OHMatt's lighter fluid: isoButane

[OHMatt]

For the last 2 years I have stopped filling my lighters with expensive triple and quadruple refined Visol, Vector, Lava, King et. al.
Paying $5 - $8 for a 6 ounce can bugged me. Don't worry; I didn't risk ruining my lighters with cheap unrefined Ronson or the equivalent..
I have been filling my lighters with isobutane or isobutane blends instead, and have had excellent results.

Here's some chemist's description of the difference between butane and isobutane: "butane and isobutane are isomers of each other. Butane is a single chain whereas isobutane is made of a shorter chain with a branch.
Basically, the same atoms make the molecules but they are arranged differently"

Isobutane has a lower boiling point, higher pressure, and burns more efficiently than than the N-butane (lighter fluid butane). Isobutane works better in low temperatures than N-butane, and by adding a bit of propane to the blend (with its -43F boiling point) you further enhance cold weather performance.

Brunton makes a very pricey lighter for backpackers and climbers called the Helios (http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=34). For a while they bundled it with their Fueltool (http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=275) that allowed you to fill it with their Bruntane fuel. I was intrigued by the concept, and found Primus also made a product "Filling Adapter (http://www.expeditionexchange.com/primus/primus004%20007340.jpg)" just like the Fueltool (http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=275); allowing one to adapt a Lindal valve fuel canister to a lighter refill valve. I bought the Primus one since it was a couple bucks cheaper at the time. I checked prices on the adapters tonight and they fell between $14 and $20.

http://www.brunton.com/images/catalog/FuelTool.jpghttp://www.expeditionexchange.com/primus/primus004%20007340.jpg

These isobutane/isobutane blend canisters have a Lindal valve and are available at Sporting Goods Stores and Camping stores and should run <$4 for an 8 ounce can. The percentages vary brand to brand. (I listed the percentages on the ones I could find easily). I have personally used MSR, Jetboil, and Snow Peak brands in my lighters.

MSR Iso Pro 80/20 isobutane/propane
JetBoil Jetpower ??/?? propane/isobutane
Brunton Brutane 80/20 isobutane/propane
Snow Peak Gigapower 65/35 isobutane/propane
I avoid these brands as they have butane / isobutane blends
Primus Powergas Propane/Isobutane/Butane Blend (25 % propane/25 % isobutane/50 % butane)
Coleman Butane/Propane Fuel 70% butane and 30% propane

I tested the fuel in cheap lighters first, but now use this fuel in my Dupont X-Tend lighters too. Here is the only minus I have found from the switch: this fuel seems "rich" to me and may require more oxygen to burn; you can't "prime" the lighter by allowing fuel to leak before sparking. I have best results clicking the igniter quickly so max oxygen is available. On one lighter with a deeply recessed nozzle, I find I need to move the lighter a bit when I spark it. Other than this I have not needed to adjust, clean, or even purge any of my lighters since I made the switch.

[CasaDooley]

Very cool Matt! Thanks for the info:tu

[bobarian]

Very interesting, Thanks Matt!:tu

[Ahbroody]

this is will look into

[kelmac07]

Interesting, thanks for sharing.

[perogee]

For us Canadians that are interested, I just saw that MEC has the fueltool for $13.50 :tu

I think I will be shopping my next trip to the city

[Bobfire]

Great idea Matt. I'll have to check out this set-up when we herf together next.

[OHMatt]

Nice tip, Matt. Did anyone ever tell you that you have a similar writing style to TXMatt? ;)

That hack has been copying me for years! :ss

[T.G]

Interesting. Thanks.

What fuel did you see the best results with?

[csbrewfisher]

Probably won't work at my altitude since there's even less oxygen. Lighters are a tricky thing here.

[TBone]

Great info Thanks Matt for sharing

[Labman]

Interesting...thanks for the tip!

[SkinsFanLarry]

Thanks for the information Matt! :tu

(if it's out there us cigar smoker's will find it!)

[Wharf Rat]

A butane / propane mixture will have several times the pressure within its storage tank as butane alone. This alone means that there will be considerably more energy (BTUs in English units) coming out of the orifice. So:

a/ users should be careful since it may produce a much longer flame.
b/ try turning down the flame, if its adjustable.

