PVC Propane Meter (cheap)

[SpudStuff]

I have heard that pvc propane meters are un safe because the propane makes them cold and there for brittle. I dont have 50 dollars to make one so i improvised.

The Parts list is as follows:

2x 1/2" sch 80 close sprinkler risers.
1x 1/2" sch 80 4 inch sprinkler riser
2x 1/2" pvc mall valves
1x 1/2" threaded pvc cap
1x 1/4" F x F x M tee
1x 1/4" pressure gauge( rated to at lease 130 psi)
2x 1/4" street elbow
1x 1/4" x 1/4 hose barb
4x 5/8" stainless steel hose clamps
1x 1/4" pressure rated hose ( try hose for hooking up tolites)
1x 1/2" x 1/4" bell reducer
1x 1/4" close nipple
1x old propane torch head

The tools needed are:

1. 1/4" pipe tap
2. ajustable wrench
3. 7/16" drill bit
4. power drill
5. lots of teflon tape
6. more teflon tape

Go From The Bottom Up

How-To By Holy S*^# Its Still Going

[Benny]

sweet, im definatly going to use this on my next combustion.

[Ballad_Black]

Nice design, but you could build the same thing with metal parts for only a few bucks more. The Lowes here in town has the metal ball valves around 1 or 2 bucks higher, but the pipe woul prolly run you a bit more than a few inches of pvc.

Nice design though, how much did it run you to build?

[SpudStuff]

make sure to use fueltool to caculate the size of the meter pipe for your cannon. Set the supply tank pressure to 90 psi, and the meter pipe size to 1/2 inch
I think it cost $9 for the body of the meter, $4 for the torch head at the local flea market, $5 for the guage, ~$10 for the rest. you can use much cheaper hose though.

So ~ $28 total

[HAYLO_Stealer]

when i build these they never have enough oxygen to fire.

[SpudStuff]

your meter pipe is too big or you havent vented your chamber well enough

EDIT: It could be that you have too much pressure going to the meter from the tank

It could also be you dont have enough fuel

[saladtossser]

great tutorial, i like it, glad someone is taking the time to help new folks

instead of using that cap, why not just use a bushing and save a buck or two? it will be a lot easier too

and instead of that hose barb on the T, use a 1/2" male npt to a male compression fitting, so the hose screws right on without hose clamps.

my meters are similar but i only have one blowgun as a valve, whats the point of having 2 if you dont have a reg and is eyeing the guage anyways?

brass valves would look wicked

HAYLO_Stealer, try trying different psi in the meter, that should always work.

ps, nice Adidas shoe box

[HAYLO_Stealer]

i know i should look it up but a 7 inch by 3 inch chamber(mini) how big would it need to be ?

[CS]

I already commented on this in another post, but nice usage of the steel braided hosing. If indeed propanes highest pressure before it liquidizes is 90 psi, a 100 psi would suit this application. This also would give a greater accuracy when it comes to readings, because a 200psi gauges numbers are squished together more in a attempt to fit twice amount of numbers and lines on the same dail.

Nice tutorial. Something that newer members will use, and older members will take something from. (Im talking about myself, because the metal tubing is going on my next cannon.)

[saladtossser]

2x 1/2" sch 80 close sprinkler risers
1x 1/2" sch 80 4 inch sprinkler riser

what and where?

[CS]

The first is found connected to the ball valves, and the second found between the two ball valves. Sprinkler risers are the same thing as nipples.

[SpudStuff]

instead of using that cap, why not just use a bushing and save a buck or two? it will be a lot easier too

youre right today i was worling on my chamber and it fell. the close nipple between the first ball valve and the cap broke. i had to replace the valve and i used a bushing instead

pimpmann22 is it posiple to post this in the offical section?

[boilingleadbath]

I'm not sure why we can't, but we'd have to get express permission from PC guy - to tell the truth, there are several "junior" how-to's and such I'd like to see moved.

Rumor has it that we'll have an automated submission system in a few months or so, though, so he may not approve and we'll just have to wait.

[SpudStuff]

oh that works. the guage all the sudden sprung a leak on me. i would say it was a small explision because the pressure bent the thin face of the guage.
i am going to build a metal one and stock up on parts because the local plumbing store is giving a 50% discount on pvc and pvc fittings.

[wangpushups]

I wonder if you could make your entire meter out of pvc??? It would be way lighter than metal, it would look cooler, i think, and you could just pvc-weld it to the chamber with a 90 degree elbo, but how much psi could it hold? Just an idea.