Petrol Burning Stoves

Zen Stoves Alcohol Stove Accessories Miscellany

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Petroleum Burners aka Liquid Fuel Stoves, ero Burners and Classic Cam! Stoves
These are the meat and potatoes of camping stoves. They are generally heavy duty, heavy, and are good for cooking and simmering large meals. Acceptable fuels tend to be easy to find and cheap. These stoves are time tested and have journeyed to remote parts of the world and kept many explorers alive in some of the harshest of environments imaginable. They are the only stoves that may work in the extremes of colds and are ideal in parts of the world where kerosene, diesel and avgas many be the only available fuels. Because of there longevity, they are uit popular and many outdoors people are well ac uainted with these wonderful tools. But despite being uite popular with the outdoors community, they!re the frowned upon by true ultraliters because of their excessive weight, dangerous caustic fuels and maintenance"reliability concerns. There are many commercial stoves on the market and due to the inherent dangers associated with li uid petroleum fuels, modifications and homemade versions are not recommended.
Basics #ressuri$es %toves %elf&#ressuri$ing %toves 'ravity (ed %toves )ick %toves *apillary Technology %toves (uels (uel %torage Maintenance

Basics
Advantages include: easy to find high heat output easy to find and inexpensive fuels +often the only fuel option available in many remote places, the only type of stoves that may work in extremely cold environments +Alaska, Antarctica, -imalayas, .orthern /urope in their respective winters, some can burn a variety of fuels fuels have high heat to weight ratio "isadvantages include: outrageous weight to include weight of fuel containers bulk caustic fuel explosive fuel smell smoke many don!t simmer well unless you block the flame from your pot while wasting fuel stove cost jet noise +pressuri$ed versions, flare ups can be dangerous some fuels blacken pots with soot significant maintenance concerns complicated to operate +a plus for some, most re uire pumping fuel storage concerns skin exposure to fuels extreme cold can be dangerous

Pum! Pressurized Stoves

%ince it!s introduction in the late 0122!s this has been the most popular camp stove design. Most of these systems work by pressuri$ing the fuel with a hand pump, metering its flow through tubes heated by your priming flame which in turn creates pressuri$ed vapor that is forced through a jet into a mixer tube where gaseous fuel

mixes with oxygen and then into some sort of flame reflector where it is ignited. %ee -ow %toves )ork for more information. There are hundreds of petrol stove models available on the market today the the following represents just some of the general classes of these stoves.

00.3o$ M%4 )hisper5ite 6nternationale stove and pump +bottle and accessories not included in weight,

The M%4 )hisper5ite 6nternationale is an example of a popular 7lightweight7 multi& fuel camp stove with a fancy flame dispersion pack. 6t has a larger diameter generator tube +vapori$er tube, that allows for less volatile fuels such as kerosene to be used with the stove and a set of jets that can be changed for use with different fuels. This design connects to a detachable fuel container.

03.0o$ Brunton 8ptimus .ova Multi&(uel stove and pump +bottle and accessories not included in weight,

9esigns such as the 8ptimus .ova and the M%4 9ragonfly have a control valve close the the jet to allow of precise control of fuel flow to allow for simmering. Both the 9ragonfly and .ova are used by the :% military since they can burn ;#&1 +military vehicle fuel, and are referred to as the % uad %tove.

0<o$ M%4 ='> /xpedition stove and pump +bottle and accessories not included in weight,

The venerable ='> /xpedition isn!t lightweight by any means, but is very popular due to its dependability and ability to burn different fuels. 6t has a simple bell shaped dispersion plate, large diameter generator tube and is better suited than other stoves to burn poor uality fuels or for melting large amounts of snow. 6t is the choice stove for subfree$ing expeditions and has been to both poles and the highest places in this world.

0<.? o$ M%4 ='> /= +bottle and accessories not included in weight,

M%4 has has a new version of the their ='> expedition stove shown above. 6t comes has a flexible fuel line that allows for easier packing, retractable legs and pot supports for improved stability both on the ground and for the pot.

<0.?o$ *oleman /xponent Multi (uel %tove

The *oleman /xponent Multi (uel %tove is an example of a multi&fuel stove with the burner unit mount directly over the integral fuel tank. This single unit design is desirable to many campers but has some inherent drawbacks. The down side of having the fuel tank under the stove is that it may overheat from the heat radiating off you your cookware and doesn!t allow flexibility for various si$ed fuel canisters. Another drawback with the popular *oleman single unit stoves is that if overfilled, they may leak li uid fuel from the top of the stove and cause a huge fireball. *oleman stoves are probably the stove most likely to be thrown into a lake.

