What Wick is the Right Wick?
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Wicks are selected based on two important criteria:
1. Type of wax
2. Diameter of our candle
Once we have decided on the type of wax, be it paraffin, soy, beeswax, gel, palm, etc the task of selecting our wick comes next.
Before we begin, a little explanation of the science/physics may help in the wick selection process.
- The heat from the flame radiates outward in a spherical shape.
- This radiated heat melts the wax on top of our candle, forming a melt pool.
- The melted wax is drawn up the wick, to the flame, through capillary action.
- The heat in the flame vaporizes the wax resulting in the production of light and heat.
- The heat from the flame radiates outward in a …… and so the cycle continues!
It stands to reason then, that in order to create a small melt pool; the heat from the flame needs to be less intense than the heat required in creating a larger melt pool.
Looking at the Triangle of Fire, we can assume we have an unlimited source of Oxygen in the air surrounding our flame. In order to maintain the balance of the 3 components, should we need to increase the heat, we will need to supply more fuel. To have more fuel (melted wax) available to the flame, our capillary tube, the wick, needs to be bigger.
Owing to the many factors influencing combustion in a candle flame, it is recommended to perform test burns to establish which wick is best suited to any particular candle.