Fake Fire Smoke Machine? 287 Most Correct Answers

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What is the smoke machine called?

A fog machine, fog generator, or smoke machine is a device that emits a dense vapor that appears similar to fog or smoke. This artificial fog is most commonly used in professional entertainment applications, but smaller, more affordable fog machines are becoming common for personal use.

How do you make fake smoke?

Fill a metal or plastic container half full of hot water and add a few pieces of dry ice every 5-10 minutes. As the water cools, you will need to add more hot water to maintain the fog effect. As a rule of thumb, one pound of dry ice will create 2-3 minutes of fog effect.

What is the difference between a smoke machine and a haze machine?

The effect of a low fogger is similar to that of a smoke machine– they are both designed to create a visual effect / impact, whereas a haze machine is designed to emphasize other effects such as lighting beams or lasers.

Fog machine

We are often asked what is the difference between these three special effects machines. So we thought we’d put this quick guide together to explain what the main differences are and what machine you should use to get the effect you want.

SMOKING MACHINE

Smoke machines, also known as smoke machines, use a special liquid to produce thick white smoke to create an impressive visual effect. They often come with a remote control to control the amount of smoke produced as well as the duration. Fog machines produce a similar effect to low fog machines, however, the heated smoke produced by fog machines rises and disperses throughout the room, while low fog machines produce cold liquid particles and the fog stays close to the ground.

Input: smoke liquid

Exit: smoke

Particles: smoke

Use smoke machines for: shows, concerts, parties, scary effects. Use it when you want the whole room to be smoky and not just the floor (low smoke machine).

LOW FOG MACHINE

A low-level fog machine (similar to dry ice machines) creates a dense, opaque fog that stays close to the ground to create a “walking-on-air” effect. Fog machines create this effect by cooling liquid onto liquid particles. A low fog machine will typically produce an intense burst of fog rather than a more subtle diffusion like a hazer. The effect of a low fogger is similar to that of a fog machine – both are designed to create a visual effect/impression, while a haze machine is designed to emphasize other effects such as beams of light or lasers.

There are two main types of low fog machines:

A dry ice machine – this uses solid dry ice and water. It’s a simpler method but doesn’t have the runtime of the cryogenic machine.

A cryogenic machine – this uses a liquid such as liquid CO2 gas and has a longer lasting effect.

Input: dry ice or liquid CO2 gas (depending on machine type)

Exit: low-lying fog

Particles: liquid droplets

Use low level smoke machine for: Weddings (especially for the first dance), shows, theaters, Halloween parties.

HAZE MACHINE

Haze machines, also known as “hazers”, can be oil or water based and are used to complement lighting effects. Haze machines produce a fine and subtle haze with long ‘hang time’ – the particles remain in the air for a long time before dissipating, making them ideal for use at shows and concerts. They produce a much more subtle and less noticeable effect than smoke or fog machines because they are designed to emphasize the lighting effects, allowing you to see rays and patterns that you would not normally see.

Input: fog liquid

Output: fine mist/haze

Particles: liquid droplets

Use haze machines for: shows, concerts, festivals and anywhere you want to emphasize lighting effects or create a foggy atmosphere. Perfect if you don’t want the thick, opaque effect of a smoke machine or smoke machine.

With each of these machines, there is a big difference between the cheaper versions and the professional machines. If you want quality, reliable performance at your event, go for the latter. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pay more, but you definitely get better value for your money. Professional machines usually have a continuous automatic cycle, which means they can work continuously without having to stop.

Contact our friendly team today for more information on renting a smoke, fog or haze machine.

Can you breathe smoke machine smoke?

The first is not safe to breathe, and the second creates a slip hazard. If you’re using a well-made fog machine from a reputable manufacturer, and you use the fog fluid specified by the machine’s manufacturer, then you should not encounter over- or under-heating.

Fog machine

There are different types of smoke machines, but this article is about the type that uses smoke fluid and converts it into a smoke-like effect. These are commonly used in haunted houses, on dance floors, and on stages.

There are many makes and models out there so it is impossible to say if all are safe but I will explain how they work so you can determine if yours is safe and most importantly how to make it as safe as possible use possible.

A fog machine takes fog liquid, heats it until it turns into a gas, and then ejects it into the air, where it condenses into tiny droplets. So first you need a fog fluid that is pure, clean and made with quality and safe ingredients, and then you need a machine that will heat the fog fluid you have to the right temperature for that particular liquid.

Fog fluids have two main components – an active and deionized water. The active ingredient can be propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, glycerine or a mixture thereof. The vaporization temperature varies for these ingredients, so you’ll want to use a fogger that’s compatible with the liquid you have. The safest way to do this is to use the exact liquid recommended in the smoke machine instructions.

If you overheat the fog fluid, unhealthy by-products are created. If you heat the fog fluid too little, fog fluid residues will form. The first is not safe to breathe, and the second creates a slip hazard. If you’re using a well-made fog machine from a reputable manufacturer and using the fog fluid specified by the machine’s manufacturer, you shouldn’t experience any overheating or underheating.

The other safety concerns associated with the machine stem from the fact that it draws power and gets hot. You should always connect the appliance to a suitably grounded outlet and if you use an extension cord, ensure that it is rated for the wattage of the appliance. Keep flammable objects away from the machine, provide adequate space and ventilation around it, do not leave it unattended while it is hot, and—most importantly—ensure the mist is shooting into an open space and not on people or other objects. Never touch the part of the machine where the mist comes out as it is hot enough to burn your skin.

In summary, properly manufactured smoke machines are safe to use provided you:

1) Use the correct fluid for your machine, and the fluid will be fresh and clean

2) Plug your device into an appropriate outlet or extension cord and all cords and plugs are dry and in good condition

3) Be careful that the heat of the machine and the hot mist output do not touch objects that may be damaged

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]

What can I use for a smoke machine?

Atomized Glycol Smoke Machines

15%-35% food grade glycerine to 1 quart distilled water.
125 ml glycerine to 1 liter distilled water. …
Unscented mineral oil (baby oil), with or without water. …
10% distilled water: 90% propylene glycol (dense fog)

Fog machine

Smoke, fog, haze and smoke machines create some exciting special effects. Have you ever wondered what makes the smoke? Have you always wanted to create the effect yourself? If so, you’re in luck because we’re about to unravel these mysteries. However, we will warn you that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing! If used improperly, the equipment and chemicals used to generate simulated smoke can be hazardous (toxic, burn hazard, suffocation hazard, fire hazard, etc.). Also, all types of smoke generators set off smoke detectors. I’m telling you how the effects are created, not advising you to make your own smoke. If you’re a serious do-it-yourselfer, read the article and then please follow the links I’ve provided to the right of this article, which have specific instructions and warnings from both pros and seasoned amateurs.

Dry ice and water make smoke (really fog)

Aside from using a smoke machine, this method is the easiest for most people, both in practice and in obtaining materials. Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide. You can create a dense fog by adding dry ice to hot water or steam. The carbon dioxide is vaporized to form a mist, and the rapid cooling of the surrounding air condenses water vapor in the air, further enhancing the effect.

Important points

Dry ice mist sinks to the ground.

The water temperature affects the properties of the fog. Hotter water or steam vaporizes the carbon dioxide faster, creating a lot of fog and also consuming the dry ice faster. If no fresh hot water or steam is added, the remaining water will cool down quickly.

A simple “smoke machine” can be made using a styrofoam cooler. Just add hot water and dry ice. Machines that use dry ice work by continuously heating water to get the fog flowing. There are also simple machines to make dry ice or air solidify.

Dry ice is cold enough to cause frostbite – use protective gloves when handling it.

Keep in mind that using dry ice increases carbon dioxide levels in the air where it is used. This can pose a respiratory hazard at ground level (or on the ground floor where appropriate), in enclosed spaces, or with large amounts of dry ice.

Liquid nitrogen makes real water mist

One of the great advantages of liquid nitrogen is that nothing extra is needed to generate fog. Liquid nitrogen evaporates and cools the air, causing water to condense. Nitrogen is the main component of air and is non-toxic.

Important points

Nitrogen mist sinks to the ground.

Smoke can be created by either allowing the nitrogen to outgas naturally or by using a fan to blow the “smoke” where it is desired.

Liquid nitrogen poses a serious hazard to the user. Although dry ice can cause frostbite, liquid nitrogen is cold enough to cause significant tissue damage and death. Do not use nitrogen unless you have received proper cryogenics training. Never use liquid nitrogen in a situation where other people have access to the nitrogen source.

As the nitrogen concentration increases, the oxygen concentration in a room decreases, posing a potential asphyxiation hazard.

Atomized Glycol Smoke Machines

Most fog machines use water mixed with glycol to create special effects. Many commercial smoking machines use “mist juice,” which is made up of glycols, glycerin, and/or mineral oil with varying amounts of distilled water. The glycols are heated and forced into the atmosphere under pressure to create a mist or haze. There are a variety of blends that can be used. Please refer to the reference bar to the right of this article for Material Safety Data Sheets for some example grades. Some homemade mist juice recipes are:

15% – 35% food-grade glycerin to 1 liter of distilled water 125 ml glycerin to 1 liter of distilled water

(Glycerine produces a “mist” at concentrations of 15% or less and more mist or smoke at concentrations greater than 15%.) Unscented mineral oil (baby oil), with or without water

(We cannot vouch for the safety of using mineral oil for fog juice) 10% distilled water: 90% propylene glycol (dense fog)

40% Distilled Water: 60% Propylene Glycol (Fast dissipating)

60% water: 40% propylene glycol (very fast dissolution) 30% distilled water: 35% dipropylene glycol: 35% triethylene glycol (long lasting mist) 30% distilled water: 70% dipropylene glycol (dense mist)

The resulting smoke should not smell “burnt”. If this is the case, the likely cause is too high an operating temperature or too much glycerin/glycol/mineral oil in the mixture. The lower the organic percentage, the cheaper the mist juice, but the mist will be lighter and won’t last as long. Distilled water is only required if a heat exchanger or other tubing is used in the system. Using a homemade fog mix in a commercial machine will almost certainly void the warranty, possibly damage the machine, and possibly create a fire and/or health hazard.

Important points

This type of fog is heated and rises or disperses at a higher level than dry ice or liquid nitrogen fog. Coolers can be used when low lying fog is desired.

Changing the mix or dispersion conditions of atomized glycols can create many special effects that are difficult to achieve with other simulated smoke types.

