Measured time to when fine bubbles begin to form on the clear lid.
Measured time to when steam appears to get past the lid.
Measured time to rolling boil.
Measured time to burn fuel.
Excellent, thorough data gathering!
Methanol 99.9% (meythl hydrate) Energy density by wt = 20.16 MJ/kg
Bubbles: 4.92 minutes
Steam: n/a
Boil: n/a
Burn: 8.61 minutes
Denatured ethanol 95%/5% Energy density by wt = 26.8 MJ/kg
Bubbles: 6.38 minutes
Steam: 11.00 minutes
Boil: 11.94 minutes
Burn: 13.19 minutes
VERY interesting results.
Observations:
Ethanol took longer for the preheat cup to vapourize the fuel to enable the jets of the stove to work.
The fuel also did not burn as quickly/energetically from the jets hence the burn time was longer and actually brought the water to boil unlike the methanol.
Ethanol burned with a bluer and less visible flame; the methanol had some yellow tones.
Note: after checking it appears ethanol has a lower vapour pressure than methanol which MAY explain why it doesn't make use of the pressurized jets as well.
Methanol does indeed have a higher vapor pressure. Methanol is usually the more practical fuel in cold weather for that very reason. Also, jetted stoves tend to burn a little stronger with methanol.
Just for comparison, I got out my Coleman Xtreme with Powermax fuel.
Bubbles: 2.50 minutes
Steam: 4.50 minutes
Boil: 4.75 minutes
Burn: n/a
Even though the Xtreme stove is fairly heavy, it is dependable and is unbeatable when it comes to boiling water, esp. in cold weather. It can also do a decent simmer.
An Xtreme vs. an alcohol stove. NO comparison. But when it's cold, the Xtreme becomes your new best friend.
Too bad the fuel cannisters are no longer available. I have about 9-10 left and if I can find somebody with any stock, I'd buy them out.
I bought every canister I could find when the local stores stopped carrying them.
HJ
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