The Flame Sculpture presented in this documentation incorporates key construction-related and operational elements for safe operation. These are:
¥ Low-pressure operation
A key safety feature is that the Flame Sculpture incorporates propane at atmospheric pressure in all pipe integral to the bamboo structure. This insures that no constant pressure differential exists in the piping and so there is no propensity for propane leak. Accordingly, all shutoffs and fail-safes are located at ground level under direct and manual operator control.
¥ Rated tubing, valves and couplings
All tubing, accumulators and couplers are built using industry rated components. All propane flow-handling parts were purchased from approved distribution hardware outlets. All pipe, tubing, connectors and sealant used are LP rated.
¥ Emergency shutoff
A 1/4-turn ball-valve shutoff is employed at the output of the accumulator. Emergency shutoff is also located at the propane tank primary valve.
¥ Propane used
The average flow of propane for all Flame Sculptures can range from 1 gallon of propane per hour (ambient mode) to 5 gallons of propane per hour. In ambient mode, Flame Sculpture propane use is commensurate with that of standard outdoor patio heaters or BBQs. The propane tanks employed in all Flame Sculptures are industry standard 5, 10 or 20-gallon propane tanks, complete with Overfill Protection Device (OPD) valves.
¥ Permits obtained and previous installations
Permits have repeatedly been obtained for Flame Sculptures in the City of Santa Barbara. Permits were issued for the dates of November 10th, 2005, December 2nd, 2005 and December 3rd, 2005. The Flame Sculptures have also been shown in large events, based in Los Angeles LA Decom 2005) and San Diego (SD: Xara 2005 and Decom 2005), where the requisite fire permits where secured by the event organizers. A permit was obtained August 10th, 2008, from the Division of Fire Safety in Trenton, NJ for operation of a bamboo-enclosed flame sculpture for the All Points West Music Festival in Liberty State Park. A permit was obtained for flame sculpture presentation in Downtown Los Angeles, for a Valentines Day art/music festival, from the LAFD on February 14th, 2009.
¥ Fire Safety
Flame Sculptures, during operation, all always attended by a trained operator. A fire extinguisher and first aid kit are located within reach at all times.