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Shop projects 4/14 - Building+testing a copper coil alcohol burner

HakasaysApr 14, 2021, 8:26:16 PM
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Earlier, I has finished an alcohol burner for a model steam boiler, but because it was pretty smelly and 'finicky' I was curious if there was a more efficient burner that would burn hotter and cleaner.

Ideally you want a blue flame, as it means there is plenty of heat and oxygen.  A yellow flame is generally more oxygen-deprived and is less efficient, and also generates more carbon monoxide and funky odors.

After skimming Youtube, I came across a 'copper coil' burner design that looked interesting, so I decided to whip one up to see how it performs

bend copper tube, stuff with fiberglass wick, and drill one hole.   Very simple and cheap hardware store project.

This seems to work a bit better, but is still a long ways away from the pure blue flame you would find on a propane torch.   Also, this version doesn't seem to like being tipped to the side, the flame dies out.

Oh well, it was a fun 1hr project, and now I have a little alcohol lamp in case I ever need one.

 

I really need to start working on a bigger project, but anyway, hope you all liked it :-)

 

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