Converting burner from Propane to Natural Gas

[microbusbrewery]

Do you remember what size bit you used to drill out the orifices? Or was it more trial and error?

I can't remember exactly what size I used...I think I did the trial and error thing. If you go with 1/4" NPT, it looks like a 7/16" drill bit is correct per the table on this site http://www.bigblockdart.com/techpages/TapDrillChart.shtml

 

[B-Dub]

Just drilled out the orifice on my low pressure burners. I used 1/16" bit and it is working great! Even with all 4 burners on the flame is great. Selling my propane high pressure regulators and tanks!!

BW

 

[BPBrewing]

Does anyone still have directions for the lp to gas conversion? If so can you send me a copy? Thanks!!

 

[B-Dub]

After brewing a few times with the burners drilled out with the 1/16" bit I was noticing a longer lag time from kettle full to boil and heating the water for mash in. I have a craftsman 64 bit set and found the next size up, 5/64" and drilled out one burner.

Now my flames look really good still and everything heats up as good if not better then when I was using propane. I can still open the valve full and the flame does not blow out and all but one or two of the outlet holes have flame.

On yesterday's brew I had the kettle full with 14 gallons at 194 deg. In ten min I was boiling at 212!

BW

 

[reitze]

HI,

I just joined thanks to this thread. The discussion was interesting to me because I have a grill I've converted LP to NG and am considering drilling the holes bigger in the flame tubes (as encouraged to try above).

See my play-list full of videos on it here (vid 1 & 2 are how to convert, the other 6 are actual cooking with it).

What brought me here is the yellow-flames that I have. I'm inclined to take a drill to the flame tubes and make their openings a bit bigger. My hope is that will make the flames more blue.

I've tried opening/closing the air-mix-windows where the gas goes into the flame tube. That didn't make any discernible difference in the flame, but it did actually create a slight burn and brought heat toward the valves to the point where they started having hard-turning. So I've re-closed those windows and it seems to work best that way. But no matter what the flames are yellow.

It doesn't seem to effect the flavor of the food but it is a bit sensitive to wind blowing it out - and would obviously be more efficient with blue'er flames.

Oh and my orifice fittings are removed. My impression is that drilling them and replacing them would only have limited the amount of gas getting into the flame tube (the max-heat on the knob). I do have to set it on low to light it with the ignighter.

One more thing to contribute... The LP regulator output was 3/8" black-pipe compatible. So you definitely don't need that $60 conversion hose. Just remove the hose from the regulator and attach that to the gas from the house with an appropriate reducer (1/2" or 3/4" to 3/8" - also visible in my videos too).

 

[eyendall]

I am an HVAC tech and I have converted my turkey fryers to natural gas and it works GREAT!! You have to get a a few fittings from LOWES or Home Depot to set up the gas line. You have to remove all regulators or timers and then drill out the propane orifice. It runs at a lower PSI so you need more volume thus the drilling out. I can give you set by step instructions if you want me to.

Hi kalizone
It is some time since you posted your offer to help. I would really appreciate step by step instructions. I have just bought a Bayou Classic "Kick A Banjo Burner" with 10" burner. Thanks a lot.
Eric

 

[Liljoey1]

I am an HVAC tech and I have converted my turkey fryers to natural gas and it works GREAT!! You have to get a a few fittings from LOWES or Home Depot to set up the gas line. You have to remove all regulators or timers and then drill out the propane orifice. It runs at a lower PSI so you need more volume thus the drilling out. I can give you set by step instructions if you want me to.

Hi. I see this is a very old post, but if this email reaches you, directions would be AWESOME!\
Thanks, Joe

 

[Spartan1979]

Hi. I see this is a very old post, but if this email reaches you, directions would be AWESOME!\
Thanks, Joe

Kalizonie hasn't been here in almost 8 years.

 

[bracconiere]

Kalizonie hasn't been here in almost 8 years.

hopefully not because of his burner conversion.....lol

 

[Rollin' Doughnut]

I am an HVAC tech and I have converted my turkey fryers to natural gas and it works GREAT!! You have to get a a few fittings from LOWES or Home Depot to set up the gas line. You have to remove all regulators or timers and then drill out the propane orifice. It runs at a lower PSI so you need more volume thus the drilling out. I can give you set by step instructions if you want me to.

I would like the step by step instructions if your offer is still available.