Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2006 6:59 am
Let's just go with this.
Spark gap is inversely proportional to the density of the gas. Since you're just doing a simple combustion, let's start you off at 1/8".
Also, in my experience, you need a larger, hotter spark to ignite unstoichiometric fuel mixtures. If you're using hairspray, lighter fuel, starter fluid, etc., I would lengthen the spark gap and increase amperage of the ignition source as well.
If you use metered propane, MAPP, or butane, you can probably make the spark smaller than 1/8", though. This is just because the mixture is more reactive, so you need less area and less work from the spark to ignite it.
You said you're a very exact person... so I'm sorry that all I can do is pull numbers and theories out of my ass. But, hey, they work for me.
Spark gap is inversely proportional to the density of the gas. Since you're just doing a simple combustion, let's start you off at 1/8".
Also, in my experience, you need a larger, hotter spark to ignite unstoichiometric fuel mixtures. If you're using hairspray, lighter fuel, starter fluid, etc., I would lengthen the spark gap and increase amperage of the ignition source as well.
If you use metered propane, MAPP, or butane, you can probably make the spark smaller than 1/8", though. This is just because the mixture is more reactive, so you need less area and less work from the spark to ignite it.
You said you're a very exact person... so I'm sorry that all I can do is pull numbers and theories out of my ass. But, hey, they work for me.