Fig. 208.—Sectional view of the generator and burner of the alcohol vapor stove.
The alcohol flows from the supply tank through the pipe C to the generator G, which is a brass tube filled with copper wires. The vapor for starting the burner is generated by opening the valve V and allowing a small amount of alcohol to flow through the orifice C into the pan P directly below the generator. The valve is then closed and the alcohol ignited. When the generating flame has burned out, the valve V is again opened and the vapor which has generated in the tube escapes at the orifice C and enters the Bunsen tube T, (Fig. 207) carrying with it the proper amount of air to produce the Bunsen flame at each of the holes of the burner.
As in the case of the gasoline burners the orifice C sometimes becomes clogged and it is necessary to insert a small wire to clear the opening. With the stove is provided a tool for this purpose. With stoves of this kind, the supply tank must not be tightly closed, because any pressure in the tank would cause it to become dangerous. The alcohol is fed to the generator entirely by gravity. The stopper of the tank contains a small hole at the top which should be kept open to avoid the generation of pressure should the tank become accidentally heated.
Stoves of this kind may be conveniently used for a great variety of household purposes, and when intelligently handled are relatively free from danger.
Danger from Gaseous and Liquid Fuels.
—All combustible gases or vapors, when mixed within definite amounts, are explosive. The violence of the explosion will be in proportion to the volumes of the gas and the condition of confinement.
When gasoline or other volatile fuel is vaporized in a closed room, there is danger of an explosion, should the mixture of the vapor and air reach explosive proportions. It is dangerous to enter a room with a lighted match or open-flame lamp, where gaseous odor is markedly noticeable. In case of danger of this kind the windows and doors should be immediately opened to produce the most rapid ventilation.
In the act of igniting the flame in a gas or vapor stove, the lighter should be made ready before the gas is turned on. Explosions in gas and vapor stoves are usually due to carelessness in igniting the fuel. It should be kept constantly in mind that, if a combustible gas is allowed to escape and mix with air in any space and then ignited, an explosion of more or less violence is sure to occur.
Gasoline and kerosene are lighter than water and will float on its surface. The flames from these oils are aggravated when water is used in attempting to extinguish them. The burning oil floating on the surface of the water increases the burning surface.