During the summer of 2010, a new propane backup generator was installed to supply power requirements in the event of a power disruption. (reference link: Huntrods Zone - Generator)
In the end, a 500 gallon propane tank was installed to run the generator. With that quantity of propane, I decided to have the gas installer run a second line from the tank to the Tin Shack to deliver propane for the glory hole and my torches. This was completed in the fall of 2010. However, propane pressure considerations and a busy schedule meant that the final work was not completed until February 2011.
The propane supply from the 500 gal tank is as follows: Tank regulator (first stage) supplies 10 psi to the generator regulator, and to a second regulator near the Tin Shack. The generator feed is 14" water column (.5 psi) from it's regulator. The Tin Shack is supplied with 2psi propane from it's regulator. The shop supply is split into a 3/4" pipe that supplies the glory hole, and a 1/4" copper line that supplies two quick connect (QC) fittings to feed the two torches.
Glory hole feed passes through a ball valve (main shutoff for GH). This is then reduced to 1/2" and split into a main feed path controlled by a gate valve, and a bypass feed controlled by a ball valve. The GH is lit and operated using the main feed (gate valve). The gate valve allows for fine control of the flame. The bypass with ball valve is used to supply addional gas to produce a reducing flame 'on demand' when reduction is required. There is one picture below showing the GH feed without the dual feed path. This was an early version before I decided to add the reduction fuel bypass.
The gas inspector checked out both the generator plumbing AND the Tin Shack plumbing and approved both. He did ask for the 2x4 above the glory hole to be removed and additional metal flashing to be placed around the glory hole, which was done and is shown in the pictures.
Below are some pictures of the new Tin Shack propane plumbing. Click on a picture for an enlarged version.
Photos of some maintenance activities in the Tin Shack Studio (Fall 2006)Click on a picture for an enlarged version.
After removing the old bricks and cleaning them up, time to build a new gathering port. This time, rather than cutting a round opening, I decided to make an octagonal opening. Later, the rammable would fill in the space.
Once the gathering port was done, time to coat the lids with high temperature cement.
Before creating the rammable gathering port, time to do a bit of furnace maintenance. Some glass-eaten areas were cut out and new brick cemented in place. Then the alumina board was cut to the crucible opening, given a coat of cement, and put in place.
Now the furnace was ready for the lids and creation of the rammable gathering port. Rammable is a high alumina clay that fires to a very durable and glass resistant material. However, it must be worked into place by hammering as it is incredibly stiff. Once complete, the furnace is turned on and the rammable is heated to 250F and held there until all the water is removed, then it can be taken to temperature - slowly.
The glory hole air intake was a bit too long for the new alcove, so removed the rear-facing leg. The shorter path provided more pressure (no elbow) for the GH. After reassembling the components, it was time for a test.
