Lava lamp is a piece of furniture. It is used as a decorative lamp. It is interesting to observe the movements of the liquid in it, and the resulting effects in daylight or artificial light are interesting.
Operating principle
Two substances are combined in the container - glycerin and translucent paraffin. At room temperature, paraffin sinks in glycerin. And when heated, it softens, becomes lighter, and the paraffin slowly moves through the cylinder. The temperature changes unevenly, the paraffin floats up chaotically, and hardens as it moves towards the surface. The bubbles take on bizarre shapes and are different sizes, are formed at different rates.
Design and specific features of the device
Based on the principle of operation, the components can be identified:
- a glass cylinder where transformations occur: paraffin and glycerin are combined in it (the percentage is not disclosed);
- an incandescent light bulb located at the bottom of the product, under the cylinder (candles are sometimes used);
- base (in which the base and incandescent lamp are installed);
- metal cap.
The design of the device is simple, so objects can be classified solely by external features, size and color.
How to use?
The device is easy to use – just plug it into a power outlet. After power is applied, it turns on, glycerin and paraffin are heated. This product works continuously for 8-10 hours. But if during operation it is noticed that paraffin accumulates at the bottom of the flask or the bubbles have become too small, there is only one conclusion - the product has overheated. To restore the normal operation of the product, the device is disconnected from the power supply for an hour. This is necessary to allow the liquids to cool.
Explanation: for the first time, it will take 2.5 - 3 hours to warm up the paraffin, but if the paraffin has stuck to the base or top, and after an hour and a half of using the item nothing has changed, the product must be carefully rotated several times around its axis.
Correct operation includes:
- installing the product on a solid and flat surface;
- installing an incandescent light bulb strictly in the center;
- the average room temperature is 20-25 degrees. If the room temperature is low, the paraffin will not heat up properly;
- cleaning the surface of the flask with a soft cloth, using a gentle glass cleaner;
- timely shutdown. The device can work for a maximum of about 20 hours in a row, but then overheating will become noticeable even to the naked eye;
- replacing burnt-out lamps with A-15 watt or A-40 watt lamps;
- a full warm-up cycle every 2-3 months.
Precautions
- transportation at low temperatures, cold storage is unacceptable;
- installation in a place where direct sunlight– paraffin fades and the product overheats;
- shake the switched-on object, move it, drop it, etc.;
- use additional sources light and heat for heating. Strict adherence to the instructions guarantees the integrity and serviceability of the item;
- change the design of the device. Only light bulbs can be replaced; using them instead of another item results in the loss of the product. Removing the cap will cause glycerin to leak out.
The rules are obvious, and caring for the item does not require special knowledge or effort, so the consumer is most often to blame for the breakdown of the product. The claim that such products explode is unlikely to be taken seriously, but the item should not be subjected to overheating in any case.
Caution is one of the principles when interacting with electrical devices.
Frequent malfunctions and methods for solving them
Malfunctions that were detected immediately or during operation:
The structure is assembled, turned on, but nothing happens.
There are several reasons for such a malfunction and methods for solving the problem depend on where the defect is detected:
- the incandescent light bulb has burned out. In this case, replace it;
- The switch is initially inoperative. Such defects occur in switches with a power regulator. There are two options: return the product to the store or replace the switch yourself with a regular one, i.e. without power regulator;
- The light bulb is not screwed in completely. You need to tighten it tighter.
The lamp was subjected to sudden impact while in working condition.
This happened if the device was dropped, shaken, etc. You need to make sure that the paraffin has not broken down into small fractions (balls). In this case, there is a risk that the product will no longer function properly.
To resume normal work, the item is immediately turned off. When all the paraffin is at the bottom, the device must be turned on again. The procedure is carried out until the small balls completely disappear.
The paraffin lies in the heated product at the bottom and does not move.