8ptimus *ampingk@k .r. A

There were many stove designs such as the 8ptimus 7-almia7 .oBA that mount its burner hori$ontally with the fuel tank. Most of these stoves are no longer made or are far too heavy to general backpacking use. The older ones are very difficult to find and are horded by collectors.

<o$ M%4 (uel #ump

-omemade versions of pressuri$ed petrol stoves can be uite challenging to construct and it would be very difficult to make a safe, lightweight, durable stove that would be worth your while. Add the explosive nature of some of these fuels to stove designing, and you have a recipe for catastrophic failure. Modifications beyond windscreens, footprints and pot supports are discouraged and dangerous. 6f you still feel compelled to build one, check out the home&fabricated -jemmelaget primus. Tinkerers may possibly benefit from starting with a prefabricated pump assembly +made for a stove or a tire pump, and build the stove from there. )hite gas and gasoline fuels are not recommended for first time homemade stoves since they are extremely explosive.

8ptimus .ova #ump

(uel pumps are an important part of most petrol stove systems. They are responsible for pressuri$ing fuel while preventing fuel leaks, both when connected and disconnected from the stove. There is some argument as to which stove company produces the best pump. M%4 produces lightweight plastic systems, while their %wedish counterparts produce what are arguably more durable metal versions. Pum! #eights
M%4 M%4 9ragon(ly *oleman /xponent 9ual (uel Apex 66 8ptimus .ova <.0 o$ +?2 gm, <.0 o$ +?2 gm, C.3 o$ +A1 gm, D o$ +003 gm,

#rimus -imalaya 8mni(uel and Multi(uel C.? o$ +02< gm,

5e$yne -E Alloy 9rive Mini #ump +bike, C.A3 o$ +00< gm, Topeak Micro 4ocket *B #ump +bike, 0.AD +33 gm,

An alternate method for pressuring a stove is to use a bicycle pump. Fou can use an adapter which connects to a stove!s pump, or place an adapter inline with the fuel hose"tube or add it directly to the tank or install one in the tank!s filler cap. (or some stoves, the stock pump can be replaced altogether with a mini bicycle tire pump and a bottle cap with an installed valve. The Amish have been know to use a tire pump to pressuri$e lanterns and stoves, which makes sense as they are more likely to have a tire pump at home than a backpacker on the side of a mountain.

Bicycle and motorcycle tire valves are often used on filler caps of many stoves. A small bicycle pump will allow you to pressuri$e a larger tank much uicker and easier than the built in pump on most pressuri$ed stoves. This also makes 96F pressuri$ed petrol stove fabrication that much easier to make. Fou could even pressuri$e a 'atorade with this method and run tubing to your stove.

(iller *ap with %chrader Ealve

$elated Links: bikeforums.net C1<?D2&Backup&or&Alternative&(uel&pressuri$ation&%ystem spiritburner.com 0<033 spiritburner.com <3C0C bwca.com 00<G0D :sing pump to get rid of dents in bottle

%chrader valve

Schrader valves +aka American Ealve & used in car tires, T4&D & straight metal stem +1 mm dia., T4&? & straight metal stem +1 mm dia., T4&0C & straight rubber stem +00.3 mm dia., T4&03 & straight rubber stem +0? mm dia., T4&1G & short A2H metal stem +02 mm dia., T4&1G* & tall A2H metal stem +02 mm dia., T4 D0C& 2.D3C7 +00.32mm, rim hole diam. 0.<37 +C0.1mm, long

T4 D03& 2.?<37 +03.1Gmm, rim hole diam. 0.<37 +C0.1mm, long T4 D01& 2.D3C7 +00.32mm, rim hole diam. <7 +32.1mm, long T4 D<3& 2.?<37 +03.1Gmm, rim hole diam. <7 +32.1mm,l ong %&ternal thread MetricB G.G mm 89, thread root diameter is ?.A mm I 2.GAD mm pitch. 6mperialB 2.C23 in 89, thread root diameter 2.<G0 in I C< tpi +threads per inch, 'nternal thread +to accept the threaded valve core, MetricB 3.C2 mm 89 I 2.G2? mm pitch 6mperialB 2.<2A in 89 I C? tpi. (or refrigeration, a 0"D7 male flare fitting is used, with the same internal thread as above. Presta valve & .arrower valve for race bicycle rims %&ternal diameter ? mm "unlo! valve +)oods valve or /nglish valve, & hybrid valve with wide base similar to %chrader valve and narrow top similar to #resta valve

Sel()Pressurizing Stoves

Ao$ Borde Ben$inbrenner aka 7Borde Bomb,7 Borde Ben$in&>ocher, Borde Be$inkocher, The Bordeaux Burner JK, Borde& >ocher, %chwei$er&Armee&>ocher, %chwei$er Armee >ocher and %chwei$er >ocher

