Why do I need a smoke generator and to whom? Smoke generator is an indispensable guest at discos and entertainment events. It is useful for creating effects for photo shoots and filming, and for creating mood at a concert or performance. Even the most modest matinee in kindergarten will be transformed with artificial smoke. But where and how to buy it, whether it is difficult to care for and what kind of supplies it has - all in this article.
The principle of operation of the smoke generator
Not surprisingly, the smoke generator produces smoke and scatters it in a selected direction. This happens due to the evaporation in the apparatus of a special liquid for a smoke generator - it is converted by heating into absolutely safe vapors, which, when in contact with air, cool sharply and turn into aerosol haze. Such smoke reduces the transparency of the air and increases the effect of absolutely any illumination, allowing you to observe the rays of light in the air. Liquids are strictly composed of hypoallergenic substances, mainly distilled water with the addition of glycerin-based alcohol or some mineral oil. Dyes are also used that make it possible to add any color to the fog, and flavorings - they can be added on their own, after making sure that they are hypoallergenic and harmless. However, the independent use of additional components in a liquid can lead to breakdown of the generator or shorten its life.
Device types
Mostly smoke generators are divided into heavy smoke and light smoke generators. Light smoke generators are most common - they are inexpensive, convenient and easy to operate, operate on the principle of filling the entire room with smoke. They release an aerosol heated on a thermocouple, which rises up due to its temperature and fills the room from floor to ceiling. Depending on the type of liquid used to generate smoke and the type of machine itself, you can create an average density smoke screen that stays in the room for a long time and creates the necessary atmosphere. Such smoke generators are most often used for discos and shows, for photo shoots and video filming. They are also suitable for home use - which makes them extremely convenient for creating theme parties.
Heavy smoke generators are completely different. They emit cold and thick smoke, which spreads across the floor and does not rise from it higher than fifteen centimeters. This effect is achieved due to the greater density of the smoke emitted by the machine and additional cooling before exhaustion. It is the temperature, which is colder than that of the surrounding air, and does not allow smoke to rise. Such smoke is used for shooting films and TV shows, in theaters and at shows, allowing you to hide the surface on which the actors walk. It finds its application in simpler events, but in general its higher price and narrow niche of application do not allow the generator of heavy smoke to become equally popular. In addition, instead of buying such a device, you can use a kind of life hack. There are special boxes of dry ice on sale that can be attached to your regular smoke generator, and due to cooling on ice, the smoke will begin to spread across the floor. In this case, almost any liquid for a smoke generator is suitable for this. Of the minuses, of course, it should be noted the fact that dry ice will need to be purchased and stored separately.
Fog generators
Fog generators, or chasers, perform similar functions to smoke generators. The only difference is that instead of a dense fog, a light, like morning fog, is created, in which rays of light are clearly visible, but the room remains almost completely transparent. Hazers are an almost indispensable tool in disco equipment. Their only difference from smoke generators is that chasers do not use thermocouples, liquid is ejected only with the help of a compressor, without heating or cooling. Smoke generator fluids are excellent for use in hazers.
Smoke generator parameters
The most important indicator for a smoke generator is, of course, power. This parameter determines the number of cubic meters of smoke that the device can produce in a minute. For small rooms from fifteen to thirty square meters, low-power generators from 0.9 to 1.5 kW are also suitable. For larger rooms - from thirty to fifty square meters - you need a more powerful device - from 1.5 to 3 kW. Well, for the largest rooms, as well as open spaces, you need a more powerful generator - from 3 kW minimum. Also, when choosing, it is worth paying attention to which smoke generator has additional functions - whether remote control or timer control is possible, whether liquid level indicators are installed in it, and so on. Undoubtedly, the dimensions of the device are also important - far from all of them will be convenient to transport.
Effect generators
Those who still need something to create the perfect party or organize a concert, disco, can pay attention to other tools. In addition to smoke, machines for generating fog, soap bubbles, foam and snow, as well as confetti machines, are now on sale. With this set you can set any atmosphere at the event and please the guests.
Expendable materials
Each type of effect generator needs its own consumables. So, for foam and snow you will need a special liquid, depending on its type, the size of the snow flakes and the speed of their disappearance will vary. In most cases, these fluids are suitable without restriction for all snow and foam generators. A good example of such a liquid is SFAT EUROSNOW STANDART, one of the most popular and trusted in the market. Almost any liquid is suitable for a smoke generator. For the most part, in each device, regardless of its size and type, any specialized liquid can be used. For example, Arv fog Liquid SD5 is a trusted brand. The complete absence of odors, as well as scale or sediment make it a good choice for any smoke generator.