Glycols can be denatured by heat into highly toxic substances such as formaldehyde. This is one of the main problems with homemade smoking machines – they can work at a temperature incompatible with the substances used. This is also a hazard with homemade fog juice used in commercial machines.

Glycols, glycerin and mineral oil can all leave an oily residue, resulting in slick or sometimes slightly tacky surfaces. Be aware of the potential safety hazards, especially as the smoke can reduce visibility. Also, some people may experience skin irritation from exposure to glycol mist.

Some glycols are toxic and should not be used to create smoke. Ethylene glycol is toxic. Some glycols are sold as blends. Only non-toxic medical or pharmaceutical grade glycols should be used in smoking machines. Do not use antifreeze to make a fog mix. The ethylene glycol types are toxic and the propylene glycol types always contain undesirable impurities.

If water is used, it must be distilled water as hard water deposits can damage the nebulizer assembly.

Some of the chemicals that can be used for this type of smoke are flammable.

Real water vapor mist

In some cases, this type of simulated smoke is created by finely diffusing hot water or steam. The effect is similar to what happens when water is poured onto a hot stone in a sauna. In other cases, water vapor engines work by condensing water vapor from the air, as seen when opening a freezer door, for example. Many commercial fog machines use water vapor in some way.

Important points

What liquid is in a smoke machine?

What makes the smoke? The most common type of smoke machine are those which use a water-based fluid, which is made up mainly of pharmaceutical grade glycol and water. There may also be other harmless chemicals in the fluid.

Fog machine

SMOKING MACHINES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here for information on how to place an order

Can your smoke machines produce colored smoke / can I use colored smoke fluid?

No, this is not possible. Use colored filter lighting to color the smoke or use our electrically ignited theatrical colored pyrotechnic colored smoke cartridges. There is no way to create colored smoke from a colored fog fluid in a fog machine. Detailed answer…

Do you sell smoke machines that don’t require mains power?

Yes we do – our battery powered smoke machines and our outdoor gas powered smoke cannon. You can also use our pyrotechnic smoke pellets and electronically ignited colored smoke cartridges. The basic 1.1kW portable Rocket unit will easily run on any 1.5kVA power generator!

Do smoke machines/hazers set off fire alarms?

Two simple factors determine this:

– Density Level – Sensitivity Level / Detector Type

If the smoke or haze level is dense enough, both smoke machines and HAZER can trigger ionization/optical, Vesda (air sampling), or video smoke detector/detection systems, depending on the sensitivity level. However, heat or “temperature rise” detectors will NOT activate. A high-end haze emitter (e.g. Phantom haze emitter) is slightly less likely than a smoke machine to trigger smoke detection systems when used at low density.

If you are unsure what type of smoke alarm your venue has, contact the maintenance manager or, as a last resort, notify the fire department and conduct a dry run. You can also manually block smoke detectors by slipping a latex rubber glove over the detector, effectively preventing smoky air from reaching the particle sensors.

If you need to test smoke detectors, one of our machines will blow smoke towards the detector to set it off. We also supply special units that heat the smoke so it rises like a real fire.

Can I use any brand of smoke fluid in my smoke machine?

Our work would certainly be easier if the answer was yes, but unfortunately the answer is NO and here’s why:

Smoke generators are designed for a specific mix of chemicals with specific boiling ranges. Using a smoke fluid based on say propylene glycol and water, which has a relatively low boiling range, through a glycerin/water generator set (which has a much higher boiling range) can potentially crack the chemical, forming nasty and potentially toxic compounds ( acrolein, aldehydes, etc.). Even changing the amount of water in a mix can have an effect.

All major UK manufacturers agree on the potential dangers of mixing and matching smoke chemicals and emphasize that so-called ‘generic smoke liquids’ cannot be relied upon to produce consistent and safe smoke in any generator. Unfortunately, using generic fluids or having the wrong fluid in the machine keeps our service and parts department busy.

Safe smoke that is non-toxic to breathe is your responsibility!

Using a generic smoke chemical instead of the manufacturer-recommended liquid leaves you open to all possible remedies in terms of health and safety, your machine’s reliability, and maintenance costs. It’s just not worth the risk.

Do smoke machines make you cough?

No they shouldn’t – and if you’ve experienced coughing it may be because the operator is using the wrong fluid or a cheap “generic” smoking fluid to save money – which we strongly advise against (see question above). If you have respiratory problems or are asthmatic, we recommend that you avoid going into an environment with heavy smoke. Occasionally people experience a psychosomatic reaction when they see smoke and cough as a result (although the smoke does not cause this reaction in a physical sense). Contrary to popular belief, our modern oil based thermally generated smoke/vapor systems like the Phantom are unlikely to affect those with a medical condition related to their respiratory tract as it does not produce hygroscopic particles (i.e. does not absorb moisture). dry out throats and eyes). You may contact us for more information.

How important are the specified smoke emission quantities?

Smoke output rates, usually given in cubic feet or cubic meters per minute, are numbers given by smoke machine manufacturers to illustrate how much smoke their units can produce. The main problem, however, is that there is never a density level of smoke given by volume, making these output rates pretty useless and very often exaggerated. Unlike water or air, smoke can vary in density from very thin to extremely dense. So, without mentioning how dense the smoke is in that given starting volume, what does that mean? Even a small smoke machine can produce 20,000 cfm, but the smoke spreading in a volume of 20,000 cubic feet would be very thin. The volume specification does not indicate the density, ie how thick or thin the smoke actually is in this room volume, would therefore be technically correct! Whether you’d be comfortable with a barely fuzzy density level when conducting fire training or trying to visualize airflow is another question. Without specifying at least a visibility range, any smoke delivery is speculative and not necessarily accurate or consistent with other manufacturers’ claims. For a more realistic comparison, it is best to compare the wattages of the heat exchangers.

Can smoke from your smoke machines be routed through lengths of hose?

In most cases yes, it is possible. Detailed answer…

Can I use a smoke machine in the UK or Ireland since the public smoking ban?

The Health Act 2006 provisions on smoking make it a criminal offense to possess lit tobacco in a smoke-free environment. Therefore, the subject of smoking machines is not discussed, unless the smoke comes from lit tobacco – which – with none of our products – is the case!

Are fog machines poisonous?

Not if you use the officially recommended liquid – otherwise we wouldn’t be selling it!

Detailed answer…

Can I add fragrance/scent additives to the smoke fluid to give it an aroma?

We do not sell smoke fluid flavor additives as a technical report carried out by Brunel University on behalf of the Fire Brigade Union in the UK recommended that any additives added to smoke chemicals to either add fragrance or to color the chemical should be removed a large number of these additives have been found to be related to known carcinogens.

We’re often asked if liquids are designed to add an electrical fault or burnt smell, but here’s another problem: how do you know if your facility has a real electrical fault or fire, or if it’s a simulated smell?

Do you sell used equipment?

We do that occasionally. These are usually decommissioned rental machines or aggregates that are used for demonstrations. Please visit our clearance page to view the current list of available items. This list is updated in real time, so if it’s not on the list, we don’t have it!

Can I put sanitizer in your smoke machines?

We are happy to provide our customers with smoke and aerosol generation devices to use with our water-based fog liquids, which contain active ingredients that are naturally bactericidal.

Customers can use their own disinfection chemicals in the units, but in this case we cannot guarantee the safety, efficiency, flammability, etc. of the resulting mist and cannot guarantee the equipment or the resulting effect. The machine that might be best suited for this type of application would be the Rocket with refillable canister(s) if you are using your own chemical or battery powered Mini Rocket for maximum portability.

Where are your fog machines made?

To help customers make informed choices when purchasing equipment, here are the locations where the fog machines and fluids are manufactured:

All pea soup machines, liquids and pellets are made in England. Likewise Le Maitre, Jem, Artem, Concept and most Rosco machines, as well as Le Maitre pyrotechnics. Look Solutions machines and liquids are made in Germany. Antari machines and fluids are made in Taiwan. The alternative “Antari-approved” fluids are made in France. DF50 units are manufactured in the United States. Rosco fog fluid is manufactured in Spain and the USA.

Other questions:

What do people use smoke machines for?

Which fog machine do you recommend?

Why should I buy a professional machine instead of a cheaper variant?

What are the safety instructions for using fog machines?

How long does the smoke hang in the air?

How long does fog machine take to heat up to operate?

Can I vent smoke through a piece of hose?

How do I clean my smoke machine?

What is “dry ice”?

What is the difference between dry ice, liquid nitrogen, oil and water based foggers?

How do smoke and fog coolers work?

What is a hazer?

What is the difference between a fog machine and a hazer?

How much is fog machine fluid?

Do I have to use the fluid that the manufacturer makes for my machine?

Why is fog machine fluid so expensive?

How did “dry ice” get its name?

Can I buy smoke liquid that produces colored smoke?

What are “smart lights”?

Are fog machines suitable for use in areas with high humidity?

What is the difference between a smoke machine and a smoke machine?

The terms “smoke machine” and “fog machine” both refer to the same type of device.

“Fog machine” is the term more commonly used in the United States, and “fog machine” is the term primarily used in the UK and Europe. Technically, the correct terminology is “fog machine” since the dictionary definition of fog is “airborne liquid particles” (smoke/fog machines always vaporize liquid), while smoke is “airborne solid particles”. Tradition along with product descriptions over the decades has created this nickname weakness.

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What is a smoke machine?

A smoke machine is an electromechanical unit that creates clouds of smoke on demand. Smoke machines are used in theaters, nightclubs, film and television studios, theme parks, and other entertainment applications to create a smoke or fog effect that creates the illusion of fog, steam, smoke from a fire, and many other effects. They are also used to generate “safe smoke” in fire training scenarios, leak testing buildings and containers, testing the efficiency of extraction systems and airflow in wind tunnels. Their size can range from that of a small water bottle to units that need to be mounted on a truck.

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How does a smoke machine work?

A smoke machine, in its simplest terms, is a very hot heating element through which a special liquid is pumped and vaporized, creating smoke vapor that exits the machine through the nozzle. Electronic circuitry keeps the heater block in the smoke machine between certain temperatures – too hot and the machine can “crack” the chemical passing through it, creating toxic elements (or worse, turning into a flamethrower) – too cold and it creates a moist mist that leaves residue or shoots out hot liquid.

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what makes the smoke

The most common type of smoking machines are those that use a water-based liquid composed primarily of pharmaceutical grade glycol and water. There may also be other harmless chemicals in the liquid. Other types of fog machines are dry ice machines that produce a low-lying heavy fog using dry ice (solid carbon dioxide), liquid nitrogen (which also produces a low-lying fog), oil-based fog machines (in principle similar to water-based machines). , but uses an oil rather than a water base – the smoke can withstand much higher temperatures and is much denser) and hazers (water based haze generators used primarily to accent lighting than for traditional “smoke” effects).

