[pct-l] Super Cool Alcohol Stove Tip - Tame the Flame!

[giniajim]

The area that the alcohol goes into is the depression at the bottom the can, now the top of the stove.  Since the fuel fill port at the bottom of the depression is closed with a screw during use, I guess the water pools in that little depression.  It is heated to boiling and the steam somehow moderates the flame.  Interesting... 

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: dsaufley 
  To: 'giniajim' ; pct-l at mailman.backcountry.net 
  Sent: Thursday, June 17, 2010 11:30 AM
  Subject: RE: [pct-l] Super Cool Alcohol Stove Tip - Tame the Flame!


  Yes - exactly.  I don't know that the term is actually "pressurized;" during the demonstration he used that term to indicate that the flame had settled and was coming out  of all the burner holes.  Simply (and carefully) pour a bit of water into the same area the alcohol goes into.  It is pretty amazing. 

   

  Another tip:  do this at night so you can see the flame.

   

  L-Rod

   

  From: giniajim [mailto:jplynch at crosslink.net] 
  Sent: Thursday, June 17, 2010 6:58 AM
  To: dsaufley at sprynet.com; pct-l at mailman.backcountry.net
  Subject: Re: [pct-l] Super Cool Alcohol Stove Tip - Tame the Flame!

   

  How do you get the water into the stove if its pressurized?  Is this the standard "pepsi can" stove?

    ----- Original Message ----- 

    From: dsaufley 

    To: pct-l at mailman.backcountry.net 

    Sent: Thursday, June 17, 2010 9:55 AM

    Subject: [pct-l] Super Cool Alcohol Stove Tip - Tame the Flame!

     

    Ron, aka Captain Kamakaze (though I'm calling him Helpful Harry because of
    all the great tips he had) shared the most outstanding tip about using an
    alcohol stove.  It works with Heet, too. Here it is:  Once you get your
    alcohol stove "pressurized" (burning correctly), put ½ oz of water into the
    stove.  Be sure not to add too much water or your flame will go out.

     

    Adding water to the mix does three things:  (1) the flame will be reduced
    from the wild flying flame to a perfect simmer flame, which stays under the
    pot and works more effectively.  Because the heat is lower, it will keep
    from scorching food in the bottom of your pot.  (2) it makes the stove safer
    because the flame isn't licking out undetected in every direction.  And (3),
    it makes your fuel go farther - it's more efficient and stays where you need
    it to be, so you use less.

     

    Give it a try!!!  

     

    L-Rod (the Animal Magnet)

     

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