The Borde Ben$in Brenner was created in 0A3? by the %wiss inventor ;oseph Borde and was later transferred over to .orbert Baader who is still making them by hand. 8nly a couple hundred are made a year and can only be easily found in some /uropean specialty shops, ;apan and on /bay +from anywhere between 03 to012 :%9,. 6t incorporates a small fuel tank to the side of the burner and a coiled generator tube that doubles back to the burner. The stove is preheated by warming with your hands for a minute or so, flipping it over to allow fuel to leak onto the burner star and lighting it to heat up the generator tubes. 8nce the stove gets up to operational temperature, the heated generator tube boils the fuel in it and transfers heat back to the fuel tank, which in turn heats the fuel in the tank, build up pressure and forces fuel to the generator tubes. The flame is then adjusted by twisting the burner star with a metal hook to open and close the fuel outlet. %ince pressure continues to build up as the stove gets hotter and hotter, occasional adjustment of the burner is re uired. More information can be found atB *lassic *amp %toves 4akuten.co.jp & 9emonstration +;apanese, 'oogle Translation 6nstruction %heet +;apanese, 6nstruction %heet +;apanese, 'oogle Translation 4oman Auf der Maur & Borde +'erman, 'oogle Translation +;apanese, 'oogle Translation 'oogle Translation & 8ld style vs .ew %tyle This stove also needs some sort of #ot %tand for your #ot. )ith a little metal fabricating skill, is would be pretty easy to make a working stove modeled after ;oseph Borde!s design. 6nterested 96Fers will want to check outB 5eft0?!s #akuricon %eries 'oogle Translation 'oogle Translation & Trimmed down version
LM 'oogle Translation

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'oogle Translation

-ario #itorch 'lass 5amp

The #itorch alcohol stoves +!"#,, Taico 9ickson, Tay&>it, %tesco and many other older stove designs use a similar coiled generator tube for their burner.

-ario #itorch 'lass 5amp

Alcohol stoves of this design generally have two small holes drilled in the base of the coils positioned to allow for jet"flame collision with the tops of the coils.

0Ao$ 8ptimus %vea

The rugged 0Ao$ 8ptimus %vea and <Co$ -unter stoves are self pressuri$ing and use a wick to draw fuel to the burner while the stove preheats. These stoves are uite heavy but are know for their reliability and longevity.

0.Do$ Midi #ump

8ptimus uses a simple thermal feedback design for their %vea and -unter but this design doesn!t produce as much pressure as conventional camp stoves with built in pumps. To make up for this, they offer an optional Midi #ump to increase fuel output and to pressuri$e the stove prior to startups on those cold days.

*ravit+ Fed Stoves

9esca Alcohol Burner

There are a few stoves that use gravity to move fuel to the their burners. Models include alcohol, kerosene and diesel singe and multiple burners. Most of the few gravity fed stoves available today are alcohol Marine *ookers and are too large for backpacking use, but there are still a few smaller ones out there. 'ravity feeding means that you don!t need to worry about pressuri$ing but since fuel must be collected at a low point in the fuel chamber, there is the inherent problem of debris clogging these stoves. %ome designs use wicks to prevent sediment blockage in the generator tubes, while other designs are wickless. (uel tanks can be permanently mounted higher than the burner, attached to a swivel or hose to allow for packing, or set up with a removable fuel tank that sits on the stove like a water jug in a work place water cooler +aka water bubbler,. 96Fers will want to check out the gravity fed %outh African (%# %tove. %ome models include +for research purposes,B

Turm +C1 and %port, Eulcano Montgomery )ards no. C (alks )ickless +Eeritas, Eeritas&Atmos paraffin cooker 9esca >ocher Meva nr. 0?3 Butterfly %eries Torch .orma /0D %piritus >ocher Moha Bat %pirituskocher 4adius Alcohol %tove Ouikcook Alcohol %tove Barthel .orma Manning Bowman P *o #rimus +*aesar, .o. C<3 and .oBC20 Alcohol Burner, 6mages of several gravity fed stoves can be found atB %cherning & >ocher #etromax (orum & >ocher *lassic *amp %toves & *ollectors 'alleries

#ick Stoves
An older simpler version incorporates one or more wicks. This design is still used in large kerosene heaters and in some stoves made in Asia.

*hinese Fang$hou -urricane .%<< kerosene stove

*ommercial petrol wick camp stoves are hard to come by these days unless you live in or are traveling through Asia or the subcontinent of 6ndia. 9on!t expect to find an ultralightweight version in this design, unless you build it yourself. -omemade versions of wick stoves that use kerosene or oil can be pretty simple to build, but messy to operate and"or store. $elated Links: Qen #araffin and )ax Burning %toves Burning >erosene in #ea %oup *an Ama$ing Mini >erosene %tove

Ca!illar+ ,echnolog+ Stoves

6nstead of using pressuri$e building pumps, gravity, generator tubes or wicks to transport fuel to your stove, capillary attraction from specially engineered ceramics can be used to deliver atomi$ed fuel jets directly into the flame.

