HPC Fire Inspired is a leading name in outdoor fire feature technology, known for combining innovative engineering with elegant flame presentation. Their line of fire pit burners, from basic to high-performance systems, caters to both residential and commercial applications. Whether you’re building a custom fire pit or upgrading an existing one, understanding the intricacies of burner types and flame control is key to achieving the desired flame effect. Here is an inside look into HPC’s signature Flames reviewing burner offerings and much more!

Types of HPC Burners

HPC Fire Inspired offers a wide variety of burners. Most burners are available in both Standard or Torpedo style. The difference between these versions primarily lies in the flame effect. Torpedo burners feature strategically drilled ports designed to produce a taller, fuller, and more robust flame—ideal for a dramatic effect.

Here’s a breakdown of their burner offerings:

  1. Linear Burners
  • Torpedo Linear Burners: HPC’s Linear burners offer a sleek and elegant flame. Our Research and design team found that offering the linear in the torpedo style enhanced the consumer experience by giving a greater range in the flame. Users can adjust the flame to a low elegant glow or increase the flame for a more lively and dramatic effect.
  1. Penta Burners

HPC’s Patented Penta Burners are available in both standard and torpedo versions. This premium burner is highly sought after and has quickly become the golden standard as it is paired with many of HPC’s offerings.

  • Standard Penta Burners: HPC’s five-lobed, star-shaped design promotes even flame distribution offering a natural-looking fire from every angle. The Penta burner pairs nicely with our round and square fire pits.
  • Torpedo Penta Burners: If you are looking for a more dramatic effect, the Torpedo Penta takes an already impressive flame and amplifies it by providing a larger range in flame height. The strategic drilled ports create consistent flames that are more resistant to windy conditions.
  1. H-Burners
  • Torpedo H-Burners: HPC’s H Burners yield a beautiful evenly distributed flame made available in the torpedo option. The H Burners pair nicely with HPC’s ready to finish units, the concrete Avera or Sonoma, the metal Texas or even the Copper Phoenix series.
  1. DIY Burner Kits Including Round, Square & Rectangular Burners:
  • Standard Round, Square & Rectantular Burners: The Penta burner predecessors, are still available in HPC’s kits. These burners are shining examples of HPC desire to continue to provide consumers with a vast variety of options catering to providing their outdoor needs.

What Affects Flame Height?

Creating the perfect flame isn’t just about the burner; it’s also about what’s behind it. Several factors influence flame height, intensity, and safety:

  1. Gas Line Sizing
  • Proper gas line sizing is critical. Undersized lines can restrict gas flow, resulting in low or uneven flames.
  • HPC recommends following their BTU requirements and gas line sizing charts to ensure maximum burner performance.
  • For example, a long gas run with narrow piping will drastically reduce gas pressure at the burner end.
  1. Gas Pressure
  • Both natural gas (NG) and liquid propane (LP) systems require specific pressures to function properly.
  • Most HPC burners operate best with:
    • NG: Maximum inlet of 7 inches of water column or ¼ pound pressure
    • LP: Maximum inlet of 14 inches water column or ½ pound pressure.
  • Low pressure leads to weak flames, while high pressure (without regulation) can create dangerous conditions.
  1. Ventilation and Air Mixture

Ventilation and air mixers play a crucial role in shaping the behavior, appearance, and safety of a flame in a fire feature. Here is how each impacts the flame:

Ventilation refers to the intentional flow of air into and out of the fire feature enclosure. Proper ventilation does the following:

  • Supports Combustion: Fire needs oxygen. Proper ventilation ensures a consistent supply of fresh air, which sustains combustion and keeps the flame steady.
  • Stabilizes Flame Size and Shape: Poor ventilation can lead to erratic or lazy flames, while good airflow produces more stable, upright flames.
  • Prevents Backdrafts or Extinguishing: Insufficient air can cause the flame to struggle, sputter, or even go out.
  • Enhances Safety: Good ventilation reduces the buildup of gas (e.g., propane or natural gas) inside the feature, minimizing the risk of flare-ups or explosions.

Air mixers are devices installed in gas fire features (typically propane systems) that mix air with the gas before it reaches the burner. Here is how proper air mixing impacts the flame:

  • Yields Cleaner Combustion: Mixing air with gas before ignition ensures a more complete burn, reducing soot and yellowing.
  • Flame Color and Efficiency: Proper air-to-gas mixture creates a bluer, hotter flame indicating efficient burning.
  • Minimizes Carbon Buildup: Helps prevent carbon deposits on fire media by promoting clean combustion.

Together, proper ventilation and air mixers create the conditions for: a safe fire feature by preventing gas buildup while creating an efficient burn with a more visually appealing vibrant flame.

 

Want More Control?

 

HPC’s Adjustable Flame Burners are the answer! For users who want more control over the fire feature’s look and heat output, HPC offers burners and control systems with adjustable flame capabilities:

  1. Electronic Ignition Systems (EI)
  • These systems can often be paired with remote controls or smart home integration to allow on-demand flame adjustment.
  • HPC’s Smart Electronic Ignition System includes flame sensing and variable flame height control.
  1. High-Low Electronic Systems
  • These allow for two-level flame control: a high setting for full flame and a low setting for ambiance or heat reduction.
  • Ideal for commercial settings or high-end residential installations.
  1. Manual Flame Adjustment
  • Some match-lit kits allow manual adjustment using a key valve or inline valve.
  • While less precise, they still provide basic flame modulation.

HPC Fire Inspired offers a rich catalog of burners designed to meet a variety of aesthetic and functional needs. Whether you prefer the classic campfire look of a Penta burner or the bold lines of a Torpedo Linear burner, their systems provide flexibility, performance, and visual impact. By understanding how gas line sizing, pressure, and system configuration affect flame height, you can ensure a safer and more satisfying fire feature experience. Selecting options for flame adjustment gives consumers the unique ability to control the mood of their setting. So what are you waiting for? Partner with HPC for all your outdoor needs.