Kerosene for oil lamps

[James_Calvert]

According to the label, B&Q Turps substitute is "Kerosine (petroleum) hydrodesulfurized". I've just tried using some in a hurricane lantern: it burns with a whiter flame than paraffin, and doesn't smell.

Have I chanced upon an alternative to paraffin or lamp oil, or is this an entry for a Darwin award?

(The label warns of lung damage if swallowed, so I won't be trying that.)

 

[Seagreen]

Not tried it, but as I've half a bottle of the stuff, I may give it a go.

 

[aquaplane]

I'm a chemist not a fuel technologist but if it's a type of paraffin, and it burns, I would use it, especially if it's cheaper. Kerosene is paraffin, Americanised I think.

Diesel or gas oil will burn with a wick, though I haven't tried it I suspect it's smellier than paraffin/kerosene. Never tried lamp oil either but if I saw some with citronella in I may be tempted.

I like the whiter light aspect for reading at night, but the warm glow of paraffin is part of the attraction.

I don't have electrickery on my little ship so a storm lantern is dead good.

 

[Seagreen]

Citronella sold for garden lamps in B&Q (other stores also) burns well with nice yellow flame. Deters moths and mozzies in the cabin which is a bonus.

 

[Tidewaiter2]

We always burn citronella lamp oil too in warm months in cabin lamp- it does keep the midges etc on the move- joys of a berth near a saltings nature reserve- + side is all the bird life.

We use clear lamp oil in winter for background heat/ambience, but turps wheeze sounds cheaper and brighter- may need to clean glass more often?

We'll give it a go next time we're down the boat- use a gimballed "Davy lamp" on the bulkhead, so should be ok, but if you hear a loud bang in Emsworth.........

 

[samwestwood]

There all similar just a few different additives.
If it burns it will work.

 

[Guest]

If you want a whiter light, add a small quantity of camphor oil (can be sourced from aromatherapy suppliers on Ebay) to the kerosene/ paraffin. Colin