May 09

Frugal Living – Budgeting Gasoline

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Frustrated about the rising cost in gasoline prices? If so, then you certainly have the right to do so considering our dwindling economy. Here are a couple of tips though that you can use in order to make the best out of this situation.

For a start, it is highly recommended to gas up during the early morning hours or later in the evening. The logic behind this is relatively simple. These are the best possible times to gas up due to the fact that gas is a lot denser during the coldest time of the day thereby enabling you to pack in more fuel out of your gas purchases.

One more thing that you can do is to seek out the best local gas prices available in town. The best way to do this is online thereby sparing you the effort of taking a drive across town, not to mention the fuel that would be spend during the process.

Maintaining your car in good running condition can also go a long way in enhancing your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The efficiency rate can be as high as 20% which makes it pretty significant.

You should also make sure that your tires have the proper alignment and appropriately inflated. Underinflated tires are known to increase fuel cost by as high as 6 percent. The same thing can be said about air filters and engine oil you should check on these regularly as well.

One more thing to keep into perspective is the way you drive. You should always make sure that you are driving within the appropriate speed limits. Obviously, the faster you go, the higher your fuel consumption. It would be best to make use of an overdrive system if possible as this will help you further improve your gas mileage while at the same reducing engine strain.

More importantly, nothing beats the crap out of fuel cost other than being properly organized. Make a list of the things that you’ll be doing or the places that you’ll be going and if at all possible, plan your route in such a way that it minimizes fuel consumption.

Keeping these tips in mind can go a long way in making best use out of your fuel purchases. You may even be surprised how much money you can save given the unforgiving cost of fuel now days. This way, you can squeeze out every little drop of fuel on your tank and have them put to good use.

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May 09

Gas Terminology

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Let’s take a look at a single gasoline range burner since it is being lighted. Each burner assembly has an orifice, or hole via which the gas flows. The orifice is contained in a unit that may be known as a hood, cap, or spud. The diameter from the orifice determines the gasoline flow rate. Some orifices are fixed; others are adjustable.

The gas flows from the orifice within the form of a jet, which causes a rush of air (called main air) to flow to the burner tube. It’s in this tube (occasionally known as the mixer tube) that the gasoline mixes with air and ignites. Most burners are also equipped to adjust the amount of primary air that comes to the burner by adjusting the size of the air opening. This piece is known as the air shutter. The airgas mixture then flows through burner ports, a series of round holes from which the flames burn.

As they burn, the flames also use secondary air-the air around them. When air and gas are mixed, the speed at which the flame shoots through them is called the burning speed. Burning speeds vary, depending on the amount of air and the type of gasoline being used. The ideal ratio is 10 parts air to 1 part gasoline, but, within the real world, this is hard to achieve.

So you may encounter incomplete combustion, where the fuel doesn’t burn fully simply because something’s not quite right: not sufficient air in the air-gas mixture, poor ventilation, or improper flame adjustment. You are able to spot incomplete combustion in the flames themselves, which will be tipped with yellow. Yellow-tipped flames are caused by a lack of main air to the burner, possibly simply because lint or grime has collected to block the main air openings.

This means you’ve got to clean your burners, not adjust them. Yellow flames produce black carbon soot, which makes cleanup harder and can eventually clog vents and orifices, making your appliances much less efficient. A buildup of carbon soot will impact your exhaust canopies, too, getting them dirtier and making them work harder. If cleaning the burners doesn’t give you the desired results, an air shutter adjustment may be needed, which requires a qualified service individual.

Incomplete combustion also gives off varying amounts of carbon monoxide, which is odorless, colorless, and tasteless but damaging nonetheless. What you’re looking for is flame stability-a clear, blue ring of flames with a firm center cone-indicating that your air-gas ratio is correct and you’re using the fuel under optimum conditions. When gas fuel burns completely, you get heat energy, harmless carbon dioxide, and water vapor. Nothing is wasted, and no harmful pollutants are released to the atmosphere.

