Air Vents

[smoking pig]

I am new here.  I am building a 55 G drum smoker and wan't to know what size valve to use for the vents. I was going to use 2 valves is that enough? Thanks for the help. 

 

[daveomak]

If you have 3 - 1/2" pipe inlets at the bottom of the barrel, 2 - pipe caps and 1 ball valve are adequate... 

 

[bqpig]

what are the caps for?

 

[daveomak]

If one pipe air inlet does not supply enough air, remove a pipe cap from one inlet, use the ball valve to adjust the air flow.....   If that ain't enough, remove one more pipe cap and adjust the air with the ball valve...   That way, you have full adjustment with less added expense...   

Once you figure the air required for certain temps, the same configuration of open pipes and adjustments on the ball valve "should" be the same for consecutive smokes / cooks.... 

 

[bqpig]

Thank you.  i was thinking of using 2 ball V. your way would save some money!! 

 

[daveomak]