Bob

[Mark C]

Here is the only minus I have found from the switch: this fuel seems "rich" to me and may require more oxygen to burn; you can't "prime" the lighter by allowing fuel to leak before sparking. I have best results clicking the igniter quickly so max oxygen is available. On one lighter with a deeply recessed nozzle, I find I need to move the lighter a bit when I spark it. Other than this I have not needed to adjust, clean, or even purge any of my lighters since I made the switch.

A butane / propane mixture will have several times the pressure within its storage tank as butane alone. This alone means that there will be considerably more energy (BTUs in English units) coming out of the orifice.

Neat idea, I'm always in favor of saving a few bucks.

A quick look at the chemistry says there's really not much difference in heat produced, or oxygen requirements on a pound per pound basis. The difference is entirely in the pressure, at room temp isoButane is ~45% higher than n-Butane. So you're getting considerably more gas out of your lighter using the higher pressure fuel, confirming your guess that it runs rich, and why moving the lighter around helps combustion. It also suggests you'll be using more fuel (unless you can adjust your lighter) per light. Since you're in a rich environment, I'd guess using these fuels will actually have lower combustion efficiency than n-Butane.

Propane has an even higher pressure, so I'd guess this 'running rich' problem would be more prevalent in the blends with higher amounts of propane.

On that same note, the blends with n-Butane in the mix should have a lower pressure, and lower oxygen requirement (though still higher than neat n-Butane). If the reason for switching to one of these camp fuel gases over the 23x distilled cigar lighter gas is purely economical, why not try these blends? Assuming the fuel is clean and extreme cold weather performance isn't your goal, they may actually work better than the 80/20 blends. Especially in a lower oxygen environment.

On the other hand, if you can adjust the flame down, you may get better performance with lower fuel usage (comparable to 'regular' n-Butane).

But that's a lot of guessing on my part and my coffee hasn't kicked in yet, so I could be wrong. I might need to get a few Ronsons and a couple cans of fuel and have some fun with this :)

Edit: Just another thought, I wonder if the higher pressure might increase reliability in windy environments, i.e. make the flame more 'wind proof'?

[Wharf Rat]

Neat idea, I'm always in favor of saving a few bucks.

A quick look at the chemistry says there's really not much difference in heat produced, or oxygen requirements on a pound per pound basis. The difference is entirely in the pressure, at room temp isoButane is ~45% higher than n-Butane. So you're getting considerably more gas out of your lighter using the higher pressure fuel, confirming your guess that it runs rich, and why moving the lighter around helps combustion. It also suggests you'll be using more fuel (unless you can adjust your lighter) per light. Since you're in a rich environment, I'd guess using these fuels will actually have lower combustion efficiency than n-Butane.

Propane has an even higher pressure, so I'd guess this 'running rich' problem would be more prevalent in the blends with higher amounts of propane.

On that same note, the blends with n-Butane in the mix should have a lower pressure, and lower oxygen requirement (though still higher than neat n-Butane). If the reason for switching to one of these camp fuel gases over the 23x distilled cigar lighter gas is purely economical, why not try these blends? Assuming the fuel is clean and extreme cold weather performance isn't your goal, they may actually work better than the 80/20 blends. Especially in a lower oxygen environment.

On the other hand, if you can adjust the flame down, you may get better performance with lower fuel usage (comparable to 'regular' n-Butane).

But that's a lot of guessing on my part and my coffee hasn't kicked in yet, so I could be wrong. I might need to get a few Ronsons and a couple cans of fuel and have some fun with this :)

Edit: Just another thought, I wonder if the higher pressure might increase reliability in windy environments, i.e. make the flame more 'wind proof'?

Since the orifice (hole) size for the lighter is fixed, a higher pressure means that the flow rate through the orifice will be greater. For a flame to establish and hold on the orifice, the velocity of the fuel must lie in the correct range. If the higher pressure increases the velocity too much, the flame will "blow off."

[OHMatt]

Lots of good questions there, and I have been having fun experimenting.

The main reason I haven't considered the blends containing n-Butane is that there isn't a way to tell if it is refined.. But then again the isoButane and Propane could be "dirty" in the 80/20 blends and it is only the higher pressure that is keeping my lighters clog free. Perhaps I will give the n-butane blends a try soon.

If like me you can't find Ronson lighters at your nearby Wally World DX lighters are super cheap (but take several weeks to arrive). I used these 2 DX lighters in my initial experiments with the new fuel:
http://dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1455
http://dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1456

Neat idea, I'm always in favor of saving a few bucks.