Once again, you can alter the flame stability by changing the burning speed (adjusting the orifice so much less gas flows in) or by changing the main air flow into the mixture (adjusting the air shutter). Do not confuse yellow-tipped flames with the red or orange streaks you occasionally see in a gasoline flame. These color streaks are the result of dust within the air that turns color as it is zapped by the flame, and ought to not be a problem. Also remember that you are wasting gas when you use high flames that lick the sides of your pots and skillets.

Actually, when a totally unheated pan is placed on the gasoline range, it’s best to begin heating it on medium heat, so the tops of the flames do not touch the surface of the pan. Carbon monoxide and soot are produced when intense heat hits the cool metal surface. Improve the heat only after the pot or pan has had a chance to warm up.

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May 08

Gas Flame

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The flame from the gasoline burner represents the ultimate challenge: to mix gas and oxygen in just the right amounts to create combustion, giving us controlled heat with minimum light. The simplest, most effective example of this may be the old-fashioned Bunsen burner. This type of burner premixes air and gas prior to reaching the flame, resulting in a highly efficient flame that burns intensely, but with a clean, smokeless flame. The shape and size of the burner are the two factors that place the flame exactly where direct heat is needed most.

In a toaster or broiler, for instance, the gasoline flame is directed at a molded ceramic or metal screen, which is heated to a deep red color and emits infrared heat rays that penetrate the food being cooked. The latest innovation within the industry, may be the high-input gasoline burner, which burns twice the amount of gasoline (for greater intensity of heat) as a conventional burner of the same size. Amazingly, the natural-gas-air combination can produce a stove temperature of up to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit.

One of the functions of the gas-fired appliance is to limit and distribute the available heat, to reach the accurate temperature to cook foods correctly. You’ll discover a gas burner sometimes lets out a whoosh or roaring sound as it lights. This is known as flashback, and it occurs because the burning speed is faster than the gas flow. This type of flashback occurs a lot more often with fast-burning gases such as propane.

An additional type of flashback happens when the burner is turned off, creating a popping sound that is known as the extinction pop. Occasionally it’s so pronounced that it blows out the pilot light flame. You generally can correct both kinds of flashback by reducing primary air input to the burner. If you’re unsure about how to do it yourself, remember that burner adjustment is a free service of numerous gasoline companies. Flashback isn’t hazardous, but it is annoying.

It creates soot and carbon monoxide and often means you have to relight your pilot. Inside the burner, repeated flashback occurrences might cause it to warp or crack. It makes a lot more sense to obtain the burner adjusted than to live with flashback. A number of other conditions might need professional attention and adjustment. You may notice that the flames seem to lift and then drop on some parts of the burner head at irregular intervals, as if some unseen hand were playing with the control knob.

This burner may seem a bit noisier than the others, making a roaring sound whenever the flames improve. Flame lift, as this really is sometimes known, is not a stable, normal burner situation and should be corrected instantly. Incomplete combustion might also cause floating flames which are lazy looking and are not shaped as well-defined cones. This is a dangerous situation, and you’ll usually notice it in the first minute or two that a burner has been turned on, prior to it achieves the correct airflow.

If the flames do not assume their typical, conical shapes quickly, have the burner checked. Finally, the most serious condition is flame rollout. When the burner is turned on, flames shoot out from the combustion chamber opening instead of the top from the burner. Flame rollout is really a serious fire hazard and must be repaired immediately. The burner might not be correctly positioned or something might have obstructed its inner workings. Either way, call the service person-fast.

May 08

Gas Fireplace Maintenance

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The ease and simplicity of owning and maintaining a gas fireplace are the main reasons many people prefer them to traditional wood burning fireplaces, but even gas fireplaces need yearly maintenance to keep them safe and in proper working order.

