Make a Lava Lamp

A lava lamp is a decorative light bulb-shaped tube filled with fluid, colorless oily flowing up and down across the room lights in a way reminiscent of molten lava. As the fluids rise and sink in the room the lights change shape and break into droplets with different sizes, provide psychedelic effects of the ever-changing patterns. Credit to create a lava lamp was given to the British engineer Craven Walker who, in the late 1940s, saw the prototype lights in a pub in Hampshire, England. The initial version, according to legend Walker, made of "cocktail shaker, old tins and things." He bought a fixture that contains fluid and set out to make my own. Walker formed Crestworth company in Dorset, England, and over the next 15 years trying to build a better lava lamp. When first marketed under the name of Astro Lite at British shops in the early 1960s, it was not a success. Then, in 1965 trade show Germany, two American businessmen saw the initial model on the screen, and bought the rights to lighting manufacturers in North America. In the United States, they changed the name of Astro Lite, for Lava Lamp Lite far hipper and began manufacturing operations in Chicago. With the advent of psychedelia and pop-art later decades, Walker weird gimmicky become a major trend. By the time Walker left the business in 1990, he has sold more than seven million of his creations. Today, the company ships 400,000 a year lamp to stores around the world. Currently, Haggerty Enterprises is the only U.S. manufacturer Lava Lamp Lite and distribute them nationally through a number of outlets for retail and mail.DesignLava effect is caused by the interaction between the liquid used in the lamp. These fluids are selected based on their density so that one tends to almost float in the other. In addition, they were selected based on their coefficient of expansion, so they heated one tends to rise or sink faster than the others. When the heat of the bulb warms the heavier liquid settled at the bottom, it gets hotter and, because of the lower density, rise to the surface. At the time of "lava" reached the top of the lights, she began to cool, become more dense and sink to the bottom. As lava sink, it gets closer to the bulb, heats up again, and the process is repeated over and over. Therefore, the key to success lava lamp design is the selection of an appropriate mix fluids. The exact composition is used in a lava lamp is a proprietary secret, but in general, any water-based liquid and the other is oil-based. Water phase may be water mixed with alcohol or water-soluble solvent. The second fluid must meet a number of design criteria: it must be dissolved in water, heavier and more viscous, non-reactive and non-flammable, and reasonably priced. It should also be non-toxic, unchlorinated, not emulsified in water, and should have a greater coefficient of expansion of water.While the selection of the fluid is changed from light to light, there was a design change that should be considered because the lamps are available in various colors, sizes, and styles. Century model of the original, which is still manufactured today, is the most popular model in the 1960s and the 1970s. Primary gold is perforated with tiny holes that simulate starlight and its 52 oz (1.46 kg) world filled with lava red or white and yellow or blue liquid. A number of interesting variations in the Century has produced in recent years, although not all of them are still made today. For example, Planter enchantress Lava Lite lamps come equipped with plastic foliage. Continental Lava Lite lamp which, is, only non-electric cordless model, features a candle to warm lava. Companion Lava Lite lamp, according to 1970 company catalog, designed with a more masculine "Perfect for a study or den, so appropriate for the executive suite." There is also a Mediterranean Lava Lite lamp, decorated with black wrought iron. In addition, Haggerty offers giant lamp called, that range in size up to 27 in (68.6 cm).Raw MaterialsAs mentioned above, the actual materials used in the Lava Lamp Lite is proprietary but there are some liquid material, which can be combined to give the effect of lava.Liquid componentsLava-lamp type can be made with water mixed with isopropyl alcohol as one phase and mineral oil as the others. Other materials, which can be used as the oil phase including benzyl alcohol, cinnamyl alcohol, diethyl phthalate, and ethyl salicylate.Other additivesOther additives used in liquid lava lamps include various oils and water-soluble dyes. The specific gravity of the water phase can be adjusted through the addition of sodium chloride or similar material. In addition, the hydrophobic solvent can be added to the mixture to help the lava ignites. Paint solvents like turpentine and is said to work well in this case. Antifreeze can also be added to increase the rate at which lava warms.ContainerA clear glass cylinders used for home lighting fluid and body shape. Classic lava lamp shape is hourglass about 10 in (25.4 cm) tall.Heat sourcesAn incandescent bulb is used