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Can you use gas propane on a pnuematic valve?
Ok, ok now before anyone mentions correct specifications and osha regulations, I should state that this is not some proper comercial or residential application. I run a fairly advanced haunted house for fun every year that involves some pnuematics and animatronics. This year I wanted to play with a fire effect. (Just trust that the fire will be applied in a safe and apropriate manner or don't bother answering.) I have a ton of traditional pnuematic solenoid valves, and I also have a good ignition system. What I don't know is if there are any short term negative effects of running gas propane (not liquid) through say a Mac model 35a valve or any air valve for that matter. The valve companies aren't much help when I call as anything I use them for is genrally not part of their "intended aplication" and lawsuit fear abounds. So any thoughts guys?
The pressures will be within the limits of the valve (in fact well below). This will be in a very large outdoor area with little firehazard (earthen acreage). The connection area could cause sparks if I was connecting or unconnecting while gas was present (but I had no intention to do so--the propane tank would be shut off with a standard manual propane tank valve prior to unhooking anything)The bodys of most my valves seems to be steel or aluminum. The biggest differences I have seen in the alco valves is that they all seem to be aluminum or brass (so as to prevent sparks I assume.( My big question is that is there anything in the chemical makeup of the propane itself that will cause an otherwise pnuematic valve to fail?
1 Answer
- oil field trashLv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
There are several considerations. What pressure will you have the propane regulated to? If the rating of your system and the valve high enough to be adequate for the pressure of the propane.
Will there be an connections that can cause a spark near the propane and the valve in question. I would be concerned about having the propane ignite some where other than where you plan.
How tight is the shut off on the valves? Do they have soft seats.
Will any of this be in an enclosed area where the propane (if there is a small leak) could accumulate and reach an explosive mixture?
In many industries natural gas and propane are controlled with solenoid valves so there are valves that could be used, I just don't know anything about the MAC 35A valve but the site below implies that the valve is not appropriate for propane.
Have you looked at the ASCO line of valves, they are very common in the oil and gas industry.
Source(s): http://www.macvalves.com/products/Three_Way/Small/... http://www.flwcorp.com/valve/8344.htm
