Often there are situations when there is a need for quick production of fire. Or vice versa, there are no materials and means to maintain it. Most often, such situations occur in people who are fond of hiking and traveling and leading a very active lifestyle. Or in cases of unexpected extreme situations, when fire is one of the main means of survival.
Also, the need for a quick fire can also arise in domestic conditions, if there are no dry wood materials for ignition at hand. In such situations, you may need a substance that is characterized by certain properties. It should be combustible, dry, easy to catch fire, long to maintain fire and easy to fade.
"Dry alcohol." What is it?
There is such a substance that is capable of supporting combustion for a fairly long time in a small amount. It is called "dry alcohol." The strength and burning time of even a small amount of such a substance may be enough to cook food. In fact, this substance has nothing to do with alcohols. In common with alcohols is only a good ability to burn. In general, “dry alcohol” refers to any substance that is capable of burning with a colorless flame without smoke and soot and does not leave traces of ash during combustion. In the process of combustion, dry fuel is converted into water and carbon dioxide. The first evaporates immediately, under the influence of outgoing heat, and carbon dioxide dissipates in the surrounding air.
Dry fuel. Composition
The chemical basis of dry alcohol is represented by urotropine. This dry fuel was first obtained by Butlerov in 1860, as a result of studying the interaction of formaldehyde with a solution of ammonia. As a result of his experiments, colorless crystals were obtained, which were given the name urotropin. This substance itself and its compounds with calcium chloride turned out to be good anti-inflammatory and diuretics, which can still be found in the pharmacy. The second excellent property of this compound was its ability to burn without ash formation. The dry fuel for tablets sold in the store consists of urotropin with a small amount of paraffin. This type of "dry alcohol" is very convenient to use. Urotropin is a very combustible substance in itself. Dry it ignites very quickly from an ordinary match. And it goes out without difficulty, it is worth covering it with something. Even damp, urotropin is able to ignite, but at the same time crackles and scatters sparks. Despite the fact that “dry alcohol” can simply be bought at any hardware store, a small amount can be prepared at home.
Formalin + Ammonia
To do this, you need to pour 100 ml of formalin (40% solution) in a metal container, immersed 2/3 in cold water. Then gradually add 1 liter of ammonia (12% solution) there, constantly stirring. These manipulations should be performed outdoors, since inhaling the vapors of these
substances is harmful to health. The resulting solution must be closed with a lid and left for a day. Then the mixture should be heated and evaporated until crystals of urotropin begin to precipitate. After which the mixture needs to be cooled, and urotropin filtered and dried. Then, mixed with 1-3% paraffin, grind and form dense briquettes. Store ready-made dry alcohol in a place protected from moisture.
Acetaldehyde + Sulfuric Acid
There is another type of "dry alcohol" - metaldehyde. This dry fuel with your own hands can be obtained at home, having some chemical components in stock. It is prepared by mixing chilled acetic aldehyde with a few drops of sulfuric acid. As a result of mixing the two liquids, solid metaldehyde is formed. It is insoluble in water and alcohol and burns well without the formation of smoke and ash.
Ethanol + Calcium Acetate
Solvate calcium acetate also refers to "dry alcohols." It can be obtained by quickly adding 10 ml of concentrated calcium acetate to 170 ml of ethyl alcohol. As a result, the solution hardens very quickly and will resemble a white soap. From the resulting mass, you can cut cubes or plates. When burning a solvate of calcium acetate, a small amount of ash and acetone are formed, which is also well prone to burning.
About burners
Dry fuel in tablets is most often used for heating and cooking in the field. But for this you will still need a special burner.
Burners come in many types and manufacturers, but they are all compact and easy to use.
If the trip is carried out by car, it will be more convenient to use a modern gas burner. But this fact does not mean that the dry fuel burner is outdated and is a relic of the past. Under certain conditions, its use is the most convenient and only possible. This is evidenced by the reviews of tourists. For use in such devices, dry fuels without traces of moisture will be most effective.
Burner features
There are no fundamental differences among heating pads of various brands. However, an experienced user can easily distinguish the most productive model. The only difference is the height of the tank and the protection from the wind. The most productive will be a burner equipped with a metal cylinder with holes in it. Thus, protection from the wind and traction will be created, which will avoid heat loss from the combustion of "dry alcohol".
Burner completeness
This type of burner is widely used not only for tourism purposes. They are part of the soldier's equipment, a survival kit for the pilot and the victims of the disaster. The complete set of the burner includes a taganka, a metal container, solid fuel and matches. This set weighs only 300-350 grams, so its presence in the backpack is not burdensome.
When using dry fuel, the good thing is that you can use some metal products at hand as a taganka, such as a tin can, a metal mug, an aluminum or tin plate. It will be convenient to place a heated container on them.
Practical tips
Some sets of burners of various manufacturers have one drawback - the lack of a cover. It is indispensable for boiling water using dry fuel. In a closed container, water boils much faster, which saves “dry alcohol”, which may be the only source of high-grade fire. Also, the lid will keep the water warm for a longer time.
If it becomes necessary to boil an amount of water more than half a liter, it is best to use 2 tablets of fuel at the same time. Water in this case will boil 2 times faster than if you put fuel in turn.
If it is necessary to use dry fuel, it is worth checking its suitability in advance. To do this, burn one sample from the package. If the fuel is dry, then after complete combustion a small shred of ash should remain. In this case, "dry alcohol" is considered suitable for further use. If, after complete combustion, a large amount of ash remains, resembling a sponge in structure, then such fuel must be discarded. Using it for cooking or warming up food is dangerous because it may contain toxic substances in the combustion products.
Only experienced hiking enthusiasts can understand that there is nothing nicer after a long and tiring transition than washing with clean water and relaxing with a cup of freshly brewed tea.