In part one and part two of this article, I looked at several launchers for ignition spheres. In this final part I will examine how they can be used to complement or replace fusees, flares, and drip torches.
Ignition spheres create an ignition source, but unlike torches, they contain no additional fuel. For this reason, they are not suitable for applications where additional fuel is required. A typical example would be burning slash piles where there are no fine fuels for the spheres to ignite. Another example would be burning green materials which require additional fuel to get the fire hot enough for proper combustion. Both of these applications are more suited to a torch using a gelled gasoline/diesel fuel mixture.
However, if additional fuel is not required, ignition spheres are an excellent method of lighting a prescribed burn and there are significant advantages to using one of the sphere launchers instead of a torch.
The most important advantage is improved safety as the fire can be ignited from a remote location. Ignition personnel do not need to enter the burn area as is the case with a hand held or ATV drip torch. Depending on the launcher, the spheres can be propelled up to 100 yards and can penetrate heavily wooded areas. Obstacles such as water filled ditches and heavy brush present no problem to a sphere launcher.
Remote ignition also ensures a buffer zone between the operator and the fire which provides more time to react if a situation should occur. With drip torches, the fire is always just a few steps behind you. Trying to free a stuck ATV with a fire nipping at your heels can be a harrowing experience. Explaining to the boss that you had to walk away and let it burn up is probably not much better.
Not requiring gelled fuel is also an advantage for ignition spheres. Mixing, transporting, and storing gelled fuel can be problematic. Once gasoline is mixed into the fuel, it restricts how the mixture can be transported. Some gelling agents don't work properly with ethanol blended fuels. Some gelled fuels cannot be stored once mixed and must be burned. Conversely, unprimed ignition spheres pose no risk of accidental ignition, contain no volatile fuels, and can be stored indefinitely.
Lighting with an automated launcher like the Green Dragon is also considerably faster than hand lighting with drip torches. Depending on the vehicle to which it is mounted, it can easily cover twice as much ground as a person walking. With the flexibility to mount to a variety of vehicles, you can use it with vehicles you already operate.
Ignition spheres will never completely replace torches. However in many applications, they can provide an alternative that is safer, more economical, and faster. The next time you are thinking about purchasing equipment, consider whether some type of sphere launcher might be suitable for your application.
Ignition spheres create an ignition source, but unlike torches, they contain no additional fuel. For this reason, they are not suitable for applications where additional fuel is required. A typical example would be burning slash piles where there are no fine fuels for the spheres to ignite. Another example would be burning green materials which require additional fuel to get the fire hot enough for proper combustion. Both of these applications are more suited to a torch using a gelled gasoline/diesel fuel mixture.
However, if additional fuel is not required, ignition spheres are an excellent method of lighting a prescribed burn and there are significant advantages to using one of the sphere launchers instead of a torch.
The most important advantage is improved safety as the fire can be ignited from a remote location. Ignition personnel do not need to enter the burn area as is the case with a hand held or ATV drip torch. Depending on the launcher, the spheres can be propelled up to 100 yards and can penetrate heavily wooded areas. Obstacles such as water filled ditches and heavy brush present no problem to a sphere launcher.
Remote ignition also ensures a buffer zone between the operator and the fire which provides more time to react if a situation should occur. With drip torches, the fire is always just a few steps behind you. Trying to free a stuck ATV with a fire nipping at your heels can be a harrowing experience. Explaining to the boss that you had to walk away and let it burn up is probably not much better.
Not requiring gelled fuel is also an advantage for ignition spheres. Mixing, transporting, and storing gelled fuel can be problematic. Once gasoline is mixed into the fuel, it restricts how the mixture can be transported. Some gelling agents don't work properly with ethanol blended fuels. Some gelled fuels cannot be stored once mixed and must be burned. Conversely, unprimed ignition spheres pose no risk of accidental ignition, contain no volatile fuels, and can be stored indefinitely.
Lighting with an automated launcher like the Green Dragon is also considerably faster than hand lighting with drip torches. Depending on the vehicle to which it is mounted, it can easily cover twice as much ground as a person walking. With the flexibility to mount to a variety of vehicles, you can use it with vehicles you already operate.
Ignition spheres will never completely replace torches. However in many applications, they can provide an alternative that is safer, more economical, and faster. The next time you are thinking about purchasing equipment, consider whether some type of sphere launcher might be suitable for your application.
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