A quick look at the chemistry says there's really not much difference in heat produced, or oxygen requirements on a pound per pound basis. The difference is entirely in the pressure, at room temp isoButane is ~45% higher than n-Butane. So you're getting considerably more gas out of your lighter using the higher pressure fuel, confirming your guess that it runs rich, and why moving the lighter around helps combustion. It also suggests you'll be using more fuel (unless you can adjust your lighter) per light. Since you're in a rich environment, I'd guess using these fuels will actually have lower combustion efficiency than n-Butane.

Propane has an even higher pressure, so I'd guess this 'running rich' problem would be more prevalent in the blends with higher amounts of propane.

On that same note, the blends with n-Butane in the mix should have a lower pressure, and lower oxygen requirement (though still higher than neat n-Butane). If the reason for switching to one of these camp fuel gases over the 23x distilled cigar lighter gas is purely economical, why not try these blends? Assuming the fuel is clean and extreme cold weather performance isn't your goal, they may actually work better than the 80/20 blends. Especially in a lower oxygen environment.

On the other hand, if you can adjust the flame down, you may get better performance with lower fuel usage (comparable to 'regular' n-Butane).

But that's a lot of guessing on my part and my coffee hasn't kicked in yet, so I could be wrong. I might need to get a few Ronsons and a couple cans of fuel and have some fun with this :)

Edit: Just another thought, I wonder if the higher pressure might increase reliability in windy environments, i.e. make the flame more 'wind proof'?

[St. Lou Stu]

Since the orifice (hole) size for the lighter is fixed, a higher pressure means that the flow rate through the orifice will be greater. For a flame to establish and hold on the orifice, the velocity of the fuel must lie in the correct range. If the higher pressure increases the velocity too much, the flame will "blow off."

lol..... What do you know about Alkanes as a source of fuel?:D








j/k :r

[Wharf Rat]

lol..... What do you know about Alkanes as a source of fuel?:D

j/k :r

Everbody is a wise guy! Geez... :)

[elderboy02]

Bumping this up as Matt was talking about this tonight. I hate chemistry, but might try this out.

[OHMatt]

Tooting my own horn here for those of you who might not have seen this the first time around. (Bump)

I'm still using Isobutane in my lighters and still no longer need to clean out the jets as I did with the refined N-Butane.

I have also purchased the Brunton Fueltool; now that I own both the Primus Filling Adapter and the Brunton Fueltool; I can more accurately state buy whichever is cheaper as they work the same.. The lowest price before shipping I found today with a quick google search was $10.

[Emjaysmash]

Very cool read. Thanks Matt!

[OHMatt]

Bump and update.

Stove company Soto now makes/markets an adapter that appears identical to the Brunton Fueltool. Another brand to search for if you want to give Isobutane a try.

- Matt -

[FallingSkies420]

Have you guys not heard of Clipper lighters? They are the bic's of europe (from spain specifically), and use only isobutane. They also make isobutane refill cans that work on any lighter just like the butane cans you are used to... it supposedly combusts at a lower temperature than n-butane, which means a fuller combustion and no (or less) inhaled fuel...


http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71TyVhnC6AL._SL1500_.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e155/ninja_zakky/med.jpg
http://www.botanipack.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/650x/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/c/l/clipper_isobutane-300ml.jpg

[T.G]

Great review!

[FallingSkies420]

Great review!

Thanks, even though its not much of a review lol... I recently switched to clipper from bic's, and can tell the difference, and was doing some research on isobutane out of curiosity when I ran across what appeared to be a basic knowledge gap on this forum... Just thought I would pitch in :tu

My thoughts on clipper/isobutane is that it appears to burn cleaner from my personal experience, and it must be safe if millions of Europeans have been using it for decades...

[AdamJoshua]

bishes

[icehog3]

Basic knowledge gap is my middle name(s).

[pnoon]

Have you guys not heard of Clipper lighters?


I don't believe we have. But thanks for the plug. :rolleyes:

Tell us about the cigars you enjoy.

[pnoon]

:sh

[OHMatt]

Wow,

My ancient fuel thread resurrected by a 2-poster (troll). :sl
Looks like "clipper" realizes isobutane is better than N-butane as well.

I'm still using Brunton Fueltool and Primus Filling adapter with isobutane canisters and still clog free. I like the Brunton one better. I never purchased the Soto branded one.

