Forums > Technical Discussion > Fire Toys in Hypoxic Conditions

Posted: 13th Mar 2007
I can speculate... I reckon the only real difference would be smaller flames due to less oxygen. Perhaps harder to light, but good once it gets going? The pressure difference is probably going to be more of a factor than the oxygen, but I could be wrong.

Is it true that you can't make a good cup of tea at Everest Base Camp, because the water only boils at around 70 degrees?

Lower pressure would make kerosene vapourise more readily (even in spite of the temperature), but less oxygen could make it burn more slowly. On the flipside, less oxygen also means that it would extinguish more easily. The two effects could cancel each other out.

I wouldn't use too much volatile fuel, as it could be dangerous, but if it's cold enough to make kero turn gloopy, that would be pretty dangerous too (think napalm). Your best bet is probably to take some coleman and kero and blend it when you get there.


All just speculation, but I hope some of it's vaguely useful.
Dude, post when you get back and let us know how you got on!

"Love the art in yourself and not yourself in the art."
--Konstantin Stanislavisky

Posted: 13th Mar 2007
I was also wondering to do with the extinguishing if the thinner air would mean that there would be less 'wind' on the wick as it spun and hence less likely to go out...

I will do, and write a bestselling reference book for the masses who spin at altitudes of >5000m