Fuel cell for chafing dishes

Details Fuel cell for chafing dishes Fuel cell for chafing dishes

1998-10-09

2001-02-27

McAvoy, Ellen M. (Department: 1764)

Fuel and related compositions

Provided with wick or fuse

C044S445000, C431S320000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06193769

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fuel cell for use with chafing dishes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Restaurants which feature hot buffet meals, use chafing dishes to keep their food hot. Each chafing dish has a diethylene glycol fuel cell which provides an open heating flame. Unfortunately, it has been determined that byproducts produced from the burning of diethylene glycol are toxic to humans. Studies are presently being undertaken regarding the severity of the health risk to determine whether diethylene glycol should be banned or whether the risk can be managed with enhanced ventilation where the chafing dishes are located. The material safety data sheet that accompanies diethylene glycol fuel cells contains an extensive list of potential hazards.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is an alternative form of fuel cell for use with chafing dishes.
According to the present invention there is provided a fuel cell includes a container with a combustible medium in the container consists of at least 50% propylene glycol.
As a result of an extensive search for an alternative to diethylene glycol, the inventor has determined that an ideal non-toxic fuel for use in a chafing dish fuel cell is pure propylene glycol. The quantity of propylene glycol used depends upon whether the intention is to reduce toxic vapours from the burning of the combustible medium to acceptable levels or to the greatest extent possible eliminate such a safety hazard altogether. The reduction of the safety hazard requires that there be at least 50% propylene glycol by volume. The elimination of the safety hazard requires that substantially pure propylene glycol be used. The propylene glycol that is commercially available is generally 90% or higher in purity. A practical approach that is preferred is to use at least 75% propylene glycol.


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Product Information on Tetraethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol, 6 pages, undated.
Union Carbide Material Safety Data Sheet, Diethylene Glycol, Apr. 13, 1995, 8 pages.
ARCO Chemical Company Material Safety Data Sheet, Propylene Glycol Industrial, Feb., 1998, 12 pages.

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