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Step 12Safety First!
As with anything dealing with fire and flammable gas, there's some important, although fairly obvious things to consider. And although I am fairly confident that this is a sound design, just as with a propane grill, heater or lantern, I must urge on the side of caution, and cannot take any responsibility for any accidents or mishaps that may occur. In order to minimize the possibilities of an accident, do not operate the device without keeping in mind all of the following.
First - As alluded to above, propane is flammable! When using your Rubens' Tube, make sure you're in a well ventilated area or outside. In addition to the potential fire hazard, there is also a very real danger of carbon monoxide exposure from propane being less than completely burned. Carbon monoxide is DEADLY.
Second - Take note of the way you orient the propane tank. If the tank is not right side up, the propane may flow in unpredictable ways. Even a regular propane tank, used for a lantern or torch, turned on it's side, is likely to start spurting liquid after it's been turned on for some time - this can be extremely dangerous. Also allow for a safe distance between the Rubens' Tube and the fuel source.
Third - Even after the propane is shut off, the tube and hosing will still contain fuel. After turning off the fuel, you'll see the flames slowly start to lower. However, even after they're no longer visible, it's possible that they're still burning within the pipe itself. After shutting off the gas, remove the propane tank from the hose and allow plenty of time for the remaining fuel to burn off - there's more fuel than one would expect inside the tube itself!
Fourth - While the entire Ruben's Tube isn't likely to reach very high temperatures while being operated for reasonable lengths of time, the top part of the tube will become hot, even after short runs. Be very careful to allow adequate cooling time before handling the device.
Fifth - In case of emergency, be sure a fire extinguisher is close by at all times. Finally, if you're a minor, never operate your Rubens' Tube without the supervision of a responsible adult.
Finally - Use common sense! As dire as the above warnings may sound, assuming you use common sense and play it safe, your Rubens' Tube will serve as an amazing scientific toy!
Let's move on to how to use the device.
First - As alluded to above, propane is flammable! When using your Rubens' Tube, make sure you're in a well ventilated area or outside. In addition to the potential fire hazard, there is also a very real danger of carbon monoxide exposure from propane being less than completely burned. Carbon monoxide is DEADLY.
Second - Take note of the way you orient the propane tank. If the tank is not right side up, the propane may flow in unpredictable ways. Even a regular propane tank, used for a lantern or torch, turned on it's side, is likely to start spurting liquid after it's been turned on for some time - this can be extremely dangerous. Also allow for a safe distance between the Rubens' Tube and the fuel source.
Third - Even after the propane is shut off, the tube and hosing will still contain fuel. After turning off the fuel, you'll see the flames slowly start to lower. However, even after they're no longer visible, it's possible that they're still burning within the pipe itself. After shutting off the gas, remove the propane tank from the hose and allow plenty of time for the remaining fuel to burn off - there's more fuel than one would expect inside the tube itself!
Fourth - While the entire Ruben's Tube isn't likely to reach very high temperatures while being operated for reasonable lengths of time, the top part of the tube will become hot, even after short runs. Be very careful to allow adequate cooling time before handling the device.
Fifth - In case of emergency, be sure a fire extinguisher is close by at all times. Finally, if you're a minor, never operate your Rubens' Tube without the supervision of a responsible adult.
Finally - Use common sense! As dire as the above warnings may sound, assuming you use common sense and play it safe, your Rubens' Tube will serve as an amazing scientific toy!
Let's move on to how to use the device.
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Dec 21, 2007. 8:19 AMAstinsan
says:
A few added words of warning. I work with machines that run on LP. Propane gas is heavy and you are probably not going to notice a leak until the area you are in is saturated. (DO NOT SMOKE) You will know how bad the leak was when you flick that spent smoke on the ground. Liquid Propane is very very cold. You can burn your skin and get very bad infections. If you burn yourself with LP get help. Don't ignore it. It is just as bad as a flame burn.
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