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How much do smoke machines cost?

Smoking machine prices vary widely, but as the Romans used to say, “talia expensa sic empta” – you get what you pay for! We supply machines from the most reputable and enduring companies who have a proven track record of reliability and excellent service, from their own experience, should the need arise.

It’s not in our interest to supply fog machines that are unreliable – so we just don’t do it!

Smoke machines capable of running at high output continuously cost more, but always have the power available for larger and more varied applications and never require a reheat dead zone.

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Where can I buy a fog machine?

Pea Soup supply directly the largest range of smoking machines in the UK and export all over the world – see product listing.

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Where can I rent a fog machine?

Pea Soup hire out smokers in the UK – check out the hire smokers page.

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Do you repair smoke machines?

Pea Soup only repairs the machines we sell. We can also supply spare parts only for the machines we sell. Please contact us for more information. Sorry, we do not offer repair service for home use/home party smoke machines that we do not sell (e.g. SoundLab, ProSound, QTFX, KAM, Skytec, Argos, Maplin, etc.).

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Can I place my order over the internet?

Yes, online orders are welcome for UK mainland delivery. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Visa Delta, Visa Electron, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB and Eurocard. Click here for ordering instructions.

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Can I place my order without a credit/debit card?

Yes. Once you have selected the machine, fluid and/or accessories you require, email or call us and we will email or fax you a quote, which you can pay by bank transfer or check . Full step-by-step instructions can be found on the order page. We also accept (and prefer) payments via BACS transfer. Contact us for the details.

Public Sector: We accept orders.

Large companies: The first 3 orders must be paid pro forma. Please email us your order. The minimum net order value for orders on account is €150.00 excl. VAT.

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Do you export your products abroad?

Yes! We regularly export the portable, heavy-duty, oil-based and 12V DC machines worldwide, our Peasouper dry ice machine and other models. Please contact us for a shipping quote before placing an order.

USA delivery

Please visit our smoke machine page for smoke machines available to US residents.

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What do people use smoke machines for?

In theatre, television and film to create fire effects, fog (weather) and other special effects such as B. low-lying fog,

In fire safety training, to add realism to the scenario,

Leak testing for visual indication of leaks in buildings, tanks, piping, exhaust, HVAC systems, etc.

For air flow measurements to visualize air flows in rooms,

For wind tunnel testing and for testing airflow in tunnels and on structures of cars, airplanes, etc.

In theme parks and rides to create atmosphere and special effects,

In nightclubs to spot rays of light

For parties,…

…and many other uses!

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Which fog machine do you recommend?

If you need help selecting a machine for your specific application, please contact us for friendly advice. They vary widely in features and price, and some are better suited to certain applications than others.

Why not try our smoke machine selector to choose a smoke machine that suits your needs?

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Why should I get a professional machine instead of a cheaper variant?

Professional machines are designed for years of hard service in fixed installations or mobile applications. Most don’t have a “dead zone,” meaning they’re always ready to smoke on command. They will also be able to produce a lot more smoke much faster than cheap machines. Cheaper machines tend to automatically disable the pump while heating back up to temperature (the infamous “dead zone”!), and if you’re using the machine in a time-sensitive operation (e.g. set hints for smoke appearance), This dead zone can occur during reheating just when you need to run the machine on demand. The dead zone can last up to 1 minute – sometimes longer. Many professional machines are capable of continuously producing thick, dry, white fog and can produce massive amounts of fog when needed.

We sell so many of our smoke machines to customers who have previously bought cheap £40.00 ‘party’ machines from other retailers which have failed after just a few weeks. In the long term, using these “toy” machines for professional applications is a mistake. You will see a world of difference when you buy a machine that is “fit for purpose”.

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Are fog machines dangerous?

Not if used sensibly and with common sense. The only danger is when opening the cases (therefore risk of electric shock – as with any electronic device) or touching the cases of certain devices (these can become very hot and possibly burn you). The smoke that comes out of the smoke nozzle can also be very hot and there are often warnings on the machine itself. In no case do not touch the nozzle where the smoke comes from – it is always very hot (200 degrees Celsius +) when the device is switched on (and quite a long time after it is switched off, until it has completely cooled down). .

Manufacturers often warn that you should not install the machine where the public can touch it or touch the hot smoke that is produced. The recommended distance is between 50 cm and 3 meters. If the smoke is going to be in a public area, one way to get around this safety recommendation is to use exhaust pipes so you can keep the machine far away. Smoking machines should always be used in a well-ventilated area. In addition, if the temperature control of the device does not work, it is advisable not to install a machine above people’s heads.

You must be very careful when using dry ice smoking machines indoors as the carbon dioxide produced displaces the oxygen in the air and can cause asphyxiation. Actors shouldn’t really get into the smoke. There are alternatives to dry ice for low lying smoke such as: B. Cooling units for normal smoke machines and special all-in-one low smoke generators. Think of the poor musicians in the orchestra pit! The humidity in the cloud of dry ice fog sometimes puts their instruments out of tune. See the machine manual for details.

The fluid recommended by the machine manufacturer must be used. Using other liquids can not only damage the machine (and void the warranty), but also create toxins in the smoke or cause the machine to produce a damp mist that leaves residue on surfaces. Even a slight change in the smoke fluid mix can cause this. Safe, non-toxic smoke is your responsibility!

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Are smoking machines a health hazard?

The smoke produced by the water or oil based smoke machines we sell is non-toxic and safe if you use the right liquid. For more information, please refer to the health and safety documents for each type of smoke fluid we supply, which can be found on each smoke fluid product information page. Dense, water-based smoke can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation in certain people with asthma or breathing problems. It is not advisable to make or use a homemade smoke liquid mixture. Always use professionally made liquid. Non-toxic smoke is your responsibility. You can search for: ESTA – Fog and Smoke Working Group – Investigating the Health Effects of Fog and Smoke.

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What are the safety instructions for using fog machines?

For water/oil based machines:

The nozzle and sometimes parts of the smoke machine body (except the handle) become very hot. Do not touch the hot areas. The areas that become hot may be marked with a warning label. The smoke coming out of the nozzle is quite hot and it is always advisable not to go closer than 50cm in front of it. It should not be installed where the public can get closer than 50cm to the smoke from the nozzle. Smoke machines should not be installed directly above the heads of the audience. Sometimes they can spit hot liquid out of their nozzle, which can burn. Fog machines are very high power electrical devices, often consuming more than 1 kW of electricity. So be careful not to use them in humid places like outdoors or places where they can get wet.

For dry ice machines:

Dry ice is below zero and can cause frostbite if handled with bare hands. Always use special gloves when handling dry ice. Dry ice should not be stored in airtight containers.

Don’t lie down in the dry ice fog. You could choke. The CO2 produced by dry ice is a suffocating agent because it displaces oxygen. Dry ice machines boil water. This water is not only very hot but also very heavy, so it is advisable not to bother lifting these heavy machines alone.

ALSO: Please be careful when refilling smoke machines with liquid – wipe up spills as people can slip on the liquid left on the ground (it’s slippery than water).

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How long does the smoke hang in the air?

We supply various smoke liquids that spread at different speeds. Some, like Le Maitre’s Quick Dispersing Fluid and Antaris Super Fast Dissipating Fluid, can disperse as quickly as vapor and disappear seconds shortly after exiting the fogger’s nozzle, making them excellent for effects where large fog formation is undesirable . Other liquids produce smoke that lingers in the air for hours. The performance of our Phantom Hazer sticks for 3 – 4 hours + and can remain steady even in very hot environments. It all depends on the application and the smoke machine used, but if the smoke machine is in a theater or other location where ventilation is an issue, a fairly fast dispersing liquid should be used to keep the location from fogging up quickly. A nightclub would typically use a long lasting liquid so the smoke picks out rays of light and so they don’t have to constantly activate the smoke machine which tends to draw attention (or ideally use a haze).

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How long does fog machine take to heat up to operate?

Some conventional machines take a minute or two, some five or ten, and some longer. In general, the heat-up time is given on our product information page. Many cheaper “home” party smoke machines have a “dead zone” in which the smoke machine must be reheated and will not operate during that time. This can be a problem when smoke needs to appear on cue, such as on TV or film or in a theatre, but is usually fine for parties or home use when it’s not that much of a problem.

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Do you sell machines that can be operated without electricity?

Yes – our battery powered smoke machines and gas powered outdoor smoke cannon. We also have a 12 volt vehicle security smoke screen for your vehicle safety and a 24 volt device. You can also use our smoke pellets which are compact and affordable (UK only).

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Can I vent smoke through a piece of hose?

Duct adapters are available on most smoke machines to allow the connection of a flexible duct hose to the front of the machine for remote smoke placement. It is critical that there is a gap between the fog machine outlet nozzle and the exhaust hose opening. Smoke needs good airflow to properly form vapor (mist) as it exits the machine’s nozzle, while at the same time drawing air into the opening of the duct. Therefore, directly attaching the hose to the machine’s exit nozzle without an air gap is wrong and will lead to very wet smoke, condensate in the hose and other problems.

If smoke is coming out of the machine end of the hose you are attempting to lay down, this is due to a narrowing of the hose further down or an attempt to direct smoke into an area or room with higher air pressure than the room where the smoke machine is located.

For our own machines, we recommend only discharging smoke up to 25mm, and then only for 4 meter hose lengths. In general, the rule of thumb is “the bigger the better” when it comes to choosing a duct hose diameter, and this can allow for a hose length of up to 10 meters without incurring “friction losses” and creating “back pressure” when the smoke tries to escape at the To exit the same end of the hose, try pushing it down. A larger diameter hose allows the smoke particles to travel down more freely without colliding with each other and the walls of the hose.

The deposit of condensed smoke liquid is inevitable in any duct system. Choosing a Pea Soup brand smoke machine, with its tiny smoke particle size, will minimize this buildup. (Rocket and Dragon and our smoke generators PS31 and PS33).

