It is much smaller, lighter, cheaper, and easier to manufacture than conventionally stabilized systems that have separate main and pilot burners. A second major technical innovation developed for the torch is a constant fuel flow rate and a constant fuel composition delivered from a simple miniature fuel system. The burner produces two flames simultaneously. One is a large, slowly mixing external flame that is highly visible but unstable in strong winds. The other, a small, rapidly mixing internal pilot flame, is very stable and keeps the external flame alight, the team reported.
Potential future uses for the technology.
Researchers in TEC determined that it's possible to develop at least three distinct products from the fuel and combustion system of the relay torch-a flare pilot burner for the petrochemical industry, an industrial furnace pilot, and a new camping stove. The fuel and combustion system may first find new life as a camping stove. Its design would improve safety and heating performance in windy conditions and at low ambient temperatures. But, most significantly, it offers a safer alternative to conventional camping stoves and lanterns that can flare up dangerously if they are tipped over. The torch is safer, too, because it was designed so that the flame cannot flare up when the torch is inverted.