[TheForge] Gas forge safety?

[David E. Smucker]

This is a very good list!

One safety item I would add for a blower type forge if it does NOT have a
flame-guard safety system is to install a solenoid valve in the gas line
that is normally closed valve -- power to open -- on the same circuit as the
blower.  Then in the event of a power failure / outage the flow of raw gas
into a hot forge will not continue.  The danger is that the gas does not
burn -- too rich until outside of the forge -- and then back lights off of
the hot forge when it gets enough air.  Fire / explosion follows.  I have
seen this type of failure in industrial furnaces in which the flame-guard
system did not work.

Dave Smucker

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <Keporter@aol.com>
To: <theforge@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2003 6:22 PM
Subject: Re: [TheForge] Gas forge safety?


> Fan blown gas safety:
> (1) Write to the manufacturer, or go online, to obtain their own
instruction
> manual. If there is a flame-guard safety system installed, check to see
that
> it is working.
> (2) With the system pressurized, employ first your sense of smell, and
then
> soapy water, to check the whole incoming gas system for leaks before
operating.
> (3) Always turn the blower fan on before opening the gas cock.
> (4) Use a good ignition source (i.e., plumbing torch) to supply continuous
> flame until the furnace is lit; keep your hand and arm along with anything
else
> combustible, out of the exhaust path.
> (5) Never leave the area while the equipment is running.
>      Never leave the area until a proper shutdown and complete cooling has
> been accomplished. Use a drop of water--not your hand--to establish
> temperatures.
>      Never let your attention wander completely from the furnace while it
is
> running--especially while you are familiarizing yourself with the
equipment.
> (6) Consider what you would wish you had available in case of an accident
and
> make sure it is on hand right now. The local fire department will give you
> good advice here.
> (7) Proper shutdown begins with the gas valve closest to the supply
source,
> and then each valve downstream from it (regulators, needle valves, final
valve)
> in that order, so that positive pressure is eliminated, while a pure fuel
gas
> atmosphere is maintained. Whatever else is needed depends on the
particular
> system (see step 1).
>   Safety depends on complete, calm, understanding. It is never established
by
> fear.
> Mikey
>
>
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