Posted: 1/6/2008 4:24:45 PM EDT
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I was able to pick up some 99% pure liquid paraffin at a wholesale shop, 1.5 liters for $4.50. I plan on using this in some glass Lamp Light Farm oil lamps with wide wicks my parents gave me some time ago. Question, the lamps have oil in them now. Will I have to use new wicks when I switch from oil to the liquid paraffin? Also I had one of the bottles start freeze and get ice crystals in it while it was in the trunk of the car last week. Will the paraffin still be good to burn? The bottles are clear plastic, should I put the paraffin in better storage container for longer storage. Thanks XM15Carbine |
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I'll try to be brief. Liquid parrarfin works best in lamps with 5/8" or smaller flat wicks. Above that size the specific gravity is a tad low and it will not wick properly thus an uneven burn making it burn hot. You can offset this by mixing with kerosene. You can pick up the specific gravity while still reducing soot and fumes from the kerosene. (That is pretty much lamp oil.) If it is the proper size wick and you are getting an improper burn, you can clean the old oil out by using a light solvent. Make sure you allow the solvent to completely dry and flame test before you reinstall in the lamp. You don't want solvent fumes to cause an explosion in your lamp. Liquid paraffin lasts forever or at least as long as kerosene does in storage. It is closer to wax so lower temperatures will tend to solidify. Its no problem, just bring the temperature back up and it will melt away. The clear plastic bottles yellow with age even faster in direct sun light. They become brittle and break very easy. I highly recommend a lamp oil can. I personally use an old coal oil can (new remake) which holds two gallons and has a very small spout for pouring into lamps. Took quite a bit for me to find mine but Lehmans should have them. Don't let all this throw you. Liquid paraffin truly is the best cleanest burning fuel. There's no noxious gases and very low soot. Like most things in life though, you do need to know how to apply it. Tj |