M%4 *apillary %tove with integral pot

M%4!s *apillary (orce Technology %tove %ystem using the Eapore&;et *apillary (orce Eapori$er is scheduled for release in <22G at the earliest, but looks like it still needs a little testing for both the commercial and :% military use. 6nstead of using

pressuri$ed fuel or wicks, it incorporates a ceramic cartridge that uses capillary attraction of draw up and vapori$e fuel.

:% Military M6)-

The :% military is working on a 7lightweight7 and compact system called the Modular 6ndividual )ater -eater +M6)-, that incorporates the capillary system fueled by ;#&1 +kerosene&like fuel used by most :% military ground vehicles,. This will be the new 7#ocket %tove7 to replace the old )orld )ar 66 gasoline burner.

/xperimental :% Military #ocket %tove

The final product used by the military may end up far sturdier than re uired for ultralight hikers, but the prototype designs can be easily improved on and tailored for minimalist use. (or more information seeB defenselink.mil & *apillary (orce Eapori$er (uels #ocket %tove military.com & EA#846Q/9B *apillary (orce 4evolutioni$es Burner Technology May&;une <223 The )arrior #9( %%*&.atick #ress 4elease

Fuel ,+!es

*ommercial petrol stoves are designed to work with certain fuels and manufactures will often recommend or even mandate a specific kind or brand of fuel. But because of the many similarities in petroleum fuels, many petrol stoves can burn a variety of fuels. 8perating your stove with a fuel different than the manufacture!s stated primary fuel may necessitate modifying airflow and"or changing jets in order to optimi$e use of various fuels by adjusting the air"fuel ratio. Many multifuel stoves come with different si$ed jets to allow for use of different fuels. 5arger vapori$er +generator, tubes may also be desirable for heavier and less volatile fuels, re uiring drastic modification of existing stoves, or replacement with a stove specifically designed to burn kerosene and"or diesel. 'nternational -ames (or information on international names and idiosyncrasies of petrol fuels check out Mike Buckler!s and M%4!s list of international fuel names. Petrol $e(ining The heart to petroleum refining is the fractional distillation process. 4aw petroleum is heated up, and separated into different distillation ranges via a pipestill.
Fraction *aseous h+drocar.ons -a!htha *asoline erosene "iesel Fuel or *as)3il Lu.ricating 3il Para((in #a& $esidue Bitumen Car.on Chains *0 & * D Boiling Point $ange /C 2&<2 0a1or 2ses 'as fuels for cooking and heating. Methane is used for producing hydrogen for manufacture of ammonia %olvents for varnishes, dry cleaning and cracking stock for methane (uels for internal combustion engines ;et engine fuel and diesel fuel R0 9iesel fuel R< and cracking stock for gasoline 5ubricants and cracking stock *andles, packaging, polishing, petroleum jelly, and water proofing Asphalt and road surfaces, waterproofing

*3 & * G *3 & *0< *0< & *01 *01 & *<D *<2 & *C2 *<3 & *C2 'reater than *C2

<2&022 D2&0G3 0G3&C22 C22&D22 .on volatile fraction solids solids

These distillates are further refined to produce fuels, solvents, and other products that meet specific criteria. These criteria vary depending on manufacturer, destination

country, retailer, and targeted use, making it difficult to accurately define attributes such as composition, toxicity, heat output, and performance between various fuels. Fuels The following considers a handful of usable fuel categories for petrol camp stoves and is neither all inclusive nor technically complete. The following is given as a brief guideline for backpacking stove use, and nothing more. -3,% & All petrol fuels are toxic and all are dangerous. Those not listed are possibly even more so dangerous and toxic. /ven when well designed petrol stoves and accessories are used in a 7safe7 manner, they are not risk free. :sing fuels in a manner outside of manufacture!s recommendations and"or contradictory to common sense can prove deadly. -a!htha 4aka. Coleman Fuel, 0S$ Fuel, #hite *as 5-orth America, Australia, and -e6 Zealand7, Shellite, Fuelite, Zi!!o (uel, $onsonol (uel, he!tane, Blazo, cigarette lighter (luid, some charcoal lighter (luid8 .aphtha is a term relating to a range of hydrocarbons used as solvents or feedstock for petroleum products. (or purposes of categori$ing fuels for stoves, 7naphtha7 is used to include all naphtha and gasoline&like fuels that have been refined to be as aromatic and additive free as practical for stove use. This is a much 7cleaner7 stove fuel than other petroleum products +except possibly the li uefied gases, so it is less likely to clog stoves. 6t is also considered by many to be the best fuel for high altitude and extremely cold treks. 6t evaporates uickly, is uite volatile, burns very hot, and leaves little residue compared to kerosene. .aphtha re uires a lot of oxygen to burn and therefore may be a little easier to extinguish than other petroleum fuels. .aphtha is much more explosive than kerosene but is a bit less explosive than gasoline. This fuel category might be slightly less toxic than gasoline but is still very caustic, and releases an unpleasant odor that lingers. .aphtha is a mix of 3 to A carbon alkanes with a boiling range of 02D to D20H( +D2 to <23H*,. The term 7naphtha7 has several accepted and obsolete definitions and can even be inclusive of gasoline and kerosene. Coleman Fuel 4Calumet Lantern Fuel 8 *oleman fuel contains about 32S naphtha, 32S aliphatic petroleum distillates, <S xylene, <S toluene, 2.3S ben$ene, green dye and rust inhibitors +to help prevent rusting of internal parts and facilitate long shelf life,. The carbon number range is *3 to *A with a boiling point range of 022&C32H (. *oleman (uel contains up to <3S

