Explosive gases

Ivan Vegvary · 2007-08-28T06:17:31+00:00

A few days back somebody posted a link to an outfit that sells mole eradicating equipment (extremely spendy). Basically you fill their tunnels with a combination of gas and oxygen and then light the stuff. They have a video that shows their tunnels exploding and dirt flying about 2 feet into the air. I would like to make my own setup.Question:What combination of fuel/air gives you an explosion. Can I assume that the same combination that gives me a neutral flame with my Oxy/Acet setup will provide an explosion. I once tried to get rid of gophers by letting propane into their tunnel. I simply place a hose in their hole and opened the propane bottle valve. Left it on for about 10 minutes then lit it with a match. Got an initial small 'whoosh' upon lighting and it subsequently burned for about 5-6 minutes. I got a small flame at my point of entry and at two other remote sites (10-15 foot radius). Certainly no explosion and plenty of time for the gopher(s) to get away.Even if I come up with an explosive mixture, won't these critters simply move on because of the odor? They'll probably be gone before I have a chance to strike a match.Comments welcome. Suggestions that I am being stupid and might endanger my life are also welcome.Thanks,Ivan Vegvary

Aug 28, 2007 21 Replies

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Gerald Miller 18 years ago

Power fishing! Gerry :-)} London, Canada

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JohnM 18 years ago

That's the classic technique- get a neutral flame, pop it out with yout glove, stick the torch in a short piece of pipe and wait a few seconds, light the torch and stick it back in. Put a rag in one end of the pipe and it'll go surprisingly far and fast. I wouldn't stuff a rag in a pipe that's capped on one end though..

John

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