Fog Machines and Frameworx Masking Units

[BT-Jerrid]

Ok,
Here is my problem..... We just upgraded to the new tiered Frameworx masking units. These go all the way to the ceiling. The previous masking units only went up about 7 feet. We had our two fog machines on platforms mounted to the curtain wall about lanes 10 and lanes 30. Now with the new masking units the fog machines are hidden behind them. We tried running a hose from the fog machines to a space between masking unit panels, but the condensation from the fog pooled on the lanes underneath the end of the hose. I am looking for the easiest possible solution, I was trying to avoid moving all the wiring and controls to a different location in the center. I considered all kinds of crazy stuff,like putting a large cpu fan on the end of the hose to disperse any smoke left in the hose hereby reducing the condensation left behind. I kinda dismissed this idea due to the fact that a normal cpu fan probably would not last in this environment. Any suggestions or ideas would be most helpful. anybody else had to deal with this?? Should I just go ahead and move them in front of the masking units?

Thanks,
Jerrid [img]/content/btubb/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/confused.gif[/img]

[KL Kevin]

Re: Fog Machines and Frameworx Masking Units

Jerrid:

Best solution posted here:

<a href="http://www.bowltech.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=000118" target="_blank"><a href="http://www.bowltech.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=000118" target="_blank"><a href="http://www.bowltech.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=000118" target="_blank"><a href="http://www.bowltech.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=000118" target="_blank"><a href="http://www.bowltech.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=000118" target="_blank"><a href="http://www.bowltech.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=000118" target="_blank"><a href="http://www.bowltech.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=000118" target="_blank"><a href="http://www.bowltech.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=000118" target="_blank"><a href="http://www.bowltech.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=000118" target="_blank">http://www.bowltech.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=000118</a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a>

And doing it this way, distribution is a lot more even. You could run pipe up to the ceiling, blow it towards the bowlers (angle the outlets) and as long as you pitch the pipes right, one hole at lowest point catches the condensation:

Kevin

[Steve Stafford (JBEES)]

Re: Fog Machines and Frameworx Masking Units

I used 2" PVC to distribute fog throughout a 48 lane center. Between each pair is a "T" with a section of 3/4 inch clear PVC hose (flexible) that attaches to the top of our masking units. At the fog machine itself, I used a flexible 4" metal hose that runs to a remote restroom exhast fan. This is ducted to the 2" PVC using reducers. One fog machine fogs a 48 lane center in about 5 minutes.

You might think of using a fan like this to move the fog out over the top of you masking units...just a thought.

[TheChaser]

Re: Fog Machines and Frameworx Masking Units

Last center i worked at tan 2 inch PVC in the ceiling about 40 feet down and put a opening pipe every 2-3 pairs, produces and awsome cloud and lightning effect with white beams flashing One fog machine at each end for a 58 laner.

[Guest]

Re: Fog Machines and Frameworx Masking Units

I did a setup discribed above with the 2" pipe and it works great. I have 2 foggers in a 32 lane center, mounted on the sidewall behind the the end "trim" panel. Blows into a large bucket with a blower in the bucket (an extra hand dryer fan motor) then out into 2 inch pipes with a t at each single division cap. I think that was a little to much, you can get away with one every other single cap. But it works good. Want some pictures?
Marty

[AMFBowl]

Re: Fog Machines and Frameworx Masking Units

That sounds like a great idea ... yes, pics would be great.

Thanks!!!

[djdemarce]

Re: Fog Machines and Frameworx Masking Units

Marty,

I'd like a picture of your set-up. I can't quite visualize it but it sounds interesting!

Doug

[Guest]

Re: Fog Machines and Frameworx Masking Units

I'll post some on my web site tuesday, I got to clean the machines on monday anyways. Let you know when and where they are.
Marty

[Bobby Bee]

Re: Fog Machines and Frameworx Masking Units

I understand the cocept of using PVC piping to distribute the fog. We have been thinking about this for a while, as well. The one part I can't picture is where does the fan fit in? If I run PVC the length of the house with the Ts equally placed, where does the fan go? Would I attach a T directly to the fog maching as well? I really want to try this, just need help invisioning where to mount the fan and how to attach the piping to the fogger. Thanks.

