FLAME EFFECTS
DEFINITION
Flame Effects are defined as all flames that are automated, switched, pressurized or having any action other than simply being lit on fire, as well as projects using propane or other liquid or gaseous fuels.
GUIDELINES
The majority of Flame Effects that we see are Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP), more commonly referred to as propane. Most of the guidelines below deal with propane as a fuel. Regardless of fuel type or technological basis, all Flame Effects must be constructed in such a way as to meet or exceed applicable laws, codes, and industry standards. These standards can be found in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) documents, Sections 54 and 58, The LP Gas Codes, as well as Section 160 that deals with flame effects with a live audience.
- All LP gas cylinders must have an unexpired certification date stamp and be in good working order. Tanks in poor condition or out of date are a danger to fill and may cause injury to the fuel team, the artists, and/or participants.
- All LP Flame Effects must have 1/4-turn shut-off valves at each fuel supply connection as a primary emergency fuel shutoff point. These valves must be exposed and visible at all times. This valve also gives the artist control of the gas supply without having to manipulate the multi-turn supply valve on the tank itself.
- All fuel lines used must be rated for both pressure and for the type of fuel being used. This information must be printed on the fuel lines at the time of on-playa inspection. Air or pneumatic line are not acceptable as fuel hose. LP gas degrades rubber hose not specifically designed for use with that fuel. This results in the hose cracking from the inside out, potentially leading to a catastrophic failure.
- All fittings, piping, valves and connectors must also be designed and rated for the pressures and fuel type used. The use of lead soldered fittings is prohibited in the fuel systems of any Flame Effect. The use of improper fittings can lead to leaks and failures in the fuel system resulting in fires and or injury. If you are using unregulated propane (full tank pressure) schedule 80 piping is required.
- Hose clamps are prohibited on any fuel lines. All fuel hose connections must be factory made, or constructed with a crimped fitting specifically designed for that purpose. Hose clamps are well known for cutting and chafing fuel lines, or coming loose, possibly leading to catastrophic failure.
- Accumulators, pressure vessels, and all associated piping and fittings must be rated for the operating pressures at which your Flame Effect is operating. Any welding alteration tanks used as accumulators or pressure vessels must be fabricated by an American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) certified welder, and must be re-stamped and certified as such. Catastrophic failure of accumulators or pressure vessels can result in leaks or explosions.
- In Flame Effects where the gas supply pressure is higher than the rated operating pressure of the accumulators or pressure vessels, a regulator must be properly installed on the supply side of the accumulator or pressure vessel. Also, an over-pressure device must be properly installed in the vapor space of the accumulator or pressure vessel.
- Flame Effects must never be left unattended. The winds in the desert are highly variable, and may create havoc in a poorly monitored installation, including fires or explosions. Any Flame Effect found running unattended will be shut down. Egregious or repeat offenses will result in the confiscation or disabling of the Effect.
SAFE CLEARANCE AND PERIMETER
For larger Flame Effects a safety perimeter and clearance from other art or flammables may be needed. Please read these Guidelines for Safety Perimeters.
Questions
Here are email addresses to direct questions concerning:
Art installations in general: installations (at) burningman (dot) com
Open Fire: fire-art (at) burningman (dot) com
Flame Effects: flame-effects (at) burningman (dot) com
Pyrotechnics: pyro (at) burningman (dot) com
Register Your Project
Visit our Art Installation Questionnaire page to register your project.
