The prerequisite for the creation of this device was the inconvenience that accompanied the soldiers of the First World War in the winter. When fights took place in snowy territories, fighters often suffered from frostbite of limbs and hypothermia. Four years after the end of the war, the first designs of the device, called the "catalytic heating pad," were invented.
General information
The principle of operation of the device was to use a catalytic reaction - flameless oxidation of alcohol or gasoline. There were several options for such “smart” devices, but all had common features, the main of which was a platinum gasket. She was in a tank filled with cotton wool, which, in turn, was saturated with alcohol. In the metal case of the heating pad, holes were drilled for air to enter the catalyst.
Today a wide range of different heating pads is available; they are used in tourism, sports, hunting or fishing and are used for personal heating of a person, as well as for heating small rooms (tents, huts). In Soviet times, the GK-1 catalytic heating pad was produced, it was capable of generating heat up to a temperature of 60 degrees, and at the same time it worked from eight to fourteen hours.
Device and principles of work
The design of the catalytic heating pad is a housing made of metal. It is approximately comparable in size to the palm of an adult man. Inside there is a reservoir, a catalyst is attached to the neck of the reservoir, and in it is cotton wool soaked in gasoline. A tight lid closes the neck; holes are provided in it for air to enter the catalyst.
During refueling, gasoline impregnates cotton, and then oxidizes on the catalyst during the evaporation process. During this reaction, the necessary heat is released.
The catalyst is a platinum plate located inside a small metal mesh fixed to the neck of a heating pad.
Mode of application
Place the burner on a flat surface. Then, using a special watering can, which is in the kit, enter the required amount of gasoline for lighters or any other with a higher degree of purification (in no case can you refuel with automobile gasoline!). The watering can must be fixed with special clamps to prevent leakage. After removing the watering can, put on the catalyst in its place. After making sure that there is no spilled fuel on the case, you can heat the device with a lighter or a match. The catalyst will heat up to the required temperature within 5-10 seconds.
Caring for a heating pad
For long work, like any other thing, the device requires careful maintenance, but, fortunately, there is no need to contact the service. Care of the heating pad is quite simple: it is necessary to shake the remaining fuel from the tank before each new refueling. And over time, when the surface of the catalyst becomes contaminated, it must be heated for one to two minutes above the flame of a gas stove. This will ensure the previous state of the device. The catalytic heater will again warm up to maximum temperature.
Domestic and foreign analogues
Today, the market has a huge variety of catalytic heating pads of various companies and manufacturing countries. We will consider two: one domestic model, the other - imported.
Catalytic heating pad GK-1 is a completely Russian development. It is made very soundly and efficiently, a distinctive feature is a catalyst made exclusively of platinum. This feature guarantees long-term operation of the device - up to 25 years. The burner tank with a volume of 12 to 30 milliliters ensures operation at full charge up to 14 hours. In the kit there is a convenient funnel with a dispenser.
Kovea - a catalytic hot-water bottle of the Korean producer. For several decades, it has been confidently occupying one of the leading positions in world markets along with products of American companies. The quality of all elements does not raise the slightest doubt and will provide you with comfortable use with a rather compact size. A distinctive feature of the Korean heating pad is also an ergonomic design. It’s very nice to hold such a charm in your hands. When fully equipped, it weighs only 100 grams, while working up to 20 hours. The volume of the burner is 24 milliliters. In addition to the standard set in the form of a funnel, the kit also has a very convenient handbag for a heating pad.
Conclusion
If you are an avid fisherman, hunter, athlete or just a travel enthusiast, a catalytic gas heater will be a great help in all trips, not only providing the necessary comfort, but also saving time and money. Being easy to use, it also serves as a very cheap and safe source of heat, so necessary for humans. Even in the warm season (especially near a pond) it’s quite cool at night, and with a compact heating pad you can warm your frozen hands or provide a comfortable microclimate in your tent.
It should be added that a special cover is a necessary element for the full use of this device, since the catalytic heating pad is very hot during operation. It’s unlikely that you can hold it for a long time with your own hands, since the heating temperature reaches 60 degrees. Covers are usually bundled with many heating pads, but if you didn’t get it, do not rush to despair: it can be made of dense material. The main thing is that the fabric is not synthetic.
The cost of heaters varies depending on the company and the country of manufacture. Common Chinese devices can cost from 200 rubles, and high-quality counterparts - up to 1500, and sometimes even higher. It is worth noting that there is another important difference. The more expensive the catalytic heating pad, the less it consumes fuel and the less it emits an unpleasant smell of gasoline during use. This happens for the reason that it is made from better materials.