isopropyl alcohol vs. propane

[DR]

Tomorrow, I'll attempt to ignite a compressed alcohol mix. I've rigged a PEPSI bottle with a schrader valve in the cap, and have repeatedly pressurized it to 40psi.
Afterwards, I depressed the core and let the air out rapidly.

I cannot believe how long the "cloud" stays suspended in the bottle. So, I will attempt to pressurize my old tennis-ball Hybrid to 40psi, and rapidly depressurize it to 15psi. If I'm able to generate even close to the pressure generated by igniting a 2x/2atm propane mix, I'll be ecstatic.

Alcohol does not generates as many Kj of heat, as does
propane, so it will be very interesting to see what I can "coax" out of it by experimenting with it. I will ignite at 15psi (simulating 2 atmospheres) 30psi (simulating 3 atmospheres) and so on.

This test will be conducted not only for the sake of trying something new, but also to see if a new type of Hybrid can be constructed without the use of a metered-propane setup.


It is because of you, boogieman, that I was able to successfully make the first Hybrid. And I think that it's fantastic that you've created a new Forum.

[boogieman]

Thanks DR, but really no need to thank me. I just hope my forum will be a good addition to the spudgunning world, and mabey we will see a few new ideas come about because of it.

That sounds great on your hybrid testing. I am really looking forward to seeing what type of results you will be getting. I have been curious about a alcohol fueled hybrid for some time now. Wouldnt we all just crap if it was more power than propane!

As you pointed out, one could make a very simple hybrid with this method, and avoid the expense of a propane meter.

[DR]

I couldn't get the alcohol to ignite. I used my 4" hybrid to test it, and could "only" pressurize the Chamber to approx. 25psi. -This is a common problem I've had while using a small volume emergency compressor.
You just cannot get the air into the Chamber fast enough to overcome the leak at the Union.

Using a large (larger) volume compressor would allow me to be able to pressurize the chamber to at least 40psi before depressurizing to create the fog.

I've been building cannons for almost a year now, and still have not bought a compressor. Time to cough up the cash for a small electric one at least!

While "playing" with the alcohol inside of a PEPSI bottle, I've come to the conclusion that one would have to have their electrodes (or spark plug for that matter) installed in the "side" of the Chamber. This is because of two reasons:
1.) the alcohol lies poooled at the bottom of the Chamber, and you wouldn't want your electrodes to get wet, and possibly arc out.

2.) The "fog" that's created quickly settles to approx. 2/3
of the Chamber's height. I think that it would be safe to assume that the "spark" would need to be engulfed by the fog, and not in an air pocket at the top of the Chamber.

[boogieman]

Darn. Reminds me of the time I smashed my 12v emergency compressor to bits. ;D. If I were you I would try checking local pawn shops, sometimes you can find really huge compressors for a good price. Mine only cost around $80, and it is about $350 new.

If I get a chance on my day off I will attempt igniting a alcohol-hybrid.

Another option would be to use a portable fill tank (pig tank) to get a larger volume of air.

[SUPERSPUD]

a quick note however...14 psi equals 1 atmosphere.....

[spudmaster]

ever thought of acetalene?