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Important
Disclaimer!
A gas turbine is a potentially very dangerous piece of machinery. The
information on this web site is only intended to describe how I have built my own gas
turbine and should not be taken as a safe, tested or approved method of building your own
turbine. If you do build one (or attempt to build one) you do so entirely at your own
risk. I (David Barr) do not accept any liability (express, implied or otherwise) for any
personal injury, injury to third parties, damage to property, damage to third party
property, actions for damages due to excessive noise or nuisance or any other actions
which may be brought against you in the event of you building or attempting to build a gas
turbine whether of your own design or of a design resembling in any way that described on
these pages.
If you still want to go ahead, please think about the following points: -
-
Don't even start building a turbine unless you have a reasonable
knowledge of mechanical engineering and the safety procedures relating to flammable gases,
electricity or rotating machinery. If you have any doubt about your abilities - don't do
it!
-
Turbines rotate very quickly - be careful of the inlet and exhaust ports
- fit a guard ASAP.
-
A TurboTurbine relies on lots of very hot gas. Most parts of the thing
will be very hot even though they don't look it. During my 1 week crash course, I received
more burns to fingers and hands than I usually care for. I also removed most of the hair
on my right arm (don't you just hate the smell of burning hair?) whilst testing the
combustor.
-
A vacuum cleaner starter and the turbine itself make a lot of noise -
wear ear defenders or earplugs. The vacuum cleaner does not sound too loud due to the high
pitch but you will notice an effect on your hearing after a few minutes (speaking from
experience and I only did it once!)
-
Propane gas is highly flammable (to state the obvious) - do yourself a
favour and buy a proper length of gas hose and hose clips, its the best money you will
spend.
-
Do not, I repeat DO NOT use the transformer from a microwave oven for a
spark ignitor! I experimented with one (I am a trained Engineer) and succeeded in burning
a hole in concrete as well as exploding 3 spark plugs. Just as well that I had the sense
to plug the thing in from 60 feet away on an extension lead. Glowing, flying, spark plug
ceramic is not user friendly!!! Then again 650 watts of high voltage energy isn't very
friendly to anything (except your dinner in the proper container!)
If anyone with more experience would like to add their comments please Email Me and I will be happy to add to
this page.
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