Flame Temperature

Discussion on Stirling or "hot air" engines (all types)
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rwooten12
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Joined: Sun Dec 11, 2011 10:52 am

Flame Temperature

Post by rwooten12 »

What is the flame temperature of a typical alcohol or spirits lamp used with an off the shelf Stirling Engine? Please specify Fahrenheit and Celsius.
Ian S C
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Location: New Zealand

Re: Flame Temperature

Post by Ian S C »

The temperature of the meths lamp flame is about 1100* C , the amount of heat is about 30 kJ/g, this compared to butane with 49kJ/g. A candle flame is 1200/ 1700*C. Thats a few figures to start you off. Ian S C
rwooten12
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Joined: Sun Dec 11, 2011 10:52 am

Re: Flame Temperature

Post by rwooten12 »

Thanks,
Are these temperatures that you measured yourself with a themocouple? I am looking for actual measured temperatures.
Russell
Longboy
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Location: Tucson, AZ

Re: Flame Temperature

Post by Longboy »

....Sez here you asked for typical temps. :mrgreen: Any concerns regarding more specific measurements?
Ian S C
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Location: New Zealand

Re: Flame Temperature

Post by Ian S C »

Here are some comparisons of BTU's: Propane 21,600. Petrol 19,500. Meths 11,000, and Isopropyl Alcohol 12,960, the latter is the one to get if you can. Ian S C
rwooten12
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Joined: Sun Dec 11, 2011 10:52 am

Re: Flame Temperature

Post by rwooten12 »

At this point I am seeking temperatures as measured with a thermocouple directly in the flame.
theropod2
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Joined: Tue Aug 16, 2011 5:05 am

Re: Flame Temperature

Post by theropod2 »

rwooten12 wrote:At this point I am seeking temperatures as measured with a thermocouple directly in the flame.
Well, the temperature of any flame source will be higher just above the flame than in it. Since convection carries the heat away and sort of focuses it at the top of the flame the hottest place will be just above the flame tip.

R
Ian S C
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Joined: Thu Dec 02, 2010 5:15 am
Location: New Zealand

Re: Flame Temperature

Post by Ian S C »

The actual meths flame is about 500*C around the sides, and the temp above the flame averages some were round 1100*C, there should be no yellow in the flame, this indicated impurities, and will cause a build up of soot/ lamp black. The temperature can vary if there is a draft, either cooling the flame, or introducing more oxygen, there by increasing the temperature. If you need a constant and accurate temperature you need an electric element. If the acuracy is not so important, gas is the fuel to use, it also has nearly twice the heat content in BTU's. Ian S C
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