Smokeless Fire Pit
A smokeless fire pit is a type of outdoor fireplace that uses natural gas, propane or wood pellets to create an open flame. These pits are becoming more popular because they offer the same look and feel as traditional wood-burning fireplaces but without the hassles associated with them. There are several types of smokeless fire pits that produce heat and flame and emit no smoke or soot, which makes them safe to use on a deck or patio. Lets discuss How does a smokeless fire pit work.
How does a smokeless fire pit work
It works by channeling the heat and gases from the burning fuel through high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters which remove most of the carbon particles coming out of the burning materials, leaving behind almost pure oxygen, water vapor, and heat.
A smokeless fire pit is made up of three main parts: the fuel cannister, the gas cannister, and the filter system. The fuel cannister holds fresh wood pellets that are pre-soaked in a high-energy solution of potassium nitrate (KNO3), basically, it’s lighter fluid. The gas cannister is just that, compressed gas with a regulator to control the fuel output pressure, and is filled with water vapor (H2O), heat (latent heat of vaporization) , and some oxygen (O2). The filter system consists of HEPA filters which remove the smoke particles leaving only clean air.
The fuel is injected into the fire from a small pump, and then ignited with an advanced electric spark ignition system at the base of the burner. The spark ignites a small pre-mixed fireball which quickly lights up the entire fuel column in a cascade of flame at a rate controlled by a precise air regulator on the gas cannister. The fuel burns very hot, hotter than gasoline, and creates pressurized combusting gases that are forced through the HEPA filters. Once they are pushed through the filters, the particles are trapped on the simple sponge-like cotton fibers inside of the filter cartridge creating “activated carbon”. These activated carbon particles trap most of the pollutants like small particulates, ultra-fine particles, and they adsorb most of the gases.
The smokeless fire burns at a controlled rate because it’s air supply is regulated through filters which are limited in the amount of air they expose to the burning fuel. The more clean air that gets into the system, the higher the combustion rate becomes. Once all of the pellets in the fuel cannister are burned up, the fire will go out because it’s not receiving fresh oxygen.
The gas pressure in the system is regulated by a small regulator valve on the gas cannister. The air is pulled from the atmosphere and pushed into the fire at a controlled rate by this device to control both heat and burn rate.
So, the gas pressure builds up inside of the gas cannister and it wants to escape into the atmosphere. However, there is a regulator valve that won’t allow that to happen unless you turn the dial on the regulator down very low. Thus, you have about 1/2 liter of H2O boiling in your fire pit cylinder at a pressure of about 70psi, and a good supply of O2.
The gas is pushed through a device called a venturi which pulls the heat from the fire into a heat exchanger under the fire pit grate, where it evaporates water from the compressed H2O inside of the gas cylinder. This process cools down the gas and heats up the fire. The gas becomes very hot and humid, and is forced through the HEPA filter cartridge where it transfers most of its heat and particles into the incoming clean air that is used for combustion.
It works by taking porous activated carbon filters, injecting them with water vapor (H2O) and heat (latent heat of vaporization), and then pushing super-heated combusting gases through the filters at a controlled rate under high pressure. The gas is cooled by heat transfer from the fire, which evaporates water from the compressed H2O in the gas cylinder. Most of the air comes from outside, filtered clean through the filter system and used for combustion, reducing particulate matter and trapping most of the hazardous gases that come from burning petroleum plastics.
Very well actually, as long as you don’t try to burn things other than wood pellets. The manufacturer recommends avoiding any non-biodegradable materials such as plastics, synthetics, and aerosol cans. They also recommend avoiding any materials which melt at lower temperatures than the fire pit’s maximum internal temperature of 850 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to that, they also can’t be used outside in windy conditions due to increased gas loss from the open flame. This is the complete process of How does a smokeless fire pit work.
Do Smokeless fire pit creates smell
Some people have expressed that they don’t like the smell that is created by smokeless fire pits. They argue that it’s not healthy because of the smell. It also detracts from their experience when enjoying the outdoors. Smokeless fuel can be expensive so some are looking for an alternative or at least a way to reduce the amount of smell when using a smokeless product.
Can fire pit used for cooking
Leaving aside the fact that traditional cooking utensils are not designed for fire pits, this question does raise an interesting point. Can you use a smokless fire pit for cooking?
The short answer is yes. However, using your fire pit for cooking should be approached with caution. If you’re careful and follow these guidelines, it’s a perfectly safe way to enjoy the outdoors.
First, you need a smokless fire pit that is designed for cooking or at least large enough for whatever you’re going to cook on it. For safety concerns, the fire pit should be on solid ground and not your deck or wooden porch. The last thing you need is a grease fire on your wooden porch after all.
Secondly, find a metal grill or other cooking utensil that will fit over the fire pit. This is probably the most important consideration because if the grill doesn’t fit, you can’t cook on it! Once you have your grill in place, also make sure it’s balanced properly and won’t tip or fall into the fire pit.
Finally, you will need to plan out your cooking carefully. You’ll want to stay close by so that if something does go wrong, you can keep an eye on your food and deal with any cooking emergencies as soon as they come up. If the handle of your cooking utensil gets hot, use a heat resistant glove.
