Smoke generator and method of controlling a smoke generation

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of controlling a smoke generator. The smoke generator is adapted to be connected to a supply of a pressurized gas and a supply of a smoke liquid and further comprises a valve to regulate the pressure of the gas, a fluid driving means, a mixing unit for mixing the smoke liquid and the gas, and a heat exchanger heating the mixture of the pressurized gas and the smoke liquid to vaporize the smoke liquid and form a smoke upon ejection into surrounding air. The control method according to the invention then comprises the steps of receiving a smoke density parameter indicative of a desired amount of smoke to be generated by the smoke generator, measuring a gas pressure at a position between the valve and the heat exchanger, and using these parameters in controlling the valve. The invention further relates to a smoke generator arranged for performing the control method.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a method of controlling a smoke generator which drives a mixture of smoke liquid and pressurized gas into a heat exchanger to vaporize the smoke liquid and form smoke when sprayed into the surrounding air. The invention further relates to a smoke generator adapted to implement a control method. Background technique [0002] Smoke generators are used in a variety of applications, such as in security applications to simulate fire as a drill aid, or in the entertainment industry, for example to create on-stage special effects or lighting effects. In the entertainment industry, smoke or mist created by smoke generators is particularly important for smoke effects, but is also critical for creating lighting and lighting effects, some of which, such as aerial beam effects, are only used in conjunction with fine diffuse mist becomes visible. [0003] Smoke generators generally work by driving liquid smoke into a heat exchange...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0009] It is further seen that existing smoke generators, where gas is normally delivered at relatively high pressure, have problems with clogging in the heat exchanger, which can occur where the required smoke output is reduced to very low levels

To avoid such clogging, the controls of the machine are usually programmed to not allow the smoke output to fall below a certain level, reducing the performance potential of the machine accordingly

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