The Greeley tribune., 1911-07-27
Kerosene Emulsion

Kerosene Emulsion
One of the oldest and most SER
viceable of insecticides is kerosene
emulsion. An emulsion, In this
case, is mixture of those proverb-
I tally unmixable substances, oil and
water. To accomplish this third
substance, called an emulsifier. Is
needed For ordinary work as an
insecticide soap is used as an emul-
sitier. In some cases, where a
/ large quantity Of the mixture is
needed, other emulsifiers are used.
I Commonly the emulsion Is made
/ in the form of stock solution
which is afterward diluted to the
strength required for the applica-
ton.
The formula for the stock solu-
ton is as follows:
Kerosene =. ......2 gallons
Soap ......... .3-4 pound
Water :. ..........2 gallons
Thoroughly dissolve the soap in
two gallons of boiling water. Re-
move the water from the stove and
while it is still hot add the kero-
sene. To make the emulsion It is
necessary to stir this mixture very
thoroughly. If one has a bucket
pump, this is easily done by re-
moving the nozzle from the hose
and pumping the fluid back upon
itself until the whole mass be-
comes a rich, creamy mixture. The
stirring should continue till all the
oil is emulsified, which will probab-
ly be in from five to ten minutes.
The progress of emulsification can
be tested by watching to see wheth-
er any free oil rises to the surface
when the emulsion is allowed to
stand for q moment. Touch the
edge Of . piece Of paper lightly to
lths surface of the liquid. II free
oil is there 1t will quickly run into
the paper and its presence may be
discovered by the application Of a
lighted match.
II the oil does not emulsify read
lily. 1t may be necessary to put the
mixture back on the stove and
warm 1t mere. II this ID done,
great care must be taken that the
substance does not boil over II II
does. the kerosene may become ig-
nited and dangerous fire result,
Both the water and the soap in
the above formula are in excess of
the quantities which are often given
IN formulas The reasons for this
are that the excess of water makes
tho resulting mixture warmer and
aids the process OF emulsification,
and the excess Of soap tends to
overcome tht alkali which 10 often
found In the waters Of dry coun-
tries.
The stocl solution will often
keep for q considerable period, but
1t 10 better to make and use It i'm
mediately. because the oil is apt to
separate from the water II 1 stands
long. When 1t is found that the
mixture has separated, it may be
warmed and reagitated until the
emulsion is restored.
OF course, smaller quantities of
emulsion may be made by presery-
Ing the proper proportions of the
ingredients. A cupful may be
made in bowl and stirred with
An egg beater.
When the stock solution is mace
1t - ready to be diluted and applied.
Pure kerosene is very dangerous 70
plant life. and emulsions are dan
serous in less degree. 1t is neces-
sary that one should know some
tn1ne ABOUT the susceptibility Of the
plant. For growing plants 1t Is
seldom safe to use the emulsion
stronger than one part Of kerosene
to sixteen Of water. Many plants
Will not stand 1t quite SO strong.
To make this strength from the
above solution. since the stock is
half kerosene. one should add one
gallon of the stock solution to seven
OF water. For winter work, when
trees are dormant, the emulsion is
used much stronger.
Only clear water which is free
from much alkali or dirt should be
used. Both OF these substances
have q tendency to make the oil
come to the top SO that q part Of
the application is too strong ana
the rest too weak.
This II a contact fnsectitude and
may be applied directly to the
bodies Of the insects one wishes tn
kill.
s. ARTHUR JOHNSON
Colorado Agricultural College. Fort
Collins.