In this case, the following procedures apply:
- run through three cycles (if the device is new, the paraffin may not have developed enough yet);
- carefully turn the item over, remembering to wear gloves, so that the spring, which is in each product and is located at the bottom of the cylinder, breaks the wax into pieces;
- change the incandescent light bulb to a less powerful one (the device may have overheated).
If all of the above does not help, the buyer is faced with a manufacturing defect and the product needs to be replaced.
Features and Benefits
The device performs two functions and is used in two capacities: as a lighting device and a design object.
The lighting area does not exceed 2-3 meters; such characteristics are acceptable for a night light. People usually buy such a device not for lighting, but for entertainment and decoration, and the device copes with these functions perfectly.
Advantages:
- originality – for the uninitiated, the device can be a real discovery;
- versatility - it is interesting for adults and children;
- practicality - care does not require significant time and expense; even a child will follow the operating rules.
These qualities make a lava lamp a versatile gift. This product is given as a gift to New Year, for a birthday, and on the office desk it won’t look out of place.
Manufacturers and models
Alive! Lighting
The company has been given international status. The company is engaged in the production of lighting products and includes a team of passionate specialists who are interested in new ideas and who value the relevance of the product along with quality.
The UNO Volcano model refutes the statement about the availability of products, but this is understandable, because this lamp is gigantic, the cylinder is made in the form of molten wax. This is actually an improved formula that prevents overheating.
The Slim Noir model represents a classic example of a device with color combinations, in shape and size. The wax is black and the stand is white. This design makes the product versatile and strict.
The Tube Passion model is also minimalist in design, but the red color of the wax makes it more vibrant. Standard sizes allow you to use the product in both the living room and the kitchen.
Mathmos
Mathmos is the oldest manufacturer of such devices. Such a device is, in fact, a symbol of the company itself, but specialists are also developing new lighting systems, regularly receiving prizes for design and marketing organization.
The LavalampAstro model has a removable bulb, new colors appear quarterly, which allows you to buy a product once and regularly receive a modern version.
The FireFlow O1 model is know-how in the field of such lamps; the device is powered by a candle. The cylinder is replaceable, the design is high-tech, the duration of continuous operation is 3 hours, it is reliable in operation.
The FireFlow O1 shine model is a modification of the previously presented FireFlow O1, powered by a candle. It features a minimalistic and space-like design. The activity time - the period during which the candle burns out - is 3 hours.
Other manufacturers
Below are a number of manufacturers who are not so successful in their product range and have only one lava lamp in their catalogs.
| Manufacturer | ||
| Orient | Start | Winmaxent |
| Model | ||
| PUL1020 | Start lava | 140706 |
 |  |  |
| Lamp material | ||
| glass | glass | glass |
| Reinforcement material | ||
| metal | metal | metal |
| Power | ||
| 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Base type | ||
| E14 | E14 | E14 |
| Number of lamps | ||
| 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Size | ||
| 20 cm | 40 cm | 37 cm |
Model PUL1020 from Russian manufacturer lighting fixtures Orient. Possesses distinctive feature– the flask contains sparkles that shimmer when the device is turned on.
The “Start Lava” model is represented by the Start trademark, it is a standard representative of similar products, the advantage is an affordable price.
The product of the third model is produced in China at Winmaxent factories; the lamp does not have any frills, but thanks to this fact it is suitable for both the living room and the bedroom.
To make a lamp you will need: a glass cylindrical vessel with a well-fitting lid; base material (wood, metal, plastic); light bulb socket; light bulb 25 W; castor oil; a dye that is soluble in fats and insoluble in water and alcohol (you can try oil paints); alcohol (90-96 degrees).
The base can have any shape and is made of any material. A glass vessel and a light bulb hidden underneath are fixed at the base. Several holes are drilled into the side walls to cool the structure. First, the liquid is painted on a fatty basis. Pour it into a glass vessel into which a mixture of water and alcohol has already been poured. A small space should be left at the top of the vessel, which will fill when the liquid expands from heating. If the fatty liquid immediately floats, you need to change the density of the liquid to water based by adding alcohol. Check if the lamp works by heating the bottom of the vessel. If necessary, add more alcohol or water (adding alcohol leads to a decrease, and water leads to an increase in density aqueous solution). When the lamp works satisfactorily, seal the lid tightly (with glue).
