1999-2000 Bubba Burner Operating ManualOPERATION 1. Clear away any ice or snow cover. A thin layer of ice or snow will not pose a problem, however if the area to be thawed is in a hollow and there is considerable layer of ice, the ice should be removed. If you are unable to remove the ice place a layer of sand over the area to be thawed. The sand absorbs the melting ice and decreases the energy needed to complete a good thaw. 2. Use the adjustable chain handles to carry the Bubba Burner to the thaw site. Always set the Bubba Burner with the exhaust ports uphill if the area to be thawed is on a grade. This will insure proper exhaust ventilation 3. Next fill in any gaps between the Bubba Burner and the frozen ground with sand, fiberglass or rock wool insulation. It is important to do a good job filling the gaps as that will assure a good thaw and long life for the insulating blankets. 4. Install the insulating blankets around the Bubba Burner. Care should be taken with the insulating blankets as they account for over half of the area thawed and represent a fraction of the cost of the unit but are the most vulnerable to abuse. Always keep the seemed edge of the blankets to the outside and the protected edge next to the unit. 5. Next light the torches and check for a healthy blue flame that burns clean and forms a concise dagger like tip and is about five inches long. 6. Insert the torches, twist into the T-slots that are cut in the tubes and pass the chain handle through the torches and padlock preventing an unauthorized person from removing the torches. If the torches go out for any reason repeat set-up procedure. When time permits, optimum results occur if the cylinders are allowed to run dry. Two twenty pound tanks of propane will fire the torches for approximately 48 hours. One thirty pound tank will last 36 hours The thawing will continue for many hours after the torches have gone out and create a much larger thawed area. In fact, the area will remain thawed for a period of days depending on the weather conditions. 7. Care should be taken to avoid placing the Bubba Burners in an area that may become flooded during the spring thaw or in case of a rainstorm because of poor drainage. When submerged the insulation takes on water and the unit must be dismantled to properly dry. Please remember to properly barricade the site! Always wear the appropriate safety gear!
TAKE DOWN 1. Remove barricades and probe soil to confirm thawing process is complete. 2. Turn off fuel, unlock safety chains, and remove the torches. Remember torch tips will be hot, allow to cool. 3. Using the chain handles move the Bubba Burner a short distance away from the thaw site and turn upside down and allow to cool for a short time before loading.
TORCH MAINTENANCE Torch maintenance is important for optimum performance. A flame that is not forming a concise cone shape or is yellow in color is a signal that it's time for torch maintenance. Always make sure the orifice located inside the torch handle is clear. Most problems are caused by impurities in the propane. To check orifice and internal screen, unscrew brass venturi tube from the cast aluminum torch handle and unscrew the orifice tip. A number 80 drill bit or a bristle from a wire brush can be used to clean the orifice if it is plugged. Inspect the internal screen when the orifice tip is off. Clean or replace as needed.
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