Also known as a "perfume lamp", "effusion lamp," or "catalytic lamp", a fragrance lamp is a

lamp Lamp, Lamps or LAMP may refer to: Lighting * Oil lamp, using an oil-based fuel source * Kerosene lamp, using kerosene as a fuel * Electric lamp, or light bulb, a replaceable component that produces light from electricity * Light fixture, or ligh ...

that disperses scented

alcohol Alcohol most commonly refers to: * Alcohol (chemistry), an organic compound in which a hydroxyl group is bound to a carbon atom * Alcohol (drug), an intoxicant found in alcoholic drinks Alcohol may also refer to: Chemicals * Ethanol, one of sev ...

using a

catalytic combustion Catalytic combustion is a chemical process which uses a catalyst to speed desired oxidation reactions of fuel and so reduce the formation of undesired products, especially pollutant nitrogen oxide gases (NOx) far below what can be achieved without ...

wick consisting of a cotton wick threaded through a natural, porous stone. The

wick was developed and patented by Maurice Berger, a French pharmaceutical dispenser, in 1898 as a means of purifying the air in hospitals and mortuaries. It is claimed that this catalytic oxidation process destroys bacteria in the air and increases oxygen levels. The fragrance lamp's process is initiated by igniting the stone burner seated at the mouth of the lamp. After two minutes the flame is extinguished by blowing it out. The heated burner remains active as the flame-less

process and diffuses the combusted alcohol and any added

aromatics Aromatic compounds, also known as "mono- and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons", are organic compounds containing one or more aromatic rings. The parent member of aromatic compounds is benzene. The word "aromatic" originates from the past grouping ...

throughout the room. The lamp does not operate with an open flame, making it much safer to operate than scented candles. Its lower

operating temperature An operating temperature is the allowable temperature range of the local ambient environment at which an electrical or mechanical device operates. The device will operate effectively within a specified temperature range which varies based on the de ...

also means that, unlike scented candles, the aromatics are diffused very efficiently into the ambient air without being burned.

Hazard warning

The original Berger lamp used methyl alcohol, while modern lamps use

isopropyl alcohol Isopropyl alcohol (IUPAC name propan-2-ol and also called isopropanol or 2-propanol) is a colorless, flammable organic compound with a pungent alcoholic odor. As an isopropyl group linked to a hydroxyl group (chemical formula ) it is the simple ...

(90% or more). Perfumes or essential oils may be added. To start the catalytic process it is necessary to allow the wick to thoroughly absorb the fuel and then to light the catalytic burner with a flame and let it burn for approximately two minutes until the catalytic stone reaches the correct operating temperature. At this point the flame should be extinguished in order for the oil to be diffused through the catalytic process. Precautions should be taken to avoid any 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 times to prevent evaporation (alcohol vapour/air mixture is highly flammable). * Do not leave unattended during operation. * Do not use in an unventilated room. * Do not inhale, ingest, or use the lamp fuel in any other manner. * Take extreme caution while refilling the fragrance lamp. Make sure there is ventilation, and that there is no open flame. * In case of any spillage, wipe the area carefully before lighting the lamp. * Do not fill lamps on wooden furniture or use a lamp without a dish underneath it. The fuel will damage furniture.

References

External links

Isopropyl Alcohol Hazard and Care
{{DEFAULTSORT:Fragrance Lamp Types of lamp