Container: The lamp consists of a container or reservoir that holds the liquid fuel.
Wick: A wick, often made of cotton or another absorbent material, extends from the fuel container and absorbs the liquid fuel.
Adjustable Wick Holder: The wick is held in a holder that can be adjusted to control the flame's size.
Fuel:
Common Fuels: Ethanol or denatured alcohol are commonly used as fuels due to their clean and relatively smoke-free combustion.
Flammable Liquid: The fuel is a flammable liquid that vaporizes and burns when ignited.
Ignition:
Lighting Mechanism: The lamp is typically ignited using a match or a lighter.
Flame Control: The size of the flame can be adjusted by manipulating the wick height.
Applications:
Laboratory Use: Spirit lamps are commonly used in laboratories for tasks such as heating test tubes, sterilizing instruments, or providing a gentle heat source for various experiments.
Culinary Uses: In some culinary applications, spirit lamps are used for tasks that require controlled and localized heat.
Safety Considerations:
Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is important when using spirit lamps to ensure proper combustion and prevent the buildup of fumes.
Caution with Flammable Liquids: Users should exercise caution when handling and storing the flammable liquid fuel.