as a source for both light and heat with lava lamps. Type of light bulb is very important to ensure the lava is not over or under heated. Haggerty Enterprises lists several types of bulb that is appropriate for their equipment, depending on the model: 40 watt frosted bulb, 100 watt reflector bulb with on the ice, 7.5 watt bulb 40 watt candle types. Although it does not generate much heat on, fluorescent lights used in their Pacifica models.HardwareOther items used in the production of lava lamps including base plate, which houses the electrical components, 16-gauge wire lamps, and a power plug. Quarter of an inch (0.635 cm) thick foam rubber can be used as a gasket to seal the room. Other hardware, such as screws, are also used. Optional equipment, such as lights or dimmer switches small fan, it can be used for temperature control.ManufacturingProcessThe process of making the lamp consists of several steps, both automatic and manual. According to a representative of Haggerty Enterprises, the company has the capacity to produce up to 10,000 light per day on their assembly line.Container assembly* 1 glass cylinder strapped to ceramic lamp fixture, which form the base. Lights attached to the appropriate cable and bulb screwed into place. Gasket glued in place to prohibit leaks. Containers are assembled and inspected to ensure they are leak proof.Compounding the liquid phase* 2 liquid phases are mixed and added separately. Isopropyl alcohol is used to reduce the density of the water phase so that the mineral oil floats right. With a mix of water and alcohol with the argument, mineral oil can be made to float. In 90% alcohol, mineral oil willA lava lamp is made by mixing alcohol and water and mineral oils and dyes, combining each separately. With a mix of water and alcohol with the argument, mineral oil can be made to float. The correct ratio is about six parts 90% isopropyl alcohol to 13 parts 70% isopropyl alcohol. Dyes, salt, etc. and then mixed into the water phase, and the oil and wax added to the second fluid.
 
A lava lamp is made by mixing alcohol and water and mineral oils and dyes, combining each separately. With a mix of water and alcohol with the argument, mineral oil can be made to float. The correct ratio is about six parts 90% isopropyl alcohol to 13 parts 70% isopropyl alcohol. Dyes, salt, etc. and then mixed into the water phase, and the oil and wax added to the second fluid.sink to the bottom. The addition of 70% alcohol will make the oil lighter seems to about to "jump" from the bottom. The correct ratio is about six parts 90% isopropyl alcohol to 13 parts 70% isopropyl alcohol. Dyes, salt, etc. and then mixed into the water phase, and the oil and wax added to the second fluid. Some heating may be required to melt the wax material.FiIling* 3 Lights moved along the conveyor and the first phase is filled with oil / wax, then the aqueous phase. A small air space of about 1 in (2.54 cm) was left at the top to allow for expansion of the hot liquid. This is important because the amount of airspace could affect the size of the bubbles formed by lava. After filling, the cylinder was closed with either type of screw caps or cap type bottles, which are crimped into place.Qucality ControlDuring the process of batching and filling, fluid checked to ensure they are properly manufactured. Correct ratio and composition of the two liquid phases is critical to ensure that the lava effect will be achieved. The ratio can allow the oil and water phases to mix together, separate into bubbles that are too small, up and down as one continuous mass, or to be mixed with water and not separate at all. It is important that all electrical connections are good and tight seal to ensure safety and that there is no leakage. Improper alignment of the gasket or a bad seal can cause leakage of fluid. After filling, each lamp checked to make sure the bulb is really centered and tightened. The ball and socket can be moved slightly during shipping. If so, the owner is instructed to gently push the socket back into the center of town. Instructions on how to replace the bulb socket is provided at the base of the lamp. Variations in size or wattage bulbs can produce lava flows were unsatisfactory and may increase the risk of fire.During initial use, the lava is not flowing properly or may float to the top of the world. If this happens, the lamp should be allowed to warm up for four hours or more to allow the lava material to be completely liquid. Agitation Excessive light can cause the liquid to blend in and become turbid, or can even cause permanent damage. Lights should not be stored in direct sunlight as this may cause the color to fade.FutureGiven the proprietary nature of a lava lamp, it is difficult to speculate on future improvements in the manufacturing process. However, it is interesting to note that computer technology has spawned its own version of the lava lava lamps virtual. Also known as Javalamp after a popular computer language, it is a virtual light computer animation that mimics the appearance of real items.