New UDS air intake - patent pending design

[AUradar]

ya'll think this will work?

[Johnny_Crunch]

How big is it?

[deguerre]

Looks cool! Think the minimal amount of air those small gaps would allow will have any effect?

[colonel00]

It has potential. My concern would be the gaps at the top and bottom. Many people run their UDS with the ball valve just barely cracked open. I would also wonder if you could ever put the fire out completely with air still getting in.

[ianjoe]

looks promising.

[Johnny_Crunch]

Not sure there is much point in finding a replacement for a $9 ball valve..........

[AUradar]

its a 2" pipe. My first UDS I had a single 1 1/2" and sometimes wondered if I needed more air. I am concerned about the gaps though. probably won't work, but I'll try it.

Originally Posted by Johnny_Crunch

Not sure there is much point in finding a replacement for a $9 ball valve..........

where are you getting a $9 valve? I can't find anything under 35-40 bucks.

[ianjoe]

well it looks cooler than a ball valve too. Almost like a carb for your drum.

[colonel00]

Originally Posted by AUradar

where are you getting a $9 valve? I can't find anything under 35-40 bucks.

He is probably referring to this. However, if you are looking for a 2" one then yes, you will pay a lot more. There was a reason that 3-4 smaller intakes were suggested and used on "standard" UDS builds.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-qua...lve-66233.html

[Johnny_Crunch]

I assume this is for intake? In that case most are using 3 x 3/4" pipe nipples. Barely leaving one of them open during the cook via the ball valve. 2" ball valves do cost a bunch more and that is likely why everyone uses 3/4". Not sure why your UDS would need that much intake open. I don't think that is typical.

[Johnny_Crunch]

Originally Posted by colonel00

He is probably referring to this. However, if you are looking for a 2" one then yes, you will pay a lot more. There was a reason that 3-4 smaller intakes were suggested and used on "standard" UDS builds.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-qua...lve-66233.html

That's the one!

[AUradar]

Originally Posted by Johnny_Crunch

I assume this is for intake? In that case most are using 3 x 3/4" pipe nipples. Barely leaving one of them open during the cook via the ball valve. 2" ball valves do cost a bunch more and that is likely why everyone uses 3/4". Not sure why your UDS would need that much intake open. I don't think that is typical.

i never understood this. You have three nipples, but keep two closed and one partly closed with a ball valve? So why have three?

My first UDS I went with a single 1 1/2" intake. Piped it up to the top and covered it to control air. Not sure I was really happy with that. I think the long pipe was messing with me. Building a second and decided not to pipe the air intake up to the top. Decided to use 2" this time. Figured I could always turn it down if need be, but if I wanted to turn it up for some reason I could.

the other reason I went with one the first time is I didn't have a good hole cutter, so cutting one 1 1/2" hole would be easier than three 3/4 holes. But now I do have a hole cutter. Maybe I should drop back to three intakes.

[Teleking]

Originally Posted by Johnny_Crunch

Not sure there is much point in finding a replacement for a $9 ball valve..........

Or free refrigerator magnets off the phone book.

[AUradar]

Originally Posted by Teleking

Or free refrigerator magnets off the phone book.

thats what I've been using, this is an upgrade

[Johnny_Crunch]

Originally Posted by AUradar

i never understood this. You have three nipples, but keep two closed and one partly closed with a ball valve? So why have three?

I use the extra intakes when I am bringing it up to temp or if the wind changes and I need intake from a different side. It is easier than moving the drum while it is cooking. I don't have wheels.