n&hexane and up to 03S cyclohexane by weight and it is fully hydrotreated to remove aromatics, +reported to contain less than 2.220S ben$ene,. Fuelite 4Shellite8 *ontains T?2S #araffins and naphthenes, .&hexane 0CS, U3.2S Aromatic hydrocarbons +C.3S Toluene, 0S /thylben$ene, U2.3S Ben$ene, 0S *1 and higher aromatics, and other stuff #hite *as This is an old term referring to overpriced unleaded gas marketed as lamp and stove fuel back when leaded gas was referred to as 4ed 'as. True white gas is gasoline without additives, is more volatile than true naphtha and not as safe to use. %ome white gas +not made for stove use, even has tetraethyllead added to it.

9Artic Fuel9 There are several companies that sell highly refined and filtered naphtha for use in subfree$ing environments. These may be more expensive than other camp fuels but should be less likely to clog stoves or cause other problems than other petrol fuels. %ince a functioning petrol stove may be necessary to keep an expedition or trekker alive in artic or high altitude conditions, this fuel may be preferred over other options when the added expense of this fuel outweighs the increased risk of problems if using other fuels. %nvironmental gasoline 4la6nmo6er (uel, s!ecial .ensine, alk+late !etrol, Alk+lat.ensin, 0il1:.ensin8 This should be 7free7 from aromatic hydrocarbons and olefins such as ben$ene and many of the toxic additives in regular unleaded gasoline for your auto.

2nleaded *asoline 4aka !etrol, automotive gas, unleaded, .enzine8 4-ot $ecommended8 This burns very hot, is extremely explosive, is very caustic, releases a terrible odor that lingers, and its additives and high octane components release deadl+ va!ors 6hen .urned. 6t may also prematurely clog your stove when compared to white gas. Avoid if possible and go with the lowest octane available if this is your only choice. The greater the octane the greater the amount of octane&enhancing"antiknock additives. Additive packages includeB octane&enhancing additives +methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl JMMTK in some countries, methyl t&butyl ether JMTB/K in :%, etc,, anti&oxidants +inhibit gum formation, improve stability,, metal deactivators + inhibit gum formation, improve stability, , deposit modifiers +reduce deposits, spark& plug fouling and preignition,, surfactants + limit icing, improve vapori$ation, inhibit deposits, reduce .8x emissions,, free$ing point depressants +decrease icing,, corrosion inhibitors +limit corroding of storage tanks,, dyes +product color for safety or regulatory purposes,. 'asoline contains over 322 alkanes, cycloalkanes and other hydrocarbons with C to 0< carbons +including Ben$ene, Butane, *yclohexane, /thylben$ene, -eptane, -exane, #entane, Toluene, Trimethylben$ene, =ylene, and has a boiling range from 1? to D<1H( +C2 to <<2H*, 3&+genates 'asoline uses oxygenates to increase octane and decrease carbon monoxide emissions. )hat additives are used depends on what part of the world you in and even differs from %tate to %tate in the :%. 8xygenates include ethanol, MTB/ +illegal in many %tates,, tertiary&amyl methyl ether +TAM/, and"or ethyl tertiary&butyl ether +/TB/, These additives are often toxic and don!t help in stove performance.
,+!ical Pro!erties o( 3&+genates %thanol 0,B% %,B% *hemical formula 8xygen content, percent by weight 8ctane, +4VM,"< Blending vapor pressure, 4E# *-C*-<8CD.GC 003 01 *-C8*+*-C,C 01.03 002 1 *-C*-<8*+*-C,C 03.?? 000 D ,A0% +*-,C**-<8*-C 03.?? 023 0.3

%ourceB .ational #etroleum *ouncil, :.%. #etroleum 4efiningB Meeting 4e uirements for *leaner (uels and 4efineries +)ashington, 9*, August 0AAC, Appendix 5.

