Using Galvanized Steel for Burner Wind Shield
 

My Bayou Classic SQ14 burner seems to struggle quite a bit in the wind. I was thinking of using a section of circular heating duct to build a quick and dirty heat wind shield. The problem is, the stuff is made out of galvanized steel. Are there any potential issues (toxic fumes?) from using this stuff next to so much heat? Any other easy ideas for a windshield? (I unfortunately don't have access to many tools and no welding equipment so it's got to be pretty simple)

My burner stands 14" tall, I wrapped 3 sides with 12" galvanized sheet and left a 2" gap at the bottom to let air in, and it works awesome. I find that I get a much more efficient boil with it on. I put it on with wing nuts so I could easily remove it if it was a problem, but I have had none.

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/gallery/data/1/Burner21.jpg
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/gallery/data/1/Burner11.jpg

Yes...but you'll know right away if it's a problem.
IF Galvanized metal gets hot enough, you will burn the coating off. A good example of this is welding. It will make you very sick if you breathe it. The simple solution is to try it. If you get sick, and I doubt you will, Go to fresh air, and believe it or not, Milk will stop the vomiting. I've had to do this a few times welding where I shouldn't have been...and well...It won't kill you.

I haven't had any of the problems that BigKahuna states. Although I boil out in the middle of the patio and their is plenty of fresh air, (and wind, hence the sheet metal :D ). It actually never got that hot during a boil, most of the heat goes up.

I think you're right, I looked it up and the vaporization point of zinc is 1650F. I don't think a windscreen on the sides of the burner will get nearly that hot. In fact I have a chimney starter that's made out of galvanized steel, and I'm sure that gets a lot hotter. I'll keep a gallon of milk handy just in case though. :D

+1

Working in a HVAC dust shop taught me the same lesson. Milk can be your friend.
Be very careful with galvanized fumes.

what about a windscreen that encircles the burner itself (about 2" clearance) as opposed to being outside of the burner housing? Would it reach that heat do you think? I'm using a SQ14 Banjo for instance. If it did, is it a matter of burning it off and then you're fine or is it a constant threat?

i wouldn't trust it THAT close to it. you could always buy a corny keg and chop it up, you can find them for pretty cheap.
i need to do the same thing here soon because my other burner has absolutely no wind screen to speak of

GTAW and GMAW runs between 6 and 8000 degrees C, and often has the welders face within, or right close to the smoke generated.

Using galv for a heat shield isn't going to give you metal fume fever.

There have been people on my blacksmiths forum who have died from heating galvanized steel without proper ventilation. It can kill you. Is it likely to kill you, no. Test it with your pot on the burner (to redirect the heat how it will in use). If you get smoke. The easy solution is use aluminum, no risk there.