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Flame Temperature

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 12:04 pm
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.

Re: Flame Temperature

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 6:00 am
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

Re: Flame Temperature

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 6:37 am
by rwooten12
Thanks,
Are these temperatures that you measured yourself with a themocouple? I am looking for actual measured temperatures.
Russell

Re: Flame Temperature

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 9:23 pm
by Longboy
....Sez here you asked for typical temps. :mrgreen: Any concerns regarding more specific measurements?

Re: Flame Temperature

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 3:51 am
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

Re: Flame Temperature

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 4:57 am
by rwooten12
At this point I am seeking temperatures as measured with a thermocouple directly in the flame.

Re: Flame Temperature

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 6:29 am
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

Re: Flame Temperature

Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 1:56 am
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