#inter 3&+genate *asoline 6n some places, gasoline is oxygenated to reduce carbon monoxide emissions in the winter. 8xygenated gasoline decrease carbon monoxide emissions +particularly older vehicles, by burning leaner in autos engines. According to *hevron, MTB/ is used primarily in *alifornia and for the /ast&of&the&Mississippi 4eformulated 'asoline +4(', areas, while ethanol is used in Anchorage, %eattle, %pokane, Eancouver, #ortland, %outhern 8regon, %alt 5ake *ity, 4eno, 5as Eegas, #hoenix, Tucson, Albu uer ue, and /l #aso.
Cit+ Albu uer ue Anchorage /l #aso 5as Eegas #hoenix #ortland 4eno %alt 5ake *ity %eattle %outhern 8regon %pokane Tucson Eancouver 3&+ Season .ov 0 & (eb <A .ov 0 & Mar 0 8ct 0 & Mar C0 8ct 0 & (eb <A 8ct 0 & Mar C0 .ov 0 & (eb <A 8ct 0 & ;an C0 .ov 0 & (eb <A .ov 0 & (eb <A .ov 0 & (eb <A %ep 0 & (eb <A 8ct 0 & Mar C0 .ov 0 & (eb <A Counties Bernalillo Anchorage Borough /l #aso *lark Maricopa *lackamas, Multnomah, and )ashington )ashoe :tah +#rovo, >ing, #ierce, and %nohomish ;osephine +'rants #ass,, >lamath +>lamath (alls,, and ;ackson +Medford, %pokane #ima *lark

According to 4/6B 7-3,%: .ever use oxygenated gasoline in your backpacking stove. %old in many parts of the :.%. in the winter months, its additives can destroy rubber stove parts and seals.7

$e(ormulated *asoline The reformulated gasoline +4(', program re uires reductions in automobile emissions of o$one&forming volatile organic compounds during the summer high& o$one season, and of toxic air pollutants and nitrogen oxides during the entire year in certain areas of the :nited %tates. 4eformulated gasoline re uires a minimum <.0S oxygen by weight when averaging, which corresponds to approximately 00.G volume percent MTB/ or 3.1 volume percent ethanol. )hile the sale of (ederal reformulated gasoline was mandated for only nine areas in the nation with the most severe o$one pollution, other areas are allowed to voluntarily join the (ederal 4(' program. %missions;%co Friendl+ *asoline These products are become more popular in heavily polluted areas. Brands such as Blue #lanet /arth (riendly 'asoline have lower levels of sulfur, ben$ene, other volatile organic compounds, toxins, and are MTB/ free. These may be the better choice of gasoline for stove use as it should be less likely to clog your stove or cause health problems than regular gasolines. Leaded *asoline 4Aviation *asoline, Av*as8 4-ot $ecommended8 6f this is the only fuel you can find, consider eating cold meals. 6n addition to many of the health concerns that come with unleaded gasoline, these fuels also contain tetraeth+llead P.4C<=>8? +T/5, which is not only bad for your health but may uickly clog your jets.
Fuel *rade 43ctane $ating8 12"1G 02255 +low lead, 022"0C2 003"0D3 Color 4ed Blue 'reen ,%L !er *allon 2.3m5 0.< & <.2m5 C.2 & D.2m5

#urple D.?m5

erosene 4aka. !ara((in, some charcoal lighter (luid, )@, high grade diesel (uel, "%$A, kerosine, coal oil, $ange 3il, kero, lean)=eat, "eo.ase8 This is almost as hot as naphtha once it gets burning and can be easier to find than naphtha.. 6t may prematurely clog your jets, has a very strong odor, leaves an oil residue on everything it comes in contact with and may flavor your food if you don!t use a tight lid on your cookware. This fuel is extremely difficult to extinguish and like gasoline, the fumes have an explosive potential +though not nearly as great,, and