Fans can be used to push smoke out, effectively clearing the hose of smoke after each dispense. Dies minimiert die Ablagerung und verleiht dem Rauch einen positiven Druck, ideal bei der Durchführung von Lecktests. Unser Radialgebläse kann Rauch direkt ansaugen. Sie können aber auch Ihren eigenen Kanal-Y-Splitter so gestalten, dass saubere Luft von einem einfachen Inline- oder Computer-Lüfter in einen Stiel gedrückt wird, wo sie sich mit dem Rauch der Nebelmaschine verbindet, der den anderen Stiel des Y herunterkommt. Der resultierende gemischte Nebel und Luft tritt unter leichtem Druck aus dem Schlauch aus.

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Wie reinige ich meine Rauchmaschine?

Nach einer Weile können Rauchmaschinen mit Kohlenstoff verstopft sein – ein natürliches Nebenprodukt beim Erhitzen von Rauchfluid. Nebelfluid kann eine ziemlich viskose Flüssigkeit sein, daher ist es fast unvermeidlich, dass die Maschine mit der Zeit verstopft. Um dies zu vermeiden, befolgen Sie die Anweisungen, die Sie mit Ihrer Rauchmaschine erhalten, um sie zu reinigen. Einige empfehlen einen Liter destilliertes Wasser pro 5 Liter Flüssigkeit, die die Maschine verbraucht, andere empfehlen Wasser und weißen Essig nach 40 Stunden Dauerbetrieb. Es ist fraglich, ob das Durchleiten einer Säure durch die Pumpe, die Flüssigkeitsleitungen, die Dichtungen und den Heizblock nicht viel nützt, und letztendlich jeglicher Essig, der in einer dieser Komponenten verbleibt, wenn Sie anfangen, Rauchflüssigkeit in der Maschine zu verwenden wieder verdampft, starten Sie die Maschine am besten im Freien neu.

Wenn Sie eine Rauchmaschine für längere Zeit lagern, kann es hilfreich sein, sie vor der Lagerung mit entionisiertem Wasser zu durchströmen. Dies ist nicht erforderlich, wenn das Gerät täglich verwendet wird, zB in einer Besucherattraktion. Sie können Sie auch anweisen, Teile der Düse zu zerkleinern und sauber zu bürsten, da sie auch mit Kohlenstoff beschichtet werden können. Hier ist ein wartungsfähiger Heizblock sinnvoll, wie er in unseren Maschinen (Rocket und Dragon) zu finden ist. Unsere PS31- und PS33-Rauchgeneratoren, die sich nach jeder Rauchausgabe selbst reinigen, was bedeutet, dass der Heizblock nie verstopft, und wir haben auch eine optionale Luftleitungsspülfunktion in unserer Dragon-Einheit, die auf Sonderbestellung hergestellt werden kann.

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Was ist „Trockeneis“?

Trockeneis ist festes Kohlendioxidgas. Es wird Trockeneis genannt, weil es beim „Schmelzen“ seinen Zustand von einem Feststoff direkt zu einem Gas ändert, ohne jemals flüssig zu werden. Dieser Vorgang wird als Sublimation bezeichnet. Wenn Trockeneis in kochendes Wasser gegeben wird, sublimiert es und erzeugt diese Wolken aus dichtem, schwerem Nebel – kalter Wasserdampf und CO2, das am Boden haftet (weil es kalt und dichter als Luft ist). Der Nebel ist geruchs- und farblos, da er buchstäblich aus Wassertropfen besteht (und daher die Bühne leicht nass verlassen kann). Der Peasouper ist eine Trockeneismaschine, die diesen Effekt für eine bequeme Verwendung in sich birgt.

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Was ist der Unterschied zwischen Nebelmaschinen auf Trockeneis-, Flüssigstickstoff-, Öl- und Wasserbasis?

Trockeneis- und Flüssigstickstoff-Nebelmaschinen erzeugen beide mit Wasser einen schweren, tief liegenden Nebeleffekt. Die Materialien, die sie verwenden, um dies zu schaffen, können für die meisten Menschen schwierig zu beschaffen und schwer zu lagern sein, und der Effekt kann jetzt bei Bedarf durch neue elektronische Versionen auf Wasserbasis problemlos erzeugt werden. Trockeneis gibt jedoch wirklich leise den größten tief liegenden Nebeleffekt. Wenn Sie also einen lokalen Trockeneislieferanten finden (oder es mit speziellen Aufsätzen für große Flüssig-CO2-Zylinder selbst herstellen können), ist Ihr Leben einfacher.

Es ist bekannt, dass große US-Themenparks LN2-Nebelgeräte verwenden, da sie eine hervorragende und zuverlässige Wirkung erzielen und keine Rückstände oder chemischen Verschmutzungen hinterlassen. Es verteilt sich auch schnell und verursacht selbst bei empfindlichen Asthmatikern keine Reizung (der Großteil der Luft, die wir atmen, besteht aus Stickstoff). Sie verwenden auch druckbeaufschlagte Wassernebelnebelgeräte in vielen Wasserrutschen, die nur normales Wasser unter hohem Druck verwenden (niedrige Betriebskosten bei starker Beanspruchung).

Nebelmaschinen auf Ölbasis erzeugen Rauch, der viel höheren Temperaturen standhalten kann als Nebel auf Wasserbasis. Ideal für Brandschutzschulungen, die auch echte Flammen beinhalten können (Rauch auf Wasserbasis würde einfach verdampfen und in den Flammen verschwinden, wenn er zusammen mit ihnen verwendet wird). Auf Öl basierende Maschinen, die wir liefern, sind weniger toxisch – die Verweilzeit des Rauchs ist so lang, dass Sie viel weniger Rauchchemikalien in der Luft haben als bei Systemen auf Wasserbasis. Rückmeldungen von Kunden deuten darauf hin, dass das Einatmen für Personen, die an bestehenden Atemproblemen leiden, weniger irritierend ist. Sie sind auch ideal für Brandübungsszenarien, da sich der Rauch bei hohen Temperaturen nicht wie bei einem Rauch auf Wasserbasis bildet oder verschwindet.

Maschinen auf Wasserbasis sind heute die “Standard”-Nebelmaschinen in Unterhaltungsanwendungen. Es gibt viele verschiedene Arten von Flüssigkeiten auf Wasserbasis, die lange in der Luft hängen oder sich schnell wie Dampf verteilen. Es ist der einfachste Weg, kontrollierbaren Rauch zu einem vernünftigen Preis zu erzeugen, was einer der Gründe ist, warum es am beliebtesten ist.

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Wie funktionieren Rauch- und Nebelkühler?

Nebelkühler kühlen den herkömmlichen „heißen“ Rauch einer herkömmlichen Nebelmaschine auf Minustemperaturen, sodass er ähnlich wie Trockeneis oder flüssiger Stickstoff zu Boden sinkt. They can save money in the long-term for installations, as dry ice and liquid nitrogen can be expensive to deliver and doesn’t last very long, even if correctly stored. Special molecular or quick dispersing fluid is used with fog chillers for two reasons – it makes the fog last the same length of time that dry ice fog would before disappearing, and if longer lasting fluid was used when the smoke warms up again it will rise and fill the room with normal fog that hangs in the air.

Le Maitre make a popular fog chiller unit. They convert fog from the normal smoke machine into heavy fog by chilling the fog to sub-zero temperatures using a liquid CO2 cylinder. It’s so much more easy and convienient than dry ice and more easily stored for longer lengths of time.

Other chiller units are simply large refrigeration systems. They don’t use any CO2.

Be aware that some ‘fog chillers’ require you to put dry ice or conventional water ice into them to chill the fog (which doesn’t make them as convienient as chillers that don’t use ice, but the dry ice will last longer and doesn’t produce water after melting so nothing needs to be drained away).

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What is a hazer?

A proper hazer is a machine that creates a very fine even haze which is used to enhance lighting beams. Hazers don’t create clouds of thick smoke like smoke machines for special effects. They’re favoured by television studios as the haze is almost invisible (for the cameras to see through it) yet it picks out light beams like smoke does. There is a glut of cheap hazers which are actually no more than a small smoke machine with a fan which inevitably produce a very cloudy, ‘clumpy’ effect. We don’t sell those because we don’t think they provide a very good haze effect. See our hazers available.

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What is the difference between a smoke machine and a hazer?

Smoke machines create thick white smoke, whereas hazers create a thinner haze effect which is barely visible but can definitely be seen when beams of light strike it. Hazers are often used when the blast of smoke from a smoke machine would be too intrusive or noisy. The visibility of smoke created by smoke machines means they’re used for special effects, fire training, and all of the other applications mentioned on this site. Hazers can be left to operate continuously and inconspicuously. Most cheap hazers are just glycol smoke machines with a fan. Proper glycerine hazers (MVS, Neutron), oil crackers (DF50) and thermal oil hazers (Phantom Hazer) are what are described as ‘professional hazers’.

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How much does smoke machine fluid cost?

Check out our list of all smoke fluid we sell for prices. It can differ considerably for the more specialist mixes such as those which create a fog that disperses quickly or that is specially designed for use in the fog chiller units mentioned in an earlier question. Different fluid types made by different manufacturers cost different amounts, which is why ‘generic’ smoke fluids are seen as a cheap alternative. On the container it will say “suitable for use in most smoke machines”. This is potentially dangerous. Only the recommended fluid should be used in your machine – see next question.

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Do I have to use the fluid that the manufacturer makes for my machine?

This is a very good question. When you buy a smoke machine, the instruction manual you receive with it will tell you that you must use fluid that has been made by the same manufacturer for that machine. Using other types of fluid will invalidate the warranty and could damage the machine. Other fluids may work in the machine, but by no means all. They may create a sub-standard smoke that is unpleasant to breathe and contain toxins that can damage your health, or leave a residue on surfaces. They could also damage your machine. If you do use another manufacturer’s fluid in your machine and need to get it repaired under warranty, the first thing the service engineer will do is use a special indicator to see if you’ve used the correct fluid or not. You will either then be charged for the repair, or it will be sent back to you unrepaired. If you want to see your smoke machine last a long time, we recommend you use the manufacturer’s fluid. It is optimised for use in your machine and specifically tested and proven to be safe.

The main reason smoke generator manufacturers state that the chemical used should be their own is that generators are designed around a specific mixture of chemicals, with specific boiling ranges. Using a smoke fluid that for example is based on propylene glycol/water, which has a relatively low boiling range, through a generator set for glycerine / water (with a much higher boiling range) potentially can crack the chemical, forming unpleasant and potentially toxic compounds (acroleins, aldehydes etc). Even changing the percentage of water in a fluid mixture can have an effect.

A number of years ago all the major UK smoke machine manufacturers prepared and signed a joint letter stressing the dangers, or more accurately potential dangers of mixing and matching smoke chemicals, stressing that so called generic smoke chemicals simply could not be relied upon to produce a consistent and safe smoke in every generator.

