Portable lanterns are not a luxury, reserved only for the likes of nocturnal campers and night fishermen. Lantern light may allow you to have supper, finish homework, or make repairs on the house after the power is knocked out by a thunderstorm. But regardless of whether you are on a camping trip, or just using a lantern around the home, knowledge of the proper use and storage of fuels very important.
The critical component for powering any lantern is fuel. Clean, fresh white gas, which is not the same as unleaded fuel, can be used, but it is increasingly hard to find. Unleaded gasoline, while free of lead, contains additives that will clog generators on camp stoves and lanterns when frequently used, requiring repeated cleaning or replacement. It will coat the wick of catalytic heaters and render them useless. Use of both unleaded or regular gasoline will permanently damage catalytic heater heads. Regular of premium grade gasoline will leave deposits of lead compounds.
The most frequently seen lantern/campstove fuel is produced by the same company that markets these devices. But what is Coleman fuel? According to the company, it is a petroleum naphtha made to exact specifications for gasoline campstoves, lanterns, and catalytic heaters. They have set rigid distillation requirements, more so than those for white gas, and have combined additives that prevent rust and corrosion inside the fuel tanks.
Whenever a gasoline product is used indoors, care must be taken. Never use the lantern/stove/heater in a tightly closed room. You must allow ventilation because the appliances use the oxygen in the air to operate properly. The more people there are in the room with the burning appliances, the more air is required. Universal fire codes prohibit using propane containers larger than 16.4 ounces indoors, which means no bulk refillable tanks should be used inside houses, pickup campers, trailers, or other confined spaces. The bulk refillable tanks may be used outdoors. Be sure that any appliance used inside is set on a firm, level surface well away from combustible materials and out of reach of children.
Never add fuel to any appliance while the metal surfaces are hot to the touch or near any flame such as a pilot light of a furnace, water heater or kitchen range. A spark from an electric motor can also trigger a flash fire. Refuel outside or in a well-ventilated area when necessary.
Emissions from any fuel can be dangerous, but Coleman fuel reportedly emits only carbon dioxide, water vapor, unburned hydrocarbons, and a small amount of carbon monoxide. Adequate ventilation is required to replace the oxygen and rid the room of the emissions and byproducts. Most unwanted emissions result from efforts by homeowners when they modify existing systems. Outdoor people are great innovators and likely to modify equipment to personalize it for their own use, or invent new uses for commercial things. When this type of creativity is practiced on appliances that use fuel, the air required for proper operation of the product may be cut off. Such modifications may also cause the product to overheat or leak.
Another concern for homeowners is the storage of fuels. Any type of gas should be kept in small quantities, with only enough on hand for immediate use. When exposed to air and heat, gasoline degrades very quickly and can actually be a problem for your equipment as it gums up openings. Store the fuel upright in an area that won’t exceed 120 degrees, and where the can won’t be subject to tipping by an errant cat, dog, or child. Fuel should always be kept in a clean, properly marked, closed metal container away from an open flame, including pilot lights.
Fuels can be stored in airtight metal cans for as long as several years, but once it is opened, use it within a year. If it is kept beyond one year, it would be best to take it to a gas station for proper disposal, and start the new season with a fresh can. A good idea is to write the date on the can with a marker, so you don’t lose track of its history.
A commonly asked question about these fuels is, “Can it be used safely in a lawn mower or car, if needed?” A company representative replied emphatically, “No!” The intense heat generated through combustion and absence of certain additives that are common to automobile fuels will cause dieseling. This describes the behavior of an engine that keeps running after the key is turned off. The use of Coleman fuel in automobiles can also cause knocking and damage valves and pistons. Economically, it just wouldn’t make sense.
When used properly, these fuels are wonderfully efficient. But like any fuel, they are explosive and must be handled and stored with great care.
Source : 5500 watt generator
