Can a 300W fog machine create a smoke curtain 5 meters high?

In summary, the students are trying to build a smoke curtain and they are having trouble with the fog machine and the homemade fog fluid.
  • #1
Shane Lautner
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Hi guys, I'm a student and I'm new to this forum. Currently me and my friends are having a small project for the upcoming stage performance at school. We are trying to build a smoke curtain. The system will have a fog machine with 300W power and some PVC pipes that lead vertically to 5 meters in the air, and then pour the smoke down on to the ground through many holes in the pipe. We are having 2 problems;

1/ Will the 300W fog machine be able to blow the smoke 5 meters up through the pipes ?
2/ We are thinking of homemade fog fluid for the machine, which will be glycerine mix with water (as I looked up). Have anyone try making smoke with this, does it have smell or health hazard ?

I would love to have your opinions before I could waste money on unnecessary thing :)
 
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  • #2
Usually they use dry ice to achieve this effect.
 
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  • #3
Shane Lautner said:
Hi guys, I'm a student and I'm new to this forum. Currently me and my friends are having a small project for the upcoming stage performance at school. We are trying to build a smoke curtain. The system will have a fog machine with 300W power and some PVC pipes that lead vertically to 5 meters in the air, and then pour the smoke down on to the ground through many holes in the pipe. We are having 2 problems;

1/ Will the 300W fog machine be able to blow the smoke 5 meters up through the pipes ?
2/ We are thinking of homemade fog fluid for the machine, which will be glycerine mix with water (as I looked up). Have anyone try making smoke with this, does it have smell or health hazard ?
Would your school allow you to vaporize your own concoction for your crowd to inhale?
fog fluid is reasonably cheap (~$6/litre where I am) or maybe get your chemistry teacher to make it?
As for the 5 metres, that depends on the machine. IME with small smoke machines is that the fans are only designed to push the fog out of the machine, not through constrictions, most of that 300 Watts will be used by the heater.
Presumably you have some 5m tall support structure, why can't the machine be up there?
 
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  • #4
paisiello2 said:
Usually they use dry ice to achieve this effect.
For some reasons we can not use dry ice, since it's CO2
billy_joule said:
Would your school allow you to vaporize your own concoction for your crowd to inhale?
fog fluid is reasonably cheap (~$6/litre where I am) or maybe get your chemistry teacher to make it?
As for the 5 metres, that depends on the machine. IME with small smoke machines is that the fans are only designed to push the fog out of the machine, not through constrictions, most of that 300 Watts will be used by the heater.
Presumably you have some 5m tall support structure, why can't the machine be up there?
That is some helpful information, I will take it into consideration. Thanks a lot :)
 

FAQ: Can a 300W fog machine create a smoke curtain 5 meters high?

1. How does a smoke curtain work?

A smoke curtain is a type of fire protection system that is designed to contain and control the spread of smoke within a building. It is typically made of a fire-resistant fabric that can be deployed either manually or automatically in the event of a fire. The curtain is installed near the ceiling and creates a barrier that prevents smoke from spreading to other areas of the building.

2. What are the benefits of using a smoke curtain?

There are several benefits to using a smoke curtain in a building. First and foremost, it can help to protect occupants by containing smoke and allowing them to safely evacuate the building. It can also help to minimize property damage and reduce the risk of structural collapse by preventing the fire from spreading. Additionally, smoke curtains can be more affordable and easier to install than other fire protection measures, making them a popular choice for many building owners.

3. How is a smoke curtain different from a fire curtain?

While both smoke curtains and fire curtains are used in fire protection, they serve different purposes. A smoke curtain is specifically designed to contain and control the spread of smoke, while a fire curtain is designed to block the spread of flames and heat. Fire curtains are typically made of heavier, more fire-resistant materials and are often used in larger openings, such as stairwells or atriums.

4. Are there any regulations or codes that govern the use of smoke curtains?

Yes, there are regulations and codes that govern the use of smoke curtains in buildings. The most commonly referenced code is the International Building Code (IBC), which outlines requirements for the installation, testing, and maintenance of smoke curtains. It is important to consult with local authorities to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and regulations.

5. Can a smoke curtain be used in all types of buildings?

Smoke curtains can be used in a variety of buildings, including commercial, residential, and industrial spaces. However, the specific requirements for installation and use may vary depending on the type of building and its intended use. It is important to consult with a fire protection specialist to determine the most appropriate type of smoke curtain for your specific building and needs.

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