What is in a chain(full Q&A)

[Johan Bornman]

Good. So what's the formula for the stuff sold as cleaning agent? I've been using it in my hiking stove for years and have always taken great care not to get it on my skin or breathe it in.  Still, the exhaust from that stove is foul-smelling. But, it produces about 10 zillion BTUs.

 

To think that not so long ago carbon tet was still a regular household cleaning agent.

 

 

[Jaco Steyn]

Benzine is a mixture of straight chain hydrocarbons (alkanes) from a C5 to probably a C9. The general formula will therefore be C_nH_2n + 2, therfore a C5 (Pentane) wil be C5H12, C6 (Hexane) C6H14 etc. Carbon Tet, otherwise known as Carbon Tetracloride (CCl₄). 

[Cassie]

Good. So what's the formula for the stuff sold as cleaning agent? I've been using it in my hiking stove for years and have always taken great care not to get it on my skin or breathe it in.  Still' date=' the exhaust from that stove is foul-smelling. But, it produces about 10 zillion BTUs.

 

To think that not so long ago carbon tet was still a regular household cleaning agent.

 

 

[/quote']

Johan, that fluid for your camping stove is good stuff!!  I gues yuo bought that overseas soemwhere?

It is also referred to as "white spirits" i.e the mixture correctly described by Steynja.

My work colleaugue bought a similar camping stove from the states somewhere and claims the same BTU's that you have.

 

So, yes the PnP stuff is fairly harmless (if any chemical can ever be?) compAred to the carcinogenic benzene (C6H6).

 

In any event - good to hear that simple shake i a solution of Prepsol is siffice to clean your chain - certainly much easier and eco friendlier than above...

 

[Johan Bornman]

Thanks guys, if it isn't the bad stuff, then I'll keep on using it like before.

 

Cheers