Peacock hand warmers work through a chemical reaction: vaporized benzine (a hydrocarbon) generates heat when it comes into contact with a platinum catalyst. This process is known as catalytic combustion.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Fuel: The hand warmer uses a special fuel, often naphtha (similar to lighter fluid) or a purified form of benzine. This fuel provides the hydrocarbon that will be vaporized.
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Vaporization: The fuel is soaked into a cotton or similar material inside the warmer. When exposed to air, it slowly vaporizes.
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Catalytic Combustion: The vaporized fuel passes over a platinum catalyst. Platinum acts as a catalyst, meaning it speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the reaction.
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Heat Generation: The platinum catalyst causes the vaporized fuel to undergo flameless combustion with oxygen in the air. This combustion produces heat. Because it's flameless, it's much safer than burning the fuel directly.
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Regulation: The amount of air allowed into the hand warmer controls the rate of combustion and, therefore, the amount of heat produced. Proper ventilation is crucial for the reaction to occur safely and efficiently.
In summary, Peacock hand warmers utilize catalytic combustion, where vaporized fuel reacts with oxygen in the presence of a platinum catalyst to produce heat without a flame. This allows for a sustained, relatively low-temperature heat output ideal for warming hands.
