first smoker build old steam tank.......lots of questions

mfolsom920 · Dec 11, 2014

IMG_20141211_074934796.jpg

mfolsom920
Dec 11, 2014

IMG_20141211_074949224.jpg

mfolsom920
Dec 11, 2014

IMG_20141211_075006240.jpg

mfolsom920
Dec 11, 2014

Hello, fixin to start my first RF smoker build and am stoked. i got my hands on a old stream tank dimensions are 24" OD x 70" tall, the walls are 9/32 thick according to the tag on the tank.i found a thread by bluffton smoker on a RF smoker out of a 125 gallon propane tank that's roughly the same dimensions

IMG_20141211_074924757.jpg

mfolsom920
Dec 11, 2014

I'm planning on doing a similar design and want to make sure the opening between the fb and cc was adequate

mfolsom920 · Dec 11, 2014

opening.jpeg

mfolsom920
Dec 11, 2014

this is the pic that was on his post,

oh forgot to add im open to any help or suggestions anyone would like to share. thanks

lendecatural · Dec 11, 2014

Read through this post, it will give you all the math you need to run your calculations and explain how to adjust your sizes.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/...tor-by-daveomak-and-others-ready-to-use-rev-4

ribwizzard · Dec 11, 2014

Should make a fine smoker. Probably the easiest way for people to help is scetch up a drawing with dimensions and then they can help fine tune it. Otherthan that, i always build my firebox first and get it mounted before any other cutting on the tank.

mfolsom920 · Dec 11, 2014

First off thanks for the help

ok, if im understanding everything right this is what a come up with....does it look right?
23.5 ID x 50" length... 21675 cubic inches CC
FB volume should be about 7225 cubic inches... or larger... larger is better (mine is 8675 ci)
FB to CC inlet 21675 x 0.004 = 87 square inches.. the same under the RF plate and the same at the end of the RF plate.... Those numbers are for good air/heat/smoke flow through the smoker....

FB air inlets.... 21.5 square inches... 16" for the lower inlet and 5" for the upper air inlet... or somewhere near there.....
Exhaust stack... 369 cubic inches... 4" ID stack 28" tall above the CC.... add more if you are extending it into the CC or to a plenum...

IMG_20141211_213759584_HDR.jpg

mfolsom920
Dec 11, 2014

RF plates width is 20.5" and segment height is 6"

lendecatural · Dec 11, 2014

Yes, the math checks out great. Off to the races! Good job, I'm sure it will work well for you, keep us posted on your progress.

Len

mfolsom920 · Dec 12, 2014

in looking at the numbers, does it matter that the RF plate will be lower than the FB/CC opening?

lendecatural · Dec 12, 2014

I missed that part, the RF plate must be mounted above the 7.5 inch height of the FB/CC opening.

mfolsom920 · Dec 12, 2014

IMG_20141212_161739770.jpg

mfolsom920
Dec 12, 2014

IMG_20141212_161730647.jpg

mfolsom920
Dec 12, 2014

then that will give me more area under the RF than called for, is that ok? figures to 105.5 sq in and a RF plate width of 20.83".

My FB to CC opening will be at 90 sq in.

lendecatural · Dec 12, 2014

You still need to maintain the football shaped opening between the FB/CC at 7.5 inches to get the required area into the cook chamber. Don't get wrapped around the axle if it is larger once inside the cook chamber since the plate height mounted at 7.5 inches will result in an increase in area, just make sure you have that same area at the other end of the RF plate. For example, don't leave that end too long, make sure it is the same as it is where the FB opening enters the cook chamber. It doesn't hurt to have the air expand into the cook chamber, just make sure you don't restrict it further down the line. You won't need a damn, I don't quite understand why it was listed as 7.5" on one sketch and 7" on the second with a block mounted at 8"...

mfolsom920 · Dec 13, 2014

Sorry, i was way over thinking it, i am with you now. Thanks for all the help

lendecatural · Dec 13, 2014

No problem at all, it's a lot easier to erase paper than to grind out and re-weld!!!!

daveomak · Dec 13, 2014

Use the circle calculator..... 1/2 of the calculated opening for each half of the football shape will give the appropriate opening size...

FB-CC relationship round to round.jpg

daveomak
Dec 13, 2014

gary s · Dec 13, 2014

Be looking forward to watching this build

Gary

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