The use of generic smoke chemical in place of the manfacturer’s recommended fluid leaves you wide open to all sorts of legal recourse relating to health & safety, reliability of your machine and servicing costs.

Safe smoke that is non-toxic to breathe in is your responsibility.

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Why is some smoke machine fluid expensive?

Manufacturers use very pure pharmaceutical grade ingredients which have an impurity factor of one per billion or similar (very pure) plus the cost of transportation of bulky heavy fluid containers, often from overseas. Hazer fluid generally costs more than ‘normal’ smoke machine fluid, as it tends to be more concentrated, containing more active ingredient and less water than more traditional glycol based fog fluid.

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Where does ‘dry ice’ get its name?

Because the ice is cold (sub-zero) but never gets wet when it melts because it sublimates (see earlier question) turning directly from a solid to a gas without ever becoming a liquid, unlike water ice.

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Can I buy smoke fluid that makes coloured smoke?

No. Fluid that creates coloured fog has been tried, has never satisfactorily worked without seriously damaging the smoke machine and is not available anywhere. The best way to make coloured smoke is to use normal smoke fluid (white smoke) and to colour wash the smoke with coloured lighting. The white fog particles defract the light and make it look like coloured smoke.

You may see certain smoke fluids are coloured themselves (usually green, red, blue, pink) but the smoke released is white. This is simply a colour indicator to let you know what type of fluid it is in the bottle so you don’t confuse them (say, quick dispersing or long lasting).

The alternative is to use theatrical coloured smoke pyrotechnics that actually make proper, real coloured smoke – but they have the potential to stain fabrics and materials the smoke comes into contact with and you should avoid breathing the smoke in.

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What are “intelligent lights”?

Intelligent lights are light fixtures whose beams move and change colour and pattern. They can either use a mirror which moves the projected beam of light (scans or scanners), or move the whole lantern body (moving head). They often use DMX control via a computerised control system. Often used at concerts, discotheques, outdoor events, on TV and in the theatre.

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Are fog machines suitable for use in areas of high humidity?

The Rocket and PS31 / PS33 smoke systems are available in stainless steel metalwork shells to special order at extra cost. This option is recommended for heavy duty / high usage applications such as fire training, or where the equipment is likely to be used in areas of high humidity.

We also produce our Micro and Mini Rocket units in stainless steel for clean room applications, and an IP65 rated version of the Dragon.

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We have an interesting smoke machine information section (well, we think it’s interesting!) with reviews, tips, location reports and more.

Do smoke machines trigger fire alarms?

SMOKE MACHINES

Smoke particles can also set off fire alarms in venues.

Fog machine

SMOKING MACHINES

Smoke machines produce a cloud of smoke that lingers in the air and is often used to accentuate lighting effects or as a theatrical effect. The smoke of conventional smoke machines is created by pumping smoke liquid (a slightly thickened transparent liquid) onto a heating plate, which vaporizes it into white smoke.

These traditional smoke machines are good for creating a large cloud of dense smoke quickly, but can cause line of sight issues, and the smoke doesn’t necessarily dissipate very quickly.

Smoke particles can also set off fire alarms in venues.

HAZE

Haze is similar to smoke in its use and production, but more subtle. It is used to create a slightly hazy atmosphere (hence the name!) that allows light and lasers to create beams that traverse space. It’s not as thick as traditional smoke and the intensity can be adjusted via a lighting console. It is often used in conjunction with stage fans to disperse and evenly fill a venue.

It’s a common misconception that haze machines don’t set off fire alarms. They’re less likely than smoke machines, but it’s still a very real possibility and so isolating the fire alarm in a building before using one is still recommended.

Haze hangs in the air but eventually dissipates.

DRY ICE

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2) and, like regular ice, comes in chunks. When thrown into water, it produces a very dense smoke that tends to fall to the ground in medium to high ambient temperatures.

A dry ice machine, or sometimes colloquially “pea soup” is the name for a machine used at live events to aid in the smoking process. This is essentially a large bath that keeps the water warm and allows the dry ice to be lowered safely.

Dry ice is extremely cold and very dangerous when touched with bare hands. It should only be handled by competent and experienced technicians.

People often see dry ice effects on TV and want to create these effects for their events. Creating a dry ice effect on a large scale (e.g. on a large stage) can be very expensive as the dry ice is expensive. Also, achieving the effect seen at popular talent shows requires a very controlled environment with high ambient temperatures and minimal airflow in the venue. Even the slightest air movement in a venue can blur the smoke effect.

When the smoke warms up to room temperature, the smoke disappears and turns into an invisible gas. There is no smoke in the air keeping line of sight clear.

CHILLED LOW FOG

The dry ice effect can be created by supercooling smoke from a conventional smoke effect. This can be done on a small and simple level, simply by forcing smoke through a bucket of ice, and this method is sometimes used for amateur theater shows. There are also professional coolers that cool the smoke. These tend to be quite expensive, but can be effective in some environments.

The disadvantage of this method is that when heated, the smoke rises and sometimes cannot achieve the desired look.

CO2 EFFECTS

CO2 is often used to create a large, instantaneous and rapid jet of cold smoke. It does this by allowing CO2 gas to flow freely from a gas tank. This can be used for stage smoke effects where residual smoke is unsuitable. It can also produce an interesting effect when sprayed directly onto a dance floor, which is common practice overseas, but there are concerns about the safety of this practice and it is not generally practiced in the UK.

PYTCH has a wide range of special effects, please contact us to discuss more details.

Will fog machines trigger fire alarm?

A – Possibly. Because many venues use smoke detectors that measure the density of particles in the air, fog effects (especially dense fog effects) can “fool” the detectors and trigger a fire alarm.

Fog machine

Theater Effects is one of the largest suppliers of theatrical fog machines in the United States, so it’s no surprise that we answer many questions about working with fog. This week I want to take a look at some of the most common questions we answer about our smoke machines and liquids, as well as general questions about using smoke effects. So without further ado

let’s get foggy!

Q – How does a fog machine work?

A – This is the most common fog related FAQ I can think of and I’ve answered it in other articles before, but since the answers to many other questions require some knowledge of how a fogger does its job, let’s go through it again briefly. A fog machine consists of three main components, a liquid tank, a liquid pump and a heat exchanger. Once the heat exchanger has reached a temperature of approximately 400ºF, the liquid pump will draw liquid from the tank and

it squirts into the heat exchanger. The water in the fog liquid “flashes” into vapor and rapidly expands, filling the heat exchanger and escaping from a small nozzle on the front of the unit. As the vapor meets the relatively cooler air outside the fogger, it forms a thick, opaque cloud of “fog”.

Q – Will adding food coloring or dye to the fog liquid produce colored fog?

On a. In fact, adding anything to the fog fluid will damage the fog machine and void the warranty; it may also produce noxious smoke or fumes. The only sure way to get a colored fog effect is to illuminate the cloud of fog with a colored spotlight.

Q – Are scented fog fluids still available?

On a. Historically, fog machines used oil-based fluids that produced fog that smelled bad and was difficult to breathe. Even some of the early water-based liquids produced foul-smelling mists. Because of this, many manufacturers offered perfumed oils that could be added to the fog fluid to mask the smell of the fog. However, modern smoke machines use liquids that are much less irritating; In fact, many people feel that using a fog scent in a modern fog fluid only makes the fog smell worse!

Q – Will my fog effect trigger the smoke detectors in mine

school/nightclub/hotel?

A – Possibly. Because many venues use smoke detectors that measure the density of particles in the air, fog effects (especially dense fog effects) can “fool” the detectors and set off a fire alarm. If you are unsure what type of smoke alarm your venue has, contact the maintenance manager or, as a last resort, call the fire department and take a test shot.

Q – My fog effect sets off the fire alarm! Does that mean I can’t make a fog?

A – Not necessarily. It’s a little-known fact that smoke detectors do not have to be on during a performance, per NFPA regulations; All you need is a way to notify you and the fire department in the event of a fire. Although these are almost always the electronic smoke detectors, it could also be a person. For example, you may be permitted to hire off-duty firefighters to act as your “smoke detectors” during the show. Contact your local firefighter for more details.

Q – Is there a liquid I can use to create a low hanging fog effect with my machine?

On a. Go back to the beginning of this article and note the description of how a smoke machine works. Did you notice that the fog is basically a cloud of steam? Because vapor is warmer than room temperature, it naturally rises. The only way to create a low lying fog with a regular water based fog machine is to cool the fog as it comes out of the machine. Fog cooler descriptions and plans are widely available online, but there is no liquid that produces a low-hanging fog effect directly from the machine.

Q – You didn’t answer my question! Where can I get more information about fog effects?

A – Right here! Check out the Fun Facts archives for many more articles about fog, as well as many other special effects. Use the search tool in the top right navigation bar of this page. If you still cannot find the answer to your question, please feel free to call or email us. We will gladly answer your questions!

Can I use a fog machine as a haze machine?

Haze fluid cannot be used in a fog or faze machine and fog fluid cannot be used in a haze machine. Use of incorrect fluids will damage machines and either void the manufacturers’ warranty or result in an expensive repair bill.

Fog machine

We all know that fog and haze are key atmospheric effects used in a variety of entertainment light shows to enhance lighting effects. So what is the difference between them all?

Traditionally, liquid-based atmospheric effects were limited to fog or smoke machines that used glycol-based liquids to produce a foggy to smoky atmosphere. The term “smoke machine” was dropped to address people’s concerns about the term “smoke”. We hear the terms hazer and fogger machines more often these days. Fog machines seem to be more common as they are relatively inexpensive. Recently, there have been a variety of machines that are referred to as haze machines but actually run on glycol-based fog fluid to achieve a similar effect to traditional compressor-based haze machines. Unfortunately, this has led to confusion and some very costly mistakes as users put the wrong liquids in the machine.

The term faze machine was originally coined by Antari, a company that has been making high quality special effects products since 1984. He describes a machine that uses glycol-based fog fluid to produce an effect similar to a compressor-based fog machine. The machine uses the same principle of a fog machine, using a heating element to heat and vaporize liquid, but also uses one or more fans to allow the fog to disperse more like haze. The density of the fog that a fog machine produces is less than that of a fog machine, but denser than the haze output of a compressor-based haze machine.

So what is the difference between a fogger, faze and haze machine?

