Regan Brown
Flamethrowers are tools that use a pressurizing agent, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), to propel a flammable liquid and create a stream of fire. The use of CO2 is advantageous because of its capacity to propel a larger volume of fuel over a greater distance. The fuel capacity of a flamethrower is about 3.5 US gallons/13.25 liters, which will last for a continuous 60-second burn. Various fuels can be used in a flamethrower, including gasoline, oil, diesel, and napalm.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 3.5 US gallons/13.25 liters |
| Burn duration | 60 seconds |
| Fuel type | Gasoline, oil, diesel, napalm, etc. |
| Fuel system | Two tanks, one for fuel and one for CO2 |
| Propellant | Carbon dioxide (CO2) |
| Pressure | 2200 psi |
| Operating pressure | 800 psi |
| Cost | $450 for parts |
| Assembly time | 2-3 hours |
| Legality | Unregulated at the federal level in the US; restricted in California and Maryland |
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What You'll Learn
Flamethrowers can use gasoline, oil, diesel, or napalm
Flamethrowers have been used since ancient times, with the first credible Chinese reference to the weapon being made in 919 AD. The modern flamethrower, however, was invented in Germany and first used during World War I. Over the years, flamethrowers have been used in various forms, from man-portable to vehicle-mounted systems, and have been utilised in both military and peacetime applications.
Flamethrowers can use a variety of fuels, including gasoline, oil, diesel, or napalm. Gasoline, also known as petrol, is a common choice due to its wide availability and low cost. It is typically the lowest grade of gasoline that is used as it is cheaper and easier to obtain. When used in a flamethrower, gasoline vapours are ignited, creating a large fireball.
Oil is another fuel option for flamethrowers, offering a longer range and more staying power compared to gasoline. Heated oil was commonly used in military flamethrowers, providing a sustained flame. Additionally, used motor oil is a popular choice due to its thickness, long burn time, and free availability.
Diesel is also suitable for flamethrowers and is mentioned in the context of military applications. Like oil, diesel provides a longer range and sustained flame. In the event of a bullet piercing a diesel-filled tank, the fuel would merely leak unless ignited by an incendiary round.
Napalm, a gasoline-based fuel, has been used in military flamethrowers due to its increased range and performance. The M1 flamethrower, for example, was adjusted to become the M1A1, allowing for effective fire at targets 50% further away. Napalm leaves the barrel of the flame gun in a compact stream, capable of ricocheting off surfaces and sticking to flat areas.
While gasoline, oil, diesel, and napalm are the most commonly mentioned fuels for flamethrowers, it is theoretically possible to use any flammable liquid or even some solids, such as flour or fine dust. The choice of fuel depends on the desired effect, with some fuels providing larger fireballs and others offering increased range and burn time.
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CO2 is used to pressurise the flamethrower
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is used to pressurize flamethrowers. CO2 is an inert gas, meaning fire cannot exist in its presence. This makes CO2 ideal for safety reasons, as even if the flame travels up through the gun and hose into the tank, the lack of oxygen and the presence of 100% CO2 would prevent an explosion. CO2 is also cheap, easy to transport, and readily available at most sporting goods stores or paintball shops.
CO2 is used to propel the fuel out of the flamethrower, and as it does so, it vaporizes, cooling the fuel down. The vaporization of CO2 also affects the pressure, with higher temperatures resulting in lower pressure. This can be an issue in cold weather, as CO2 drops pressure rapidly. As a result, some people opt for nitrogen-filled paintball HPA tanks, which provide a more consistent pressure.
The flamethrower's operating pressure is equalized with the CO2 tank, which typically runs at about 800 psi. This pressure can be adjusted using a regulator, which allows the user to control the range, flame width, fuel use rate, and recoil of the flamethrower. The CO2 tank recommended for a flamethrower is the same kind used for paintball, with a similar HPA tank also being suitable.
While CO2 is a popular choice for pressurizing flamethrowers, it is important to note that it provides very unreliable pressures. The pressure of CO2 can vary depending on the outside temperature and the fuel mix/viscosity. As a result, some people prefer to use nitrogen, which provides a more consistent pressure. However, CO2 is still a widely used option due to its safety, availability, and low cost.
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The M1A1 flamethrower was adjusted to maximise the projection of napalm
The M1A1 is an improved variant of the M1 flamethrower, a portable flamethrower developed by the United States during World War II. The M1A1 was designed to maximise the projection of napalm, an incendiary fuel that offered a significantly improved flamethrowing distance—two to three times that of the M1 flamethrower.
