Vortex Fire Ball Generators

I call them poofers. These wonderful fire toys were the next generation of vortex generators I made for SRL. After making supersonic vortex rings with oxy-acetylene  explosions I want to take it one step further and make giant fire rings. I experimented with different shaped nozzles, pilot lights and valve sizes and came up with ball, ring and disk shaped flames. I was able to achieve great fire rings that fully separated from the cannon and traveled 30-40 feet into the air. The low sounding thump of these poofers can be heard for blocks attracting moths of all kinds. I also worked out a remote crane controller to trigger the poofers. I’m able to walk around the perimeter visiting with the crowd and letting them get a chance to shoot a giant fire ball. I’ve had kids approach the fire balls crying with fright, but wanting to shoot one themselves. The look on their face of achievement and delight with crocodile tears still fresh on their face is worth all the time experimenting.

You can see the perfect fuel air mix achieved (blue) at the flame front and tail of this fire ring. Note the vortex starting to form at the top. the unspent fuel still in the center of this ball will form the ring that will continue anouther 30-40 feet higher before the fuel is spent.

Here is the fire ring.

This poofer shoots and throws a very tight fireball 50 feet in the air.

SRL show in San Jose 2006

Here are the poofers. I can rotate the tops on the balls below. This alows me to adjust for wind and crowds.

Edwardian Ball Jan 23rd 2010

The Giant Iron Snail Car the Golden Mean will be at the Edwardian  Ball Jan 23rd

We had a great time curbside at this event last year. We got to hear some great live music, sip smokey drinks, and harass Steam-punk guest for using electric powered cell phones, all from the comfort of the Snail. Come by, say hi, and show me your steam powered cell phone!

The award-winning Edwardian Ball transforms the historic Regency Ballroom into a garden of delights, Friday and Saturday January 22nd and 23rd, 2010. Join a magical outdoors-indoor symphony of music, theatre, dance, art, storytelling, circus arts, fashion, technology, and, of course, the art & stories of Edward Gorey. The festivities feature a dizzying assortment of artists and performers, where high-flying trapezes and steam-powered machines paint an elegant backdrop for costumed ballgoers reveling through the night. Here, the old world meets the world-to-be with an unforgettable tip of the top hat, cinch of the corset, and a splash of absinthe poured over a silver spoon.


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