Fragrance lamp

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Crystal Fragrance Lampe
Crystal Fragrance Lampe
 This article needs additional citations for verification.
Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (July 2007)

A fragrance lamp, also known as a perfume lamp, effusion lamp, catalytic lamp or simply by the name-brand Lampe Berger, Bel-Air, Scentier or many other brands is a catalytic diffusion lamp that purifies the air while imparting a fragrance. The catalytic combustion technology was originally developed in the 1800s for use in hospitals and mortuaries. A Frenchman named Maurice Berger was the first to receive a patent on the technology (in 1897) and the company he founded, Lampe Berger, is the largest worldwide manufacturer of the device though there are a growing number of companies making catalytic fragrance lamps. It is believed that molecules that cause bad smells are inherently unstable and the fragrance lamp's flameless, low-temperature catalytic combustion speeds up the decomposition process, converting odor molecules into harmless substances (such as carbon dioxide and water). Research has shown that the catalytic process can also effectively eliminate up to 85% of bacteria in a room for up to 30 hours after initial operation has stopped(citation needed). While the medical use of the technology has waned, modern innovation has found a new application for the lamps in homes and offices. Using an unscented lamp fuel a catalytic diffusion lamp may reduce bacteria and various odors (pets, food, tobacco). With fragrance added to the isopropyl alcohol based lamp fuel the catalytic burner lamp becomes a fragrance lamp, diffusing aroma into the air while it purifies. Some perfumes are based on natural aromatics (essential oils), giving the lampes an aromatherapy application as well.

The fragrance lamp's process is initiated by lighting the stone burner seated at the mouth of the lampe. After a few minutes the flame is extinguished by blowing it out but the heated burner remains active as the flameless, low-temperature catalytic combustion process and diffused aromatics. The lamp does not operate with an open flame, making the fragrance lamp much safer to operate than scented candles. Its lower operating temperature also means that, unlike scented candles, the aromatics are diffused very efficiently into the ambient air without being burned. One of the by-products of these fragrance lamps is low-level ozone, which has been attributed to the "purification process" of the lamps in reducing bacteria and eliminating odor.

[edit] Hazard Warning

The lamp fuel contains more than 90% isopropyl alcohol and should be regarded as a highly flammable liquid. Furthermore, to start the catalytic wick according to the instruction it is required to put on some real flame until the catalytic wick reaches operating temperature. Extreme care is required to prevent any kind of possible hazards:

  • Make sure the fuel container is in perfect condition, perfectly tight and not leaking.
  • When not in use, make sure the airtight cap is on at all time to prevent evaporation, alcohol vapour/air mixture is extremely explosive.
  • Do not leave unattended during operation.
  • Do not use in non-ventilated room, carbon dioxide as a product of alcohol combustion may cause suffocation.
  • Do not inhale, ingest, or use the lamp fuel in any other purpose.
  • Take extreme caution while refilling the fragrance lamp, open air, no open flame, no spark, and no smoking.
  • In case of any spillage, wear filter respirator for organic gases and vapours or a wet cloth for personal protection. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place.

[edit] External links