Fog and smoke machines simply run on fog liquid and use a heating element to turn the liquid into fog. A heating element means that machines generally have a warm-up time of around 5 minutes or more before they can be used. Some machines may require time to warm up after use, which can be a problem in professional applications. Machines built for the professional market typically solve the reheating problem by controlling heating and liquid flow to produce either a constant stream of fog or fog on demand at all times. The main advantage of smoke machines is the ability to create short sharp or long bursts of smoke that can quickly fill a room. Fog machines produce a heavier, denser fog compared to a light haze. Think of a foggy morning when you can’t see further than what’s in front of your hand.

Each manufacturer will tell you that you should only use their fluid in their brand machines and never mix or use fluids from other manufacturers or brands. There’s a very good reason for that, and not just to keep selling you their consumables after you buy your machine. Different fog machines are made to different specifications, and therefore the liquid each manufacturer makes is tailored to the machines they make. Certain liquid formulas require a specific temperature range to optimize the vaporized output produced by the machine. Using liquid that has been optimized for a different machine can result in incomplete vaporization and wet fog, leaving unvaporized liquid behind. Not only is this damaging to the machine, it can be downright dangerous by leaving slippery, wet residue on the floor or, in the worst case, the machine ejecting boiling hot liquid with the risk of human contact and severe burns cause.

A compressor-based haze machine uses oil-based or water-based haze fluid that is broken down into small particles with a compressor, which then usually exits the machine through a filter to keep the particles small. The big advantage over a fog machine is the fact that there is no warm-up time, meaning haze can be produced instantly at any time. However, to fill a large room, the hazer would need to be turned on early to achieve the desired effect. You may also find in the specifications for a haze machine that it is an air pressure number that is an indication of the machine’s power or performance.

The thickness of the nebula is due to its particle size. The particle size of fog is relatively large compared to other molecules in the air, making the effect appear more like a fog or smoke. With Haze, the particles are much smaller. As a result, haze can be difficult to see until light shines through. For this reason haze is the preferred choice for theatrical applications as it does not obscure the performers but can enhance the effect of the lighting. The smaller the particle, the less visible the effect without light and the more dramatic when the beam of light shines through.

Next comes the question of oil and water based fog fluid for compressor based fog machines. Yes, compressor-based haze machines can use both, but once you use oil-based fluid in a compressor-based haze oiler, the unit will always have residual oil in its tank. Therefore, it is not advisable to switch to water-based liquid after using oil-based liquid. If you use water-based Haze Fluid first and then decide to switch to oil-based Haze Fluid, it’s not that big of a problem, but manufacturers, including Antari, generally advise against switching fluids.

So why do people use water based liquids instead of oil and vice versa? Firstly by preference but most commonly some venues have specific rules about oil based liquids leaving them with no choice but to use water based fog liquid or foggers and hazers. Unfortunately, the water-based fluid produces a different looking haze and delivers a lower mist volume based on the same amount of oil-based haze fluid. Oil-based Haze Fluid has a longer hanging life, but over time it can leave a residue on venue and equipment, which can be a problem depending on frequency of use. If a venue or event has an orchestra with wind instruments, oil-based fog fluid cannot be used as it can cause wind instruments to malfunction due to the oil-based particles in the air. In this case, water-based liquid would have to be used.

Herein lies the problem and confusion: there are machines on the market called haze machines that use heating blocks like smoke machines and therefore require glycol based fluids to achieve the effect as opposed to mineral oil or water based fluids which Use compressor-based smoke machines. When buying a machine or using it for a production or event, it is essential to know what fluid is required.

If the machine has a warm-up time, it most likely uses fog fluid, regardless of what the manufacturer calls the machine. If there is no warm-up time, it is most likely a haze machine that needs haze fluid. Fog machines operate with a variety of fog liquids, depending on how dense the fog effect is required and how quickly the liquid needs to dissipate. A fast dissolving liquid like Antari’s FLC liquid can be used to simulate the CO2 effect and dissipate quickly, while a heavier, denser liquid can be used to maintain a thicker cloud that takes a while to dissipate, such as Antari’s FLR or FLG fluids.

Mineral oil or water based fog fluids are not interchangeable with glycol based fog fluids. Haze Fluid cannot be used in a Fog or Faze Machine, and Fog Fluid cannot be used in a Haze Machine. Using the wrong fluids will damage machines and result in either voiding the manufacturer’s warranty or an expensive repair bill. Using fog fluid that is not specified for your fog machine can result in significant health risks. EVENTEC, exclusive distributor of Antari, describes on its website a special risk between propylene and glycol.

Antari has a wide range of fluids and makes it clear which fluids are for which machines in their specifications. Other manufacturers may do this, but be tired of using the word “haze machine” when it actually describes a “fog machine” that produces a haze-like effect but uses smoke fluid.

What is smoke generator?

Definition of smoke generator

: a mechanical device employing a special petroleum product that produces a smokelike screen to protect large areas from enemy observation.

Fog machine

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What is a faze machine?

The term Faze machine was originally coined by Antari, a company who has been manufacturing quality special effect products since 1984. It describes a machine that uses glycol based fog fluid to produce a similar effect to a compressor based haze machine.

Fog machine

We all know that fog and haze are key atmospheric effects used in a variety of entertainment light shows to enhance lighting effects. So what is the difference between them all?

So what is the difference between a fogger, faze and haze machine?

What does a haze machine do?

Haze machines, or haze generators (commonly referred to as hazers), are effects machines similar to fog machines, designed to produce an unobtrusive, homogeneous clouds suspended in the air intended primarily to make light beams visible or create a subtle diffusion.

Fog machine

A fog machine with remote control

Haze machines or haze generators (commonly referred to as hazers) are effects machines similar to fog machines designed to create unobtrusive, homogeneous clouds floating in the air, which primarily serve to make rays of light visible or to produce a subtle diffusion.

Properties[edit]

Haze can reveal rays of light from stage lighting instruments without obscuring the actors’ view of the stage.

Unlike theatrical fog, which is typically intended to be dense and/or opaque, haze is generally very light and subtle. These properties allow a venue to be hazed before or during an event without creating an overtly distracting cloud. Haze typically has a significantly longer persistence (“hang time”) than traditional theatrical fog. While traditional fog lingers in the air for several minutes, a haze effect filling the same volume of space can last anywhere from an hour to several hours or more, depending on venue size and ventilation.

The liquid used in haze machines to create the effects is either oil or water based. Most oil-based fog fluids use a mineral oil base, while water-based fluids use either a propylene glycol or glycerin base. Although both liquid formulations are referred to as turbidity liquid, the different formulations are not compatible nor interchangeable. Propylene glycol/water turbidity fluid is sometimes referred to as “water-based turbidity” to avoid ambiguity. Describing the liquid as “glycol” could lead stagehands to use car antifreeze, which contains ethylene glycol[1] and, unlike propylene glycol, cannot be used for this purpose due to its toxicity.

technology [edit]

Crackers[ edit ]

Crackers (aka “oil crackers”) were first developed in the 1960s. The liquid is usually, but not always, refined mineral oil. Crackers use a spray pump, powered either electrically or by compressed CO 2 , which is fed through a dispersion head into a liquid reservoir. The compressed air atomizes the liquid and distributes fine droplets. Since the haze is generated mechanically, this type of machine does not require any warm-up time.

Pump spray[ edit ]

Pump mist machines use electricity or compressed CO 2 to drive a spray pump, which is connected to a mixing valve that draws in and atomizes the liquid.

Pump hazers also include machines that work in the same way as a fog machine, pumping liquid into a heated chamber where it is vaporized to create a cloud. Hazers, which heat liquid to create an atmospheric effect, only use mixtures of water and glycol or glycerin. Mist atomizers that atomize liquid can use either a water-based liquid or mineral oil.

spray can [ edit ]

Smaller amounts of turbidity can also be produced by aerosol canisters containing pressurized mineral oil. Although the haze density produced and the volume of space that can be filled are significantly smaller than a haze machine, aerosol canisters have the advantages of portability, no electricity and finer control over the volume of haze produced.

A laser that flies through fog

Ultrasound [ edit ]

Ultrasonic haze machines use transducers immersed in a liquid reservoir to create atmospheric effects. Although less common than some of the other technologies used to create haze, ultrasonic hazers are advertised as producing their effects with much less noise than other technologies.

Faze machines[ edit ]

Faze machines or fazers can also be used to create a haze-like effect. These machines are typically smoke machines with a fan installed in front to disperse the output and create a haze-like effect. These machines are typically considered more affordable, with prices ranging from $100 to $400 compared to haze machines priced from $400 to $1,400.

Fire detection[ edit ]

Although the atmospheric effect produced by hazers produces a significantly smaller particle size of about one micrometer (um) compared to the effect of a fog machine (hence the finer composition of the “cloud”), particle size and the effect vary depending on the manufacturer and type of liquid used. Because of this, haze sets off far fewer fire alarms than smoke machines or larger smoke particles.

What is smoke generator?

Definition of smoke generator

: a mechanical device employing a special petroleum product that produces a smokelike screen to protect large areas from enemy observation.

Fog machine

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What is the smoke at concerts made of?

Carbon dioxide and dry ice

Liquid carbon dioxide (CO₂), stored in compressed cylinders, is used in conjunction with theatrical fog machines to produce “low-lying” fog effects. When liquid CO₂ is used to chill theatrical fog, the result is a thick fog that stays within a few feet of the ground.

Fog machine

Theatrical smoke and fog, also known as special effects smoke, fog, or haze, is a category of atmospheric effects used in the entertainment industry. Fog uses can be found in film and television productions, live theater, concerts, nightclubs and raves, amusement and theme parks, and even arcades and similar venues. These atmospheric effects are used to create special effects, visualize lights and lighting effects, and create a specific mood or atmosphere. If rays of light are visible cutting through a room, it most likely means smoke or fog is being used. Theater smoke and fog are essential for creating visible mid-air laser effects and entertaining audiences. Recently, smaller, cheaper fog machines have become available to the general public, and fog effects are becoming more common in home applications, from small house parties to Halloween and Christmas.

Theater foggers and theater foggers are also becoming more common in industrial applications outside of the entertainment industry due to their ease of use, inherent portability, and ruggedness. Common popular uses for theatrical fog include environmental audits (e.g. HVAC inspections) and training exercises for emergency personnel and disaster response.

Militaries have historically used smoke and fog to mask troop movements in training and combat, the techniques of which are technologically similar to those used in theater and film.

