Meter for propane

[Ballad_Black]

Okay, I've been reading around on Burntlatke and trying to scout through the countless pages threads here about metered propane. I even looked on spud tech to see his prices and wtf. He wants like 80 bucks for his system, and from it looks like. The parts wont even run you that much.

The spudtech propane meter is nice and looks easy to build, but I have no idea what the black think is on it. (Goto spudtech.com and click components to find the system). Im taking it that it's a regulator of some sort.

The rest of the parts are self explanitory and I have almost all of them so that's not a big deal. Im wanting to make a metered propane system for my newest gun that I posted the other day. Not saying im looking for dirt cheap way to do it, but I want accuracy without a dent in the wallet.

I've made the cheap system that I think madpiper posted. Yea, it works, but it's not always the same fuel amount. Now, I don't want replys like "If you can;t figure this out don;t mess with it." Im aware that you have uber knowledge and mine is subpar. Each time I goto burntlatke to read about thier system I jsut get dazed out, and seem lost cause they like to ramble. So, Im coming here looking for direct answers: How to build a metered propane system, simple and reliable.

[Atlantis]

http://www.burntlatke.com/lp.html
Just look at this picture it should be self explanatory.
http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=298
Hope it helps.

[boilingleadbath]

Yes, that black thing on spudtech's is a regulator. Not sure of the kind, but it's probably one intended for propane use.

You need a regulator, although it doesn't have to be one intended for propane use.
You can pick up a air regulator at most hardware stores for ~10-15$.

So... here's my attempt...

You modify the tourch head so you can connect it to standard plumbing stuff. There are multiple ways to do this - threading it, using a hose clamp to attach a hose...

Once dealing with NPT, you regulate the pressure with a regulator and turn the regulated C3H8 over to the acctual metering part of the meter pipe.

That's really all there is to it.

[CS]

Since were I live air pressure regulators are ~20$-25$ I use a different method.

As BLB said you need to get from the torch head to NPT. One way you can do it besides ones he listed is remove the angled torch its self and use its threads. These threads are compression so you will need a compression to NPT conversion fitting. Then when your at NPT connect a ball valve. Following this install a Tee fitting and have one output go to a pressure gauge and the other continue to yet another ball valve. After this ball valve you run your line to the chamber.

The way you operate it is, open the first ball vavle till desired pressure is reached then close the ball valve. Then open the second ball valve to release fuel into the chamber. After fuel is injected into chamber close ball valve. Here is a little thing that might help...

.....................................................Pressure Gauge........................
..............................................................^....................................
Propane> Torch Head> NPT> Ball Valve> Tee> Ball Valve> Chamber

[Periods dont represent anything, only being used as spacers.]

[drac]

The threads on the torch head are 1/4 Compression, so just get a 1/4 comp by 1/4 male thread.

You have to stick it in a vice and use channel locks to get it off, but it does work.

[Ballad_Black]

Thanks guys. I know im not the best with guns and devices for them, and Im still constantly learning. As pimpmanns theory or idea for one, I had this same idea, but did'nt think to post it, seemed too simple to work. But im also learning simple can be amazing, just look at aRambos stuff, he's inpirational. lol.