The device and principle of operation of gas stoves

A gas stove is an integral part of many apartments and private houses. However, not everyone is familiar with the history of the appearance of such equipment and the features of its design. Despite the fact that many have already used this device for cooking many times, it will be useful to get acquainted with the principles of operation of the gas unit, as well as the rules for its operation. This knowledge will especially help you in case of repairing the stove or the need to install the equipment yourself. All of the above nuances will be discussed in detail in this article.

The first gas stove was invented back in the century before last, shortly after the general gasification in England. One of the workers in the gas factory named James Sharp was the first to think about using gas to cook food. It was he who, in 1825, designed the first analogue of a modern gas stove and installed it at home, significantly simplifying his life.

After 10 years, the factory production of such devices began, however, at first, accidents often occurred, since people were not yet used to the fact that gas must be handled very carefully.

The evolution of the gas cooking device took place between 1837 and 1848. The first models created by de Merle were not perfect enough. They were then improved by d'Elsner, who was the inventor. All of these models still had little resemblance to modern ones. But in 1857, de Beauvoir invented the most perfect model of that time, it was this design that later formed the basis for the creation of gas stoves for many years.

On the territory of Russia, stoves appeared only in the 30s of the last century, since mass gasification began after the revolution. However, the new devices were mainly used in apartments and not in private homes. Gas-powered units significantly saved the housewives' time, so they considered this sign a good compensation for the need for careful handling. Modern modified gas devices have a number of features.

Among them, there are both fairly new characteristics and those that were characteristic of all previous models.

• Such a unit works only on gas. Therefore, it is necessary either to connect it to the general gas supply system, or to supply fuel from a cylinder.
• A characteristic feature is the low cost of operation of this device. Even if you cook a lot, you don't have to pay a large utility bill because gas is cheap.
• A gas stove has 3 main functions for cooking. It allows you to boil, fry and bake food (if you have an oven).
• In most cases, the stove requires a hood, since sometimes the gas on which the device operates has a specific smell.
• A negative feature of the device is the need for extremely careful and careful handling. Otherwise, there is a possibility of gas leakage, which can provoke an explosion of the living quarters and tragic consequences.
• In the modern household appliance market, gas stove models are presented in various incarnations.

The diagrams of the structure of any household gas stove are the same or very similar to each other. Typically, a device consists of the following required items.

• Frame, the material for the manufacture of which is usually used enamelled steel. It has a fairly solid construction, so gas stoves are resistant to mechanical damage.
• In the upper plane of the device there are burners, their standard number is 4 pieces. They come in different sizes and can handle different powers. These elements are needed to directly release cooking gas. Burners are created from various materials, among which there are ceramics, as well as aluminum.
• The working surface of the device, located in the same zone as the burners, covered with a special material - enamel, which has increased heat resistance. Sometimes it is made of stainless steel, which, in turn, increases the cost of the stove.
• For additional protection of the burners, the hobs are equipped with special cast iron grate, which descends from above to the work surface. Sometimes the grille can be made of enamelled steel.
• Most of the models are designed in such a way that they contain oven... It is located in the lower area of ​​the plate and takes up most of the device. It is intended for heat treatment of products for the purpose of baking them.
• The required element is gas equipment, which consists of shut-off valves and distribution pipelines.
• An important element of many modern devices is automatic ignition system, which allows you not to use matches or burners. As a rule, it is a button located on the front of the plate.
• Gas supply control and management system looks like built-in timers, processors, thermometers and other devices.
• If the gas stove is combined with an electric one, then additional functions may be present in the design, for example, electric ignition or grill.

Based on the fact that the design of the gas unit is rather complex, it is necessary to carefully read the description of all parts before assembly and operation.

The gas stove works according to a special principle, which is based on the use of natural gas to supply heat. In more detail, the mechanism of operation is as follows.

• Through a special pipe connected to the gas supply source, it enters the stove. If the substance is supplied using a special pressure cylinder, then propane is used as the fuel.
• By using special regulators of the gas supply, it is released through special holes in the burners.
• Then, the formed air-gas mixture is automatically or manually ignited.
• After that, the cooking process can be carried out.

If we consider the principle of operation of the oven of a gas stove, then it will represent the following set of processes:

• first you need to turn the gas supply regulator;
• after the oven opens, a fire is kindled with the help of the auto-ignition button and a match;
• only after that the dish is placed in the oven, the desired power is set.

The various elements of the slab also have a complex structure. All structures that make up the device cannot work autonomously and include a certain number of parts that are interdependent on each other.

The stoves can have different types of burners.

• Kinetic varieties operate on the basis of a gas stream, which is directly fed into the burner, without mixing with air beforehand.
• Such a system, which involves the intake of air before the gas is supplied, is called diffusion... The spark is supplied to the mixture formed in this way. This method is carried out in ovens.
• Combined burner type most common for modern gas stoves. Air enters in from the kitchen area, as well as from the device itself.

The burner body as well as its nozzle can be seen under the body of the burner located directly above. From the nozzle, the gas element enters the diffuser area and is subsequently fed for ignition.

A special element of the gas unit is the control system, which stops the gas supply on time, and also ensures its even combustion. Its structure consists of two wires soldered together, consisting of different metals. They are called a thermocouple. Their action can be clearly seen if the fire in the burner goes out for some reason. The thermocouple then prevents further gas release. When the burner is working, the thermocouple is heated, then the damper is released by the solenoid valve, then it is held in the open position until the end of the use of the burner.

Many gas stoves are equipped with elements such as an electronic system. The introduction of electronics into the design allows for a more accurate cooking process, especially when using an oven. Temperature and cooking time data can be shown on the display. Also, the oven of most models is illuminated with an electric light. Other electronic devices are sensors and timers, which greatly simplified food preparation.

If the old-style ovens were arranged so that the burners were on the sides and were rather inconvenient for ignition, then modern models of ovens burners are located either in the lower part of the oven, or are presented in the form of a large circle equipped with a gas supply control system. There is also a model with multiple heating, in which there are 4 heating elements, as well as an air circulation system.

As an additional device, the ovens are equipped with a grill system that allows you to create a wider variety of dishes. The cabinet door is made of durable, heat-resistant glass. Often it is installed in several layers, for example, 3. Most modern models are also equipped with an electric ignition system.

To minimize risk factors when using a gas stove in high-rise apartments and private houses, certain operating rules must be observed.

• Keep young children and elderly people away from the equipment. Inadvertently, they can open the gas supply, which is fraught with tragedy.
• Be sure to read the instructions supplied with such equipment before using it for its intended purpose.
• Do not place flammable materials such as fabrics or newspapers near open flames.
• If the burner flame has died out, reignite it only after switching off the extinguished burner.
• Keep the stove clean and do not block the cooking zones. To do this, wash the device regularly (at least once a week) using special products that do not scratch its surfaces.
• In the event of a gas leak, immediately turn off the burners, close the gas valve and ventilate the room as soon as possible.

You can find out more about how the gas control in the stove works.