The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-01-19

Al will be seen the second lot turned on
to b. inferior to the first samples analysed,
the test Of the last six only going seventy
eight degrees Fahrenheit, while one sample
reached the flashing point at sixty-three
degrees Fahrenheit. When it 10 hus con-
clusively proven hat all, or nearly all, the
kerosene oil sold in Helena, and also
throughout the state 10 away below the rec
ognized standard for safety, the great won
der il that fatalities are not more frequent
among those who use this fluid. This poor
quality~of kerosene probably accounts for
the many mysterious fires which are chron-
icled in Montana. and which are usually
passed over with the remark "incendiary."
THAT the Helena and Montana dealers are
aware Of the quality Of kerosene they keep
for sale, is scarcely possible. Home mer-
chants buy their oil in bulk from dealers in
states in which the laws require an inspec-
ton, and they very naturally conclude that
the article they buy has already been test
ed before IL comes into their hands. On
the receipt Of the oil by the Montana
merchant, he1 retails it to his customers,
and a. there are no laws for its
inspection by local authorities, it goes to the
consumer Just a. it il received. As SO 1ptly
said BY Prof. T%raphagen, 30 long az We OF
Montana do not compel the inspection of
kerosene in this state, this will be the
dumping ground for all the dangerous and
worthlsss oils which cannot be sold whore
IN inspection law is enforced.
Kerosene or burning oil 10 the most i'm
portant product Of petroleum. When
properly refined it is nearly color
less, and at ordinary Temperature should
sxtinguish q match as readily as water.
When heated it should not evolve an in
fiamable vapor below 40 degrees +. and
- 4. =. I1I-- 1GE I4.s4~n II
The temperature in a burning lamp rarely
exceeds 100 degrees f.. and such an oil,
should q lamp be overturned or broken,
would not take FIRE. as at this degree oil pro-
duces no vapors to mix with the air in the
lamp and thus make an explosive mixture.
There is q great temptation for refners to
sell poo kerosene, from the fact that
the crude naphtha sells at from two to
three cents a gallon, while refined petroleum
sells for ID to 70 cents. SO in the process
of manufacture they turn the heavier por-
tions of the naphtha into the kerosene tank
and get for it the price OF aeIo,
paphtha gets into the kerosene. There are
two distinct tests for kerosene-the fash
ing test and the burning test. The two
terms are often COMPOUNDED. In some
states whore the laws specifies the Tire test
there is a doubt rs to which of the two
tests is intended. The flashing test deter
mines the flashing point of the oil, or the
lowest point at which it gives off an in
fammable vapor. THIS is the best
test, as it is the inlammable
vapor evolved at atmospheric tenn
perature. that causes most OF the acct
dents. The flashing point and the burning
point are quite independent Of each other,
the former depending upon the amount of
volatile constituents, raphtha, etc, while
the burning point depends upon the gen.
eral character of the whole oil. What flash
ing point should be selected as q standard
of safety is a question on which there is
some difference OF opinion. The higher the
flashing point the safer the oil. According
to Prof. Chandler, an eminent authority
on the subject. while ITO degrees Fahren-
heit il ordinarily safe, 12O degrees Fahren-
heit is the test all kerosene oils should
stand to be absolutely safe.
With these facts in hand, and the results
Of the analysis by Prof. Traphagen, laws
should be framed in Montana which would
compel the inspection of every gallon of
kerosene sold in the state. In the larger
cities, such as Helena, Butte. Missoula and
Great Falls, it will be easy enough to have
local inspectors. But in the smaller towns
and country districts, which have no such
advantages, q state law is needed. The sit
nation calls for action, prompt action by
local and state officials, both as a matter OF
protection to the merchant and consumer.
The former undoubtedly pays the same for
the poor oil he sells as does the eastern mer.
chant for the best grades, while the con-
sumner is not only forced to take an oil
which is dangerous to life and property,
but which has only about one-third the
lasting qualities of kerosene which is testel
up to Ito or 100 degrees Fahrenheit