should be stored in a metal container protected from direct sunlight. >erosene may take longer to prime and re uires a separate priming agent if you don!t want a lot of soot on and in your stove, jets and pot. Fou may need to run a narrower jet than used with naphtha for optimal performance. narro6 cut kerosene 4Bet A@, @8 is a mix of 02 to 01 carbon alkanes with about <2S aromatics and distils between C32 to301H( +0G3 to <G2H*, 6ide cut kerosene 4Bet B, BP)?8 is cut down to also include some of the gasoline"naphtha range and distils between <0< to D1<H( +022 to <32H*, diesel 4C<, Fuel 3il -o. <, =eating 3il -o. <8 is a mix of A to <2 carbon alkanes and distils between D1< to G0?H( +<32 to C12H*, )@ 4lo6 sul(ur kerosene8 +may have red dye, This is a low&sulfur kerosene approved for use in nonflue&connected +ventless, kerosene burner appliances and for use in wick&fed illuminating lamps, space heaters, etc. This is the best kerosene choice for stoves. >0 is often referred to as >ero, but ;et A +with toxic additives, is also sometimes sold as >ero. 3dorless erosene 4 lean)=eat, "eo.ase, odorless mineral s!irits8 This is kerosene that has been 7sweetened7 with most of its mercaptans +sulfur compound, and aromatics removed. 6t supposedly burns cleaner, odorless, with less smoke and soot. 6t may also have a narrower molecule range +*A&*0<,, higher flashpoint than >&0 +0<3H( or greater vs. W022H(, and a much higher price. )< 4regular kerosene8 -as a higher sulfur content than >0. C@ Fuel;=eating;*as;Burner 3il. 4ma+ have red d+e8 4-ot $ecommended8 This fuel has high sulfur levels. This fuel is designed for use in conventional pressure and air atomi$ing domestic oil burner systems such as in domestic and small industrial space heaters and burners. .umber 0 (uel 8il is particularly adapted to vapori$ing type burners or where storage conditions re uire low pour point fuel. Charcoal lighter (luid %ome of these are a mix of kerosene and naphtha and some are just straight naphtha. Bet Fuels 4-ot $ecommended8

These fuels are used for powering jet and turbo&prop aircraft. They are are different cuts of kerosene with some additives to improve engine and fuel performance. These include ,etraeth+llead +T/5, anti&nock"detonation,, antioxidants +prevent formation of gum deposits and peroxide compounds,, static dissipators +reduce the ha$ardous effects of static electricity,, corrosion inhibitors, lubricants, icing inhibitors, metal de& activators +decrease copper oxidation ability,, biocides and thermal stability improvers +prevent deposits in high temp areas,. B%, A)@ ;et A0 is a kerosene type fuel with a flash point above C1H* +022H(, and a free$e point maximum of &DGH*. 6t is widely available outside the :%. B%, A ;et A is a similar kerosene type of fuel and is generally only available in the :%. 6t has a higher free$e point maximum +&D2H*, than ;et A&0. B%, B ;et B is a distillate covering the naphtha and kerosene fractions +wide cut kerosene,. 6t is more flammable and explosive than ;et A and is used for very cold climates. 0'L',A$D BP)? ;et B with the addition of corrosion inhibitors and anti&icing additives. BP)> ;#&3 is a high flash point kerosene making it less likely to explode if hit with small arms fire. BP)E ;et A&0 with the addition of corrosion inhibitors and anti&icing additives. "iesel 9iesel fuel uality varies depending on the manufacture, what time of the year it is and what part of the world you find it. And depending on composition, it may smoke a lot and clog your stove much faster than with kerosene. -ow refined your fuel is and the amount of impurities in it will influence whether or not it will work in your stove. This fuel will generally only work well in specifically designed and jetted stoves such as the M%4 ='> and #rimus 8mnifuel. Fou may need small jets, a large vapori$er tube, a separate priming agent and lots of maintenance to successfully burn diesel.

C@ "iesel Fuel 4 erosene)like, kerosene, "iesel @)"8 The specifications for .o. 0 diesel +minus additives for diesel engines, are so similar to kerosene that many manufactures make a dual purpose product that is sold as both kerosene and diesel R0. This fuel can be ultra low, low, or high sulfur. 6t has better solvent ualities than R< and is used in lower temperatures or blended with R< to improve performance in colder temperatures. )inter diesel blends can have anywhere from 02&32S R0 fuel added to R<. C< "iesel Fuel 4"iesel <)", =ome heating oil, -o. < *as;Burner oil8 This fuel can be ultra low, low, or high sulfur and is composed of much larger hydrocarbon molecules than diesel R0 +kerosene,. This product is approved for use in domestic and small industrial burners. Commercial "iesel .ew low sulfur diesel doesn!t lubricate as well as high sulfur diesel and many manufactures have added lubricants and other additives to prolong engine life. 6f you have a choice, you may want to avoid fuels with additives. Premium "iesel Fuel 4-ot $ecommended8 7#remium7 is an unregulated term used by manufactures"distributors to describe higher uality diesel fuel ualities or fuels enhanced with additives. This may include enhanced cetane number, detergent for system cleanliness, heat content minimum, stability during storage and use, low temperature performance, lubricity, corrosion protection and water handling characteristics. Again, avoid if possible. C? "iesel 40arine "iesel, "iesel ?)", =eav+ residual (uel oil8 4-ot $ecommended8 This fuel can be very crude and isn!t suitable for vapori$ation"pressuri$ed stoves. Marine diesel varies from country to country and it is possible to get high uality fuel intended for auto use in some ports. Sul(ur Content :sing fuels with less sulfur in automobiles is a recent big environmental theme aimed at decreasing sulfur emissions and problems such as acid rain. Avoiding high sulfur fuels isn!t such a bad idea for stove use either, if you are concerned about your health. 6f you!re not concerned about your health, high sulfur, non&highway use fuels may be cheaper to use and make you feel like a made as the sulfuric acid created by the fumes deepen your voice. 2ltra Lo6 Sul(ur "iesel Fuel CA$B "iesel Fuel