The most important part of gas fireplace safety is making sure the installation is correct. By hiring a certified fireplace professional you can insure that your fireplace will be hooked up securely and safely. Before using your gas fireplace for the first time each season, there are a few routine checkups which should be made to make sure your fireplace is running as cleanly and safely as possible.

First off, make sure all of the vents are working properly. You can reduce drafts and heat loss by installing glass doors in front of the gas fireplace, but the doors must remain open while the fire is burning. This prevents smoke and carbon monoxide from entering your home. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, potentially lethal gas produced as a byproduct when fuels such as natural or propane gas, kerosene, and wood are burned. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly when using any type of fuel-burning appliance. In some areas, local building codes may require the damper in your chimney to be permanently blocked open if you install gas logs. Another key part to the safety of your fireplace is the cleanliness of the chimney. Having a chimney sweep come in once a year assures that no flare-ups start in the chimney.

The burner is another crucial part of a gas burning fireplace that needs to be checked and cleaned annually. A dirty or poor working burner can lead to soot buildup and even carbon monoxide. This is why it is important to have a carbon monoxide detector in the home. Another way to make sure your home is safe is by having the gas lines checked yearly to make sure no leaks have occurred.

Another part of the fireplace to keep clean are the ceramic logs themselves. Using a soft brush to wipe away any soot that has built up will keep your fireplace not only looking clean but also burning clean.

As for glass fireplace doors or covers, it is important to check the seal of your doors to make sure you are not letting cold air in while the fireplace is not in use. Wiping down the glass doors with a soft cloth and water will allow you to enjoy your safely burning gas log fireplace all winter long.

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May 07

Gas Welding 101 – Details to Help You Become a Successful Gas Welder

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Gas Welding is alive and well!

* If you want to create artistic projects, many people will choose gas welding exclusively.

* At some point, most arc welders will want to, or NEED to use gas welding. I’ll help you get started. Then YOU need lots of practice!

Seriously, practice is CRITICAL for running great beads.

* If you’re doing artistic stuff, you’ll want it to LOOK great.

* Eye-hand coordination gets tougher because you’re doing more multi-tasking then arc welding.

Being able to DIRECTLY be shown details about how to do special jobs like gas welding is the BEST way to get started.

Here’s the “scoop” for this article:

1) I’ll give you a brief introduction to the gas welding world…

2) Then I’ll hit on some safety tips…

3) Next the equipment itself…

4) Getting started:

* The flame.

* Adjustments.

* Angles.

5) Filler rod, tacking, the puddle, problem solving.

6) Brazing Tips.

INTRO:

* Gas welding in this page refers to oxygen-acetylene welding of metals.

* Your are actually WELDING two pieces of metal together, wheras brazing doesn’t melt the parent material, just the material used to join the pieces.

* The torch itself needs to be able to melt the metals being used: filler rod, & “parent metals”.

* Having an oxygen-acetylene torch around enables you to not only WELD, but also to cut the materials, heat & bend materials, & loosen tight-fitting materials via heating.

* Safety is paramount! You are working with extremely hot & potentially explosive materials!

SAFETY STUFF:

SERIOUSLY gas welding can really be fun, interesting, & profitable!

BUT:

* The tuned gas flame can exceed 6,000 F.

* Un-protected eyes can be fatigued & permanently harmed in a short time.

* The acetylene tank could explode under certain conditions: dropping, in a fire, from an arc or torch flame penetrating the casing, etc.

* The oxygen tank starts with 2000 PSI & can literally go like a rocket if the top valve assembly breaks off.

* Hitting something already burning with the high pressure torch valve can really accelerate the fire.

So, be careful!

GETTING STARTED:

The Flame:

* Set the gas and oxygen pressures MUCH lower than for cutting.

* Some gas setting charts call for the 02 & gas pressures to be the same as the tip size being used: tip size 1 = 1 PSI for gas & O2.

* Tip size 5 = 5 PSI for gas & O2, etc.