Now all that remains is to assemble all the parts, insert the glass vessel into the base and turn on the lava lamp.
Here's another recipe:
A lava lamp is a tall glass vessel that moves a mysterious, playful mixture of brightly colored liquids and solids. There are also lava lamps with sparkles. When the lamp is turned on, the mixture inside it heats up and these various particles move, which creates the indescribable effect of a bright surreal dance. A very beautiful thing.
You can try to make a lava lamp at home, but it is not a fact that it will be exactly the same in quality and beauty as those made professionally. But trying is not torture.
Here's what you need to make a lava lamp
1. Glass cylindrical tall vessel
2. Water
3. Colored bright objects, preferably small and light
4. Vegetable oil
5. Student crystals. You can use salt or sugar.
6. Paraffin
7. Light bulb
Manufacturing process
Fill a glass vessel halfway with water, add a little liquid paraffin and throw in some colorful small objects.
Add oil to the mixture and wait until the oils and water are completely separated from each other
Now place the vessel on the switched on light bulb and observe. The effect is amazing.
Third Recipe:
The glow of this lamp is truly a magical sight. Large, brightly colored bubbles are constantly forming and moving in her glass vessel, creating a play of light.
The principle underlying this “mysterious” phenomenon is simple. A glass vessel contains two immiscible liquids - one water-based (with the addition of alcohol), the other oil-based. At room temperature, the density of an oil liquid is slightly greater than that of a water liquid. A water-based liquid can be uncolored or dimly colored; a fat-based liquid is colored in bright color. The glass vessel is mounted on a base, inside of which there is an electric light bulb that illuminates the contents of the vessel through the transparent bottom. At the same time, the light bulb heats the liquid. Liquid on oil based, located at the bottom of the vessel at room temperature, expands when heated and rises upward in large bubbles. At the surface it cools and sinks down. This simple physical phenomenon creates funny movement and play of light.
Similar lamps could be seen at VDNKh in the Electronics pavilion. They invariably aroused the interest of visitors. As you can see, the principle of operation of the lamp is simple; you can make it yourself.
What should you stock up on? To make a lamp you will need: a glass cylindrical vessel with a well-fitting lid; base material (wood, metal, plastic); light bulb socket; 25 W light bulb; castor oil; a dye that is soluble in fats and insoluble in water and alcohol (you can experiment with oil paints); alcohol (90-96 degrees).
Making the base. It can have any shape and be made of any material. A glass vessel and a light bulb hidden underneath are fixed at the base. Several holes are drilled in the side walls to serve for cooling.
Preparation of liquids. First, color the fat-based liquid with the desired color dye. Pour it into a glass vessel into which a mixture of water and alcohol has already been poured. A small space should be left at the top of the vessel, which will fill when the liquid expands from heating. If the fatty liquid immediately floats, change the density of the water-based liquid by adding alcohol. Test to see if the lamp works by heating the bottom of the vessel. If necessary, add more alcohol or water (adding alcohol leads to a decrease, and water increases the density of the aqueous solution). When the lamp works satisfactorily, seal the lid tightly (with glue).
Now all that remains is to assemble all the parts, insert the glass vessel into the base and, finally, turn on the “magic lamp”.
Happy experimenting!
