch but do not press it.
• Turn control box key switch to “ON” position.  At this point the control box should illuminate the amber “ARMED” light in addition to the green power light.  The effect is now armed and ready to operate.

 

To Operate Flame Effect:

• The Operator must monitor conditions and determine when it is safe to operate the main flame effect.  No person should be near or in front of the discharge nozzle.
• When conditions are safe, press the thumb switch actuator to trigger the effect, then release the switch.  Propane vapor should be released at the discharge nozzle and ignited by the pilot.  Releasing the thumb switch actuator should cause the control valve to close such that fuel is only discharged while the button is depressed.  A visual indication that the actuator button is depressed is also provided at the control box, where a red “FIRE” light will illuminate.
• If the flame effect is to be disabled temporarily, turn the control box key switch to the “OFF” position.  This will deactivate the thumb switch actuator and prevent accidental discharge of the flame effect.

 

Normal Shut-Down of the Effect Apparatus:

• Close the propane tank valve.
• When conditions are safe for discharge, press the thumb switch actuator to trigger the effect until the accumulator is empty and the pilot flame is extinguished.

• Turn the control box key switch to the “OFF” position.
• Remove control box key if leaving vehicle or flame effect apparatus unattended.

 

 

Emergency Plan of Action for Flame Effects

 

Small Fuel Leak:

• E.g. leak at a fitting, probably detected by odor.  This may be a minor situation, but should be treated seriously since small leaks can ignite and/or turn into large leaks quickly.
• Alert driver and vehicle passengers that there’s a fuel leak on board.
• Driver shall immediately stop vehicle and turn off ignition.
• Passengers shall evacuate in an urgent yet orderly manner to a safe distance.  Smoking and any other flame devices shall be quickly extinguished.
• Turn off emergency shut-off tank valve as quickly as possible.
• Close main tank valve.
• Turn the control box key switch to the “OFF” position.  If operator must leave control station, remove key.
• Determine cause of leak and repair as necessary.  Use soapy water to check fittings for leakage.
• Perform flame effect start-up procedure.

 

Large Fuel Leak:

• E.g. hose rupture.  This is a potentially serious situation, since the possibility of unwanted propane ignition is high.
• Alert driver and vehicle passengers that there’s a fuel leak on board.
• Driver shall immediately stop vehicle and turn off ignition.
• Passengers shall evacuate in an urgent yet orderly manner to a safe distance.  Smoking and any other flame devices shall be quickly extinguished.
• Turn off emergency shut-off tank valve as quickly as possible.
• Close main tank valve.
• Turn the control box key switch to the “OFF” position.  If operator must leave control station, remove key.
• Determine cause of leak and repair as necessary.  In particular, examine components and overall system design for flaws that could allow another failure, and avoid repeating mistakes.  Do not operate flame effect until failure conditions are resolved.

 

Small Unwanted Fire:

• E.g. flame at a fitting, or other fire on board vehicle.  This is a potentially serious situation, since fire can spread quickly.
• Alert driver and vehicle passengers that there’s a fire on board.
• Driver shall immediately stop vehicle and turn off ignition.
• Passengers shall evacuate in an urgent yet orderly manner to a safe distance.  Smoking and any other flame devices shall be quickly extinguished.
• Turn off emergency shut-off tank valve as quickly as possible.
• Extinguish fire if possible.  A CO2-type extinguisher may be appropriate for a propane fire as it leaves minimal residue.  If wood, cloth, or other materials are on fire, a class A extinguisher or water may be useful, since those materials are susceptible to spontaneously re-igniting.  Know the right extinguisher class for the situation.
• Close the main tank valve.
• Turn the control box key switch to the “OFF” position.  If operator must leave control station, remove key.
• Determine cause of fire and repair as necessary.  In particular, examine components and overall system design for flaws that could allow another failure, and avoid repeating mistakes.  Do not operate flame effect until failure conditions are resolved.

 

Large Unwanted Fire:

• E.g. hose rupture causing fire.  This is a serious situation that could quickly become catastrophic.
• Alert driver and vehicle passengers that there’s a fire on board.
• Driver shall immediately stop vehicle and turn off ignition.
• Passengers shall evacuate in an urgent yet orderly manner to a safe distance.  Smoking and any other flame devices shall be quickly extinguished.
• Turn off emergency shut-off tank valve as quickly as possible.
• Extinguish fire if possible.  A CO2-type extinguisher may be appropriate for a propane fire as it leaves minimal residue.  If wood, cloth, or other materials are on fire, a class A extinguisher or water may be useful, since those materials are susceptible to spontaneously re-igniting.  Know the right extinguisher class for the situation.
• If the situation cannot be controlled, back away to a safe distance and contact the nearest Ranger or other authority.
• Seek medical attention for any injuries.
• Once the fire is extinguished, close the main tank valve.
• Turn the control box key switch to the “OFF” position and remove key.
• Determine cause of fire and repair as necessary.  In particular, examine components and overall system design for flaws that could allow another failure, and avoid repeating mistakes.  Do not operate flame effect until failure conditions are resolved.
• Have flame effects apparatus re-inspected by DMV Performance Safety Team or other Authority Having Jurisdiction.

 

In the event of any non-trivial flame effects mishap, follow-up with a briefing to the DMV Performance Safety Team so that everyone involved can learn from the experience and avoid future issues.

 

 

Submitted by Shawn “Shiva” Neely

June 2009