Introduction
This comprehensive guide details the process of building an efficient waste oil garage heater using repurposed materials such as a 55-gallon drum and a propane tank. The resulting heater not only provides reliable warmth for your workshop or garage but also doubles as a cooking surface, making it a versatile addition to your workspace.
Step 1: Constructing the Waste Oil Burner Unit
The foundation of this heating system is a custom-made waste oil burner. To create it, you’ll need a standard four-inch tin can and a small candy tin, both easily sourced from local hardware outlets. Begin by placing the tin can centrally within the candy tin and mark the outline around both containers. Carefully cut out a hole in the candy tin that snugly fits the can, ensuring precision to avoid air leaks or fitting issues. Use a chisel or a hole saw for a clean cut.
Next, drill approximately 15 small holes evenly spaced around the circumference of the tin can. These serve as intakes for air, providing the oxygen necessary for efficient combustion. The tin can acts as a chimney, directing airflow toward the burning waste oil. Insert the can into the cut-out hole, with the open end facing downward to promote optimal airflow. This setup consumes just over two liters of used waste oil per hour, generating substantial heat output while maintaining fuel efficiency.
Step 2: Preparing and Modifying the Propane Tank
Prior to any work, ensure the propane tank is completely empty and free of residual gas. To do this safely, open the valve outdoors and allow all remaining propane to vent in a controlled manner. Once confirmed empty, fill the tank with water and let it sit for at least 24 hours. This step helps eliminate any lingering propane traces, making subsequent modifications safer.
After the soaking period, proceed to cut the tank into two sections—top and bottom—using a suitable saw. The top section should be approximately seven inches in height, with the bottom section around three inches. These chambers will form the upper combustion chamber and the lower air intake chamber, respectively.
To facilitate proper ventilation and exhaust, cut two openings into the top of the tank. These will serve as the exhaust outlets for combustion fumes and fresh air intake, ensuring efficient airflow and safe operation.
Step 3: Assembling the Upper and Lower Chambers
In this step, you’ll install a disc separator and craft access doors for both chambers. Cut a circular steel plate, about 4mm thick, with a central hole to act as the disc separator. Place this separator between the upper and lower chambers, aligning it precisely to manage airflow effectively.
Insert the tin can burner into the upper chamber, positioning it so that combustion occurs within this space, while the lower chamber functions as an air intake area. To secure and access both chambers, weld doors from leftover metal pieces cut from the propane tank. The upper door should include a screen or mesh for viewing the combustion process, adding a safety feature and facilitating monitoring.
The lower chamber draws air through the disc separator hole, feeding it into the burner for combustion. Proper separation of air intake and exhaust channels enhances efficiency and reduces risks associated with incomplete combustion.
Step 4: Creating the Heat Radiator and Cooktop
For effective heat distribution, utilize a 55-gallon drum, positioning it horizontally over the propane tank burner. Cut a section from the drum to create an open space that accommodates the burner assembly. Inside the drum, place a sturdy steel plate to serve as a cooktop surface, allowing for practical use of the heat for cooking or warming items.
On one side of the drum, cut an opening that enables the drum to sit tightly over the propane tank, ensuring stability and optimal heat transfer. The design allows the heat generated from the burner to radiate outward from the drum’s surface, creating a warm environment suitable for various workshop activities.
Step 5: Implementing Heat Distribution and Exhaust System
To distribute heat evenly and safely, weld a six-inch steel pipe vertically onto the sides of the 55-gallon drum. This pipe acts as a conduit for hot air and exhaust gases.
Attach a flue pipe centrally onto this steel pipe, directing the exhaust gases upward and out of the workspace. As hot gases ascend through the drum, they transfer heat to the surrounding air, effectively warming the environment. This configuration ensures a controlled exhaust flow, preventing dangerous buildup of fumes while maximizing heat dispersion across the workshop.
Step 6: Setting Up the Drip Feed Oil System
A critical safety and efficiency feature is the drip-fed waste oil delivery system. Start with a container or bucket to store used waste oil. Connect a half-inch pipe equipped with a ball valve to this container, allowing precise control of oil flow. From there, link the pipe to a gate valve, which further moderates the flow rate.
Inside a larger pipe, insert a half-inch copper pipe within a one-inch mild steel pipe. Use an elbow fitting to connect the pipe from the gate valve into this assembly. This configuration ensures a steady, controlled drip of waste oil directly into the candy tin burner.
Before operation, add kerosene or a small amount of fuel to the burner to ignite a preliminary fire using a torch. Allow the system to warm up gradually. Once heated, slowly open the drip feed valve to introduce waste oil into the combustion chamber. As the oil ignites, the system produces consistent heat, capable of warming large spaces efficiently.
This setup facilitates safe, controlled burning of waste oil and offers an economical, environmentally conscious heating solution for your workshop or garage.
Conclusion
Building a waste oil garage heater involves careful preparation, safety precautions, and precise construction. When assembled correctly, it offers an effective, economical heating and cooking solution that re-purposes waste oil, reducing environmental impact while providing reliable warmth for your workspace. Always prioritize safety and proper handling when working with flammable materials and pressurized tanks.
Image Credits: GerrysDiy