In the winter of 1999, our electricity was often cut off, and in the evenings we had to sit by candlelight. Some candles burned for a long time, burning almost all their paraffin, while others quickly floated. Rubbing the surface of the candles with soap helped, but only for good candles; they floated less. For candles with low-melting paraffin, this did not help much. In general, I have accumulated quite a lot of cinders and simply melted paraffin. I didn’t want to throw it away, so I tried to use it somehow. The first thing that came to mind was to make a candle yourself. The technology was more or less familiar to me, and I tried. From thick paper A cylinder is rolled up in two or three turns on a suitable mandrel. The first turn of the cylinder inside You need to rub it with a slightly damp piece of soap, then the paraffin will not stick. The tail coil is glued to the surface of the cylinder. Let it dry. We make a wick from 10-15 threads No. 10. The thickness of the wick depends on the diameter of the candle; a thin one will melt a hole in the candle and then go out. With a thick one, the candle will quickly float. Twist the threads and soak in the solution boric acid or borax (so that the wick does not burn quickly), dry it. I made the solution by eye, about a teaspoon per glass. We take a square piece of cardboard, the size of which would completely cover the hole in the spark plug cylinder and still have some left over. We make a small hole in the center, drag the wick through and secure its end. We pass the free end of the wick through the cylinder, place the cylinder vertically on a cardboard plug, pull the wick and place it in the center of the mold. Here, as a rule, you need either second hands or some ingenuity. We have everything installed, tensioned, strengthened, now we pour a little paraffin inside the cylinder (do not overheat the paraffin!), a small part of it will seep into the cracks between the base and the cardboard plug, but having quickly hardened, it will later play the role of a cork. After the first portion has hardened, pour a little more and let it harden too. Now you can fill out the entire form. After the paraffin has completely hardened (at least an hour), cut it and remove the mold. The candle is ready. After making a couple of other candles like this, I realized that this did not completely solve the problem, and decided to make a paraffin lamp. Its design is visible from the figure.
I had copper wire with a diameter of 2 mm, reinforced by soldering in tin can with a diameter of 75 mm and a height of 40 mm. The outer diameter of the copper spiral in the middle part is 8 mm, in the upper part 13-14 mm. The lower bell of the spiral is not critical, as long as molten paraffin leaks through it. Asbestos wick. The lamp can be immediately filled with molten paraffin, or filled with pieces, making sure that they touch the spiral. In this case, you will have to drip molten paraffin from a burning candle onto the wick to saturate it. The lamp requires some adjustment along the protruding length of the wick so that it does not smoke. I made two of these. The lamp burns steadily, but may overheat during intense combustion, and then all the paraffin may burst into flames. I didn’t have much experience in its operation; in the end, they gave us the light.
A lighting device with spectacular visual effects was invented and patented in England in the 60s of the last century. The original lava lamp is a transparent container containing translucent paraffin floating in an oily liquid. This design illuminated light bulb- in this case, a movement of bizarre forms of drops and figures arises, which you can look at endlessly.
Operating principle lava lamp consists of the interaction of immiscible liquids different densities when heated. If an intense dye is added, the visual effect is enhanced.
The lava lamp consists of the following parts:
- incandescent lamps;
- transparent glass flask;
- filling mixture to create visual effects.
An incandescent lamp located under a glass container heats the liquid in it and illuminates the drops, which move randomly and create a bizarre play of figures. When the lamp is turned on, the temperature difference between the upper and lower parts of the glass flask is several degrees, due to which wax or oil balls float in the liquid. As the viscous substance rises, it cools and gradually sinks closer to the bottom, where it heats up again—a kind of “lava” movement occurs. These lamps have been produced for many years; nowadays you can buy lava lamps from various manufacturers. Wide range Similar products are available for sale in online stores. Modern industrial lava lamps use special glass responsive to temperature changes.
How to make a lava lamp with your own hands
Lava lamps have won the hearts of many people thanks to the harmonious combination of smooth contours of figures and the effect of smooth measured movement. Even many years after its invention, such a lamp fits organically into the interior of any room, and its operating principle has not changed.
In addition, a DIY lava lamp will become a wonderful gift for people of any age. With its help, you can create an atmosphere in the room that is conducive to relaxation. Contemplation of constantly changing shapes inside a glass vessel calms you down, helps you collect your thoughts, and harmonizes the environment. Making a lava lamp at home is not too difficult, most necessary materials found in almost any home.
