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Gravitron is proud to produce the world's most versatile portable thermal fogger for special effects use. Developed in-house, subjected to rigorous on-set testing, and constructed in our workshop to meticulous quality standards. |
"The Van Hunks Smoke Machine has an incredibly high output compared to other smoke devices which can be sustained for a longer period of time. Utilising water-based fluid instead of oil means it's more practical and cost effective." Arthur de Borman Matter SFX (UK) |
Special Features of the Van Hunks Thermal Smoke Machine
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International GuaranteeWe have taken the utmost care to ensure that our Van Hunks Thermal Smoke Machine is manufactured to the highest standards and will provide years of hassle-free service. We are so confident in our product that we offer the following worldwide guarantees: 5-Year Manufacturing Guarantee: We commit to replace any defective parts due to any manufacturing error free of charge including international shipping. All components except for the heat exchange coil and pressure vessel seals are included, but we ship each machine with spare seals and a spare heat exchange coil as these are subject to normal wear and tear. 1-Year Full Satisfaction Guarantee: If you are not entirely satisfied with the performance or build quality of the Van Hunks Machine, we commit to a 100% refund of the purchase price and shipping costs to return the product to us. No questions asked. Lifetime Service Support: We provide free video remote assistance for any service and repair work for life. This is available during SAST office hours but can be arranged after hours to align with your time zone. We took great care to ensure that the components used are robust and reliable, user-serviceable, and readily available internationally in case a repair needs to be done in an emergency. However, if you prefer, we will happily undertake any repair work as required at no cost, provided the product is delivered to us and shipping costs are covered by the client. |
"Really enjoyed the Van Hunks Smoke Machine on the last show. Used it all over hiking through sand dunes and ran it through tubes as well." Conor Wing NWSPFX (USA) |
Our StoryThe Van Hunks fogger was developed for one particularly demanding job where no other machine available met the criteria required to pull it off. The job was a commercial for an electric car with fog being an ever-present element in every single shot - treated as a character in the storyline. It was filmed over five winter nights in an icy cold Cape Town with an incredibly tight shooting schedule and in extremely sensitive locations. We had to cover large areas with fog, but our crew had to be agile as there was no time for large smoke tube setups. Many of the locations were in mountainous nature reserves, and it was a condition that our machines had to run on water-based, non-flammable fluid. The crew had to be able to carry all gear with them, reposition quickly according to ever-changing wind conditions, and keep the machines running for long periods without interruption to refill. The idea to make a backpack-mounted machine was a concept we had considered before, but now we had reason to build it, and it had to work! And … it worked great! We used the backpacks (nicknamed “Ghostbusters”) for most of the shooting, but occasionally augmented the smoke setup with tube systems at locations where it was possible to do so. The combination worked brilliantly, and the job was pulled off with very little stress and happy clients. After this, the machines became a regular staple for our smoke jobs and completely replaced the (industry standard) handheld fogger we used up until then. Not long after this, Dough Hardy (Firehouse SFX) and John Smith (Stunts & SFX) noticed these machines in our workshop and immediately placed their orders. There and then the idea to develop it into a professionally manufactured product emerged. It took years to refine it from a rough prototype to something we could ship abroad with confidence. With the help of a product development company and feedback on our prototypes we produced what is now the Van Hunks Thermal Smoke Machine. |
Design Considerations with User-Serviceability in MindVan Hunks Thermal Smoke Machines are sold directly by Gravitron and shipped to special effects professionals anywhere in the world. Our machines must be robust, reliable, and user-serviceable. To achieve this level of trust in our product we critically evaluated every aspect of our design through rigorous testing and getting feedback from other SFX companies doing trials with prototypes of the machine. How Did We Achieve ThisSmoke fluid: The heat exchange coil and burner were optimised to work with water-based fluid or oil-based fluid. We prefer to use a mix of distilled water and glycerin (75% to 25% ratio), and MAP gas as propellant. Should you prefer to use white mineral oil (white pharmaceutical oil/Ondina), it can be used without making any modifications to the machine, but this should be used in conjunction with butane/propane mix (standard) gas canisters. Both these fluid options are readily available and there is no need to purchase Van Hunks-specific fluids and ship them across the world. However, should you prefer, you can order original Van Hunks Smoke Fluid from us with MSDS. Gas hose: Hydraulic hose capable of handling much higher pressure and temperatures than regular gas hose. In addition to this, the hose and fittings are enclosed in a protective sleeve with rubber protectors near the connections. Fluid hose:8mm Nylon pneumatic hose with compression fittings. Gas and fluid fittings are standard pneumatic or hydraulic fittings. Pressure vessel Top-notch stainless steel pressure vessel with pressure gauge, pressure relief valve, air inlet valve or hand pump, and a spare set of seals. Burner: Bullfinch Burner made in the UK. Top quality component that will deliver years of trouble-free service. Heat exchange coil: In our experience, the heat exchange coil can get blocked under certain conditions. The heat to fluid balance is maintained by the operator, and overheating can occur. This depends on the level of care exercised by the operator, but can also happen over time. When the coil overheats and too little fluid passes through the system, the fluid can burn and block the coil. To unblock a coil is not easy, but can be done if the blockage is not too severe. We found that regardless of the choice of metal tubing (i.e., high-grade stainless steel), a blockage can still occur. We chose brake lining hose with compression fittings as it is available everywhere and lasts just as long as stainless steel, except it is more cost-effective. If the coil gets blocked on set, it is really simply to swap it for a new one using tools provided by us with the machine, and then address the blockage back at your workshop. We sell our Van Hunks Thermal Smoke Machines with a spare coil, but they can be ordered separately, or easily made yourself. Gas canisters: 14oz Canister Control knobs: Cast metal knobs. Better temperature resistance and service life. Backpack: Corrosion-resistant aluminum frame with stainless steel bolts and nuts. Straps are durable canvas with military-grade belt buckle. Smoke gun: Stainless steel plate, tubing, and fasteners to withstand heat and corrosion. |
"We thank you @gravitron_capetown for making this amazing ultra portable smoke machine." Black Magic SFX (Bangkok Thailand) |
What's in the NameWe named it the “Van Hunks” Thermal Smoke Machine inspired by a famous South African legend. According to folklore, Van Hunks, a Dutch pirate, engaged in a pipe-smoking contest with the devil atop Table Mountain in Cape Town. Their prolonged smoking created the renowned "tablecloth" cloud formation. Van Hunks triumphed, but the devil, in his fury, disappeared in a cloud of smoke, leaving Table Mountain enveloped in his tobacco smoke. If you have only one type of smoke machine you can take on set with you, this should be the one. There is no other machine currently available that can compete with the functionality, output, safety, quality, or running costs of the Van Hunks Thermal Smoke Machine. Better effects, less hassle, longer operation. Innovation you can count on. |
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