BB

[KL Kevin]

Re: Fog Machines and Frameworx Masking Units

Bobby:

Use a squirrel cage blower a-la hand dryer. Cut a piece of wood to fit around the outlet side of the blower, outside size of wooden piece same as inside of pipe.

Shoot the fogger's output into the open side of the blower where it draws its air from

Secure blower to wood, and wood to pipe, with plain old silicone. This pipe goes into a tee at the center of the house, the two outlets feed either side. Works like a champ

[Mok]

Re: Fog Machines and Frameworx Masking Units

Quote:]Originally posted by JBEES:
I used 2" PVC to distribute fog throughout a 48 lane center. Between each pair is a "T" with a section of 3/4 inch clear PVC hose (flexible) that attaches to the top of our masking units. [/QUOTE]

(snip for brevity)

That reminds me; I've still got those digital pics of your fogging machine setup I took on my last visit. Want I should send them directly to you or try and upload them here? (Mike's trying to work through the backlog, so it might be a bit.)

[Bobby Bee]

Re: Fog Machines and Frameworx Masking Units

So Kev, the fogger would shoot directly into the blower? Seems like A LOT of pressure to push directly on the blower??? Also, the wooden piece that connects the blower to the pipe - would you then be using a reducer to get down to say 2" PVC? I would think a wood piece bigger than the blower output, but smaller than the inside of pipe, would be bigger than 2" or am I just not getting it? (Wouldn't be the first time )

BB

[TheGMan143]

Re: Fog Machines and Frameworx Masking Units

We currently don't have a fog system, but from previous experience as a DJ, the fan and pipe setup works pretty good... only difference in the setups I've seen is to use a gas furnace powervent as your blower... they're made for taking high temperatures and condensation, so they hold up better than a regular blower if you're using water-based fog juice.

At a couple nightclubs I've been at, they use spiraduct or flex duct (like the type for hot air or air conditioning) to carry the smoke/fog to different locations in the building... they used air accelerators to boost the circulation... The fog machines were usually the larger American DJ units, that they mounted face-first into a piece of 10" steel duct, then reduced it down to 8" and piped it into the rest of the ducting. You can get the accelerators at places like Lowe's, Home Depot, or a local heating contractor supply. Basically all they are is a sealed-motor fan mounted in a piece of duct, that has the electrical connection box riveted right to the outside of it. They had the accelerators wired to 24v relays that would turn them on and off with the fog machines.

I think American DJ (not sure if it was them or someone else) came out with a remote-head fogger recently... you mount the tank and the electronics in an out-of the-way place, and then it has a wiring and tubing setup running to the fog head that can mount up to 10 or 15 feet away. The fog nozzle unit is modular, so it can me snaked thru a wall or whatever, and mounted by only drilling a hole big enough to get the wire and tube through it.

[BT-Jerrid]

Re: Fog Machines and Frameworx Masking Units

I would love to see some pics Marty, I am contemplating the route of the PVC, so far I think I am going to run straight PVC with some 90 degree bends up and through the ceiling then tee it off in front of the masking units. I will then put a 20' section on each side of the tee and cap it off at the ends drilling holes throughout the pipe to distribute the fog. Somewhere in line I think I will wire up a hand-dryer motor to push the fog through the length of the pipe. I would be very interested to see some pics of you guys setups if you have any. Once this one is complete, I will post some pics here for you guys to see. Would still be interested in seeing some pictures.

Jerrid

[BT-Jerrid]

Re: Fog Machines and Frameworx Masking Units

Just had a quick thought...........

wouldn't it be easier to just mount them in your blower cabinets for the lane and concourse AC units. Then just wire up some controls, tap them into the honeywell and set your fog times LOL [img]/content/btubb/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif[/img]

Jerrid
[img]/content/btubb/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif[/img]

[ January 21, 2002: Message edited by: jerrid ]