Hi, I have several Aladdin mantle lamps: two x No12, two x No 14, 1 x 21c and 1 x 23. A couple of years ago I was running low on mantles (Aladdin Loxon) so I bought 4 (£16.50 each - Ouch they were about £5 a few years ago). I fitted 2 recently and was disapointed to find that both started to break up withing a couple of hours. These have been dry stored in my house and are the latest type made in either the Phillipines or Mexico. I have some earlier ones made in the EU or UK. Are there any known issues with the later mantles? I use Kerosene C2 (as in heating oil) in all my mantle lamps (Aladdin, 4 x Tilley, 4 x Willis & Bates) and have never had any problems before unless the mantle has been knocked by the chimney. I have used a clean burn additive (Dipeitane:https://dipetane.com/ ) recently, as it reduces the smell a little. Can the Aladdin mantles be overheated? Should I only use domestic Kerosene C1 (Paraffin in the UK)? According to one website the C1 grade is the same as C2 with an additive (maybe something like Dipetane): "What is the difference between C1 and C2 kerosene? Premium C1 kerosene, also known as premium paraffin or Esso Blue, burns cleaner than C2 kerosene, spreading fewer pollutants in the air and producing a much cleaner flame. The production process for premium kerosene is identical to C2 kerosene with the exception of a final additive that is usually added on delivery." Any ideas?
I tried to find out what dipetane really is. The SDS only says "highly refined base oil" with a flashpoint of 190°C and a density of 0.86 at 15 deg. C. Modern snake oil. Additionally, it will clog up the wick at any mixing ratio. Just use clear paraffin (C10-C13 works just fine). But I agree modern mantles do not reach the quality of the thoriated mantles of Brazilian make (or of UK/US make). At least there are some mantles made. Erik
