Looking for a chemical reaction to use as a heat source
Looking for a chemical reaction to use as a heat source
(OP)
I am looking for a chemical reaction that can be used as a heat source to 'start' another reaction. I have to keep the application confidential but I hope by providing some of the criteria that I need satisfied, I may be able to get some help.
-existing reaction is initiated by an electrical source (no spark, just heat)
-reaction should be capable of producing temperatures of several hundred degrees (ie 400C) without flames or toxic/corrosive fumes (to be used in a classified area).
-an operator should be able to start and control this reaction and should be able to tranport the reactants (separately or together) on his person.
-reaction will be performed outside of a vessel
-reaction does not have to be large. All we want to do is ignite the device (main reaction).
Thanks for any help/suggestions that you may have.
-existing reaction is initiated by an electrical source (no spark, just heat)
-reaction should be capable of producing temperatures of several hundred degrees (ie 400C) without flames or toxic/corrosive fumes (to be used in a classified area).
-an operator should be able to start and control this reaction and should be able to tranport the reactants (separately or together) on his person.
-reaction will be performed outside of a vessel
-reaction does not have to be large. All we want to do is ignite the device (main reaction).
Thanks for any help/suggestions that you may have.





RE: Looking for a chemical reaction to use as a heat source
Most reactions, once started, cannot be stopped, which means that your requirement for "control" cannot be met.
Additionally, most exothermic chemical reactions are not reversible, and you will therefore have additional waste materials to dispose of.
TTFN
RE: Looking for a chemical reaction to use as a heat source
it may give you some ideas.
RE: Looking for a chemical reaction to use as a heat source
There is benefit for using a chemical reaction if the right reaction can be found because of the peculiar nature of the application.
The intent of the application is that only a small amount of reactants will be used so the reaction will stop, providing that a secondary reaction with something in the environment does not occur. This is the extent to which control is required.
I am hoping that waste will not be a major problem as reactant mass will hopefully be on the order of several grams.
RE: Looking for a chemical reaction to use as a heat source
Hydrogen and oxygen.
Elemental sodium in water, OK, no oxygen required
Something rather cool, but not necessarily apropos:
http://j
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section 7.7 contains references to a number of exothermic reactions.
TTFN
RE: Looking for a chemical reaction to use as a heat source
Another powerful one is H2O2 + MnO2 hard to handle
Burning Magnesium ribbon is a good starting point. Depending on how it is applied a magnesium flare could supply the heat.
The standard Fusee used on the highway and railroad might work.
There are several type of ignitors for small rocket engines.
There are several used by fire bugs that use KMNO4 + a Glycol or Glycerine.
Here is company that deals in pyrotechnic products you might want to give them a call. The can probably put you on to just the thing you need.
http://www.hummelcroton.com/prod.html
If you do too much enquiry you might invite the FBI and Homeland security to your place.
RE: Looking for a chemical reaction to use as a heat source
Although, I'm personally very interested in thermite... just for purely acadenic reasons, of course.
TTFN
RE: Looking for a chemical reaction to use as a heat source
If all you want is a source of localized high temperatures without flame, in a form that is transportable by an operator "on his person", driven by a controllable chemical reaction, the answer is simple: a resistance heating element driven by a battery. Cheap, plentiful and much easier to control than any two-component high-temperature heat-generating flameless reaction I can imagine.
RE: Looking for a chemical reaction to use as a heat source
You have basically 'hit the nail on the head' with respect to my problem. Yes, autoignition at those temperatures is a risk and, yes, all I need is a localized heat source. The exisiting method uses a resistance heating element and a battery. Perhaps, this will ultimately be the best solution but we felt that it was worthwhile looking at alternatives.