ReplySand disperses the gas better and gives a nice flame. But LP is too heavy and would not flow through the sand very well so vermiculite is used instead. Thats my educated guess anyway...
Professional Member
Why is vermiculite used with LP vented gas burner pans and sand in natural gas units?
Regular Guest
Sand disperses the gas better and gives a nice flame. But LP is too heavy and would not flow through the sand very well so vermiculite is used instead. Thats my educated guess anyway...
Professional Member
Yes, that is what I was thinking, but I just wanted to hear it from the powers that be on here.
AOP Committee/Professional Member*
media
The media is required to disperse the gas evenly and act as an orifice to control the rate of gas flow. Since LP gas is heavier and doesn't flow as smoothly, you need larger air spaces btw the media for the gas to flow while NG can flow through silica sand, which compacts tighter. One thing to watch with LP units is using vermiculite other than that supplied by the mfr. If you use a finer granule than provided, you could get sooting, uneven flames, low flames or even cause the flames to push out one side melting the valve.
During an annual service, the tech can sift through the media to fluff it up then set fresh mineral fiber embers.
If you did not have the media in the pan, it would Vesuvisize. Just another reason to get a qualified technician in there annually.
HTH,
Hearthman
Keep the fire inside the fireplace.
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