Chemicals to get liquid density LOWER than water

[Da9L]

I figured out that one of my lamps needs a lower liquid density than water in order to flow! (All wax rises to top if i use Destilled water only)

So i just wanted to hear if anyone has some recommendations on what to use? I've tried Acetone, and it seems to work, but when the liquid is hot it seems to have a hard time mixing with the water.

[Gwen Williams]

Alcohol, something like vodka might work, have you tried sticking your hydrometer in somethings to see what the density is?

[Da9L]

Gwen, the problem is my hydrometer is pretty limited.. It only goes from 1.012 to 1.038 so i cant see if anything is less dense than water :( Guess i will have to get hold on a better one..

Btw i have some Propylene alcohol 35% .. I wonder if that is less dense than water..

[Gwen Williams]

I would try to avoid anything that will evaporate too quickly since I assume you are going to run it a short bit before capping it

[Da9L]

Exactly.. But do you think i could use vodka? How dense is that?

[Gwen Williams]

not sure, I don't drink alcohol

[Da9L]

Anyone else has any suggestions ?

[Da9L]

I happened to have some Propylene Alcohol (Propanol) whic has a density of 804 .. However using this i cant color the water as the water and propanol will then seperate.

[Astralav]

check this:

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/specific-gravity-liquids-d_336.html

[Da9L]

I've been reading there but im not sure what to use and what not to.. Some of the listed items are not good to mix with water and others i cant mix up with food color and some evaporate very fast.. It was just if someone in here had some experience with some specific liquid :)

[Astralav]

Sorry can't help anymore.

But if you can't lower density of your liquid, why not add density to your wax?

Perc is working (but very toxic), an alternative would be great but I don't know any...

[Tim Gill]

Don't even think about adding perc - this is a solvent which mixes with the wax and helps it flow - there probably is perc in there (or similar) so there is no need for some.

Adding vodka could work - it doesn't evaproapte easily and the alcohol content can be between 60-70 percent. If you get some ok stuff (i.e. Smernof original) that will work better with the lamp and when you have finished wrestling with the lamp its good to drink :)

[Astralav]

Sorry if I'm wrong but, I think if the problem is the lava is too light, adding perc will cure it.

Tim Gill said:

Don't even think about adding perc - this is a solvent which mixes with the wax and helps it flow - there probably is perc in there (or similar) so there is no need for some.