How exactly does an e-cig work?

[Gibrril]

Hi everybody.
I was wondering: how exactly does an e-cig work?
I know that most of them use a cartridge or a liquid container and an atomizer with a sensor that detects when the user takes a puff to start heating the liquid.
However, how exactly does the sensor work and how exactly does it activate the heating proces (and how exactly does it shut it down?)

The thing is this: I'm a close up magician and to me e-cigs are the ultimate mobile smoke producers.
Now I wanted to know if I could use this principle to produce smoke in a slightly different way, hence a few (maybe strange) questions:

Can an e-cig sensor be bypassed, or can it be replaced with a switch or a button?
Are e-cig components available as spare parts or replacements?
Which e-cig or which cartridge produces the thickest smoke?

Thanks a lot,

Gibrril

 

[Jonner]

Some are automatic switches, meaning the switch is activated by inhaling, which then sends power to the atomizer to heat the liquid, others are manual switches (most on the market, other than disposables), meaning you press a button (switch) to send power to heat the liquid.

 

[Jonner]

This explains a lot, check it out, and welcome to ECF:

Best e-cigarette

 

[xtwosm0kesx]

We've had other magicians and theatrical people with the same idea, there have been several threads about it, unfortunately i dont seem to be able to find them via search or google (can't remember the titles).

I know one thread ended up revealing this thing: Vortex Acrylic APV

Fan assisted APV, no idea how well it works but add an airy draw tank, and theoretically it should be able to produce vapor clouds without having to suck on it.

And yes you should be able to find nearly all the pieces needed to cobble something together yourself too.

 

[Randy_r]

That link helped me understand more

 

[Randy_r]

Thanks for that

 

[Gibrril]

Wauw!

What a wonderfull response (and really fast too!)!!

Thanks a lot,

Which stores would you recommend to buy the parts seperately? (I live in Belgium)
Do the cigs with the button come with an automatic time release so they cannot overheat?
Thanks a lot,

Gibrril

 

[madqatter]

Bonus: vapor may stay in a container such as a cup or overturned hat for a while, allowing you to pour it out. I'd recommend searching for people's "stupid vape/vapor/vaper tricks" if you're interested in incorporating vapor into an act.

 

[Vapourparlour]

Ha hai just know I'm going to try that

 

[Gibrril]

Thanks!
Do any of you know some good stores in the Belgium area to pick up individual e-cig components?

Thanks again,

Gibrril