Operating Your Hot Air Lance: A Comprehensive Guide

In the world of pavement repair, safety and precision take center stage. LAB Manufacturing’s Hot Air Lance is a powerful tool, and understanding how to master its startup and shutdown processes is crucial for both safety and efficiency. That’s why in this blog, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive step-by-step guide to ensure you’re on the right track:

Starting Up the Hot Air Lance

Before you begin, remember to follow these critical safety precautions:

1. Prepare the Propane Tank: Ensure the propane tank(s) are filled.
2. Secure Connections: Make sure all air and LP connections at the lance handle are made, and double-check that all fittings and connections are securely tightened. If you detect a leak, DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT. Tighten connections as necessary.
3. Safety First: Prioritize safety by clearing the working area of any flammable materials. When working with LP Gas, always light the lance facing downwind. Ensure that all operators have thoroughly read the manual and are knowledgeable about the tool’s operation and safety precautions.
4. Propane Setup: Open the LPG tank valve(s) and set the regulator at 15-20 psi.
5. Valve Position: Close both ball valves on the Hot Air Lance, ensuring that both valve handles are facing 90 degrees away from the valve body.
6. Air Compressor: Start the air compressor.
7. Air Line (if equipped): Open the air line on the compressor if it’s part of your setup.
8. Initial Air Flow: Open the top ball valve (combustion valve) slightly to allow a small amount of air to flow through the unit (refer to “Item A”).
9. LP Needle Valve: Close the LP Needle valve on the lance (refer to “Item B”).
10. Final Setup: Open the LPG tank valve(s) and then open the LP needle valve a quarter turn (refer to “Item B”).
11. Lighting the Lance: Use a long-neck lighter to ignite the lance through the ignition holes at the top of the burner tube. Never attempt to light the lance at the burner tube base, as severe burns could result if the LP Gas valve is opened too far (refer to “Item D”).
12. Gradual Valve Opening: Slowly open the needle valve and top ball valve together, ensuring you open the LP needle valve at a faster rate than the air valve. If the unit extinguishes, close all valves and start over. Once the top ball valve is halfway open, fully open the bottom ball valve (refer to “Item C”).
13. Adjustment: Continue to open the top ball valve and LP needle valve until the top ball valve is fully open.
14. Optimal Operation: Slowly cut back the LP needle valve until the Hot Air Lance produces a jet engine-like roaring sound, and the flame is pulled back into the burner chamber. There should be no visible flame during operation. If a visible flame is present, adjust the LP settings.
15. BTU Adjustment: To adjust the BTU downward, gradually reduce air to the combustion system using the top ball valve. Then, turn down the propane needle valve until the combustion reaches its optimal mixture. No flame should be present at this point. Alternate between the air and propane settings in small steps until you achieve the desired setting.

Important Notes:

• The Hot Air Lance requires a minimum of 3/8″ air supply hose and no more than 60 feet in length. Any additional distance requirements can be met by using a 1/2″ air hose.
• The air filter supplied with the unit must remain in the upright position to function properly.

Shutting Down the Hot Air Lance

1. Propane Shutdown: Turn off the propane supply by closing the needle valve (refer to “Item B”) and the LPG tank valve(s).
2. Cool Down: Allow air to flow through the burner chamber and the air lance tube until they have cooled down.
3. Air Compressor: After the unit has had sufficient time to cool, shut down the air compressor.

By following these start-up and shut-down instructions diligently, you can maximize the efficiency and safety of your pavement repair projects.

Have Any More Questions? Call Us Today!

If you have any more questions about operating your hot air lance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts at LAB Manufacturing. We’re here to help and provide you with the best advice to ensure your equipment runs seamlessly. After all, when it comes to the hot air lance, who better to trust than the original inventor!