* I simplify things even farther! I just set both pressures at 10 PSI then crack the valves open at the torch handle to where I need them to be. Just start EASY & work them up to the capabilities of the tip. (or just do it as above).

* Also, tip sizes vary for the size metal being welded: Tip size 1 = 1/16″ metal and tip size 5 = 1/4″ as examples.

* It really isn’t hard to figure out if the tip your using is too small or too big for the job. (Too small won’t get everything hot enough, & too large will tend to blow everything away).

* Crack open the gas & light it right away.

* Crank up the gas till it separates from the tip then back it off.

* Hit the O2 until the blue flame first gets short & bright. This is a “neutral flame”, used for most jobs.

Note that the torch tip & the filler rod should be about at a 45 degree angle.

*Too steep can make the penetration too deep & not pre-heat / too shallow can cause too little penetration.

Let’s do it:

* Starting out, it can give you good practice to just put the flame on metal without a filler rod. This helps you get used to the process without worrying about the filler rod too.

* Heat the metal till there’s a puddle, then begin moving the flame to create a bead.

* Get the blue part of the flame nearly touching the metal.

* Move in a circular or semi-circular fashion to make it into a bead.

* Aim the flame in the direction you’re trying to make the bead. (forehand welding).

* Don’t get ahead of the bead or it can make it not hot enough at the puddle.

* Do this for a few times before using a filler rod.

Introduce a filler rod: (usually the same diameter as the pieces that are being welded).

* start the same way as above and keep the rod at a 45 degree angle also.

* Dip the rod in the puddle frequently, but try not to heat the rod with the flame. (heat the puddle, not the rod).

* Practice running straight beads then work up to following curved paths. (some schools have you write your name with a gas welding bead).

THEN PRACTICE till you can run decent looking beads.

Note that you should be tacking pieces together at least at both ends of where you’re welding, to prevent moving of the gap.

Problem solving:

* Your flame is fluctuating: gas pressure or supply may be low.

* Popping sound: Hot tip, plugged tip, pressure too high.

* Flame stops: 02 pressure high.

* Whistling noise & the flame backs up into the torch: (backfire), 02 or gas too low, the tip is clogged or dirty, or the tip touched the puddle.

BRAZING:

* Many things are similar about gas welding and brazing: but remember that with brazing you aren’t melting the parent metal, just the brazing material (such as brass).

* The brass and the parent metal MUST be clean and hot enough for there to be a good joint. (Use flux! In a can, or coated rods).

* Think of soldering, if you don’t get everything hot enough, it might come apart (or not be a good electrical connection).

Now GET BUSY PRACTICING!

This was a just a BRIEF description of the gas welding process.

Good luck to all you ladies & gents!

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May 07

Gas RC Cars For Newbies – 3 Frequently Asked Questions

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Just like any child learning to play their first video games, they naturally start to ask a lot of questions. In fact anyone starting out on any kinds of hobby should have at least some basic questions which need to be answered. If you’re just starting out on your gas RC cars hobby, then you’d want to read this article. This article will discuss about three most asked question that every beginners on RC powered gas cars should know about, which is on selecting the best nitro RC cars for beginner, what RC model to choose from and types of accessories you need to buy.

What is the best gas RC cars for beginners?

Gas RC cars are usually sold in 2 types, ready to run (RTR) or do it yourself (DIY). If you’re just starting out, my suggestion is that you should get an RTR RC car instead. This should save you time and effort to build the RC car yourself. It’s usually a lot cheaper which is also a plus if you’re not ready to allocate some considerable amount of budget for this hobby.

What gas RC cars model to choose from?

If you ask me, I’d say it really doesn’t matter which model should you choose. I usually picked on something that looks cool. Try looking up some product catalogue or consult to your local hobby shop for new models. You should fine one that’s suitable to your taste. Beginners would do well to start with 1/10th scale, preferably off-road. You can choose from touring cars (on-road), to off-road models such as buggy, trucks and monster trucks. 1/8th scale gas RC cars are the ultimate RC cars in the hobby. Definitely for the experienced racers and not recommended for beginners.

