Propane Mantle Lanterns

Basics

• This page aims to go over existing Lanterns using Gas Mantles running off Propane , which ones are the current best/state of the art, how they work, and how an OSE Designed one would look
• Much of the information will be similar for Butane and POTENTIALLY Biogas / CNG ( Bio-Methane / RNG etc), as well as DME short of Air Fuel Ratio, Maximum Operating Temp/Peak Brightness (Akin to different Kilowatt Ratings depending on fuel for Dual Fuel Generators or Tri-Fuel Generators etc)
  • DME especially may mandate careful attention to Seal/Gasket Materials
• Information on Gas Mantle design/use can be left on that page, although in existing lanterns what mantle size they use will be listed

Existing Off The Shelf Options

Smaller

Coleman Compact Propane Lantern

• Coleman Perfectflow Coleman Compact Propane Lantern
  • Probably the smallest PROPANE one they ever made, some smaller Butane Ones, or Canister Stove gas mix ones (Either standard canisters, or their “promax” fuel which as per the sds was a high propane blend if i remember correctly)
• Rated ‘’’300 Lumens’’’ on Max
• Uses the “ Coleman Perfectflow regulator so adjustable + also probably better with temperature variations (Re: On the Winterization of Canister Stoves )
  • User: Eric here, after getting one and some hands on testing it’s a bit more of a clicky adjustment than some magic hypothetical real smooth infinitely variable magic”
  • You CAN still go from Full Throttle “damn bright looking at it hurts your eyes a bit” to “a bit brighter than a UCO Candle Lantern “
• Designed to be run on a 1 Pound Propane Tank
  • It CAN run on a Refillable 1 Pound Propane Tank , but the “key” on a “Fuel Keg” brand one SOMEMWHAT gets in the way
  • Granted it ALSO runs perfectly on a mini 3.58oz Refillable Propane Tank and that makes it truly compact
    • Almost like a better candleabra or lantern rather than some giant behemoth
• Could benefit from a reflector
• Also (probably due to burner design) at Cold Start startup it puts out more light on the sides with a line down the middle, rather than a full 360
• Also due to container design it has a bit of a blind spot below it (Again a reflector may help)
• While it might be due to heat (short of a Heatbreak maybe?), it has plastic over some of the metal parts around the regulator etc, and having that not be the case on an OSE design would make it a bit more durable potentially!
• Can be Cold Start lit with a Match , Lighter, or Plasma Lighter
  • Non-Plasma Arc Lighter isn’t working even on a Warm Start
• All in all really nifty, and despite it being discontinued, it can be bought in good used condition for ~20 USD