How does a smudge pot orchard heater work?

Usually a smudge pot has a large round base with a chimney coming out of the middle of the base. The smudge pot is placed between trees in an orchard. The burning oil creates heat, smoke, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.

What type of fuel do you use in a smudge pot?

Traditional smudge pots burn diesel oil. They’re relatively simple and inexpensive to use, but they come with many challenges. Oil-burning smudge pots discharge smoke and pollutants into the air, and they pose a risk for oil spillage or leaks.

How much heat does a smudge pot make?

Smudge pots work when they are placed between the trees in a fruit orchard and ignited when temperatures reach 29 degrees Fahrenheit. On the cambered-neck pots, one flue is open at 29 degrees, and one more is opened for every degree below 29 degrees. These smudge pots offer maximum protection at 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Are smudge pots illegal?

The use of smudge pots became widespread after a disastrous freeze in Southern California, January 4–8, 1913, wiped out a whole crop. Be aware that they are illegal in California, possibly other states as well.

Can you burn used motor oil in a smudge pot?

They can burn Diesel, Kerosene, used motor oil, used vegetable oil, hydraulic oil, etc. They burn really hot so there is almost no smoke when it gets going. It’s easy to light, does not spark and put out a lot of heat.

Are smudge pots legal?

The EPA link (from the Clean Air Act) does not provide restrictions on Smudge Pots (aka Orchard Heaters) as shown in the link.

What burns best in a smudge pot?

Fill the base of your smudge pot with fuel, adding fuel to the fill line marked on your pot. These heaters will burn any type of liquid fuel, such as kerosene or diesel. Choofers will burn almost any flammable liquid fuel, including kerosene, diesel fuel, or used sump oil.

Why are smudge pots illegal?

Oil-burning smudge pots discharge smoke and pollutants into the air, and they pose a risk for oil spillage or leaks. They also require a lot of labor to move them around the orchards and to manually light each one. Simply put, smudge pots are long overdue for an upgrade.

What replaced smudge pots?

In the late ’30s some growers replaced smudge pots with oil reservoirs and pumping systems that carried fuel to burners located permanently between the trees. Although this eliminated the job of refilling the pots with coke after they had burned all night, each burner still had to be ignited.

Do orchards still use smudge pots?

These age-old systems are commonly used in orchards across the country to help protect crops from damaging spring frosts. They also require a lot of labor to move them around the orchards and to manually light each one. Simply put, smudge pots are long overdue for an upgrade.

What were smudge pots used for?

Smudge pot, device, usually an oil container with some crude oil burning in the bottom, used in fruit orchards, especially citrus groves, to provide protection against frost. The smoke serves as a blanket to reduce heat losses due to outgoing radiation.

What are the features of an orchard heater?

Orchard heaters are commonly used in various areas to prevent frost, damage to fruit and fruit trees. Features: Manufactured from electro galvenised steel for long life transport in parts and easily assembled. It has 40 litre tank for long burn time, easily fill cap and high efficiency return stack.

What is a smudge pot and what does it do?

A smudge pot (also known as a choofa or orchard heater) is an oil-burning device used to prevent frost on fruit trees.

Are there incentives to replace oil burning smudge pots?

Through its National Air Quality Initiative, NRCS is providing farmers with financial incentives to help them replace or convert oil-burning smudge pots to cleaner systems in Hood River County.

Where did Scheu steel make the smudge pot?

In 1911, he opened Scheu Manufacturing Company in Upland, California, and began producing a line of orchard heaters. Scheu Steel is still in business, in 2021. The use of smudge pots became widespread after a disastrous freeze in Southern California, January 4–8, 1913, wiped out a whole crop.