Types of Effects[edit]

There are generally 4 types of fog effects used in entertainment applications: smoke, fog, haze, and “low-lying” effects.

smoke [edit]

Smoke effects refer to theatrical atmospheric effects created either by pyrotechnic materials such as smoke cookies and pre-made smoke cartridges; or other combustible substances such as incense or HVAC smoke sticks or sticks.

Smoke differs from other atmospheric effects in that it consists of solid particles released during combustion, rather than the liquid droplets that make up fog or haze.

fog [edit]

1962. Virgil Allen tests Dynafog Model 70 pest control fogger. Machine has jet engine and spreads only oil-based material. Olympic National Forest, Washington

Fog is created by pumping one of many different glycol or glycol/water mixtures (referred to as fog liquid) into a heat exchanger (essentially a block of metal with a resistance heating element inside) and heating it until the liquid vaporizes, creating a thick translucent or opaque cloud. Devices specially made for this purpose are called smoke machines.

An antiquated method of creating theatrical fog on stage (although the technique is still commonly used in motion pictures) is to use a device known as a thermal fog machine, originally designed to disperse pesticides, which are a petroleum product (usually kerosene or propane). , ignites the fuel and then mixes air and pesticides to create a dense fog. For theatrical purposes, the pesticide is typically replaced with glycol, glycol/water mixtures, or water. This technique is similar to the smoke generators used by armed forces to create smoke screens, and is generally only used outdoors due to the volume of smoke produced and the petroleum fuel required.

A thermal fogger and fan on a film set

“Low” fog effects can be created by combining a fog machine with another device specially designed for this purpose. As the fog exits the fog machine, it is cooled by either passing it through a device containing a fan and ice, or by passing it through a device containing a fan and compressor similar to an air conditioner. The result is a relatively dense fog that stays just a few feet above the ground. As the fog heats up or is moved, it rises and dissipates. Several theatrical fog fluid manufacturers have developed specially formulated blends specifically designed for use with CO 2 to produce thicker, more consistent fog effects. Although these coolers do not use carbon dioxide, the specially formulated fog fluid creates a denser fog than regular fog fluid.

Haze [ edit ]

A laser flying through haze

Haze effects refer to the creation of an inconspicuous, homogeneous cloud that primarily serves to make light rays visible, e.g. B. “Light finger” in a rock concert. This effect is created with a haze machine, typically in one of two ways. One technique uses mineral oil that is atomized via a spray pump powered by either electric power or compressed CO 2 , which atomizes the mineral oil into a fine mist. Another technique for creating haze uses a glycol/water mixture to create haze in a process nearly identical to that used to create fog effects. In both cases, the liquid used is called the turbid liquid, but the different formulations are not compatible or interchangeable. Glycol/water turbidity fluid is sometimes referred to as “water-based turbidity” to avoid ambiguity.

Smaller amounts of turbidity can also be produced by aerosol canisters containing pressurized mineral oil. Although the haze density produced and the volume of space that can be filled are significantly lower than a haze machine, aerosol canisters have the advantages of portability, no electricity and finer control over the volume of haze produced.

Carbon dioxide and dry ice[ edit ]

Liquid carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), stored in compressed cylinders, is used in conjunction with theater fog machines to create “low-lying” fog effects. When liquid CO 2 is used to cool theater fog, the result is a dense fog that stays just a few feet from the ground. As the fog heats up or is moved, it rises and dissipates. Several theatrical fog fluid manufacturers have developed specially formulated blends specifically designed for use with CO 2 to produce thicker, more consistent fog effects. The duration of action is determined by the heat cycle of the theater fogger and the consumption rate of liquid CO 2 .

The condensation of liquid in which dry ice is immersed creates large billowing clouds of fog. When dry ice is immersed in a liquid mass, the pure CO 2 gas bubbles form, then the liquid molecules on the surface of the bubbles start to evaporate into the gas bubbles. The vaporized liquid molecules are later condensed in the bubbles, creating a mist that leads to more vaporization of liquid molecules in gas bubbles, based on LeChatelier’s principle.[1] The mist is released by an electric solenoid valve to control timing and duration. When the solenoid valve is closed, the mist quickly disperses in the air, ending the effect almost instantly. This effect can be used for a variety of applications, including simulating steam geysers instead of pyrotechnics, or creating an instant opaque wall to reveal or disappear during magical acts.

Generic dry ice machine made from a 45gal. drum

Dry ice effects (solid carbon dioxide) are created by heating water in a suitable container (such as a 55 gallon drum with water heating coils inside) to or near boiling point and then dropping in one or more pieces of dry ice. Because carbon dioxide cannot exist as a liquid at atmospheric pressure, the dry ice sublimes, instantly producing a gas[2] that condenses water vapor, creating a dense white fog. A fan placed at the top of the pod directs the mist where it’s needed, creating a rolling mist that lies low to the ground. As the submerged dry ice cools the water, the amount and duration of mist produced is reduced, requiring “rest” periods to reheat the water.

Dry ice can also be used in conjunction with a fog machine to create a deep fog effect. Dry ice is placed in an insulated container with an opening at each end. Fog from a fog machine is pumped into one side of the tank and blown out the other end. Although this technique allows an individual to generate low-lying fog “cheaply” (compared to the cost of renting cylinders of liquid CO 2 or waterproof containers with built-in heaters), the volume of low-lying fog produced is typically less, and is more susceptible to atmospheric disturbances.

nitrogen [ edit ]

Liquid nitrogen (N 2 ) is used to create low-lying fog effects similar to dry ice. A machine heats water to or near boiling point, creating steam and increasing the humidity in a closed container. When liquid nitrogen is pumped into the container, the moisture quickly condenses, creating a thick white mist. A fan placed at the exit of the pod directs the mist where it’s needed, creating a rolling mist that lies low to the ground. These types of machines are commonly referred to as “dry foggers” because the fog produced by this method consists entirely of water droplets and leaves little or no residue on surfaces when it disappears. Dry Fogger is also a brand name for a specific brand of this type of fog machine. Liquid air can also be used instead of nitrogen.

Historical use[ edit ]

The Globe Theater (1598–1613) reportedly used smoke effects for atmosphere and special effects during performances.[3]

On March 23, 1934, Adelaide Hall at Harlem’s Cotton Club opened in the 24th edition of the Cotton Club Parade. [4] The show hall featured the song “Ill Wind”,[5] written especially for her by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler.[6][7][8] During Hall’s performance of “Ill Wind”, nitrogen smoke was used to cover the stage floor. It was the first time ever that such an effect was used on stage and caused a stir.[9]

smoke test[ edit ]

When using smoke machines, a common test is to fill the venue completely with smoke to determine if smoke detectors are still operational or if there is smoke coming out of the venue sufficient to set off detectors in other parts of the venue being tested. This practice is known as the smoke test.

Smoke machines are commonly used when testing larger HVAC systems to identify leaks in ducts and visualize airflow.

Awards[edit]

The techniques and technologies for creating smoke and fog effects are constantly evolving. The people who create and develop theatrical fog for use in the entertainment industry have received numerous recognitions for their efforts.

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences[edit]

Technical Achievement Awards[edit]

On March 7, 1992, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented Jim Doyle with a Technical Achievement Award for the design and development of the Dry Fogger, which uses liquid nitrogen to create a safe, dense, low-hanging dry fog.

On February 28, 1998, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented a Technical Achievement Award to James F. Foley (UCISCO); Charles Converse (UCISCO); F. Edward Gardner (UCISCO); Bob Stoker and Matt Sweeney for the development and realization of the Liquid Synthetic Air System.

On January 4, 2008, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented a Technical Achievement Award to Jörg Pöhler and Rüdiger Kleinke from OTTEC Technology GmbH for the design and development of the battery-powered fog machine series “Tiny Foggers”.

The operational characteristics of this compact, sophisticated and remotely controllable package enable a range of safe special effects that would be completely impractical with larger, more traditional foggers.[10]

Science and Engineering Award[ edit ]

On March 25, 1985, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented Günther Schaidt of Rosco Laboratories with a Scientific and Engineering Award for developing an improved, non-toxic fluid for generating fog and smoke for motion picture production.

Adverse health effects[edit]

Carbon dioxide [ edit ]

Unsafe levels of carbon dioxide can cause headaches, nausea, blurred vision, dizziness and shortness of breath. Higher concentrations cause unconsciousness and death by asphyxiation. When using compressed carbon dioxide or dry ice, care should be taken to ensure that adequate ventilation is provided at all times and that procedures are in place to rapidly remove CO 2 from any enclosed space in the event of an emergency.

Liquid carbon dioxide (-56.6°C) and dry ice (-78.5°C) pose a significant risk of frostbite if mishandled. Proper protective clothing such as long sleeves and gloves should always be worn when handling these products. Liquid carbon dioxide stored in compressed cylinders also presents all of the hazards associated with materials under pressure and should be managed accordingly.

Liquid nitrogen[ edit ]

Nitrogen itself is relatively non-toxic, but in high concentrations it can displace oxygen, creating a suffocation hazard. Liquid nitrogen (-195.8 °C) poses a significant risk of frostbite or cold burns if mishandled. Proper protective clothing such as long sleeves and gloves should always be worn when handling these products. Liquid nitrogen is stored in compressed cylinders and therefore carries all the hazards associated with materials under pressure and should be managed accordingly.

Theater fog and artificial fog [ edit ]

A number of studies have been published on the potential health effects of exposure to theater and artificial fog.

The first study conducted by Consultech Engineering, Co. on behalf of Actor’s Equity. The results of the Consultech study were corroborated by two other studies – a 1994 Health Hazard Evaluation conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health[11] and another in 2000 by the Department of Community and Preventative Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and ENVIRON;[12] both prepared Actors Equity and the League of American Theaters and Producers and focused on the impact on actors and performers in Broadway musicals. The conclusion of all three studies was that mucous membranes such as the eyes and respiratory tract were irritated with prolonged peak exposure to theatrical fog. The 2000 study outlined exposure guidelines which it found were intended to prevent actors from suffering adverse effects on their health or their vocal abilities.

Another study[13] focused on the use of theatrical fog in the commercial aviation industry for emergency training of personnel under simulated fire conditions. This study found that irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract can occur.

In May 2005, a study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine[14] and conducted by the School of Environment and Health at the University of British Columbia examined adverse airway effects in crew members at a variety of entertainment venues, from live Theater, concerts, television and film productions to an arcade. In this study, it was found that cumulative exposure to petroleum and glycol-based mists was associated with acute and chronic adverse respiratory health effects. This study found that short-term exposure to glycol mist was associated with cough, dry throat, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. This study also found that long-term exposure to smoke and fog was associated with both short-term and long-term breathing problems, such as chest tightness and wheezing. Personnel working closest to the smoke machines had reduced lung function results.