This was designed to meet the special re uirements of the *alifornia Air 4esources Board :rban Bus 4ule. 6t should contain a maximum of 03 ppm of sulfur. Lo6 Sul(ur "iesel Fuel %ulfur content is limited to 7no greater than 2.23Sw.7 Approved for use in on&road diesel engines. =igh Sul(ur "iesel Fuel 4red d+ed, agricultural diesel8 4-ot $ecommended8 %ulfur content is limited to 7no greater than 2.32Sw.7 This product is for use in off& highway diesel engines. 74ed 9iesel7 may be much cheaper than the taxed auto diesel in your country. Lam! oil 4aka !ara((in, some mineral oils8 4-ot $ecommended8 5amp oils vary from brand to brand. %ome are kerosene labeled as lamp oil while others are more refined, contain heavier +02&<D, carbon alkanes and are free from aromatics and other undesirable petroleum products. These fuels are very similar to kerosene but burn cooler, re uires more oxygen, are easier to extinguish, have slightly less explosive potential and generally contain fewer toxins. 9epending on the makeup of the fuel and the stove you are using, it may not work well and may produce a lot of smoke and soot. 6t may also re uire a separate priming agent. 3ther Solvents ) should never .e usedF There are many volatile and flammable solvents that will work in camp stoves. :nfortunately, they also tend to be extremely toxic and should never be used. There are better ways to die. Biodiesel 4veggie diesel, vegeta.le (uel8 4-ot $ecommended8 A slow burning fuel similar to lamp oil. 4eleases a (rench (ry, peanut, fish and chips, etc smell when burned. Biodiesel fuel is one of the safest fuels around as it is relatively nontoxic and not very flammable. 9epending on the makeup of the fuel and the stove you are using, it may not work well and produce a lot of smoke and soot. This fuel may only work well in specially designed stoves such as the M%4 ='> and #rimus 8mnifuel. Fou may need small jets, a large vapori$er tube, a separate priming agent and lots of maintenance to successfully burn biodiesel. $a!eseed oil 4Canola oil, Colza oil8 4-ot $ecommended8

)ith proper jets vapori$ation of fuel, you may be able to get good uality vegetable oil to burn in a stove. Lique(ied Petroleum *as %everal commercial stoves are able to burn li uefied gas fuels such as butane, isobutane, propane, etc with the addition of an adapter. This fuel burns clean but may not work well at subfree$ing temperatures and can be expensive and difficult to find. %ee *anister %toves for more information. Alcohol Fuels Burns clean and cool. #oor heat to weight ratio. Fou may need to use a larger jet to burn this fuel optimally. %ee Alcohol (uel 8ptionsfor more information.

Fuel Storage

M%4 Aluminum (uel *anister

6deally, petrol fuel should be stored in an airtight metal canister. Most backpacking canisters for li uid petrol stoves are made to work with that manufacture!s pump. :nfortunately, not all pumps will work with all canisters and you will need at least one canister that is compatible with your pump. .ote & M%4 made titanium fuel bottles for those with deep pockets and are able to locate these discontinued bottles.

*oleman (uel in #lastic Bottle

Additional fuel beyond what is in your main tank can be stored in other metal cans or even in certain plastic bottles. 6f you are wondering if petrol products can be stored in plastic, consider that auto fuel tanks are often made of plastic and many petroleum fuels are sold in plastic plastic containers, to include lighter fluids, camp fuels, lamp oils and kerosene. 6f you decide to transport fuel in a plastic bottle, you may want to first test store it in a safe area, add a good gasket to the lid and wrap it up in a fuel proof bag away from food, just in case.

0aintenance

6deally, you should completely overhaul your stove prior to any backcountry trek. /ven with a stove in tip top condition, you may still need to carry enough items to disassemble and clean possible trouble spots, especially if you are using less than ideal fuel or on an extended trek. %ome stoves come with, or can be upgraded to include a integral shaker pin that self cleans the jets when the stove is flipped over.

#lease feel free to link to this site so that others can find it. 6t!s easy to link to this site & simply copy the text below onto your web page or see -ow to 5ink To Qen %toves for other linking options.