The M1A1's design adjustments were made to meet the higher operating pressure necessary to maximise the projection of napalm. The M1A1 had a backpack configuration with a fuel tank consisting of two upright bottles. A third, smaller upright bottle, the propellant tank, was located between the fuel tanks. The backpack had a high-pressure valve. The nozzle of the weapon was located at the end of a long, thin pipe, which was connected to the backpack via a hose. The pipe was slightly bent at the nozzle end, where a hydrogen-powered ignitor was located. The long and thin cylindrical hydrogen tank was attached parallel to the pipe.
To operate the M1A1, the user would first depress the ignition lever, followed by the fuel valve lever one or two seconds later, to ignite and project the fuel towards the target. The M1A1's fuel system was modified to accommodate the higher pressures required to achieve ideal ranges with napalm. The pressure regulator, valves, and flame gun were also adjusted. These modifications allowed the M1A1 to achieve a firing distance of up to 50 yards, compared to the M1's maximum range of 20 yards.
The M1A1 saw extensive use in the Pacific Theatre, particularly in attacking pillboxes, fortifications, foxholes, tunnels, and bunkers. The M1A1's ability to project napalm effectively made it a valuable weapon for American forces in these engagements.
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The M1 flamethrower used a hydrogen-powered ignitor
The M1 flamethrower was a man-portable backpack flamethrower developed by the United States during World War II. The M1 weighed 72 lb (33 kg) and had a range of 15 meters. It had a fuel tank capacity of five gallons. The M1 was gradually replaced by the M1A1 in 1943, which used the newly invented napalm as a flamethrowing agent. Napalm allowed for a much longer range of 45 meters.
The M1 flamethrower was first manufactured by the Kincaid Company of New York in March 1942 and saw deployment by the end of the year to the South Pacific theatre. The M1A1 was capable of reliably firing to distances of up to 50 yards away, a significant improvement over the M1's ideal firing range of 20 yards. The M1A1 also weighed less than its predecessor, at 65 lb (29 kg).
The M1 and M1A1 flamethrowers proved to be highly effective in weeding out Japanese defenders during the island campaigns of the Pacific Theatre. They were also useful for clearing out dry cover brush throughout the islands. The psychological power of "liquid flame" was immense, and in some instances, the mere appearance of the flamethrower was enough to make enemy soldiers surrender.
Despite their effectiveness, the M1 and M1A1 flamethrowers had some drawbacks. The size of the tanks and the general stance of the infantryman operating the weapon made him a tempting target for the enemy. A solid shot could rupture the compression tanks, possibly spraying fuel about. Additionally, the weight of the system, which was around 70 lbs fully fueled, made it challenging for the infantryman to carry the weapon and gear through mud, rocky terrain, woods, and humid jungle settings.
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Compressed air is not recommended due to safety concerns
While compressed air can be used to pressurize a flamethrower, it is not recommended due to safety concerns. Compressed air is not inert, and therefore carries a risk of explosion or internal fire. Inert gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) or nitrogen are safer alternatives because fire cannot exist in their presence. Even if a flame were to travel up through the gun and hose into the tank, the lack of oxygen and presence of an inert gas would prevent an explosion.
Flamethrowers are legal in most US states, but there are safety regulations in place that users should be aware of. For example, in California, flamethrowers are restricted under the California Health and Safety Code, and possession without a valid permit is unlawful. Maryland's fire code also prohibits flamethrower ownership.
It is important to prioritize safety when using a flamethrower. This includes proper maintenance and cleaning of the device, as well as responsible usage. Users should also be aware of the risks associated with different types of fuel and pressurization methods.
CO2 is a popular choice for pressurizing flamethrowers due to its safety, affordability, and ease of accessibility. It can be found at most sporting goods stores or paintball shops for under $20 and refilled for $5 or less. One CO2 fill is sufficient for one tank of fuel.
While nitrogen is also an inert gas that can be used for pressurization, it carries a risk of spontaneous combustion or explosion if used with HPA (High-Pressure Air). Assuming these risks, nitrogen is still recommended over compressed air because of its inert properties.
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Frequently asked questions
The fuel capacity of a flamethrower is about 3.5 US gallons/13.25 liters and will last for a continuous 60-second burn.
Virtually any flammable liquid will work in a flamethrower. For a big fireball, more gasoline is needed. For a longer range and more staying power, heavier fuel like oil or diesel is required.
For maximum range, a thickened fuel mixture is required. Start with 80% diesel and 20% gasoline with 1 scoop of thickener per gallon.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is used to pressurize a flamethrower. It is cheap, easy to find, easy to transport, and eliminates the chance of explosion or an internal fire.
It costs under $5 to refill CO2 at a local sporting goods store or paintball shop.
