Process of Making a Catalytic Burner / Tutorial

Intro: Process of Making a Catalytic Burner / Tutorial

Today, I will tell you about the process of making a catalytic burner. This is a catalytic heater that does not have an open flame outside its casing. So, we can observe the fire, but it will never burst outside! Therefore, this burner is safe and actively used in hiking trips when it comes to heating a tent or a person outdoors, even in strong gusty winds!

STEP 1:

We will be using two tin cans. We measure the dimensions of the can's circumference and transfer them to a piece of paper. 

Then, we take a metallic, preferably stainless steel, mesh. The finer the mesh, the better and more efficiently our heater will work!

STEP 2:

Using the paper template, we cut out the metallic mesh, keeping an eye on all the height dimensions provided by me. It is essential to seal the seams in the mesh joints well so that catalytic vapors only come out through small holes and immediately ignite. Otherwise, your flame will burst outside, the project's essence will be disrupted, and you'll end up with a regular open flame that has nothing to do with the catalytic process. 

STEP 3:

As fuel, you can use medical alcohol—it does not emit toxic gases and is excellent for enclosed spaces. The only thing, like any flame, it consumes a bit of oxygen depending on the fireplace's burning duration. By the way, it's very similar to a home bio-fireplace; it also uses alcohol with some added flavoring agents. And there, of course, it's a regular open flame, not catalytic like ours.

Fill one end of the mesh tube with a metal sponge for dishwashing. Part of the catalytic and vaporizing process will take place there due to heating and evaporation of the liquid.

STEP 4:

What is a catalytic burner?

Catalytic alcohol burner is a device for burning alcohol using a catalyst. It differs from regular alcohol burners in that it employs a special substance (catalyst) that helps alcohol to burn more efficiently and safely without producing an open flame.

The operation of a catalytic alcohol burner is based on chemical reactions occurring on the surface of the catalyst, allowing alcohol to burn without a visible flame. This makes it convenient and safe for use in various situations where controlled and effective heat provision is needed. Additionally, such burners can be particularly useful in places where an open flame may be undesirable or hazardous.

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Comments

[Orngrimm]

Thats not catalythic.... Thats simply a metal whick burning alcohol and heating a metal mantle. Looks similar but is NOT the same and for sure not catalythic.

You claim it is a catalythic reaction of the metals... Okay. Would be correct if the metal is something like copper and the alcohol is something like acetone. But you list Stainless steel mesh and dishwashing sponges (Also: Stainless steels). stainless steel does not reduce ethanol or methanol catalythically. Would be very bad as every steel surface would reduce alcohol catalythically and heat up to maaany 100°C. Pour your alcohol over the steel mesh? Does ist get SUPER hot just by contact? No. No cathalytic reaction there...

If you want to go catalythic, you need acetone and a strongly preheated copper piece.

Example like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LttjkciXGc or many scientific papers. Google "Acetone copper catalythic".

Now Do the same for "Alcohol Steel catalythic" good luck.

Yes, alcohols like ethanol can be reduced cathalythically but by cathalysts like Platinum (https://www.scielo.br/j/bjce/a/VcCqM5WpQ5WNSsPfNjddWbk/?lang=en)

I think you misunderstood what cathalysis is... The glowing mantle is not cathalysis but simply heated metal and no open flame OUTSIDE the mantle. The flame is still open inside the mantle as you even can see in your own video.

Check the Youtube-link i posted Cathalysis is without flame at all and can be done in an open environment as long as fumes are present and no flame is needed.

[rafununu]

100% agreed

[Franks Instructables]

Hi interesting hack. What metal are the metal sponges for dishwashing made from? It kind of looks like shredded aluminum.

[Orngrimm]

Thats normally some sort of inox steel

[bakichmg]

I am definitely going to attempt this. When watching your video, I looked outside my house about 6 times looking for a rooster. Until I realized it was on your video. Love it!! Thanks.

[MriPoo]

Thank you! You made me laugh))