Originally Posted By: dougwalkabout
Originally Posted By: scafool
If they clean out the Kerosene remember that *odorless mineral spirits paint thinner* is just a bit better grade of Kerosene.


With all respect, I would suggest a bit of caution before recommending this as a substitute "across the board.'

Glancing through the MSDSs of various manufacturers from Canada and the USA, there seem to be substantial variations in composition, flash point, and so on. These may possibly be regional variations reflecting temperature, humidity, regulatory rules, etc.

In lamps, I imagine one would just adjust the wick accordingly. In kerosene heaters? I honestly don't know. Combustion byproducts? Another good question to consider.

I don't have all the answers. This is just a "heads up."

I don't have all the answers either, but reading this
http://www.milesstair.com/kero_fuel_primer.html
might help a bit.

reading this will add to confusion
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/quick_topics/publications/pss/pcp/PetroleumProductDescriptions.pdf

This statement from a refiner tells you a bit about the range mineral spirits occupy as fuel
http://www.agerefining.com/new/pr3.shtml
which is a narrower section of the range that is Kerosene.

Kerosene sold as fuel has a pretty wide range of properties depending on the manufacturer too.
It is wider than what is sold as paint thinner (mineral spirits).
Paint thinner is viewed as a more demanding use that requires higher refining than kerosene fuel generally does.

In a lot of Europe you can't buy "mineral spirits" It is all just "petrol" or their other local name for kerosene


Edited by scafool (01/30/09 10:57 PM)
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