Hello as I mentioned some time ago, I am quite new to pressure lamps. I got some of them over the years mainly as bycatch or addition with a stove. During winter I tried to re-awaken some of them which, with the helps of this wonderful forum, worked out fine. But there is something that I don't understand. In some of this lamps there is that little C-shaped cup lingering around the vaporizer for preheating purposes. That is clear to me. But in some of them there is a little tube that goes through, more or less vertical. The question is what is that for? And in two, lamps I have and they are new and unused this tube is closed or clogged. So what is right? Should it be open or closed? Maybe one of you has an answer. All the best Peter
The tube works like a match. The lower part is the last bit of spirit fuel that's a light. The flame on top of the tube can then be used to ignite the mantle. So the tube should be clear/empty/clean as well as the little hole at the bottom of the spiritcup itself. This hole fills the tube.
Hi Peter @ocki , from what you wrote, I think you mean the "chimney" that works as a small candle, bringing a small flame closer to the mantle to help igniting the lamp/lantern. They are blocked at the bottom, there should be a small hole to let alcohol enter from the pre-heat cup. Edit, WimV was faster than Wim!
Hello and thank you for the information. I disassembled two of my lamps and took some pictures from those cups. The brass one is from an old, but so far not used, Optimus 200 and the chrome plated one from a Petromax from the 70s I guess. I see the little hole at the Petromax and do understand the idea behind it. But the Optimus lacks that little hole and it also is of a different design which for me is more a chimney to increase flow.... It's just out of curiosity as I am sure both will get lighted easily.
I have seen this before on the Optimus pre-heat cups and also wondered why. There must be a reason for it. My guess is that it creates a jet of hot air rising from the tube which directs the flame where it is supposed to go. Just my guess as this is way out of competency area.
