natural gas vs. propane

[barclayb]

Does anyone use natural gas in their studio? We're remodeling our house and I'm not sure whether I should pipe in natural gas to the studio or not. I've heard that there are torches that don't work well with natural gas - I think the Lynx was one, and I might want to upgrade to a Lynx later. It seems every source says something different. (One I've checked is Bandhu Dunham's lampworking book.)

[sadiesmom]

Hi Barclay ~

I can't wait to see the responses you get on this one! I'm still on a hot head and have been curious about this topic.

Denise

[MikeAurelius]

The only "for sure" torches that will work without "modifications" are the Nortel torches: Minor, Midrange, Midrange plus.

The smaller GTT torches (Bobcat, Lynx) will work, but will not be a full capability.

Most torches, in order to use natural gas, will require higher than normal pressure. Household pressure is about 1/3 PSI, to run a torch, you are typically going to need between 2 and 5 PSI. 5 PSI is usually the maximum that your gas company is going to run into your house.

There are a couple of ways to do this:

1. Purchase a gas booster. These are not cheap, they run about $1000.

2. Have the natural gas company tee off the main line (before the house regulator), add a regulator at higher pressure, and run a line to the studio.

3. Have the gas company raise the pressure on the main line, and put low(er) pressure regulators on the other household appliances that use natural gas.

Generally speaking, a gas-certified plumber can do the majority of the work, but the gas company will usually prefer to do the line regulation themselves.

Building permit requirements will vary from city to city, contact your local building inspector to find out if one will be required.

[barclayb]

Thanks, Mike.

Do you think it's safer to run natural gas lines than to use propane (given that the propane tank would be outside the house)?

[MikeAurelius]

Natural gas is a "safer" gas, because it is lighter than air. The drawback is that it is somewhat cooler than propane, by a couple of hundred degrees.

[JoyasdelSol]

I run Natural Gas + an OxyCon on a minor. I LOVE IT! I think it burns much cleaner and I am so less prone to soot that I forget and have problems when I take a class w/ propane.

I read an article in Glass Line magazine that said both run at similar temperatures. I think it is their archive section if you want to look it up. (www.hotglass.com)

The best parts - I haven't noticed any cost difference on my gas bill! No cylinders to deal with outside, rubino strikes easily and doesn't go white...
:-k I could go on and on.

Joyce

[Roseanne]

I run my Bobcat on it. It's definately cooler, but MUCH cleaner!! I just purchased a 2nd oxycon & the y-connector arrived on Friday. Everything is all hooked up, but haven't had the time to try it out yet. #-o I will let you know if it "heats" things up a bit :biggrin:

[chrisdd]

I run my Minor on NG and an oxycon. Didn't need to boost the NG, as it was already coming into the house at 2 1/4. It is a little cooler than propane, but I don't see a huge difference. I love my set up and LOVE not having to deal with tanks!