Lava lamp with oil balls
To make a lamp at home we will need:
- glass container of cylindrical or conical shape;
- lamp base – Any will do heat-resistant material - metal, wood, as well as plastic or ceramics;
- 25 W electric light bulb and socket for it;
- wire, plug, switch;
- distilled water;
- technical or medical alcohol;
- metal spring;
- a piece of rubber;
- vegetable oil – castor oil is best (its density is optimal for a lava lamp);
- dyes for oil and water. Water can be tinted with ink, and substances insoluble in water and alcohol - for example, oil paint - can be used as a dye for oil.
How to make your own lava lamp:
- First we need to prepare the base on which we will install the lava lamp. Its shape can be varied - in the form of a cylinder, cone, cube, parallelepiped, etc. This design can be assembled from scrap materials, or you can use a stand of a suitable shape and size. Perhaps a small ceramic pot would be suitable as a base for the lamp.
- At the bottom of the stand, drill a hole in the side wall for the wiring. Next, at the bottom of the stand, you need to install a socket for an incandescent light bulb and connect a wire stretched through the hole to it - with a switch and a power plug installed on it.
- It is necessary to check that the stand does not heat up excessively when the light bulb is on. If necessary, make several technological holes in the side walls of the base to remove heat.
- Cut out a rubber ring corresponding to the diameter of the top part of the stand and glue it - to reliable fixation lamp vessel and making the structure more stable.
- Next, we place the glass container in the prepared stand and test the stability of the structure. A coiled spring can be placed at the bottom of the vessel to effectively distribute heat.
- Let's start preparing the lava mixture. Most of the lamp vessel must be filled with distilled water and alcohol - the proportions of the composition are selected experimentally. The resulting liquid can, if desired, be given some color using ink or other soluble dye. In a separate small container, tint castor oil with dye suitable color(bright, saturated colors will look good).
- Add the prepared oil to the tinted alcohol solution. You need to ensure that it sinks to the bottom of the vessel. If the oil floats, you need to add a little more alcohol to the container to reduce the density of the liquid. This requires that there be some empty space left in the glass vessel, since the lava liquid will expand when heated.
- The resulting mixture needs to be tested in action - turn on the light bulb and monitor the process of its heating. You can adjust the interaction of the lava mixture by adding water or alcohol. Once the desired effect is achieved, it is necessary to close the lamp vessel with a lid (it can be fixed with glue).
- We fix the vessel firmly on the stand. The miracle lava lamp is ready!
Lava lamp with paraffin
This method differs from the previous one in that to create the effect of lava drops, molten paraffin balls moving in oil are used. When heated, the paraffin will rise upward and, as it cools, take on different shapes.
Rising to the top point, it cools down and gradually descends. This cyclic movement will be observed as the bottom of the lamp vessel heats up. After turning off the lamp, the paraffin will cool and sink to the bottom of the glass flask.
First you need to prepare the lamp design - install a transparent glass vessel on a stand with a built-in 25 W incandescent lamp (assembly is carried out according to the instructions given above).
To make the lava mixture we will need the following ingredients:
- distilled water;
- vegetable oil or glycerin;
- paraffin;
- bright colored beads or seed beads.
Sequence of preparation of lava mixture:
- Fill the glass container approximately 3/5 full with the mixture. cold water with glycerin (or vegetable oil). The resulting liquid can be tinted with soluble dye.
- Add one teaspoon of salt and mix everything thoroughly until smooth. Additionally, you can add some bright shiny beads.
- After this, melt liquid paraffin in a water bath and add it to the container of the lava lamp. Pre-paraffin can be tinted using special or food coloring.
- The container is tightly closed with a lid and inverted to make sure there are no leaks. After all the manipulations have been done, the “magic lamp” can be turned on.
Features of application
To start the process of circulating the lava mixture, it will take some time to warm up the lamp. It is worth considering that a working lamp heats up noticeably, so it is advisable to place it in a place inaccessible to small children. It should be noted that it is not recommended to leave the lava lamp on continuously for more than 8 hours.