[icehog3]

Troll? Oh, Matt, you are obviously handicapped by your basic knowledge gap.


:lr

[elderboy02]

Troll? Oh, Matt, you are obviously handicapped by your basic knowledge gap.


:lr

:r :sl

[OHMatt]

Basic knowledge gap is my middle name(s).

Troll? Oh, Matt, you are obviously handicapped by your basic knowledge gap.


:lr

Looks like I'm in good company.. :banger

[FallingSkies420]

Why the name calling? I haven't trolled anyone...

[pnoon]

Why the name calling? I haven't trolled anyone...
Your condescending post aside, care to reduce our knowledge gap by answering my question?

Are you a cigar smoker?

[FallingSkies420]

Your condescending post aside, care to reduce our knowledge gap by answering my question?

Are you a cigar smoker?

Ahh, I see... my explanation for being here was taken as an insult to the forum... no I am not a cigar smoker... is that a problem?

[elderboy02]

:po :po

bishes

[icehog3]

Our forum is a community, and it appears you just came in to promote a product. So, ywah, it's a little problem. But it's tough for us to gauge problems here, with our ginormous basic knowledge gap. ;)

[pnoon]

Ahh, I see... my explanation for being here was taken as an insult to the forum... no I am not a cigar smoker... is that a problem?
Not really.

So explain to us your reason for joining. To enlighten us with your wisdom?

[FallingSkies420]

Not really.

So explain to us your reason for joining. To enlighten us with your wisdom?

I already have, and I am not going to continue to talk to someone with an obvious grudge against me... I was just trying to help. goodbye.

[markem]

I already have, and I am not going to continue to talk to someone with an obvious grudge against me... I was just trying to help. goodbye.

I usually am sad when people go. Usually.

Anyone want to take a bet on if the door hit him on his way out?

[pnoon]

I already have, and I am not going to continue to talk to someone with an obvious grudge against me... I was just trying to help. goodbye.

:lr
Obviously you have no clue as to what the word grudge means.
Thanks for your "help". You'd be better served getting a job and a car, laying off the weed, and moving out of your parents basement. :2

[icehog3]

I can tell you the last part of your assumption is incorrect, as I am living in his parent's basement, and he is no where to be found. My, but you have a rather large basic knowledge gap. ;)

[AdamJoshua]

:lr
You'd be better served getting a job and a car, laying off the weed, and moving out of your parents basement. :2

You could have just told me this in person, I don't know why you had to do it out in the open like this. :lv

[T.G]

You could have just told me this in person, I don't know why you had to do it out in the open like this. :lv

Rude and unattractive, that's how he rolls.

[OHMatt]

:lI can tell you the last part of your assumption is incorrect, as I am living in his parent's basement, and he is no where to be found. My, but you have a rather large basic knowledge gap. ;)

So that explains all of the empty Stoli Vodka bottles down here. But where did the Tito's bottle come from?

Knowledge gaps are abound! Elderboy knows how I like "filling gaps"!

Cigar smokers here who utilize Bics repent and all will be forgiven; go forth and spend your $1.50 on a Clipper instead!

"CLIPPER® is not only a lighter - it’s an eco-friendly, multi-purpose
device. It was the world’s first refillable gas lighter: CLIPPER® is
made in Barcelona since 1972. It’s unique round shape and the
special functions made it popular in over 80 countries.
CLIPPER® is a high tech quality lighter and it is customized with the
highest printing quality.

More than 10.000 different designs have been printed over the years
and tons of new collections and limited editions are launched per-
manently. This is why the CLIPPER® lighter is considered as highly
collectable. The largest known collections reach up to 4.000 different
pieces."

http://u.jimdo.com/www53/o/s53bb3288919263f7/img/icf4a1d2beb86c016/1367515356/std/clipper-lighters-special-functions.png
http://u.jimdo.com/www53/o/s53bb3288919263f7/img/i79c86cb8bfe4d3a6/1367514286/std/clipper-lighters-quality-safety.png

Just need to find that URL for the eBay auction where I am selling them.

[OHMatt]

15 minute edit time! That has to be your doing Peter.. :r

I recently switched to clipper from bic's, and can tell the difference, a... My thoughts on clipper/isobutane is that it appears to burn cleaner from my personal experience, and it must be safe if millions of Europeans have been using it for decades...

