Re: alcohol vs butane vs white gas

[Steve Shyvers]

I believe that white gas has some safety and handling issues that are 
less problematical with alcohol or kerosene. This may be why white gas 
has not been more prevalent as a fuel for our steamers.

Unlike white gas, kerosene won't burn very well at room temperature. As 
stated in my last message kerosene needs to be heated in order to 
vaporize and produce a good flame. White gas will vaporize and burn at 
lower temperatures.

Alcohol will also vaporize and burn at low temperatures, just like white 
gas, but alcohol fires can be extinguished by plain water. Alcohol won't 
float on the surface of water and keep burning like petroleum-based fuels.

Steve Shyvers