[Gasification] auto lite the gasifier

[GFWHELL at aol.com]

It would seem , some of us are having difficulties in starting our gas  
generators. 
For those of us who find things on the side of the road:
An old Range is  usually bristling with at least  four 120 v pan  heaters on 
the hob.
I think, one of these would, if placed correctly, ignite within a matter of  
seconds, whatever is in its' immediate vicinity. If it was wired up correctly  
and provided with the operating voltage.
In fact it would make an excellent heat resistant grate.
The problem being: wiring something up to, withstand the high temperatures  
expected in the location and using the LETHAL:120 VOLT KILLER  VOLTAGES.
The electrical connections would probably not  survive the high  temperatures 
of the "BURN" rendering the unit  completely unsafe.
A 12 volt unit would be more  acceptable if we could locate  one.
 
The readily available 120 volt elements consist of a coiled  nickel -chrome 
wire co axially  encased within a tube of the same  metal and  insulated by an 
nf metal oxide.
The use of this high temperature heating material would work if we could  
find a means  of reducing the operating voltage, together with connecting  it in 
a way which will survive continuous operations of the gasifier.
 
Converting one of these elements to low voltage use is not difficult. 
Measure,  the over all length,  of a 120 volt element and divide  the length 
by ten. and cut it in order to retain the first and last portion..  discard 
the 8  intervening sections.
This will give you two pieces of element with a "TERMINAL " at one of its  
ends, 
The "cut" end will have to be connected "TO ITSELF". Just squeeze out the  
metal oxide powder to expose the internal element and squeeze it, in the vise.  
in order that it makes permanent contact with its case.
You now have a 12 volt "ground return" heater.
This will only require one wire to your ignition  button.
This single wire could be routed through the air tube, or any other route  
which has a lower operating temperature.
I have not had much luck in finding M.I.C. mineral  insulated conductors,  
which can  withstand, extremely high  temperatures to do this job? obviously not 
used much, in the USA
 
Regards 
 
Geoff