I see it now, our knowledge gap is because we aren't Europeans. Clipper must be safe if millions of Europeans have been using them for decades? BIC lighters can't be safe; 5 milllion of them are sold every day.

Time to go fill some better gaps.

[longknocker]

Wow,

My ancient fuel thread resurrected by a 2-poster (troll). :sl
Looks like "clipper" realizes isobutane is better than N-butane as well.

I'm still using Brunton Fueltool and Primus Filling adapter with isobutane canisters and still clog free. I like the Brunton one better. I never purchased the Soto branded one.

Just Ordered Some Clipper Lighters. Your Fault, Matt!:r:D

[pnoon]

15 minute edit time! That has to be your doing Peter. :r
Sorry, Matt. It's the software default.
See what I did here. I just filled your knowledge gap. :=:

[icehog3]

Peter likes fillin' gaps. :xxx

[markem]

Peter likes fillin' gaps. :xxx

http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp268/vstrommark/28758-crack-spackle-bucket-small_zpsp3tkvnk5.jpg

[T.G]

Anyone up for a group buy on Clipper Lighters custom logo printed with "Knowledge Gap" on them?

Minimum order is like 1000 units.

http://logolighters.com/Clipper_Round_Tank_Lighters.htm


T.G. - 5

[elderboy02]

Anyone up for a group buy on Clipper Lighters custom logo printed with "Knowledge Gap" on them?

Minimum order is like 1000 units.

http://logolighters.com/Clipper_Round_Tank_Lighters.htm


T.G. - 5

I am in for 843 depending if you can get them for 2 cents a piece. :r:r

[OHMatt]

Anyone up for a group buy on Clipper Lighters custom logo printed with "Knowledge Gap" on them?

Minimum order is like 1000 units.

http://logolighters.com/Clipper_Round_Tank_Lighters.htm


T.G. - 5

Anybody still have the "other board" logo cigar cutters? I'm not sure what the minimum order was when Dave ordered them but I ordered 20. I still have a couple with the logo intact.

[pnoon]

Anybody still have the "other board" logo cigar cutters? I'm not sure what the minimum order was when Dave ordered them but I believe I was in for 20. I still have a couple with the logo intact.

They are collectors items for sure. I know I gave away and/or lost my last few of them a couple of years ago. Terrific single blade cutter.

[357]

I am in for 843 depending if you can get them for 2 cents a piece. :r:r

Once you have them Dan I'll buy a few for double your money.

[icehog3]

Anyone up for a group buy on Clipper Lighters custom logo printed with "Knowledge Gap" on them?

Minimum order is like 1000 units.

http://logolighters.com/Clipper_Round_Tank_Lighters.htm


T.G. - 5
icehog 3 - 995

[elderboy02]

T.G. - 5
icehog 3 - 995

You forgot me :su:gary

[icehog3]

You forgot me :su:gary

T.G. - 5
icehog 3 - 5
elderboy02 - 990

[AdamJoshua]

I'll split one with someone.

[icehog3]

T.G. - 5
icehog 3 - 4 1/2
elderboy02 - 990
AdamJoshua - 1/2

[pnoon]

T.G. - 5
icehog 3 - 4 1/2
elderboy02 - 990
AdamJoshua - 1/2
pnoon - ∞

[AdamJoshua]

T.G. - 5
icehog 3 - 4 1/2
elderboy02 - 990
AdamJoshua - 1/2
pnoon - ∞



Peter's new theme song. (http://youtu.be/5XcKBmdfpWs)

I on the other hand had just enough time to post this. :lv

[pnoon]

Peter's new theme song. (http://youtu.be/5XcKBmdfpWs)

I on the other hand had just enough time to post this. :lv

:r

[357]

T.G. - 5
icehog 3 - 4 1/2
elderboy02 - 987
AdamJoshua - 1/2
357 - 3
pnoon - ∞

Why did I get left out?

[elderboy02]

T.G. - 5
icehog 3 - 4 1/2
elderboy02 - 987
AdamJoshua - 1/2
357 - 3
pnoon - ∞

Why did I get left out?

This Group Buy is screwed 6 ways till Sunday...

[pnoon]

T.G. - 5
icehog 3 - 4 1/2
elderboy02 - 987
AdamJoshua - 1/2
357 - 3
pnoon - ∞

Why did I get left out?

I think my order has you covered, Mike. ;)