Alcohol Stove (Orange Flame)

Utilizing table salt as an additive to homemade alcohol backpacking stoves results in a more visible orange flame and can help reduce unnecessary accidents.

**Adult Supervision Required** 

Alcohol stoves are known for creating an almost invisible blue flame.  The flame's invisibility can result in injury or fire due to the incorrect belief that the flame is out.  A typical homemade alcohol stove is shown below in light and darkness.  The visibility of the blue flame is greatly reduced in the day light.  In some lighting conditions the blue flame is almost invisible.

 24 Jet Alcohol Stove burning S-L-X Denatured Alcohol in daylight (left) and darkness (right).

To increase the visibility of the alcohol flame, a pinch (100 mg) of table salt (NaCl) was added to the stove prior to adding the alcohol (Table salt is not very soluble in alcohol therefore the salt has to be added to the stove not the fuel).  The stove was started in the same manner as before.  The picture below illustrates two identical stoves burning at the same time.  The stove on the left has table salt added and the stove to the right has no additives.  The stove with the table salt shows a more visible orange flame. 

Table salt added (left) and no additives (right). Photo taken in daylight. 

Table salt added (left) and no additives (right). Video taken in dark room.

This orange flame is the result of electrons relaxing from a higher energy state in the sodium.  This relaxation results in a longer wavelength of light, or orange color.  No differences in stove performance was observed when adding table salt to the stove (see chart below).  

Heating Performance of a homemade 34 side jet stove with and without salt.
30 second temperature readings of 2 cups of water in a titanium pot (no lid).

The burning process removes very little of the table salt from the stove.  As long as the salt remains in the stove, the stove will produce an orange flame.  To remove salt from the stove rinse the stove with water and dry prior to use. 

Adult Supervision Required

Salt is corrosive and may damage intricate stoves. 
HikeThru is not responsible for any damages .
Always follow the manufacturers guidelines.