What accessories should you get for your gas RC cars?

Since you’re buying an RTR RC car, you really shouldn’t bother on buying any complicated accessories, since RTR RC cars aren’t really customizable anyway. Basically, you’ll only need to buy minor items such as fuel, maybe paint for the body, and AA batteries for the radio system.

I’ve already summed up three important points every gas RC cars newbies need to know. After reading this article, every inexperienced gas powered RC cars fans should know essential informations to get them started racing!

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May 07

Gas Grill Dealers

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Dealers play an important part in the distribution process of all kinds of goods. The dealer is an important link between the manufacturer and the end consumer. Manufacturers do not usually involve themselves in the distribution process. This takes their focus away from manufacturing.

Gas grill dealers contact different manufacturers and take their products for sale to end costumers. They may stock the actual models or just details regarding different models. Once customers are seriously interested in a model these are sourced from the manufacturers for the customers to review and take a final decision.

All big gas grill manufacturers have area wise gas grill dealers. Maximum market coverage is aimed at by appointing area wise gas grill dealers in a systematic manner. Any area that is unrepresented is covered when needed by the nearest gas grill dealer affiliated to the concerned manufacturer.

Gas grill dealers do not deal in just one brand of gas grills. They source varying models from different manufacturers. In order to increase their sales, manufacturers offer certain sales incentives to gas grill dealers. These incentives are generally passed on the customers in the form of discounts on the mark up price.

Finding gas grill dealers nearest to your home can be done easily using the Internet. Area wise listings are available and dealers can be contacted on the Internet for further details. Most gas grill dealers have their own websites that give a lot of information about the gas grill models that they deal in. Customers can go through this information at leisure and taken an informed decision on buying a gas grill.

Gas grill dealers also provide support services like help with gas leaks, repairs of gas grills, sourcing of spare parts and the like.

Manufacturers will also be able to guide you to gas grill dealers near your home. Just logging on to a gas grill manufacturer’s website will help you locate a gas grill dealer in your area.

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May 06

Diesel Pickup Trucks – Popular Models That Save You Money on Gas and Maintenance

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Because gas prices are climbing at a steady and steep rate, a lot of people who require the use of pickup trucks for their personal or professional lives find themselves suffering. Generally, those people who use trucks on a daily basis, especially for their jobs, need such a big vehicle because they are carrying heavy loads. In such cases, a lot of them prefer a pickup truck diesel rather than a gas powered truck, because these pickup truck diesels are specifically designed to tow or carry extremely heavy loads without showing ill effects. For the most part, the same Big Three names which make the more popular gas driven pickups also make up the most favored diesel engines: Dodge, GMC, and Ford. Harley Davidson, Cadillac, Nissan, Toyota, and even Mitsubishi all have at least one brand pickup truck diesel as well.

The capabilities of the exterior of a pickup truck diesel engine have an effect on their interiors, which are generally designed to be roomy and comfortable for the passengers, even when the truck is engaging in rough activities. For that reason, some sort of sound cushioning or even sound proofing is often incorporated. The windows are thick, the chassis is built solidly and sturdy, and there are usually double layers located within the doors. Most pickup truck diesel engines also have intake resonators and exhaust systems with low restriction, which further blocks out the effects of road noise and rough terrain.

Most pickup truck diesel engines come fitted with multiple valves which is designed to offer the maximum amount of power, which in turn allows diesel trucks to pull and carry heavier loads, thanks to high amounts of horsepower and torque – generally 300 horsepower or better, and 365 feet per pounds of torque or better. The majority of them also have electronic throttle control systems. These make for high quality transmissions which can handle all different types of altitudes equally well. Their steering systems are also advanced, because handling heavy loads safely and confidently is important.