The Entertainment Services and Technology Association has compiled a standard for theatrical fog or artificial fog compositions for use in entertainment venues that are “not likely to be harmful to otherwise healthy performers, technicians, or spectators of normal working age, who are 18 to 64 years of age inclusive.” [15] This standard was based (although not exclusively) on the results of a CIH literature study commissioned by ESTA and applies only those fog fluid compositions that consist of a mixture of water and glycol and glycerin (so-called “water-based” fog fluid).

Short-term exposure to glycol mist can be associated with headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. Long-term exposure to smoke and mist can be associated with upper respiratory and voice symptoms. Prolonged (multi-year) exposure to smoke and fog has been linked to both short-term and long-term respiratory health problems. Efforts should be made to reduce exposure to theatrical smoke to the lowest possible level. Using digital effects in post-production on film and television sets can be considered safer than using smoke and fog during filming, although this is not always practical.

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Fog machine

Device that emits a dense vapor resembling fog or smoke

A fog machine, fog generator, or smoke machine is a device that emits a dense vapor resembling fog or smoke. This artificial fog is most commonly used in professional entertainment applications, but smaller, more affordable fog machines are becoming more common for personal use. Smoke machines can also be used in a variety of industrial, educational, and some military applications. Typically, mist is created by evaporating proprietary water and glycol or glycerine-based liquids, or by atomizing mineral oil. This liquid (often colloquially referred to as fog juice) vaporizes or atomizes inside the fog machine. Upon exiting the fogger and mixing with cooler outside air, the vapor condenses, resulting in a dense visible fog.

A small fog machine for private use.

Types [ edit ]

Heated[ edit ]

Inside view of a fog machine with pump and heat exchanger

Heated fog machines use either an inert gas or an electric pump to propel mineral oil, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerin and water into a heat exchanger where the solution is vaporized. Propylene glycol is used instead of ethylene glycol (i.e. antifreeze) because the latter is toxic. The most common form of heated fog machine is the pump machine. Very simple models of this type of machine consist of a fluid reservoir, an electric pump to move the fog fluid, and a heat exchanger that vaporizes the fluid. More complex models may include a variety of other features, including variable speed pumps to control fog output, timer modules, or components for remote operation and fog machine status monitoring. Some manufacturers have made accessories and liquids that, when combined with an ordinary heated pump machine, produce fog effects similar to refrigerated fog machines. Gas-powered fog machines use an inert gas (most commonly CO 2 or nitrogen) to propel either mineral oil or a glycol-based liquid into a heat exchanger, where it is vaporized into particles, creating a fog. Some models of gas powered foggers offer control over fog output by varying the volume of gas used to power the liquid.

Chilled[edit]

Cooled fog machines are designed to produce dense clouds of fog that lie low to the ground and dissipate as they rise. They are typically made using either dry ice, compressed liquid CO 2 , liquid nitrogen, or more recently liquid air.

Generic dry ice machine from a 3G. Drum.

Dry ice (solid CO 2 ) effects are created by heating water in a suitable container (e.g. a 55 gallon drum with water heating coils inside) to or near boiling point and then dropping in one or more pieces of dry ice. Because carbon dioxide is a gas at standard temperature and pressure, the carbon dioxide sublimes and instantly produces a gas, which condenses water vapor and creates a thick white fog. Liquid nitrogen (N 2 ) can be used similar to dry ice. In both cases, a fan attached to the top of the hopper directs the mist to where it is needed.

Liquid air is an alternative to using liquid nitrogen to create low-lying fog effects. Liquid air consists of N 2 and O 2 mixed in a ratio of 79% nitrogen and 21% oxygen and is stored as a liquid in insulated cylinders. This ratio of nitrogen to oxygen is the same as that of atmospheric air, and in fact liquid air can be made by simply liquefying atmospheric air. Liquid air can be used as a direct replacement for liquid nitrogen in chilled fog effects and is intended to be used in the same equipment in the same manner. Its main advantage over liquid nitrogen is that it does not pose a suffocation hazard because it contains oxygen. A disadvantage is that it supports combustion, while liquid nitrogen retards combustion.

Used[edit]

A high-performance fog machine that feeds smoke into a fan to create fog effects for outdoor filming

The versatility of fog machines makes them suitable for a wide variety of uses: fog easily helps create a certain mood or sense of a theatrical moment and is often used in plays such as Dracula, A Christmas Carol and Macbeth. Smoke machines are also commonly used in Halloween displays such as haunted houses or forests. Due to increased availability and price reductions between 2003 and 2005, smoke machines became widely available in the home for Halloween presentations. Fog machines are also useful for industrial applications, including visualization of airflow, e.g. B. to highlight drag over a surface in a wind tunnel or to test for leaks or filter effectiveness in air conditioning systems. Emergency and military services also use smoke machines in their training schedules. Because of the reflective and refractive properties of the smoke produced by fog machines, they are widely used in nightclubs and other entertainment venues to enhance the effect of lighting and laser arrays, although they are being superseded by haze machines (see also beam of light). Several companies in Europe and Canada have developed rapid-deployment smoke machines for use as intrusion and hold-up security systems, designed to disorient an intruder by filling a room with fog when triggered by a panic button or other security device. Capable of producing between 300 and 1,000 cubic meters of smoke in 30 seconds, these security smoke devices have been used in a wide range of industries, including buildings that require a high level of security, such as banks and jewellers, but also warehouses, offices and retail establishments and in cash handling chains. Concerns have been raised that these devices could cause criminals to panic, which could lead them to become violent towards customers or employees – a way to create a mantrap.[2]

Industrial uses[edit]

Ultra Low Volume (ULV) fogging is used by the pest control industry and cleaning companies. ULV refers to the droplet size (between 20-30 microns) produced by these foggers. This fine droplet size is known[3] as the optimal size for pest control. Traditional thermal fogger technology has difficulty reaching crawling pests such as cockroaches, fleas and rodents because the droplet size is too fine (less than 10 microns). Small droplets are often found to be blocked by the “air curtain” of insects and rodents. [citation needed] [3] In contrast, cold fogging is heavy enough to penetrate these “air curtains” as well as being light enough to be evenly distributed throughout the room.

Adverse health effects[edit]

Dry ice and liquid nitrogen based fog [ edit ]

Atmospheric effects created by the use of water and dry ice or liquid nitrogen can pose suffocation or breathing hazards. Both carbon dioxide and nitrogen displace normal air and the oxygen it contains, creating a risk of subtle anoxia (lack of oxygen) for people working in these atmospheres. Adequate ventilation is essential to ensure artists and technicians are surrounded by breathable air. Carbon dioxide has the additional danger of interfering with the normal breathing reflex, which is sensitive to the level of carbon dioxide in the air. Nitrogen does not affect the respiratory reflex, but this presents a hazard of its own, as a person breathing pure nitrogen can lose consciousness from lack of oxygen with no warning signs.

Liquid air mist[ edit ]

Mist generated with liquid air does not pose any carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen hazards because the liquid air has the same composition as ordinary atmospheric air (including the same breathable oxygen content).

Fog machines that produce their effect exclusively with water, e.g. Technologies such as ultrasonic or pressure technology do not pose any particular health risks, however “water-based” fog fluid often contains glycol or glycerin.

Glycerine-based mist[ edit ]

Glycerin has a boiling point of 290°C (554°F), which is significantly higher than the temperature required to generate fog.[4] Therefore, it is unlikely that the thermostable range for glycerin will be exceeded in a normal commercial nebulization process, and therefore glycerin will not break down into other molecules due to heat at these temperatures.

Glycerin has been tested for safety in 62 tests by the National Institutes for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). These tests include toxicity tests, eye irritation, skin irritation and several others.[5]

Glycol based mist[ edit ]

A number of studies have been published on the potential health effects of exposure to glycol-based theatrical and artificial fogs.

Two studies, one in 1994 by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health[6] and another in 2000 by the Department of Community and Preventive Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and ENVIRON Health Hazard Evaluation[7] both prepared for Actors Equity and the League of American Theaters and Producers, focused on the impact on actors and performers in Broadway musicals. The conclusion of both studies was that mucous membranes such as the eyes and respiratory tract became irritated with prolonged peak exposure to theatrical fog. The 2000 study outlined exposure guidelines which it found were intended to prevent actors from suffering adverse effects on their health or their vocal abilities.

Another study[8] focused on the use of theatrical fog in the commercial aviation industry for emergency training of personnel under simulated fire conditions. This study also found irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract.

In May 2005, a study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine[9] and conducted by the School of Environment and Health at the University of British Columbia examined adverse airway effects in crew members at a variety of entertainment venues, from live Theater, concerts, television and film productions to an arcade. In this study, it was found that cumulative exposure to petroleum and glycol-based mists was associated with acute and chronic adverse respiratory health effects. This study found that short-term exposure to glycol mist was associated with cough, dry throat, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. This study also found that long-term exposure to smoke and fog was associated with both short-term and long-term breathing problems, such as chest tightness and wheezing. Personnel working closest to the smoke machines had reduced lung function results.

The Professional Lighting and Sound Association has compiled a standard for theatrical fog or artificial fog compositions for use in entertainment venues that are “not likely to be harmful to otherwise healthy performers, technicians, or spectators of normal working age, who are 18 to 64 years of age, inclusive.” [10] This standard was based primarily (but not exclusively) on the findings of a report commissioned by the Cohen Group[11] and applies only to fog fluid compositions consisting of a mixture of water and glycol (so-called water-based fog fluid).

Short-term exposure to glycol mist can be associated with headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. Long-term exposure to smoke and mist can be associated with upper respiratory and voice symptoms. Prolonged (multi-year) exposure to smoke and fog has been linked to both short-term and long-term respiratory health problems. Efforts should be made to reduce exposure to theatrical smoke to the lowest possible level. Using digital effects in post-production on film and television sets can be considered safer than using theatrical smoke and fog during filming, although this is not always practical.

haze machines[edit]

Haze machines, also known as haze generators or hazers, create atmospheric effects (haze) that tend to be less dense than fog machines, allowing them to be used for more subtle looks. Depending on the ventilation of a venue or location, this haze can remain airborne for hours. Due to the small particle size of hazers’ output, under 5 microns, a hazer typically takes longer to fill the same volume of space with a visible effect compared to a smoke machine.[13]

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