Dry Fuel in Tablets: reviews and usage tips

Often there are situations when there is a need for rapid fire mining. Or, on the contrary, there are no materials and means to support it. Most often, such situations occur in people who are keen on 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 occur in the home, if you do not have dry wood materials for ignition. In such situations, you may need a substance for which certain properties are characteristic. It must be combustible, dry, easy to ignite, maintain the fire for a long time and easily fade.

"Dry alcohol". What is it?

There is a substance capable of maintaining a small amount of combustion for a fairly long time. It is called "dry alcohol". The strength and burning time of even a small amount of such a substance can be enough to cook food. In fact, this substance has nothing to do with alcohols. General with alcohols - only a good ability to burn. In general, "dry alcohol" refers to any substances that are capable of burning with a colorless flame without smoke and soot and do not leave traces of ash in the process of combustion. In the process of combustion, dry fuel is converted into water and carbon dioxide. The first evaporates immediately, under the action of the outgoing heat, and the carbon dioxide dissipates in the ambient air.

Dry fuel. Composition

The chemical basis of dry alcohol is 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 was given the name urotropine. The substance itself and its compounds with calcium chloride proved to be good anti-inflammatory and diuretics, which can still be found in the pharmacy. The second excellent property of this compound was the ability to burn without the formation of ash. Dry fuel in tablets, sold in the store, consists precisely of urotropine with a small amount of paraffin. This kind of "dry alcohol" is very convenient to use. Urotropin - in itself a very combustible substance. Dry it ignites very quickly from an ordinary match. And without effort, goes out, it is worth it to cover something. Even dampened, urotropin is able to ignite, but it crackles and sparks. Despite the fact that "dry alcohol" can be bought easily in any hardware store, a small amount of it can be cooked at home.

Formalin + ammonia

To do this, pour 100 ml of formalin (40% solution) into a metal container immersed in 2/3 in cold water. Then gradually add there 1 liter of ammonia (12% solution), constantly mixing. These manipulations should be conducted outdoors, as inhalation of vapors of these substances is harmful to health. The resulting solution should be closed with a lid and left for a day. Then the mixture is heated and evaporated until the crystals of urotropin begin to precipitate. After that, the mixture must be cooled, and the urotropine is filtered and dried. Then, mixing with 1-3% paraffin, grind and form a dense briquettes. Store the finished dry alcohol in a place protected from moisture.

Acetaldehyde + sulfuric acid

There is another kind of "dry alcohol" - methaldehyde. This dry fuel can be obtained by hand in the home, with some chemical components available. It is prepared by mixing chilled acetic aldehyde with a few drops of sulfuric acid. As a result of mixing the two liquids, solid methaldehyde forms. 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 adding 10 ml of concentrated calcium acetate to 170 ml of ethyl alcohol quickly. As a result, the solution will harden very quickly and will resemble a white soap. From the resulting mass, you can cut cubes or plates. When burning the calcium acetate solvate, a small amount of ash is formed and acetone, which is also well combustible.

About the 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 different types and manufacturers, but they are all compact and easy to use.

If traveling is by car, it will be more convenient to use a modern gas burner. But this fact does not mean that the burner for dry fuel is obsolete and is a relic of the past. In certain conditions, its use is the most convenient and the only possible. This is evidenced by the reviews of tourists. For use in such devices, the most effective fuel is dry, without traces of moisture.

Features of burners

There are no fundamental differences among hot-water bottles of different brands. However, an experienced user will easily distinguish the most productive model. The difference is only in the height of the location 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 will be provided and thrust will be created, which will avoid heat loss from the combustion of "dry alcohol".

Completeness of the burner

Such type of burners are widely used not only for tourist purposes. They are part of the equipment soldier, the survival kit of the pilot and the victims of the disaster. The complete set of burners includes tagank, metal container, solid fuel and matches. This kit weighs only 300-350 grams, so its presence in the backpack is not burdensome.

When using dry fuel, it's good that some metal products available at hand, such as a tin can, a metal mug, an aluminum or a tin plate, can be used as a taganka. On them it will be convenient to place a heated container.

Practical tips

Some sets of burners of different manufacturers have one drawback - the absence of a cover. It is indispensable when boiling water using dry fuel. In a closed container, water boils much faster, which saves "dry alcohol", which can be the only source of full fire. Also, the lid will keep the water warm for a longer time.

If you need to boil water more than half a liter, it is best to use 2 tablets of fuel at the same time. The 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 worthwhile to check its suitability. To do this, you need to burn one sample from the package. If the fuel is dry, then after a complete combustion should remain a small scrap of ash. In this case, "dry alcohol" is considered suitable for further use. If after a complete combustion left a large amount of ash, reminiscent of the structure of the sponge, then this fuel must be thrown away. Use it for cooking or heating food is dangerous, because the products of combustion can contain poisonous substances.

Only lovers of hikes with experience can understand that there is nothing more pleasant after a long and tedious transition than to wash with clean water and relax with a cup of freshly made tea.