This page documents my work on a deodorant powered burner. I got the idea when I realized that spray deodorant is just alchohol, with propane as a propellant. This seemed like the perfect combination of fuels for a burner.
I created mine using an 89 cent can of spray deodorant. A small hose connects the deo. to a burner tube with a flare. Also connected to the tube is a hose through which compressed air flows.
The rate of flow for the deo. is controlled by a contraption I rigged up, pictured here:
When the lever is pressed, deo. flows into the hose. The flow of air from a compressor is controlled by a blow gun with a c clamp to maintain a set airflow:
As the deo and air mix, they are ignited in the burner tube and they burn in the flare. Controlling the mix of air and fuel yields a fairly hot flame. This pic shows the burner when the flame has just been lit, and the mixture is very rich.
Here air is being applied, and the flame is more efficient.
Here the mixture is correct, and the flame burns blue with a slight cone:
With some modifications, this burner will probably be able to do a short melt. It is very easy to build, and would be great for someone who wants to experiment with propane based burners without the expense of a tank and regulator. The fuel is cheap, readily available, and appears to last a long time. The burner could also be used to fuel a mini furnace, to preheat an oil burner, or to preheat a mold.
The concept and prototype are original, though I encourage anyone to duplicate it. After all, nothing is proven until the results are replicated. Use caution however, in making this burner I set my desk on fire. If the alchohol from the burner lights up, it is hard to snuff out. Water will put it out readily, so keep a bucket handy. So far the only other person I know of who is working on these burners is i_am_fubar from backyardmetalcasting.com. He has built a modified burner that runs on butane lighter refills and forced air.
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