It may be beneficial to look into purchasing a pickup truck diesel driven. Research shows that their outdoor capabilities can actually save money in terms of gas and maintenance, especially during a long run of time. That being said, they might be for everyone, but those who rely on their pickup trucks may want to consider them; they provide excellent standard safety features as well, which is just as important if your job requires you to frequently haul heavy loads or drive through rough terrain.

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May 06

A Rheem Gas Furnace is Quite the Addition to Any House

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With science and technology advancing ever forward, there are all kinds of new ways to look at heating systems for your household. A good residential furnace should last about twenty years, on the average. This can also be expected of the Rheem gas furnace. If you are needing to replace an old unit, it would be a good idea to do so as soon as possible. With the cost of fuel being so high and winter months nearly upon us, it is best to do the replacement now and benefit from the cost savings.

Traditionally, my homes have used oil furnaces for heating. For whatever reasons, I never felt comfortably warm. Wood stoves have been the only heating source that have kept me warm during the long New England months. However, I am now in my 50’s and wood heat is extremely high maintenance and no longer as practical. I decided to have a Rheem gas furnace installed in my home for this winter. Though it is only late October as I write this, we have already experienced several nights of frost, hurricane winds and 2 inches of snow. It can be bitter cold out there and I want to stay warm. So far, my new furnace is doing the job. I’ll be keeping a running journal of my experiences with this system throughout this first winter. Because I keep fuel receipts for several years, I’ll be able to do a cost comparison for myself.

For those of you who are thinking about making a switch to a Rheem gas furnace, you should be prepared for the process of installation. With my old oil furnace, hot water piping was used to heat my house. I didn’t have a duct system in place. Because I am also thinking about a cooling system for the summer months, some greater adaptations were required. No matter how well prepared one is for construction, it’s always unsettling to have holes cut in the floors of your house. Also, there is all kinds of wood dust as a result of this work. One thing I would urge, is that you discuss clean-up with the Rheem dealership. It may be that they will take the extra time to clean behind themselves, especially if they know how important this is to you.

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May 06

Baby Gas – My Baby Has Gas What Is The Best Baby Gas Relief?

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All babies and infants have gas; some babies have more gas then others. It is normal but it becomes a problem if your baby is bothered by it and is in a lot of pain. Of course you want your baby to be happy and content.

Why Can Baby Gas Cause Pain?

Babies are born with a very immature gut. Most experts agree that for the first thirteen weeks, the newborn digestive system is literally just learning to function. Newborns also lack the benevolent bacterial flora (probiotics) that develop over time to aid digestion. Gas can create gas pockets that get trapped in the upper and lower intestines. The gas acts like a cork and built-up pressure causes painful bloating and swelling of the stomach.

What can you do to help ease your baby`s gas pain?

Burping -

Make sure you burp your baby frequently while feeding; this will reduce the amount of air in your baby`s stomach. Burping is good but it will probably not help your baby totally get rid of the gas. There is gas created in the intestines during your baby`s normal digestion. The burping will not get rid of this gas.

Different ways of holding your baby -

Hold your baby with one hand, with his back against your stomach. With your free hand hold your baby`s one leg up so his/her knee is against his/her stomach. This will help your baby.

The football hold – hold your baby with face down resting her/his chin in your hand, on your forearm with baby`s legs straddling your elbow. Gentle pressure placed on your baby`s stomach can help baby`s gas.

Massage – Rub from ribcage to diaper one hand after the other, 15 times. Then bend baby`s legs to her/his stomach, count to 15. Then rub your baby`s stomach in a clockwise motion, 15 times. Bend baby`s legs to her/his stomach, count to 15. You can repeat this up to 3 times a day.

Bicycle move – Lay your baby on her/his back and move her/his legs like a bicycle. Make sure your baby lays on something soft and comfy.

Over-stimulation can sometimes cause baby gas. Do not over-stimulate your baby, it is ok to say no to visitors (even if it is hard). Sometimes some quiet and peace is all your baby need to decrease the degree of gassiness and fussiness.

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